Lake Houston - Humble - Kingwood Edition | August 2023

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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4 AUG. 23 SEPT. 20, 2023

EDUCATION EDITION 2023

EDUCATION EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • Next Level Urgent Care • YMCA of Greater Houston

PUSHING FORWARD

Generation Park to add biomanufacturing hub

Downtown Humble revitalization report completed

Government

Andrea Maple, a kindergarten teacher at Bear Branch Elementary School, prepares her classroom for the rst day of school in Humble ISD as the district awaits the potential for additional funding from the state. (Courtesy Humble ISD)

Lack of state funding puts pressure on Humble ISD Like many Texas school districts, Humble ISD passed its budget for the 2023-24 scal year this summer without signicant additional fund- ing from the state, but district lead- ers are hopeful as special legislative sessions continue to be called. beyond a few small examples, larger funding bills have yet to materialize, said Bob Popinski, senior director of policy for Raise Your Hand Texas, an education advocacy group. “It was a session out of balance,” Popinski said. “It was absolutely surprising. ... All the recommenda- tions ended up failing.” 2023-24 school year. Popinski cited a number of economic factors for budget shortfalls, such as ination, which has driven up operating costs, as well as state and federal money tied to the pandemic drying up. HISD trustees approved a roughly $634 million balanced budget con- taining 3% on-average pay raises for teachers and raises for support sta on June 29. BY WESLEY GARDNER & JAKE NORMAN

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The state entered the 88th Legis- lature in January with nearly $33 bil- lion in its coers and a list of funding plans for public schools. However,

Multiple school districts across the state are either proposing or approving budget shortfalls for the

CONTINUED ON 22

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HOOKED ONEDUCATION Our community is proud to be zoned to the Acclaimed New Caney ISD. Considered a shining star in Texas education, this A district is one of the state’s fastest growing and has been honored

as a Texas District of Innovation. Robert L. Crippen Elementary White Oak Middle School Porter High School

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THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Kim Giannetti EDITOR Hannah Brol REPORTERS Wesley Gardner, Emily Lincke SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ronald Winters METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Ethan Pham CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES lhknews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING lhkads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM KIM: The kids are back in school and that means it’s time for our annual Education Edition! In this issue, we’ve included local school district data (see Page 13) as well as a guide of local book stores, Little Free Library locations and public library branches (see Pages 16- 17). We hope this school year is lled with lots of fun and learning for you and your families! Kim Giannetti, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM HANNAH: While state funding for public education has remained stagnant since the 2019-20 school year, costs have risen by roughly 18.5% within that same time frame due to ination. While the regular 88th legislative session has concluded without additional funding for public schools, district ocials are hoping for relief as legislators are expected to reconvene for a third special session in October. To learn more about how these funding challenges are impacting Humble ISD, see our front-page story which continues on Pages 22-23. Hannah Brol, EDITOR

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IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

NOW OPEN 1 In Joy Dentistry celebrated its grand opening April 19 at 10525 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Ste. 200, Humble. The dental care provider oers an array of services, including oral surgery, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, endodontic procedures, pediatric dentistry, preventive dentistry and orthodontic services. 832-930-7734. www.injoydentistry.com 2 Popshelf celebrated its grand opening June 12 at 20845 Hwy. 59 N., Humble. The business sells home, beauty and crafting goods as well as toys and other items for $5 or less. 833-377-4353. www.popshelf.com 3 The Smoking Room Lounge celebrated its grand opening May 1 at 236 First St. E., Humble. The business oers a wide selection of cigars, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vapes, aged humidor boxes, lighters and cutters. The Smoking Room Lounge also features a climate-controlled lounge area with air ltration, which ocials said allows for comfortable indoor smoking. 281-570-6547. www.thesmokingroomlounge.com 4 Island Vibes Daiquiris To Go opened its second Greater Houston-area location on June 10 at 20172 Hwy. 59, Ste. D, New Caney. The business oers a variety of frozen daiquiris, including pina coladas; margaritas; and signature drinks, such as 5 Phone Repair Nerds opened in early August at 7715 FM 1960 Bypass Road W., Ste. 103, Humble. The business oers repair services for a variety of devices as well as technology buying and trading opportunities. Device repair services oered include broken screens, water damage and malfunctioning charging ports. 936-900-4620. www.phonerepairnerds.tech 6 Alphabet Zone Childcare Center opened Aug. 7 at 18934 E. Industrial Parkway, Ste. A, New Caney. The center oers 24-hour care Monday-Saturday, is open to children ages 18 months-13 years and oers a combination of classroom curriculum and outdoor playtime as well Fuzzy Navels and Dreamsicles. www.islandvibesdaiquiris.com

as summer camp options. 346-347-9289. www.alphazonenc.com 7 Construction has been ocially completed on the Centre on Gene Campbell as of early August, according to owner Jack Gross. The 17,600-square- foot retail center is located at 18934 E. Industrial Parkway, New Caney, and houses the Alphabet Zone Childcare Center. The shopping plaza is expected to also welcome two restaurants as well as a body sculpting, massage and hair styling spa dubbed Beauty Gallery Salon & Spa. Gross noted the center has space for two to three more tenants. 281-354-4419. www.emctx.com On April 5, the Schooley Mitchell franchise welcomed a full-time representative for the Humble area. Lori McDowell is one of about 250 business optimization specialists for the company who provide expense reduction services to businesses, organizations and nonprots. McDowell consults with Schooley Mitchell clients via video chat or in-person meetings at clients’ locations. 281-740-2865. www.schooleymitchell.com/ oce/lmcdowell COMING SOON 8 The Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar is projecting an early November opening for its new location at 4550 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood. The craft beer bar and restaurant will oer more than 60 beers on tap in addition to a large selection of 9 McDonald’s is coming soon to 23404 Hwy. 242, New Caney, ocials with the East Montgomery County Improvement District announced July 24. According to EMCID ocials, the new location will be operated by Lou Britt, and construction is expected to begin in October. A projected opening date had not been announced as of press time. www.mcdonalds.com 10 Developer Caldwell Communities broke ground on The Highlands’ new amenities center, Discovery Cove , on July 17, ocials announced in a July 24 news release. Set to open in Porter in summer 2024, the 20-acre park will oer a number of amenities, such as a water park featuring water slides, splash pads, bottled beer. 813-226-2333. www.brasstapbeerbar.com

E. INDUSTRIAL PKWY.

6 7

GENE CAMPBELL RD.

242

1485

99 TOLL

ZION DR.

PORTER

1314

LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK

494

FORD RD.

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.

N O R

K D

KINGWOOD

WOODLAND HILLS DR.

K I

TOWNSEN BLVD.

W. FORK OF THE SAN JACINTO RIVER

F I

1960

PORT

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

HUMBLE

ATASCOCITA

OLD HUMBLE RD.

MADERA RUN PKWY.

LAKE HOUSTON

15 1

MAP NOT TO SCALE

N . L A K E H O U S T O N P K W Y .

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Island Vibes Daiquiris To Go

Discovery Cove

Construction on phase one of BioHub Two in Generation Park will begin soon.

RENDERING COURTESY MCCORD DEVELOPMENT

COURTESY ISLAND VIBES DAIQUIRIS TO GO

COURTESY CALDWELL COMMUNITIES

FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Construction on the rst phase of Generation Park’s 45-acre master-planned biomanufacturing campus—dubbed BioHub Two —will begin once McCord Development secures prospective tenants, ocials announced in an Aug. 1 news release. Located at 250 Assay St., Houston, the rst phase of BioHub Two includes a 500,000-square-foot facility that comprises goods manufacturing practice space, labs and oces. Ocials noted BioHub Two is following the development of the upcoming San Jacinto College Biotech Training Center at Generation Park. 1960 Bypass, Humble. Infrastructure developments will include upgrading and expanding the 14 Houston locations to accommodate increased capacity and additional games; enhancements in facilities, such as self-serve capabilities, free Wi-Fi, table charging and ordering; and large video walls and interactive dance ¥oors to amplify the character program and original content in stores. 281-540-1536. www.chuckecheese.com NAME CHANGES 18 Eective Aug. 1, Kingwood Emergency Hospital changed its name to Elite Hospital Kingwood . Located at 23330 Hwy. 59, Kingwood, the hospital rst opened in 2018 and provides the full scope of emergency services to

a lazy river and a lagoon pool; a resort- style pool; two pickleball courts; two tennis courts; a tness center; and an event lawn. The Highlands is located at 21875 Zion Drive, Porter. 832-945-1616. www.thehighlands.com 11 In late August or early September, the shell building of La Marketa de Porter is expected to be completed in Porter, developer American Realty Group conrmed July 11. The 36,000-square- foot shopping center will include a Teloloapan grocery store, Ostioneria Michoacán Seafood Restaurant, Peruvian- Mexican restaurant Pollo Bravo, a bakery, a medical oce and a laundromat. The shopping center will be located at 24151 Hwy. 59, Kingwood. 713-439-0101. www.arg-properties.com 12 Ashlar Development has nalized the sale of 40 acres of land within The Groves to commercial real estate rm Read King for future retail centers , ocials announced in a July 31 news release. Located near Madera Run Parkway and Woodland Hills Drive in Atascocita, the rst commercial development component is expected to be completed by the rst quarter of 2024; however, the complete build-out of the development plan by Read King is likely to be a multiyear process. 469-513-5600. www.thegrovestx.com 13 Fajita Pete’s is projecting an early 2024 opening for its new location at 6840 FM 1960, Humble. The restaurant will oer an assortment of Tex-Mex options, including fajitas, quesadillas, ¥autas, enchiladas and salads. According to its website, Fajita Pete’s focuses on

limited quality menu items that are available for catering, delivery, pickup and dining in. www.fajitapetes.com 14 Originally slated to open in March, Cam Fuels is now expected to open in October at 15914 Old Humble Road, Bldg. B, Humble. The 110,000-square-foot gas station and convenience store is 95% complete, according to the owner. 713-240-2153 RELOCATIONS 15 Summer Creek Dental is projecting an October opening for its new building at 10411 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Humble. Previously located at 11501 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Ste. C, Humble, the dental care provider oers an array of services, including general dentistry, preventive dentistry, periodontics, children’s dentistry and emergency dental services. 281-454-2000. www.summercreekdental.com EXPANSIONS 16 Overall Crawsh and Seafood reopened July 6 with an expanded menu to allow the business to continue serving patrons beyond crawsh season. Located at 23193 FM 1485, New Caney, the eatery is now oering fried seafood, burgers, egg rolls and wings. https://overall- crawsh-and-seafood.business.site RENOVATIONS 17 Chuck E. Cheese ocials announced July 17 the company has invested $6.8 million to upgrade its 14 Houston- area locations including one at 124 FM

McCord Development ocials said BioHub Two’s 45 acres can be subdivided to accommodate the full spectrum of life science uses, including small- and large- scale manufacturing needs. 713-860-3018. www.generationpark.com/lifescience

ASSAY ST.

SUBSEA LN.

REDEMPTION SQUARE RD.

adults and children as well as inpatient medical care and outpatient imaging and laboratory services. Ocials noted the name change will not aect the company’s ownership or management structure. 832-777-6165. www.elitekingwood.com CLOSINGS 19 Asian City Restaurant , located at 20205 Hwy. 59, Humble, closed June 26 after more than 30 years to undergo renovations and rebranding. Now under new ownership, the restaurant will reopen this fall as Umiya Sushi and Hibachi. The new eatery will combine Asian City’s hibachi menu with all-you- can-eat sushi. www.facebook.com/ asiancityrestaurant

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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • AUGUST 2023

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

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UPCOMING PROJECTS

ONGOING PROJECTS

494

1314

HUMBLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

LOWE RD.

SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.

FORD RD.

WILL CLAYTON PKWY.

N O R T H P A R K D R .

1960

MILLS BRANCH DR.

494

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUG. 8. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT LHKNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Lowe Road to Northpark Drive. Timeline: Construction to start in August or September Cost: $6.8 million (Segment A), $12.6 million (Segment B) Funding sources: Montgomery County Precinct 4 road bonds Sorters McClellan Road expansion A project to expand Sorters McClellan Road to four lanes with a center turn lane between FM 1314 and Northpark Drive is on hold due to utility relocations. According to Sanchez, construction is set to start in August or September and a revised construction schedule is forthcoming. A Segment A will run from FM 1314 to south of Lowe Road, while B Segment B, will run from south of

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

WILSON RD.

Atascocita Road restriping Harris County Precinct 3 is planning a maintenance project to restripe Atascocita Road from Old Humble Road to just south of FM 1960. Precinct 3 Communications Manager Jeannie Peng said the $200,000 project is expected to start and wrap up within the fourth quarter of 2023. Timeline: fourth quarter of 2023 Cost: $200,000 Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3

Will Clayton Parkway sidewalk installation

Ford Road expansion Design work is 95% complete and utility relocations are underway for the Ford Road expansion project, said Hugo Sanchez, the projects and logistics coordinator for Montgomery County Precinct 4. The project will expand the two-lane road between Hwy. 59 and Loop 494 by 10 feet to add wider shoulders for vehicles and expand the road between Loop 494 and West Lake Houston Parkway from two to four lanes. Timeline: TBD Cost: $16.2 million Funding source: Montgomery County Precinct 4

Harris County Precinct 3 is planning a project to install a 500-foot section of sidewalk on the south side of Will Clayton Parkway from Cricket Mill Drive to Woodland Hills Drive. Peng said the project will provide a safe route to and from schools, directing pedestrians to a signalized intersection. Timeline: fourth quarter of 2023 Cost: $50,000 Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3

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GOVERNMENT City ocials receive targeted suggestions for downtown Humble revitalization project

Reimagining downtown Humble The following were among the recommendations made to improve downtown Humble. Short-term goals (within two years) • Creation of downtown business committee • Improve waynding with increased signage • Expand the city’s facade grant program • Increase the number of events held downtown Mid-term goals (two to ve years) • Widen sidewalks downtown • Create a full-time city position to oversee projects • Plant additional trees along roadways Long-term goals ( ve-plus years) • Extend downtown to include First Street • Relocate city facilities to downtown • Encourage permanent and temporary murals and public art

BY WESLEY GARDNER

nearly $400,000 in matching grants to business owners for visually improving the exterior appearances of properties. “The facade grant [program] has done some wonders for your downtown, but there are lots of opportunity for more color, more public art and just more visual cohesion,” Lawrence said. To help facilitate a clear vision for the area, Lawrence said the city should consider creating a merchant group or downtown business association to make formal recommendations to city sta regarding improvements downtown. Lawrence also suggested the city improve waynding in the area with increased signage and the creation of a parking map or information kiosk near one of the city’s popular destinations. “You have some great signature anchors in downtown, including Green Oaks Tavern and Humble City Cafe,” Lawrence said. “I would consider those as destinations within your downtown, and you can build around that.” Ocials said they will consider a more concrete timeline for improvements as the city works on its budget for scal year 2023-24 in late August.

Improved waynding, the creation of a downtown business committee and expanded beautication incentives were among the top priorities suggested to Humble council members for the city’s downtown revitalization project. In November, Humble City Council approved an agreement with the Texas Downtown Association to assess the city’s downtown area and provide recommendations for improvements. The city received the organization’s report during a June 15 meeting. Suzy Lawrence, executive director of the Texas Downtown Association, said she believes the long- term goal for the city should be to add more variety in the types of businesses in the downtown area. “You have a lot going on downtown; however, we noticed that there’s not a healthy retail mix to sup- port a vibrant downtown economy,” Lawrence said. According to Lawrence, a mix of retail, service and dining options help attract and retain residents in downtown areas. To attract more businesses, Lawrence suggested expanding the city’s downtown facade improvement program, which has provided

DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT AREA

1960

N. HOUSTON AVE.

FIRST ST.

ISAACKS RD.

SOURCES: CITY OF HUMBLE, TEXAS DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY IMPACT

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE HEALTH CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HCAP) All residents of Montgomery County who fall within the maximum income, resource, residency, citizenship, and household composition criteria established in the Montgomery County Indigent Care Program (MCICP) and Medical Assistance Program (MAP) Handbooks*, and who have no other equivalent public or private health care benefits, may be eligible for medically necessary health care benefits as mandated by the State of Texas pursuant to the programs and services offered by the Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD). Potentially eligible residents may include: • US Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents 18 years of age or older; • Those whose household composition makes them ineligible for Medicaid through the State of Texas; • Adult males, non-pregnant females without minor children; married couples of either gender who reside in Montgomery County; • Those whose countable gross income minus work deductions does not exceed the maximum estab- lished Federal Poverty Income Level (FPIL) of 150% FPIL; and • Those whose resources do not exceed $2,000 monthly or $3,000 if aged or disabled. Eligibility determinations will be made within 14 (fourteen) days after the date a complete application and all the required documentation is received by MCHD’s HCAP office. A complete application will include but may not be limited to the following types of verification: • Identification for each member of the applying household; • Proof of marital status; • Proof of resources to include automobile registration or title, property tax statement, bank account/CD statements, etc.; • Proof of income or lack of income to include verification of support by friends, family or other sources, pay stubs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamp) award letter, self-employment records, etc.; • Proof of County residency to include utility bill, rent receipt, etc; and • Proof of registration with Texas Workforce Commission (some exemptions may apply). Applicants must provide all requested information and documentation to receive an eligibility determina- tion. Adverse decisions regarding eligibility can be appealed. To request an application call (936) 523-5100 Hablamos español

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DISTRICT DATA

Data and information from local school districts

COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL

English learners Economically disadvantaged students STUDENT STATISTICS, 202223

HUMBLE ISD

Special education students

Over the past four school years, Humble ISD has added approximately 413 teachers and increased its starting teacher salary by $5,400. Meanwhile, data shows the district’s student enrollment has risen by 3,680 students in that same time frame.

11.61%

12%

48.4%

SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, HUMBLE ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT

Statewide

62%

23.02% 12.74%

STUDENT ENROLLMENT

Percent change from 2019-20 +8.16%

Total number of teachers* +14.12% TOTAL TEACHERS AND SALARIES

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

*TOTAL IS THE FULL¤TIME EQUIVALENT AND MAY INCLUDE PART¤TIME POSITIONS.

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INSIDE INFORMATION Revamping public school accountability BY HANNAH NORTON At the beginning of each school year, the Texas Education Agency rates public schools and districts based on student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps for at-risk students. Individual campuses and districts receive A-F scores, which are meant to hold schools accountable and inform Texans about student performance. Scores for the 2022-23 school year will be released Sept. 28, following months of revisions to the accountability system. The A-F accountability system was established during the 2017 legislative session, under House Bill 22. What is the A F system? Ratings are based on a variety of factors, including

2023 EDUCATION EDITION

What are the goals? What does the update mean?

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said the revised system provides a more holistic view of student performance, focuses more on students in need, and aligns the performance of schools and districts.

Revising college, career and military readiness indicators Over the next four years, the TEA will implement new workforce certication requirements. Morath said there will be a greater emphasis on hands-on experience, rather than just course completion. For example, a student who takes welding classes in high school will gain real-life experience in welding and receive an industry certication.

Aligning classroom instruction The TEA also redesigned the STAAR in 2023 “to better align with classroom instruction” following the passage of HB 3906 in 2019. The exams were administered almost exclusively online in 2023 and focused on writing, ocials said.

Increasing focus on at-risk students Previously, ocials evaluated the academic performance of each student group—including racial and ethnic groups, economically disadvantaged students, students taking special education classes and more. This year, indicators will focus on the performance of the two “lowest-performing,” or most at risk, groups.

Updating target scores

Enhancing district ratings Morath said each district was previously evaluated “as if it is a single K-12 campus.” This meant district ratings were based heavily on the performance of high school seniors, whose graduation and postsecondary readiness are measured. This September, the new ratings will be calculated with a weighted average for each campus, giving each school a balanced share in the overall score.

Performance indicators were updated to reect where students and schools were after the COVID-19 outbreak, Morath said. For example, college, career and military readiness scores have improved by 38% across Texas since 2017. “This is an untold success story,” Morath said.

academic growth high school graduation rates how prepared students are for college, a career or the military the annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness

Serving students on alternate paths Ocials adjusted performance indicators to better account for students on alternative paths, such as those enrolled in dropout recovery schools. These schools help students who have dropped out of school get back on track and graduate. Dropout rates will no longer count against overall campus performance.

Boosting public transparency Ratings for campuses and districts are posted online annually, but more information will be publicly available this year. Texans will be able to access data on attendance and absenteeism, advanced learning programs, and more, Morath said. This is meant to give parents a greater overview of their districts’ e¤orts to improve student performance.

Improving evaluation of student growth To give more attention to students who are performing below their grade level, the TEA added a new indicator called “accelerated instruction.” This allows ocials to accurately measure the performance of students who switch the language they take tests in—such as Spanish to English— between years.

High school scores improve

How students perform on the annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness largely impacts the annual A-F ratings for public schools and districts. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tests were not administered in 2020. The exam was redesigned in 2023, so scores from this year cannot be directly compared to previous years.

Students who approached grade level, or passed

*NO DATA FOR 2020 **2023 TESTS WERE SCORED DIFFERENTLY, SO THEY ARE NOT DIRECTLY COMPARABLE TO PAST YEARS.

ALGEBRA I

80% 90% 100% 70% 0% BIOLOGY

70% 80% 90% 60% 0% ENGLISH I

70% 80% 90% 60% 0% ENGLISH II

80% 90% 100% 70% 0% U.S. HISTORY

80% 90% 100% 70% 0%

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY¢COMMUNITY IMPACT

STAAR scores for high school students were released June 30 and grades 3-8 scores will be available Aug. 16.

On Sept. 28, A-F scores for schools and districts will be posted online at www.txschools.gov.

LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

2023

BOOKWORM'S GUIDE

GUIDE

Lake Houston-area public library branches, bookstores & Little Free Library locations

COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL, WESLEY GARDNER & EMILY LINCKE

HOW TO GET A LIBRARY CARD Visit the circulation desk at any of the Harris County Public Library’s 26 branch locations or the Montgomery County Memorial Library System’s seven locations to receive a free library card with proof of residency.

Houston • 16460 W. Lake Houston Parkway Humble • 2923 Hummingbird Lane • 110 N. Ave. E. • 10303 Peeble Trail Court • 17321 Woodland Hills Drive • 5702 Forest Timbers • 8789 Elm Drake Lane • 20634 Kenswick Drive Kingwood • 20 Club Oak Court • 2411 Pleasant Creek Place • 5606 Rapid Brook Court • 1901 Woodland Hills Drive • 1800 Trailwood Village Drive • 1707 Chimney Vine Lane • 22401 Loop 494 • 22800 Hwy. 59 N. Porter • 2030 Shadow Rock • 21010 Alden's Oak

For Lake Houston-area residents who are avid readers, there is an abundance of public library branches, bookstores and Little Free Library locations to check out. This list is not comprehensive.

addition to unique collectibles. 9743 FM 1960 Bypass Road W., Humble

2815403950 www.hpb.com 10 The Nest of Kingwood

C Harris County Public Library

L Montgomery County Memorial Library System

This Christian boutique oers a variety of books and gifts made by local artisans that aim to inspire and encourage. 1599 B Northpark Drive, Kingwood 2817477565 www.thenestoingwood.com Little Free Library locations The nonpro t Little Free Library aims to build community, inspire readers and expand book access by building a global network of volunteer-run book exchange boxes. These stations invite readers to take and return books at their leisure and are open 24/7. For more information about Little Free Library, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org. Atascocita • 17302 W. Lake Houston Parkway • 6500 Kingwood Glen Drive

Harris County Public Library • Knowledge Cards provide access to books, DVDs, video and music streaming, eBooks, eAudiobooks, and online research and learning tools. • Enhanced+ Library Cards double as a supplemental form of photo ID. • Military Library Cards gives active- duty military personnel access to

Public library branches 1 Atascocita Branch Library 19520 Pinehurst Trail Drive, Humble 8329275560 www.hcpl.net/locations/ata C 2 Kingwood Branch Library 4400 Bens View Lane, Kingwood 8329277830 www.hcpl.net/locations/kw C 3 Octavia Fields Branch Library 1503 S. Houston Ave., Humble 8329275500 www.hcpl.net/locations/of C

4 R.B. Tullis Branch Library 21569 Hwy. 59, New Caney 2815778968 www.countylibrary.org/tullis L Local bookstores

e-books, video and music streaming, and online research. • Texshare Cards allow HCPL cardholders to borrow materials from other participating libraries in Texas. • iKnow Cards provide access to e-books, audiobooks, video and music streaming, magazines and research. card, and the legal guardian must agree to be responsible for the minor account until the child reaches age 18. • Digital Access Cards provide access to e-books, audiobooks, research databases and two hours of on-site computer time per day.

Octavia Fields Branch Library

The Book Readers Venue

PHOTOS BY WESLEY GARDNERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

5 Barnes & Noble Booksellers Located within Deerbrook Mall, this bookstore features an on-site cafe, toys and games, and an expanded vinyl section. 20131 Hwy. 59 N., Humble 2815403060 https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2152 6 The Beacon Christian Book Store Located within Light of The World Christian Fellowship, this religious bookstore is open to the public.

8 DNA Comics & Games Ideal for gamers, this local spot carries a variety of comic books, card games, toys and gaming accessories in addition to hosting regular card game tournaments. 20032 Hwy. 59 N., Humble 2814464131 https://stores.comichub.com/dnacomics 9 Half Price Books This discount bookstore oers both new and used books, music, movies and games in

16161 Old Humble Road, Humble 2814412885 https://the-beacon-christian-book-store. business.site 7 The Book Readers Venue This independent bookstore specializes in the genres of romance and romantic suspense with a focus on independently published books. 810 First St. E., Ste. D, Humble 8324744552 www.thebookreadersvenue.com

Montgomery County Memorial Library System • Adult Cards are available for Texas

residents who are 18 or older and have proof of their current address and a valid photo ID. • Minor Cards are available for children ages 5-17. A legal guardian must be present with the child to receive a

• 22525 Soaring Woods Lane • 2882 Rocky Woods Drive

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, MONTGOMERY COUNTY MEMORIAL LIBRARY SYSTEM COMMUNITY IMPACT

Ches to Savings! ® PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733 KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115 HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202 ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100

Store selections vary. Sale ends 8/31/2023. Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. SPECSONLINE.COM

Offering Curbside, In-Store Pickup & Delivery

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NONPROFIT

2023 EDUCATION EDITION

Humble ISD Education Foundation 10203 Birchridge Drive, Humble 281-641-8140 www.humbleisdfoundation.org Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sat.-Sun. Where: Golf Club of Houston, 5860 Wilson Road, Humble When: Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 6 with play starting at 9 a.m. Individual cost: $300 per player Corporate sponsor cost: $2,000-$20,000, which includes a minimum of four golfers and varying additional benets Sponsorship deadline: Oct. 20 The Humble ISD Education Foundation’s annual golf tournament fundraiser is scheduled to tee o at 9 a.m Nov. 6 at the Golf Club of Houston. TEE UP FOR TEACHERS The Humble ISD Education Foundation’s annual golf tournament—one of the four major fundraising events contributing to the nonprot’s innovative education grant program—will tee o in November. Individuals and businesses interested in competing can register at www.humbleisdfoundation.org/golf.

Humble High School teachers were awarded more than $48,000 in grants from the Humble ISD Education Foundation during the 202223 school year to fund classroom projects and initiatives. (Photos courtesy Humble ISD Education Foundation)

Humble ISD Education Foundation Local nonprot assists innovative teachers with project grants W hen Amy Walker rst applied for an inno- vative education grant from the Humble ISD Education Foundation, she didn’t BY WESLEY GARDNER

foundation awarded nearly $350,000 in grants that funded 79 projects aecting every HISD campus. Monbaron said the foundation hosts four major fundraising events throughout the school year that support the innovative education grant program, noting information on the events can be found on the nonprot’s website. Additionally, Monbaron said individuals and businesses can donate to the nonprot through the organization’s website, but she said she enjoys when donors come into their Humble oce. “For us, it’s not a transactional process,” she said. “We want to get to know them.” Reecting on her time at the nonprot, Mon- baron said she still sheds a few tears sometimes when she sees a teacher’s face light up upon learning their initiative is being funded. “It’s about making that teacher feel really special,” she said.

think she stood a chance of receiving the funds. Walker—a health science teacher at Humble High School—has since received three grants totaling nearly $20,000 in eight years. “I’ve been extremely blessed and lucky with the foundation,” Walker said. The foundation was initially formed in 1999 to inspire innovation and enhance academic opportu- nities throughout Humble ISD, said Jerri Monbaron, the nonprot’s executive director. In addition to the innovative education grants, which are awarded to teachers to fund creative projects and classroom initiatives, the foundation oers scholarships to students and teachers who are continuing their education. During the 2022-23 school year, the education

1960

12310 W. Lake Houston Pkwy. Houston, TX 77044 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. APY acurate as of 08.01.23. Minimum opening deposit of $1,000. Minimum to earn advertised rates is $50,000. Rates subject to change without notice. Dividends paid monthly. Fees could reduce earnings. Early withdrawal penalties apply to all certificate accouunts.

LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION • AUGUST 2023

512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu highschool.utexas.edu

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PEOPLE

2023 EDUCATION EDITION

Kathy Martinez-Prather Executive director of the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University

BREAKING DOWN HOUSE BILL 3

Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3 into law June 14, which will be eective Sept. 1. The bill gives the state more oversight of districts’ safety and security measures.

BY DAVE MANNING

Kathy Martinez-Prather is the executive director of the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University, which seeks to ensure the health, safety and security of all Texas communities and schools. The center oers subject matter expertise, research and support for school districts across the state. In light of the recent passage of House Bill 3, which requires schools to have armed personnel on all campuses, Community Impact interviewed Martinez- Prather to see what measures, including the latest legislative acts, are being implemented to keep schools secure. This interview has been edited for length, style and clarity.

WHAT’S IN THE BILL?

1 At least one armed o cer must be on each public school campus during school hours. 2 School district employees who regularly interact with students must have mental health training. 3 Districts must create procedures for students to report concerning behavior by other students. 4 A child’s discipline record and threat assessments will be required to transfer with them between schools. 5 Parents will be notied via text or email about violent activity investigations on their child’s campus. 6 Districts failing to meet safety infrastructure standards must reallocate bond funds to x the issues.

COURTESY TEXAS SCHOOL SAFETY CENTER

be a law enforcement intervention. But at the end of the day, we want to make sure that student is getting connected with mental health, campus [and] district administrators, everybody—triaging, if you will, this situation from a dierent perspec- tive—ultimately to determine what is the best intervention to make sure that this individual gets o a pathway to violence. And I think that often, the idea is we’re going to implement punitive measures. WHAT ARE SOME LESS OBVI OUS POTENTIAL THREATS TO SCHOOL SAFETY? If we notice that little Jimmy used to be a very outgoing student but has become very reclusive; he’s not talkative; we’ve seen a change in him, in his hygiene, in his demeanor, his attitude—what is going on with this kid now? There hasn’t been a threat made, but this is an opportunity to intervene right now and gure out what’s going on. Because it could be that this individual is experiencing suicidal ideation, and we need to intervene right now. That’s part of what the threat assessment team is charged to do, and that’s what our training that we provide across the state focuses on.

HAS THE WAY SCHOOL DIS TRICTS APPROACH SAFETY RECENTLY CHANGED? In 2019, after the Santa Fe High School shooting, Texas passed legislation that requires every district in the state of Texas to ensure that every campus has access to a school behavioral threat assessment team. When you think about threat assessment, we often think we’re waiting for someone to make a threat and we act, and part of that process is determining, “Is this threat credible, or is it not credible?” If it’s credible, the next step is making sure we have a group of multidisciplinary folks because of the requirement in laws. HOW IMPORTANT ARE ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILLS? We don’t want to create more trauma, but there is utility to drilling and exercising. It’s got to be age appropriate. And what we want our students and our sta to understand is creating that muscle memory, of being second nature, of what we do when we go into these situations.

By law, every school district is required to conduct a certain amount of drills with a certain amount of frequency. We don’t call them “active shooter” drills—the terminology that we use is “lockdown” drills, and in them we’re focusing on turning the lights o, locking the door, [staying] out of sight. WHAT IMPACT WILL HOUSE BILL 3 HAVE ON SCHOOLS? The law requires to the greatest extent practicable that threat assessment teams encompass various areas of expertise—law enforcement being one of them [or someone with a] mental health background. And so the idea here as part of the evidence-based approach to threat assessment is making sure you have a multidisciplinary group of folks. WHAT ARE SOME ADDITIONAL SOLUTIONS THAT COULD PREVENT FUTURE SCHOOL SHOOTINGS? Sometimes [a student] brings a weapon to school; there’s going to

HOW IS IT FUNDED?

28-cent increase in the per-student safety allotment $15,000 per campus annually for security expenses = +

$718.65K in additional funding for Humble ISD*

SOURCES: HUMBLE ISD, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE COMMUNITY IMPACT *ESTIMATES CALCULATED BASED ON 202223 SCHOOL YEAR DATA

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