Hello parents, teachers and students! Are you ready for spring break? I know I am, and I bet you all will be excited when that bell rings later today. You’ve all earned some well-deserved time off.
There was some big news this week, as the Texas Department of State Health Services announced that Texas teachers, along with school and child care staff, are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In response to the news, the Texas Education Agency said the vaccination decisions will be left up to the individual and that school districts cannot mandate employees get vaccinated.
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San Antonio-area school districts were caught off guard this week by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to reopen Texas and reverse his COVID-19 mandates, including a mask requirement.
As a result, school districts had to figure what that meant regarding students and educators in the classroom. On Wednesday, the TEA officially issued new guidance in response to the order. The TEA says it can implement operational requirements for public schools and that schools should continue to require masks for anyone over the age of 10, but that local school boards have the authority to modify or eliminate the policy.
In this week’s KSAT Kids’ spotlight, we highlight San Antonio’s “Youth of the Year” Lauren, the winner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio’s annual competition. Now, Lauren will advance to the national competition for 2021 and compete for more scholarship money.
Lauren is a sophomore at KIPP University Prep and dreams of becoming a police officer after going to college. She was chosen out of six finalists during a Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio event that was hosted by KSAT anchor Ursula Pari and livestreamed on KSAT.com.
In this week’s Kaiti’s Science lab, Meteorologist Kaiti Blake and her trusted sidekick David Sears showed off a cool demonstration that teaches the phases of the moon by using Oreo cookies to display the phases using varying amounts of creme filling. David seemed to be enjoying himself, possibly eating more than he learned.
And for those students still seeking additional schooling help, the San Antonio Public Library continues to offer resources to help with their lessons. We also have a list of places offering free Wi-Fi for students and their families.
Have a great weekend everyone!
-Ben Spicer
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Do you have an idea for a lesson or feedback? Email me at Bspicer@ksat.com with new content, lessons, story ideas or tips!
Here’s what can be found on KSAT Kids for Friday, March 5:
Student Spotlight
Boys & Girls Clubs of America names San Antonio’s ‘Youth of the Year’ for 2021
Six of the most impressive young people in the area competed to be San Antonio’s “Youth of the Year” in the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio’s regional competition for 2021.
Do you know of a classroom or school that is doing amazing work and deserves to be featured in KSAT Kids? Nominate a student, teacher or school by emailing ksatkids@ksat.com.
Kid Activities
KSAT Kids Home Science: Oreo moon phases
Are you looking for something fun to do at home that has a little bit of science behind it?
DoSeum exhibit gets upgrades, will feature artwork by students with dyslexia
One of the DoSeum’s most popular exhibits is getting a few upgrades.
Aquatica San Antonio opening to guests just in time for spring break
Waterpark officials said it will be open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. starting Saturday through Sunday, March 14. After spring break it will be open on weekends through June 4, then it will be open daily.