Spring - Klein Edition | August 2023

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 5 AUG. 16 SEPT. 13, 2023

EDUCATION EDITION 2023

Graze Craze now crafting charcuterie boards in Spring

Community bands together to tackle Spring-area crime

Public safety

EDUCATION EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • YMCA of Greater Houston

District data

Lack of state funding puts pressure on Spring schools Klein ISD Superintendent Jenny McGown speaks during the district’s annual New Employee Welcome Week in late July. In spite of failed bills that would have provided additional funding to Texas school districts, Spring-area students and educators returned to their classrooms for the 202324 school year in early August. (Courtesy Klein ISD)

Caddy Shack Bistro reects local love of golf

BY HANNAH BROL, EMILY LINCKE & JAKE NORMAN

$33 billion in its coers and a list of funding plans for public schools. However, beyond a few small exam- ples, larger funding bills have yet to materialize, said Bob Popinski, senior director of policy for Raise Your Hand Texas, a nonprot educa- tion advocacy group. “It was a session out of balance,” Popinski said. “It was absolutely surprising. ... All the recommenda- tions ended up failing.”

Multiple school districts across the state are either proposing or approving budget shortfalls for the 2023-24 school year. On June 17, SISD trustees approved a scal year budget with a $25.4 million fund- ing gap, which will be covered by a one-time federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund grant, leaving a $3.1 million funding gap.

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Like many Texas school districts, Spring and Klein ISDs passed bud- gets for the 2023-24 scal year this summer without signicant addi- tional funding from the state, but district leaders are hopeful as spe- cial legislative sessions continue to be called. The state entered the 88th Leg- islature in January with nearly

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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 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lydia Lee 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 sklnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING sklads@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 Pages 14-15) as well as a guide of local businesses where you can nd supplies and equipment to meet all of your child’s extracurricular activity needs (see Pages 18-19). 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 Spring and Klein ISDs, see our front-page story which continues on Pages 22-23. Hannah Brol, EDITOR

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

IMPACTS

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

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CITY PLACE

OLD TOWN SPRING

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Graze Craze

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COURTESY GRAZE CRAZE

CYPRESSWOOD DR.

Korean barbecue, allowing diners to grill meats and vegetables of their choosing at the dining table. 346-206-2198. www.thekpot.com 4 Graze Craze opened June 26 at 23227 Gosling Road, Spring. Locally owned by Franchisees Manuel and Ellie Zaragoza, Graze Craze specializes in charcuterie oerings of dierent sizes and avor varieties, featuring gourmet meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, jams and sweets. 281-417-5861. www.grazecraze.com 5 Taco Inn and Churreria Porrio , located at 25750 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. E, Tomball, opened July 15. Owned by Enrique Alarcon along with a group of shareholders, Taco Inn and Churreria Porrio oers tacos and churros. 346-336-6129. Facebook: Taco Inn The Woodlands; Churreria Porrio The Woodlands 6 On June 15, 33 Wishes opened at its new Spring-area location. Previously located in Sugar Land, the women’s fashion boutique now sits at 3710 FM 2920, Ste. 107. 33 Wishes sells clothing, accessories and shoes. 346-593-1830. www.shop33wishes.com 7 Bahama Mama opened July 1 at 3710 FM 2920, Ste. 102, Spring. The smoke shop franchise sells smoke, vape and CBD products, such as water pipes and gummies. 832-773-7428. www.bahama-mama.com 8 Park on Napoli, a 239-unit apartment complex, celebrated its grand opening May 25 at 13802 Napoli Drive, Houston. According to a news release from developer BHW Capital, the pet-friendly

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SP E AR S R D.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 Black Rock Coee Bar opened June 23 at 20202 Champion Forest Drive, Spring. The Oregon-based coee shop is known for its premium roasted coees, teas, smoothies and avorful Fuel energy drinks. www.br.coee

2 Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened July 22 at 5403 FM 1960 W., Ste. B, Houston. The cafe boasts a menu of smoothies, atbreads, wraps, quesadillas, sandwiches, bowls and breakfast items. 281-781-7047. www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

3 KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot opened June 28 at 17575 Hwy. 249, Houston. The eatery specializes in hot pot, a cooking method in which diners add ingredients such as meat, vegetables, wontons, dumplings, tofu and seafood to a simmering pot of soup stock at the dining table. Similarly, the restaurant also oers

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12 Smartie Pants Academy Center will be opening in late August at 6224 Spring Cypress Road, Spring. The academy—a nonprot child care center for children with disabilities and special needs—is owned by Avonda Johnson and Alyssa Johnson-Williams. 832-452-0973. www.smartiepantsacademy.org 13 PJ’s Coee is planning to open a new location at 16000 Stuebner Airline Road, Spring. The New Orleans-based coeeshop will oer a variety of hot and iced coee and espresso-based beverages, as well as frozen and blended beverages, energy drinks, hot and iced teas, and smoothies. Pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and beignets will also be on the menu. A projected opening date for the new coeeshop had not been announced as of press time. www.pjscoee.com 14 At the end of March, construction began on a shopping center located at 25819 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, a spokesperson with KM Realty conrmed. The shopping center will house retail and o¦ce spaces as well as child care facilities. However, specic tenants had not been announced as of press time. Builders hope to deliver the center by September. 713-690-2700. www.kmrealty.net RELOCATIONS 15 Waterfalls Cafe celebrated a June opening for its relocated restaurant in Spring. Now located at 3625 FM 2920, Ste. B1, the diner oers an assortment of dishes, including breakfast platters, sandwiches, burgers, salads, omelets and Mexican cuisine. While the diner previously only oered breakfast options, restaurant o¦cials said it has expanded its menu to now include lunch oerings. 346-224-8555. www.waterfallscafespring.com EXPANSIONS 16 Life Time Fitness in Champions, located at 7717 Willow Chase Blvd., Houston, is set to add 12 outdoor pickleball courts with fences. According to information from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation,

Ocials with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s announced the opening of its fourth Greater Houston-area destination retail superstore in Spring via a Feb. 14 news release.

PJ’s Coee

COURTESY PJ’S COFFEE

RENDERING COURTESY BASS PRO SHOPS

FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Ocials with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s announced the opening of its fourth Greater Houston-area destination retail superstore at 1771 Spring Stuebner Road, Spring, via a company news release. According to the release, the new Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Spring will showcase an array of boat brands and o -road vehicles as well as equipment and clothing for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and camping. The storefront will also boast a completely unique, custom design and feature a construction on the 24,000-square-foot addition was expected to begin July 1 and wrap up by Oct. 1. Life Time Champions is a membership-based tness club featuring both indoor and outdoor pools, group tness studios and an expansive workout oor. 281-469-9300. www.lifetime.life RENOVATIONS 17 Chuck E. Cheese o¦cials announced July 17 the company has invested $6.8 million to upgrade its 14 Houston- area locations including one at A 17780 Hwy. 249, Houston and another at B 146 FM 1960, Houston. Infrastructure developments will include upgrading and expanding the 14 Houston locations to accommodate increased capacity and additional games; enhancements in

community oers one- and two-bedroom oor plans starting at $1,239 per month. 832-653-9635. www.parkonnapoli.com 9 Yes Automotive opened Aug. 5 at 3443 FM 2920, Spring. According to owner Sohail Syed, the full-service auto repair shop oers oil changes, air conditioning servicing, wheel alignments and other automotive services. 281-801-8010. www.yesautomotiveservices.com COMING SOON 10 Yes Prep Public Schools hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Yes Prep North Rankin Elementary on July 27. To be located at 12537 Kuykendahl Road, Houston, Yes Prep North Rankin Elementary will open for the 2024-25 school year and welcome students in pre-K through second grade. The campus will add one grade level each subsequent school year until it reaches fth grade. Per the release, all Yes Prep schools are tuition-free for children with no admission requirements; students are accepted through a lottery system. 713-967-9000. www.yesprep.org 11 After closing its Old Town Spring restaurant in June 2021, Belly of the Beast is planning to reopen at a new location—5200 FM 2920, Ste. 180, Spring—late this summer. Owned by Thomas and Elizabeth Bille, Belly of the Beast will oer new American cuisine prepared through the lens of a Mexican American chef. Belly of the Beast was previously located at 26510 Border St., Spring, and opened in February 2020. 281-466-2040. www.botbfood.com

gift and nature center, murals, a large aquarium and other water features. The 125,000-square-foot location is expected to employ more than 115 “outtters” and is set to open in fall 2024. www.basspro.com

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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. A 281-894-1900, B 281-893-2148.

www.chuchecheese.com ANNIVERSARIES

18 On June 7, The Blind Finch bar marked its one-year anniversary. The business—located at 5210 FM 2920, Ste. 400, Spring—is “a modern speakeasy” that serves cocktails and appetizers, according to its website. The Blind Finch is owned by Steve and Wendy Lindsey, Reggie Montemayor, and Jon and Mary Thorn. 281-352-2060. www.facebook.com/theblindnchbar

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

TODO LIST

August & September events

24 PLAY BINGO Participants can test their luck at bingo and vie for a gift card to one of City Place’s restaurants. 7 p.m. Free. City Place Plaza, 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring. www.cityplacenow.com 26 THROUGH 27, SEPT. 23 & 910 TAKE A MAGIC CARPET RIDE Playhouse 1960’s Young Actors group will perform “Aladdin Jr.” directed by Amber Stepanik. 3 p.m. $12-$15. Playhouse 1960, 6814 Gant Road, Houston. 281-587-8243. www.playhouse1960.com 31 STAY INFORMED ON POLITICS The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce will host its annual State of Congress’ lunch featuring U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Houston. 11:30 a.m.- 1p.m. $50-$70. Northgate Country Club, 17110 Northgate Forest Drive, Houston. 281-440-4160. www.houstonnwchamber.org 31 FIGHT FLOODING Learn about local ood mitigation eorts at the North Houston Association’s annual Flood Control Breakfast. 7:30-9 a.m. $100-$125. Shirley Acres, 217 Woerner Road, Houston. 281-875-0660. www.north-houston.com

SEPTEMBER 01 THROUGH 2, 89 & 1517 SEE A SOMBER SHOW Playhouse 1960 will perform “The Shadow Box” directed by Sammy Green. 3 p.m. (Sept. 17); 8 p.m. (Sept. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16). $22-$25. Playhouse 1960, 6814 Gant Road, Houston. 281-587-8243. Northwest Assistance Ministries will host a “Jeans & Jewels” luncheon to celebrate its 40th anniversary. 10:30 a.m. $100. Shirley Acres, 217 Woerner Road, Houston. 281-885-4555. www.namonline.org 08 THROUGH 10, 1417 & 2124 WATCH A MUSICAL www.playhouse1960.com 07 DINE IN DENIM Stageworks Theatre will perform “9 to 5 The Musical” directed by Betty Marie Muessig. 2 p.m. (Sept. 9-10, 16-17, 23-24); 7:30 p.m. (Sept. 8-9, 14-16, 21-23). $35- $54. Stageworks Theatre, 10760 Grant Road, Houston. 281-587-6100. www.stageworkshouston.org 12 LISTEN TO MUSIC Pianist Chelsea de Souza will perform live at The Centrum. 2 p.m. $10- $15. 6823 Cypresswood Drive, Spring. 281-440-4850. www.cypresscreekface.org

COMPILED BY EMILY LINCKE

AUGUST 16 SHOP A FARMERS MARKET Browse local vendors for items such as organic produce, grass-fed meats and artisan cheeses. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. City Place Plaza, 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring. www.cityplacenow.com 17 COMPETE IN A TRIVIA NIGHT An array of questions will be asked as attendees compete for a gift card to one of City Place’s restaurants. 7 p.m. Free. City Place Plaza, 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring. www.cityplacenow.com 17 22, 24, 29 & 31 PAINT AND SIP Learn how to paint at a class hosted by William’s Art Bar Paint Studio. Attendees can bring snacks and drinks to enjoy while they create. 7-9 p.m. $40. William’s Art Bar Paint Studio, 6450 Louetta Road, Spring. 346-386-3118. www.artbarpaintstudio.com 18 WATCH A MOVIE OUTSIDE Watch “Finding Nemo” under the stars at this outdoor screening hosted by City Place. 8 p.m. Free. City Place Plaza, 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring. www.cityplacenow.com

The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts will host Family Day on Aug. 26.

COURTESY PEARL FINCHER MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

FEATURED EVENT Make family-friendly art The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts invites the community to participate in Family Day on Aug. 26 to celebrate the end of summer. The day of festivities will include art activities, a food truck and entertainment for guests of all ages. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 6815 Cypresswood Drive, Spring 281-376-6322 • www.pearlmfa.org

Find more or submit Spring and Klein events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

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UPCOMING PROJECTS

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OLD BOUDREAUX LN.

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West Riley Fuzzel Road expansion Harris County Precinct 3 is studying a project that would expand West Riley Fuzzel Road from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane concrete boulevard between I-45 and 200 feet west of West Hardy Road. Precinct 3 ocials said the study phase is expected to wrap up by second quarter 2024; a construction timeline had not been announced as of press time. Timeline: study phase to conclude by second quarter 2024; construction timeline TBD Cost: $9.2 million Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3

Spring Stuebner Road expansion Harris County Precinct 3 is studying a project that would expand Spring Stuebner Road from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane concrete road from west of Leitner Lane to the Grand Parkway. Existing drainage and trac signals will also be improved and added as needed. Precinct 3 ocials said construction on this project is expected to take roughly one year to complete. Timeline: second quarter 2025- second quarter 2026 Cost: $8.1 million Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3

Boudreaux Road widening Harris County Precinct 3 is studying a project to expand Boudreaux Road to a four-lane concrete pavement section between Old Boudreaux Lane and Gleannloch Forest Drive at the Grand Parkway. The project would also include trac signal and drainage improvements and additions as needed. Construction is expected to take just over one year to complete. Timeline: second quarter 2025- third quarter 2026 Cost: $12.2 million Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3

Birnam Wood Boulevard Segment 1 expansion Harris County Precinct 3 ocials are studying a project to expand Birnam Wood Boulevard to a four-lane concrete paved section between north of Hickorygate Drive and south of Otto Road. The project would also include trac signal and drainage improvements and additions as needed. Construction is expected to take less than one year to complete. Timeline: fourth quarter 2024- second quarter 2025 Cost: $3.5 million Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUG. 8. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SKLNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

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ENVIRONMENT Harris County to begin $76.3M in flood mitigation projects along Cypress Creek

BY EMILY LINCKE

FIGHTING FLOODS

The Major Maintenance of Cypress Creek and Tributaries program will be completed in ve total batches, or project segments. Work on Batches 1 and 2 wrapped up in late 2022.

The Harris County Flood Control District is gearing up for the next phases of two planned $76.3 million projects aimed at improving ooding in the Cypress Creek watershed, according to a July 26 presentation from the district. The breakdown The Major Maintenance of Cypress Creek and Tributaries program will be completed in ve total batches, or project segments. This program is targeted at bettering “channel conveyance capac- ity” in the Cypress Creek watershed by removing built-up sediment and repairing erosion damage. Examples of other work under this project include replacing “riprap” stones to ght erosion, outfall pipes, maintenance holes and concrete channel linings, as previously reported by Community Impact . Of the funding needed for these projects, $60 million will come from the 2018 ood control bond and the rest will come from local funding or federal grants, according to HCFCD. Batch 5 will consist of Spring-area channel repairs and two stormwater detention basins: one to be placed near where Cypress Creek intersects at Kuykendahl Road and another east of where the creek crosses under I-45, according to the July 26 presentation. Timelines have not yet been set for this batch of projects, but the basins are expected to cost a total of $42.4 million, while the channel repairs will cost at least $20.3 million. Construction on Batch 4—which encompasses 4 miles of work—is expected to begin in the fall across several tributaries, most of which are located in the Spring area west of I-45 and east of Hwy. 249. Work will cover eight channels and is slated to nish by winter 2025 for the $13.6 million project. The HCFCD began work on Batch 3 in July 2022 with an anticipated completion by summer 2024. These segments include 6.25 miles of work across 12 channels for an estimated $13.8 million. In December, construction wrapped up on two groups of 2018 HCFCD ood control bond projects that focus on improving water ow along Cypress

Waterways

Batch 1

Batch 2

Batch 3

Batch 4

Batch 5

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Batch 5 Includes channel rehabilitation and two detention basins to be located near where Cypress Creek intersects with Kuykendahl Road and I-45. Timeline: TBA Cost: $63 million

Batch 3 Includes repairs and desilting along 12 channels throughout the Spring area Timeline: July 2022-summer 2024 Size: 6.25 miles Cost: $13.8 million

Batch 4 Includes repairs and desilting along eight channels located north of Cypress Creek, east of TC Jester Boulevard and west of the West Hardy Toll Road Timeline: Fall 2023-winter 2025 Size: 4 miles • Cost: $13.6 million

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Management Agency Sediment Removal Program and the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve Erosion Repair Project. According to HCFCD ocials, design contracts were awarded at the beginning of the summer for the sediment removal program, which will focus on removing sediment buildup in Cypress Creek accumulated during Hurricane Harvey ooding in 2017.

Creek and its tributaries, according to the HCFCD. Batches 1 and 2 of the Major Maintenance of Cypress Creek and Tributaries program utilized $17.3 million in bond funds, and a little over 14 linear miles of work was completed. Other projects On July 26, the HCFCD also gave updates on its planned $23.4 million Federal Emergency

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

HIGHER EDUCATION Lone Star College names new University Park president, nalist for System chancellor

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & ANNA LOTZ

counsel. He also previously served as interim president of Lone Star College-Kingwood. As of press time Aug. 9, the board of trustees was scheduled to hold a special meeting Aug. 11 to consider Castillo’s appointment. “I look forward to working with Mario Castillo to continue our mission of providing comprehensive educational opportunities and programs to enrich lives,” Stoma said. Local leadership LSCS o cials named Fraire as the new president of LSCUP in a July 28 news release. The announcement comes as former LSCUP President Shah Ardalan was named president of Randolph Community College located in Asheboro, North Carolina. Only the second president to reside over the University Park campus, which is located o Hwy. 249 and Louetta Road, Fraire will start her role Oct. 1, per the release. “This is an exciting time for Lone Star College,” Head said in a statement. “Dr. Fraire’s expertise in higher education will ensure we continue to advance equitable student outcomes. I am condent Dr. Fraire will continue our commitment to having integrity, strong leadership, respect and accountability to Lone Star College students and employees.”

NEW FACES This fall, the Lone Star College System will welcome two new leaders.

In July, Lone Star College System o cials named Mario Castillo as the sole nalist to be the system’s next chancellor and Virginia Fraire as the next president of Lone Star College-University Park. According to a July 21 news release, the LSCS board of trustees voted to make Castillo the sole nalist for the role of chancellor during a special-called meeting July 21. Castillo will replace outgoing Chancellor Stephen Head, who announced his retirement in January, eective Aug. 1. Head has served as chancellor of LSCS since 2014. If appointed, Castillo will be the fth LSCS chancellor. He has served as the LSCS chief operating o cer and general counsel since 2017. “This is a historic moment in the history of Lone Star College with the appointment of the rst Hispanic chancellor demonstrating the Lone Star College board of trustees’ commitment to our culture of engagement and inclusiveness,” board Chair Michael Stoma said in a statement. “The process to select a new chancellor involved many hours of research and due diligence to ensure we selected the right nalist.” According to the release, Castillo began as the college system’s general counsel in 2015, and was promoted in 2016 to vice chancellor and general

Virginia Fraire, President of Lone Star College-University Park (eective Oct. 1)

Mario Castillo, sole nalist for Lone Star College System chancellor

SOURCE: LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

According to the release, Fraire has more than 30 years of experience in higher education at both the two- and four-year levels. She most recently served as the vice provost for student success and strategic initiatives at The University of Texas at El Paso. Prior to UTEP, Fraire served in multiple roles at Austin Community College.

just on treatment, but also education and preventive care. We’re bringing high-tech, high-touch care to patients. Our doctors and staff partner with you to understand your needs and work with you—not just on treatment, but also education and preventive care. Walk-ins welcome Same-day appointments available

Why Village Medical?

We combine the tools, technology and people needed to help create healthier, happier patients. More connected care means more complete care.

Virtual visits Our clinics located within Walgreens pharmacies are bringing our vision of exceptional and compassionate primary care even closer to you. With locations throughout the United States, we’re in your neighborhood. And that network means you can visit a doctor at any of our locations, and we will have your records available. With Village Medical at Home, we provide in-home visits designed to give eligible patients the attention they need, in a way that’s best for them and their caregivers. With your caring team at Village Medical, it’s easy and convenient to stay on top of your health. Maybe more than ever before. Village Medical, The New Way To Well. Extended hours offered at some locations

To schedule an appointment or learn more VillageMedical.com

Several area locations to serve you:

Walk-ins welcome

Same-day appointments available

Virtual visits

Village Medical at CyFalls 9511 Huffmeister, Ste 100 Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am –5pm Extended hours offered at some locations

Village Medical at Vintage 10220 Louetta Rd., Ste 100

Village Medical at Walgreens 12314 Jones Rd. Houston, TX 77070 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

Village Medical at Walgreens 14317 Cypress Rosehill Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

Village Medical at Copperfield

15881 FM 529 Ste. A Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm

To schedule an appointment or learn more VillageMedical.com

Houston, TX 77070 Mon – Fri: 8am –5pm

Village Medical 281-866-7080 6401 Cypresswood Dr Ste 180 Spring, TX 77379 Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm

Village Medical at Walgreens 713-461-2915 2103 FM 2920 Ste A Spring, TX 77388 Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm

Village Medical at Walgreens 713-461-2915 12704 Bammel North Houston Rd Houston, TX 77066 Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm

Village Medical Vintage Park 832-376-3880 10220 Louetta Rd. Ste 100

Village Medical at Kuykendahl 731-461-2915 2110 Kuykendahl Rd Ste 100 Spring, TX, 77379 Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm

To schedule an appointment or learn more VillageMedical.com

Houston, TX 77070 Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm

Several area locations to serve you:

Village Medical at CyFalls

Village Medical at Vintage

Village Medical at Walgreens

Village Medical at Copperfield

Village Medical at Riata Ranch

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

PUBLIC SAFETY Local business owners band together against Cypress Station crime

BY EMILY LINCKE

The contract—which began July 15 with HCSO— requires the deputies to devote 80% of their time patrolling CNP Utility District’s 712-acre coverage area, which includes Cypress Station, according to court documents. While the 10 approved deputies are a good start, Murray said he thinks 39 total are needed. Harris County entities have also been working to target violence in areas such as Cypress Station, said Lupe Washington, director of Harris County Public Health’s Community Health and Violence Prevention Services division. Since its Nov. 1 launch, CHVPS’ Hospital-Linked Violence Interruption Program has served 82 victims of gunshots, stabbings or aggravated assaults, Washington said. The program includes ZIP code 77090, which covers Cypress Station. This program is vital, Washington said, because data shows 40%-50% of victims of this type of violence will be revictimized within ve years. “We’re excited to be leading these types of alternative programs that [are] complementary to law enforcement, so that we can try and target violence from a public health perspective,” Washington said. Harris County budgets $5 million annually for CHVPS programs, according to HCPH.

MULTIFACETED APPROACH Crime in the Cypress Station area is being tackled by both local business owners and Harris County ocials.

Reducing crime in the Cypress Station area is a priority, as it will benet residents and businesses alike, local stakeholders say. “If we can bring police into the area, we can drastically improve [crime]. It’ll be a lot better for the residents. All the businesses will make more money and [it] will be safe for sta,” said Jake Murray—owner of Roundhill Townhomes, a rental property in Cypress Station. Located along the west side of I-45 where it intersects with FM 1960 in Spring, Cypress Station has been identied by the Harris County Sheri’s Oce as one of the most dangerous areas in unincorporated Harris County, as previously reported by Community Impact . Since February, Murray said he and about 25 other local business owners have worked to nd solutions. One of the ways the group hopes to improve safety is by asking the CNP Utility District to create a law enforcement contract for 10 deputies to patrol the area—an initiative that was approved by Harris County Commissioners Court on June 27. The contract is unfunded by commissioners court, according to the motion. It is expected to cost about $4 million across the next ve scal years, beginning in FY 2023-24, according to court documents.

CYPRESS STATION DR.

1960

BUSINESSCOMMUNITYLED EFFORTS

10 deputies were approved by Harris County Commissioners Court for a contract on June 27 with CNP Utility District, which is expected to cost about $4 million over the next ve scal years. 25 business owners are working together to ask local apartments to tighten their leasing standards

COUNTY EFFORTS

82 victims of violence have been assisted since Nov. 1 through the Harris County Hospital-Linked Violence Interruption Program

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT, JAKE MURRAY, HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH’S COMMUNITY HEALTH AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SPRING KLEIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

2023 EDUCATION EDITION COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS.

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ANNUAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE REAL ESTATE EDUCATION COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. VISIT

DISTRICT DATA

Data and information from local school districts

COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL

SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, KLEIN ISD, SPRING ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT

KLEIN ISD

SPRING ISD

Over the past four school years, Klein ISD has added approximately 126 teachers and increased its starting teacher salary by $4,450. Meanwhile, data shows the district’s student enrollment has dropped by 384 students in that same time frame.

Since the 2019-20 school year, Spring ISD has added roughly 105 teachers and increased its starting teacher salary by $6,500. Meanwhile, data shows the district lost 1,222 students during that same time frame.

STUDENT ENROLLMENT

TOTAL TEACHERS AND SALARIES

Total number of teachers*

Percent change from 2019-20:

+3.59% +4.89%

0.71%

4,000

3,000

3.46%

2,000

1,000

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2019-20

2021-22

2022-23

*TOTAL IS THE FULLTIME EQUIVALENT AND MAY INCLUDE PARTTIME POSITIONS.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

STUDENT STATISTICS, 2022 23

Starting teacher salary

Economically disadvantaged students 53.66%

English learners

Special education students

+8.01% +12.04%

$65,000

20.33% 12.5%

$60,000

84.24%

31.06%

10.63%

$55,000

Statewide

$50,000

62%

23.02%

12.74%

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

STUDENT RACE & ETHNICITY, 2022 23

Statewide

is what we do! Located in the Texas Medical Center, the TWU Institute of Health Sciences – Houston Center, oers degree programs to help you take your career to the next level and make a dierence in the world. Health Caring

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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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.

SPRING KLEIN EDITION

2023

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & SUPPLIES

GUIDE

Local businesses selling music, art and sports equipment

COMPILED BY HANNAH BROL & EMILY LINCKE

5 Fishburn Violin Shop Instrument rentals and accompanying equip- ment are available at this music store. 11435 Spring Cypress Road, Tomball 2812904580 www.shburnviolin.com S 6 H&H Music Students can rent instruments, and nd music supplies and equipment at this shop. 713 FM 1960, Houston 2815808000 www.hhmusic.com S 7 School of Rock Piano/keyboard, voice, drum and guitar les- sons are oered at these music schools. A 22424 Hwy. 249, Ste. A, Houston 2812464475 www.schoolofrock.com/locations/ championforest C L S B 21117 I45, Ste. 600, Spring 8322467625

While students and parents prepare for the 2023-24 school year to begin in August, Spring-area businesses are readying their stock of sports equipment, musical instruments and art supplies for students’ extracurricular activities. This list is not comprehensive.

KEY

C Classes/group instruction

L Private lessons

S Supplies/equipment

99 TOLL

Art 1 Cordovan Art School & Pottery Parlor Students of all skill levels can learn art skills such as pottery, painting and sketching at this art studio. 8905 Louetta Road, Ste. A, Spring 2815478484 www.cordovanartschool.com/spring C 2 Little Craft Place This craft supply store oers workshops to teach attendees how to create various projects such as decorative journals and stationary. 9702 Spring Cypress Road, Ste. 125, Spring 8326047103 www.littlecraftplace.com C S

3 Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts Students can learn to use various art mediums such as ceramics, painting and fashion design at a class hosted by this museum. 6815 Cypresswood Drive, Spring 2813766322 www.pearlmfa.org C Music 4 Firehouse Music well as instrument repair services. 8320 Louetta Road Ste. 180, Spring 2812518100 www.rehousemusic.net L S This business oers private lessons for instru- ments such as guitar, drums and ukulele as

2920

W. HARDY RD.

Cordovan Art School & Pottery Parlor

Houston’s Darts, Disc and Games

Mao Fightwear

COURTESY CORDOVAN ART SCHOOL & POTTERY PARLOR

COURTESY HOUSTON’S DARTS, DISC AND GAMES

COURTESY MAO FIGHTWEAR

9 Impress Athletix A variety of sports equipment and apparel can be ordered online and delivered or picked up in person by appointment at this business. 4405 Spring Cypress Road, Ste. 104, Spring 8322809460 www.impressathletix.com S 10 Mao Fightwear Located within Maozinha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this store specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu uniforms for children and adults.

27359 W. Hardy Road, Ste. 210, Spring 7132657111 www.maoghtwear.com C S 11 Soccer 4 All This business sells soccer-related items such as jerseys, footwear and balls. 6700 Louetta Road, Spring 2813767890 www.soccer4all.com S

www.schoolofrock.com/locations/spring C L S Sports 8 Houston’s Darts, Disc and Games Patrons of this business can purchase equip- ment for sports and games including disc golf, darts, corn hole and chess. 19940 Kuykendahl Road, Spring 2817198285 www.facebook.com/houstondartsanddiscs S

249

CHAMPION FOREST DR.

1960

Ches to Savings! ®

SPRING STUEBNER 6603 Spring Stuebner Rd (281) 288-0239

NORTH LOUETTA 1614 Louetta (281) 350-1198 KUYKENDAHL 13313 Kuykendahl (281) 873-5220

LOUETTA 7314 Louetta (281) 370-1986

WILLOWBROOK 6927 FM 1960 W (281) 580-1734

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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