Hello parents, teachers and students!
In some big news this week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order on Tuesday, saying that public schools will no longer be able to mandate masks on campuses. So, starting June 5, counties, cities, public health authorities and government officials will now be barred from enforcing mask mandates.
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The order did draw criticism from the Texas State Teachers Association and the Texas Faculty Association who both felt the continued use of face coverings is needed. Abbott instead cited “safe practices,” and vaccines among the reasons for saying masks are no longer necessary.
In this week’s KSAT Kids’ student spotlight, we highlight a 15-year-old girl who enrolled in the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial for adolescents ages 12-17. Anita Burgos said she was excited to get the vaccine and wants other teens to do so when given the opportunity.
“This is the first thing within the last year that people my age actually have control over. We actually get to do something to make the situation better,” Burgos said.
Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for the age group so far, and children will need to have consent from a parent or legal guardian to receive it. There are several vaccine clinics in San Antonio that are offering the Pfizer vaccine for children and they can be found by clicking here.
Meteorologist Kaiti Blake is back with another science lab this week, and she demonstrates a neat experiment that shows how students can extract, isolate, and observe the DNA of a strawberry in just a matter of minutes. Parents and guardians: you can upload a video of your child performing the activity here. Send it in and you might see it on GMSA @ 9 a.m.!
For those students still seeking additional schooling help, the San Antonio Public Library continues to offer resources. 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, May 21:
Student Spotlight
Teen participant in Moderna vaccine trial pushing for other adolescents to get COVID-19 shot
An emergency room physician saw the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic up close and when the opportunity arose, she got her 15-year-old daughter into the Moderna vaccine trial for children ages 12-17.
Do you know of a student, classroom or school that is doing amazing work and deserves to be featured in KSAT Kids? Nominate someone by emailing ksatkids@ksat.com.
Kid Activities
KSAT Kids Home Science: Extract DNA from a Strawberry
Are you looking for something fun to do at home that has a little bit of science behind it?
Kids can drive a submarine at the DoSeum’s new exhibit ‘Voyage to the Deep’
Submerge under the sea where life is better. The DoSeum invites families to take a plunge and visit their new interactive adventure “Voyage to the Deep”.
Think you know your military battle history? See your rank on this quiz
Think you can rank high when it comes to knowledge of past military battles? Then try your hand at our quiz.