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Cypress Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 AUG. 9 SEPT. 9, 2025
2025 Education Edition
More Cy-Fair parents picking private, charter schools
BY SARAH BRAGER
Students are increasingly transferring out of Cy-Fair ISD to pursue other education options, such as char- ters, private schools and homeschooling, according to a report presented to the district in April. CFISD has seen a 59.1% increase in students leaving the district to enroll in charter schools since fall 2017, according to an analysis conducted this year by data consulting rm Population and Survey Analysts. More students are also leaving the district to pursue virtual learning and other districts, the report found. Many factors go into district enrollment changes, PASA President Stacey Tepera said, but one trend has been consistent at the state and national levels: parents now have more choice when it comes to their child’s education, and are taking advantage of it. “[Parents] want more opportunity than just being zoned to their local school district,” said John McLendon, chief of schools for charter district Bob Hope Schools, which is opening a Cy-Fair campus in August. “School choice is very much a topic of national conversation; it’s not just going on in this state.”
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Also in this issue
Impacts Page 6 See what sweet and savory recipes Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café is cooking up in Bridgeland Page 11 Read how Cy-Fair ISD is bringing back bus routes for all students after cuts in 2024 Education
Harmony Science Academy student Athena B. attends music class at the Cypress campus. Harmony’s Cy-Fair campuses have seen more applications in the last ve years, said Vivien Pham, principal at the new Bridgeland campus.
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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
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Impacts
oers play-based learning and development classes, including gym, art, music and dance. Activities are designed for children ages 3 months to 5 years old. • Opened June 28
P R I N G C Y
• 24310 Hwy. 290, Ste. 200, Cypress • www.rompnroll.com/cypress-tx
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4 SafeSplash Swim School SafeSplash Swim School oers swimming lessons for all ages and abilities including group lessons, private lessons and semiprivate lessons. • Opened July 12, grand opening Aug. 9 • 20931 Tuckerton Road, Cypress • www.safesplash.com 5 The Humeister Reserve Urban Edge, a community developer, held a grand opening for its newest neighborhood in June. The Humeister Reserve oers custom homes in the Cypress area. Buyers can design a custom home ranging from the $300,000-$600,000 price range. • Opened June 7 • 12302 Huffmesiter Road, Cypress • www.urbanedgetx.com 6 Crust Pizza Co-owner Dennis Solari said he and Nel Solari opened a new Crust pizza location in the Cypress area in June. Crust is a franchise with 40 locations with several coming soon and 33 locations currently open. • Opened June 26 • 22219 FM 529, Katy • www.crustpizzaco.com 7 Good Friend Theatre ComedySportz owner Benji Cooksey said the comedy theater rebranded and relocated to the Good Friend Theatre on July 19. ComedySportz was formerly located downtown at 2201 Preston Street, Houston. • Opened July 19
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2 Assisting Hands Cypress Assisting Hands in Cypress opened its newest location in May, offering a variety of in-home healthcare services for seniors. Services offered include hospice care, dementia care and household assistance. • Opened May 14 • 12262 Queenston Blvd., Ste G, Houston • www.assistinghands.com 3 Romp N’ Roll Romp n’ Roll children’s gym celebrated its grand opening in Cypress at the end of June. The franchise
Now open
1 Seafood Central Seafood Central owner John Huynh said the seafood market is now selling jumbo shrimp, sh, oysters and crabs. Seafood Central oers wholesale services, custom orders and delivery services, according to the website. • Opened June 7 • 20611 FM 529, Ste. 106, Cypress • www.seafoodcentraltx.com
• 8301 Jones Road, Ste. 160, Houston • www.comedysportzhouston.com
8 British Swim School British Swim School oers water acclimation, water survival and stroke development lessons for all ages
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and abilities as well as a noncompetitive swim team for year-round skill development. • Opened July 7 • 12304 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.britishswimschool.com 9 Gelato & Co. The new location is owned by Javier Farinez and oers authentic Italian gelato, artisan coee, homemade pastries, desserts, popsicles and milkshakes as well as gelato catering services. • Opened Aug. 2 • 20115 Bridgeland Creek Parkway, Ste. 103, Cypress • www.gelatoeco.com 10 Village on the Park Senior living community Village on the Park Steeplechase celebrated its grand opening Aug. 7 following a year of renovations. The facility has been in the Cy-Fair area for over 20 years and recently revamped its independent living cottages. • Opened Aug. 7 • 12102 Steeple Way Blvd., Houston • 409-600-1645
• www.asherlivingtx.com
Now open
13 Callahan’s Callahan’s, a locally owned boutique, is set to open in Bridgeland this summer. The store oers apparel, accessories, home goods and gifts for people of all ages, owner Sydnee Gee said. • Opening in August • 10539 Fry Road, Ste. 300, Cypress • Instagram: shopatcallahans 14 MilkShake Factory With several locations nationwide, MilkShake Factory oers signature shakes made with the brands homemade ice cream. Guests can also enjoy nondairy shake options. • Opening early 2026 • 7040 Elyson Exchange Way, Ste. E-100, Cypress • www.milkshakefactory.com 15 Peak Health and Aesthetics Owned by Amy Calder, Peak Health and Aesthetics o¢cials said the health spa has plans to expand with a second location in Cypress and open by the fall. Services oered include replacement hormone therapy, IV drips, medical weight loss and sports nutrition, per the company website. • Opening fall 2025 • 9818 Fry Road, Ste 170, Cypress • www.peakhealthtexas.com
17 Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café o¢cials opened a new Cypress location in July that specializes in sweet and savory crepes, wa£es, salads, hot drinks and sandwiches. The new eatery is part of Village Green at Bridgeland Central. Guests can choose from sweet crepe options such as berry agave, dulce de leche and cookie butter; or savory crepes such as chicken alfredo and chicken carbonara. • Opened July 14 • 20240 Summit Point Crossing, Ste. 150, Cypress • www.sweetparis.com
Coming soon
11 Clutch & Win Clutch & Win will bring over 40 claw machines and several gashapon capsule machines to Cypress, co- owners Jennifer Bui & Mai Vo conrmed. The arcade will be lled with prizes oered on a point-based system for rare plushies, toys and collectible items. • Opening in August • 25414 Hwy. 290, Ste. C-3, Cypress • Instagram: Clutch & Win 12 Asher at Towne Lakes Caldwell Companies o¢cials said Asher at Towne Lake is now preleasing in Cypress ahead of the grand opening. The development features 328 apartment homes ranging from one- to three-bedroom apartments. Monthly lease rates will range from $1,600-$3,100, o¢cials said. • Opening Aug. 23 • 12700 Greenhouse Road, Cypress
Relocations
Closings
16 Planetary Cycles Planetary Cycles owner Adam Potter said the bike shop has relocated to another space in Jersey Village to oer a more engaging layout. Founded in 1994, Potter said Planetary Cycles has relocated several times and grown from a 1,000-square-foot business to a 9,000-square- foot business. • Relocated July 9 • 8301 Jones Road, Ste. 110, Houston • www.planetarycycles.com
18 Koala Kolache Owner Vatsana Souvannavong announced the closing of her shop in July. She said the path ahead will still involve her love for baking, except in an online format. Her new online bakery website, under the name Vatsie’s Bakery Box, is still under construction. She said customers can expect the online launch to take place in September. • Closed July 6 • 14502 Spring Cypress Road, Ste. 300, Cypress • www.enjoykoalakolache.com
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Government
BY MELISSA ENAJE
$22M in funding approved for Cypress Creek erosion project
A part of a Cypress Creek watershed ood project in northwest Harris County is receiving a boost in state funding. What happened The $22 million eort to improve the Kickerillo- Mischer Preserve was secured by state Rep. Sam Harless, RSpring, during the 89th legislative session earlier this year. “This is the park and lake most of us see while driving along Cypresswood [Drive] and the Tomball Parkway that has a dam that holds back a substantial amount of water,” Harless said in a May news release. “These funds will be used to repair a number of erosion-damaged sites along a 5,700- foot section of the dam.” Funding the project Harless also said the funding will be used to install technology to safeguard parts of the dam from future erosion over the next year.
Cypress Creek erosion project scope
P K
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State funding will go toward projects along Cypress Creek at the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve.
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MELISSA ENAJECOMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT
risks across the Cypress Creek watershed include channel improvements on tributaries and right-of-way property acquisition for ood plain preservation.
The funding comes from the Texas Water Development Board in collaboration with the Harris County Flood Control District. According to the HCFCD, ongoing eorts to reduce ood
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Education
BY SARAH BRAGER
Education Edition
2025
Welcome to Community Impact’s 2025 Education Edition! Cy-Fair ISD is undergoing signicant shifts as it responds to community needs and evolving educational trends. The district has experienced a notable 59.1% increase in student transfers to local private and charter schools, highlighting growing competition and prompting district leaders to reevaluate strategies to retain and support families. In a move to better serve its student population, CFISD is reinstating bus routes that were cut last year, restoring transportation for nearly 12,000 students who previously lacked reliable access to school—an important step toward equity and accessibility. At the same time, Cy-Fair ISD is embracing innovation and career readiness. The district is using newly-invested state funds to expand its career and technical education (CTE) programs, oering students more pathways beyond traditional college degrees. Finally, this guide also includes a timely Q&A with Professor Meng Li, founding director of the Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute at the University of Houston, who discusses the increasing role of AI tools in education.
What's inside
Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute Director Meng Li talks AI use in schools (Page 13)
Angie Thomas General Manager athomas@ communityimpact.com
Learn about Cy-Fair’s ISD increase in career, technical readiness programs (Page 18)
Plus: Mathnasium celebrates 15 years in Cy-Fair (Page 20)
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Cy-Fair ISD brings back cut bus routes for students in August
All Cy-Fair ISD students will have access to buses for the 2025-26 school year after the board of trustees voted June 23 to reinstate bus routes. Exact routes will be released to the public in the beginning of August, district o cials said. How we got here The district allocated $4.1 million for transpor- tation in its $1.2 billion budget for the upcoming scal year. The decision follows a year of backlash after the district cut over 70 routes for scal year 2024-25 to manage its budget shortfall. The impact Approximately 33,000 students were notied last summer that they were ineligible for bus services, CFISD Chief Financial O cer Karen Smith said. However, she said actual ridership only decreased by about 12,000 students because not all students who are eligible for bus services use them.
Cy-Fair ISD bus routes changes CFISD has 628 bus drivers on sta and 46 in training as of July 9. Regular buses
Special education buses
600
200 150 100
400
200
50
0
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SOURCE: CYFAIR ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
voted to approve the bus route cuts, said at the June 23 board meeting she regrets the decision. CFISD also received several reports of auto pedes- trian accidents involving students last school year. “I have to sit here and apologize to the public because it wasn’t a good decision to keep children unsafe on their way to school,” she said.
Jarred Hostetler said his 11-year-old daughter had to walk almost 2 miles to and from school. “It didn’t seem like anyone was really looking out for the safety of our children, so that’s when I decided that we had to really push to get the buses back,” Hostetler said. Trustee Natalie Blasingame, who originally
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Education
BY DIEGO COLLAZO
University of Houston Professor Meng Li talks AI use in schools Since its release in 2022, generative articial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have given stu- dents access to technology that can complete tasks and assignments with a simple prompt, blurring the lines of academic integrity and sparking discussions on AI’s place in the classroom. Community Impact spoke with Meng Li, founder and director of the Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute at the University of Houston, to discuss the role of AI in academia. Have you seen students using AI tools in the classroom, and has it become a problem? Of course, within the classroom and also out- side the classroom. Students are young; they’re quick. They adopted AI tools, so of course that’s happening. It really depends on the context. I think the reality is we cannot ignore AI. Students are using it, so we cannot let them not use AI. I think when ChatGPT rst came out, schools restricted students from using it, but it’s not happening anymore. People are more welcoming of AI for students. I think the bigger question is how to best use AI in the classroom, or how to help our students learn based on these AI tools. What might the early stages of integrating AI into education look like? We need to dene what AI tools are appropriate, how to structure learning around them and how to adopt them in meaningful ways. It will take time. We’re still at the beginning of this transformation.
We need experimentation, feedback and collabora- tion between educators and technologists to make AI work eectively in education. How might AI aect how students think, create and problem-solve in the long run? A lot of people worry that students will become too dependent on AI—that it will replace critical thinking or creativity—but I don’t think it has to be that way. If we use AI the right way, it can actually help students think better. AI can give fast feedback, generate ideas or show dierent ways to approach a problem, but students still have to decide what to use and how. That decision-making process, that’s where the learning happens. Does the rapid advancement of AI worry you? Well, I think of replacement—task replacement, job replacement. We already know that’s hap- pening, and some people are not happy. For our society, it will have a big impact, but I think we don’t really need to worry too much. The reason is, we are smart. We have seen this, probably not with AI, but we’ve seen other technology like the internet, computers. I think we are ne. We don’t really need to worry too much. What role do schools and educators play when it comes to AI? I think a lot of university schools are developing AI policies. Train the professors, educators, teachers to learn how to use AI in their classroom or at least understand it. I think that’s important, and schools should do it. It is a very tough task because this AI scene is developing quite fast, but the discrepancy between the knowledge of students and the teach- ers is a big worry. As I said, students quickly learn those AI tools, so how do we, the teachers, know what AI looks like in practice? I think that’s very relevant. People probably ignore that.
By the numbers According to a January 2025 study from the Digital Education Council: • 86% of students use AI to help in school. • 54% use it weekly. • Nearly 25% use it daily. According to a February 2025 Higher Education Policy Institute study: • 92% of undergraduate students used AI in school, a 66% jump from 2024. According to a 2024 report from Ellucian, a higher education AI consultant rm: • 93% of higher education staff said they plan to implement more AI usage for work purposes in the coming years.
SOURCES: DIGITAL EDUCATION COUNCIL, HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY INSTITUTE, ELLUCIAN COMMUNITY IMPACT
This interview was edited for space, see the full interview at communityimpact.com .
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Education
BY HANNAH NORTON
Teachers now have more disciplinary authority House Bill 6 gives public school teachers more discretion to remove students from the classroom if they are repeatedly disruptive or threaten the safety of others. The change comes after nearly half of Texas public school teachers cited disci- pline issues as a top workplace challenge in 2022, according to the Texas Education Agency. What you need to know The law, which took eect immediately when Gov. Greg Abbott signed it on June 20, allows schools to suspend students of any age who engage in “repeated or signicant” disruptions, reversing a 2017 state law that generally prohib- ited schools from suspending students in pre-K through second grade. If students in kindergarten through third grade are sent home for behavioral
Districts to level-set high school GPAs Texas school districts will soon be required to use a standard system to calculate high school students’ grade point averages. At a glance Senate Bill 1191, which became law June 20, directs the Texas Education Agency to create a new GPA standard “as soon as practicable.” The system must give equal weight to advanced placement, international baccalaureate and dual enrollment courses. “It most likely won’t impact kids that are currently enrolled in high school, … because it’s going to take a while to make sure every- one is on the same page,” said Bob Popinski, who leads the policy team for public school advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas.
“A lot of the problems we see with our kids in high school is because they did not have consequences, none whatsoever, when they were younger.” REP. JEFF LEACH, RPLANO, BILL AUTHOR
issues, schools must provide documentation explaining their decision. HB 6 gives schools the option to place students on in-school suspension for as long as they see t. State law previously mandated that students could not be suspended for more than three school days, whether they were inside a school building or at home. The three-day time limit on out-of-school suspensions remains unchanged.
New law bans cellphone usage in all K12 schools When Texas public school students return to campus this fall, they will be prohibited from using cellphones, smartwatches and other personal communication devices throughout the
School districts could:
the cellphone ban. “We want our kids to focus on academics, such as math, science and reading, and the reality is, these phones are a distraction. ... Schools cite growing incidents of cyberbullying due to these phones,” bill author Rep. Caroline Fairly, RAmarillo, said in March. HB 1481 includes exceptions for students with medical needs or special education accommoda- tions, and does not apply to devices supplied by school districts for academic purposes.
• Purchase pouches to store devices during the school day • Ask students to keep devices in their lockers or backpacks
school day. The details
Texas’ 2026-27 budget includes $20M in grants to help districts implement the law.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1481 into law June 20, giving school districts 90 days to adopt new electronic device policies, including disciplinary measures for students who violate
SOURCES: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
RATES AS LOW AS
9212 Fry Rd., Suite 100 Cypress, TX 77433 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org
*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Standard variable rate APR of 4.64% to 18.00% based on your creditworthiness and relationship product discounts. Rates current as of 08/01/2025. Payment periods range from 12 to 84 months. Example payment: $10,000 for 60 months at 6.00% APR will have a monthly payment of $194.00.
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CYPRESS EDITION
More Cy-Fair parents picking private, charter schools From the cover
Diving deeper
What’s happening
Harmony Science Academy-Bridgeland will also welcome its inaugural group of students in August. Principal Vivien Pham said the Bridgeland community was an attractive choice for Harmony’s expansion because of rapid development near the Grand Parkway. Harmony has ve other campuses within CFISD boundaries, which Pham said have seen higher demand in the last ve years. According to Texas Education Agency student transfer reports, virtual alternatives for students transferring out of CFISD in 2024-25 included online learning through Texas universities, such as The University of Texas at Austin and Texas Tech University. Cy-Fair enrollment in virtual programs increased after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Charter schools are free, publicly funded schools separate from traditional independent school districts, meaning they have more exibility in their curriculum and teaching methods. At least 20 charter schools have opened in the Greater Houston area since 2019, six of which fall within CFISD boundaries. Texas charter districts Bob Hope School and Harmony Public Schools are each opening a campus in Cy-Fair this fall with about 520 students and 650 students, respectively. McLendon said Bob Hope School conducted demographic surveys before settling on its campus at the former Cypress Christian School facility. The district considered factors such as language spo- ken at home and household income, McLendon said, as the charter district has historically served bilingual and low-income students.
According to the PASA analysis, CFISD is expected to see a 1.1% enrollment dip by 2034. That’s a projected net loss of about 1,300 students, factoring in students who transfer into the district and start kindergarten each year. Birth rates have also declined since 2020, the report found, meaning fewer kids are expected to enter the district over the next few years. Chief Operations Ocer Matt Morgan said a 1% decline in enrollment equals a $7.3 million decrease in state funding for CFISD. The district built its Fiscal Year 2025- 26 budget with the 1% decline in mind, Morgan said, noting that enrollment is projected to trend at in the future. “Since declines in enrollment impact state funding, any decline in enrollment is a concern,” Morgan said. “A decrease in funding can impact programs and future pay raises.” Tepera said she believes the enrollment decline was inevitable. She told the board of trustees in April that the district is entering a stabilization phase, meaning demographics are naturally stabilizing after years of rapid growth. This is in part because development is tapering as projects nish, she said.
Mapping private, charter school growth Charter schools Private schools c p
Opened before 2000
Opened 2000-2009
Opened 2010-2019
Opened after 2019
Cy-Fair ISD
p
SPRING CYPRESS RD.
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p
c
p
c
p
p
290
p
p
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1960
c
p
Harmony Science Academy- Bridgeland
p
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45
c
c
Harmony Science Academy- Bridgeland
p
Student transfers out of Cy-Fair ISD over time
p
p
c c
Bob Hope School - Cy-Fair
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249
8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0
p
c
c
529
p
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
p
+64.58%
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Bob Hope School - Cy-Fair
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c
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6
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N
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SOURCE: LOCAL CHARTER AND PRIVATE SCHOOLSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
610
c
Public input
Breakdown of 202324 transfers
“We’ve always been very supportive of the pub- lic school system,” said Delp, who attended CFISD schools. “But we had always said we are willing to do whatever was best for each of our kids.” Delp said she would consider re-enrolling her kids in CFISD if schools oered more time for students to play outside and freely interact with their peers throughout the day, calling play a “pivotal” part of education.
Local parent Sarah Delp transferred all four of her children out of CFISD schools and into the Aristoi Classical Academy charter school for the upcoming school year. She said she was concerned about the conse- quences of computer-based learning and wanted to switch her kids to a more traditional liberal arts education. Delp also cited CFISD’s library sta cuts in June 2024 as a factor in her decision.
Charter schools: 52.5% Private schools: 30.7% Other school districts: 9.4% Virtual schools: 7.2%
NOTE: NUMBERS MAY NOT ADD UP TO 100% DUE TO ROUNDING OF DATA
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SARAH BRAGER
Quotes of note
Also of note
Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2 into law in May, allowing eligible families to access public dollars in the form of “education savings accounts” for private school tuition. Families can receive about $10,000 per child to enroll in private schools. Laura Colangelo, executive director of the Texas Private Schools Association, said it’s unclear exactly how the law will impact CFISD enrollment. An estimated 70,000 to 80,000 students statewide may receive funding from an ESA in 2026-27, Colangelo said, depending on special needs and homeschooled applicants. “We can’t predict how many parents from [Cy Fair] will apply to ESAs, but private schools are not expecting a huge inux,” said Colangelo, who lobbied in favor of SB 2. “It will aect some students, ... but it will not create a mass exodus from public schools.”
Senate Bill 2 explained $13,995 average annual private school tuition in Texas 3,064 students residing in CFISD who attended private school in 2023-24 $1 billion cap on state voucher spending for 2026-27 85% of per-student funding a public school normally receives from state will go to parents $30,000 is the max funding a student with a disability may receive to attend private school $160,000 is the maximum income for a family of four with a special needs child to receive rst priority on vouchers
“Public schools are the backbone of our communities. We serve all students, regardless of background,
income or ability.” TONYA GOREE, CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER, CFISD
“[Parents] may think their kid isn’t being challenged enough, [or]
they want their kid to have access to a dual language program or Montessori program free of charge.” JOHN MCLENDON, CHIEF OF SCHOOLS, BOB HOPE SCHOOLS
SOURCES: TEXAS LEGISLATURE, PRIVATE SCHOOL REVIEWCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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CYPRESS EDITION
Education
BY SARAH BRAGER & EMILY LINCKE
Cy-Fair ISD sees increases in career, technical readiness programs
A closer look
About the program
Zooming out
Gov. Greg Abbott pushed for expansion of statewide CTE programs during the 89th legislative session and in February listed high school career training as an emergency item. While CFISD has not historically struggled with CTE funding due to high enrollment, the additional support is always benecial, Goree said. CFISD Chief Financial Ocer Karen Smith said funding increases associated with the two pieces of legislation were funneled through House Bill 2, which gave a funding boost to public schools across the board, including CTE programs. According to a December 2024 report from the Texas Workforce Commission, the two industries projected to have the most high-wage and high-demand jobs are professional, scientic and technical services, as well as health care and social assistance.
Goree said the health science program in partic- ular is experiencing notable growth and demand, both within CFISD and across Texas, citing high demand and wages in the health care industry statewide. Industry certications within this career cluster include: • Certied nurse aide • Emergency medicine technician, basic • Pharmacy technician • Registered dental assistant • Patient care technician On the other hand, Goree said, the district has seen a temporary decline in interest in hospitality related programs in association with lower wages. “Increased student interest in practical, career-focused education plays a key role, espe- cially as alternatives to traditional college paths gain value,” Goree said.
CFISD oers over 30 programs of study, including:
The Texas Legislature passed House Bills 20 and 120, which expand college and career readiness programs in public schools. The legislation also established that Junior ROTC courses are eligible for CTE funding. The estimated CTE funding increase from HB 2 for the district is $1.2 million for FY 2025-26, Smith said, which came from the boost to basic allotment funding. Smith said HB 2 included funding increases for reimbursement of two certication exams per student and to cover items like criminal background checks. Legislators set a statewide cap at $20 million, but per-district funding is unknown as of press time.
Animal science
Enrollment in career and technical education programs in Cy-Fair ISD has increased by almost 3,000 students in the last six years, according to annual district data. In the 2024- 25 school year, 40,000 students across the district were enrolled in CTE courses. Chief Academic Ocer Tonya Goree said this is in part because high school students are taking advantage of the chance to obtain industry recognized certications at a lower cost, which allow them to enter the work force right after graduation. For example, the average cost of a post- secondary cosmetology program ranges from $13,000 to $20,000, Goree said, but CFISD students can complete the training for free with exception of the nal exam cost.
Cy-Fair ISD enrollment in career, technical programs over time 50,000
Automotive technician
Business management
+7.31%
Cosmetology
40,000
Culinary
30,000
Environmental and natural resources
20,000
10,000
Health science
0
Robotics engineering and manufacturing
Welding
SOURCE: CYFAIR ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: CYFAIR ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
CYPRESS ROSEHILL 14315 Cypress Rosehill (281) 373-2999
SPRING CYPRESS 22508 Hwy 249 (281) 379-7383 BARKER CYPRESS
HUFFMEISTER 8945 Hwy 6 N (281) 859-5879
17996 FM 529 (281) 656-4200
Education
BY SARAH BRAGER
Each student uses a workbook that’s personalized to their math level.
DEERD.
290
N
12344 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 150, Cypress www.mathnasium.com/cy-fair
Students sit at tables based on their math level, so ages vary across the classroom.
PHOTOS BY SARAH BRAGERCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Mathnasium celebrates 15 years in Cy-Fair Former teacher Catherine Labuda never thought she’d hear a child beg to take another math test. As a co-owner of three math tutoring centers in Cy-Fair, now she hears it all the time. “With little kids, we’ll do a numerical uency test, and we play games with them,” she explained. “We make it fun so that they enjoy it.” Mathnasium tutors teach second-grade math through precalculus, with curriculum customized
for each student. How we got here Catherine Labuda and her husband, John, invested in their rst Mathnasium center—a math tutoring franchise—when they moved to Texas 15 years ago. The couple opened two more locations by 2014. John Labuda said one of the most rewarding parts of the job is watching students grow into their condence as their grades shift from Ds to As. The local impact John Labuda said they’ve served almost 3,000 students since their rst center opened in 2010.
Reecting on 15 years in the community, the couple said they’ve been able to grow alongside the students themselves. Some students, who John Labuda calls “lifers,” started going to the Cy-Fair center in elementary school and stayed through high school. A few of them have even applied to be tutors, he said, creating a true full-circle experience. The future Catherine Labuda said she hopes to keep demon- strating that anyone can be a “math person.” Basic math sense is crucial in all aspects of life, the couple explained.
20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Cypress Winds Community Band performs standard music pieces and challenging new ones.
Cypress Wind Community Band was founded in 2024 to promote music education.
PHOTOS COURTESY CYPRESS WINDS COMMUNITY BAND
Local community band promotes music education
Founded in 2024 to promote professional devel- opment and community engagement through music, the Cypress Winds Community Band is composed of music educators from Cy-Fair ISD. The inspiration The community band idea was brought in by Rowe Middle School music directors who partici- pated in a community band concert in Austin. “The thing that happens when you become a teacher is all of a sudden the day-to-day changes, because you’re not playing your instrument, you’re teaching other people to play,” Cypress Winds Director Todd Clearwater said.
The impact The community band is made up of over 70 CFISD educators and former educators from several schools. Clearwater and co-director Tom Harrington said the ensemble oers a creative and inspiring environment for musicians passionate about performing wind band literature while providing students with the opportunity to see their teachers perform. Performances take place starting in December and continue through May with various themed performances. Clearwater said Cypress Winds is in the process of becoming a nonprot organization to fund its community and education initiatives.
The band is made up of Cy-Fair ISD music educators.
The community band performs free concerts as well as a variety of themed performances.
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21
CYPRESS EDITION
Transportation
BY MELISSA ENAJE
Precinct 3 requests sidewalk input
The impact
Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey issued an open call request in July for stakeholders interested in developing new sidewalks to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity. The request includes collaboration opportunities with municipal utility districts, public utility districts, water districts and cities as well as school districts in Precinct 3. Applications are due Sept. 5, and approved sidewalk projects will be funded by both the county and participating partners, o cials said. Precinct 3 o cials said their goal is to complete construction of all awarded projects by the fourth quarter of 2026. More information can be given by the Precinct 3 tra c team, accessible by its email at pct3engtra c@pct3.hctx.net.
Sidewalk proposals The Harris County Precinct 3 commissioner’s oce already has sidewalk plans on four roads: • Dakar Drive • Humeister Road • Matzke Park • Telge Road
A scoring rubric framework will be used to rank approved projects that are based on weighted criteria including high-pedestrian factors, safety concerns, enhancements, feasibility and partnerships. An average of 13% of students either walk or bike to school in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Jeremy Eugene is a special education teacher at Cy-Fair ISD who said he knows rsthand the need for a proper sidewalk at his high school since he walks to work. “There’s not a sidewalk for a good stretch of the the actual walkway,” Eugene said. “It takes like just seven minutes to walk to school. But half of that, there isn’t a sidewalk.”
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 3 COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT
“This will provide our engineers with known high-pedestrian locations
to evaluate and ensure sidewalks lead to safe roadway intersection crossings.”
TOM RAMSEY, HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 3 COMMISSIONER
22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Events
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
August
September
‘Annie’ Stageworks Theatre is presenting ‘Annie,’ based on the
T2T Cypress 5K run/walk Participate in the Tunnel to Towers Greater Houston Area 5K at John Paul Landing. • Sept. 6, 7:30 a.m.-noon • $15-$40 (registration) • 9950 Katy Hockley Road, Cypress • https://runwalkcypressnorthwesthouston.t2t.org Denim & Diamonds casino night fundraiser Family Ties, a family resource services organization, is holding a fundraiser to stop violence and child abuse. • Sept. 6, 5 p.m. • $125 Reach Unlimited clay shoot Join Reach Unlimited for its third annual sporting clay shoot where participants will shoot 100 targets, enjoy a barbecue lunch and get to bid on auction prizes at Westside Sporting Grounds. • Sept. 19, 8 a.m.-noon • $350 • 18224 Kz Road, Cypress • www.familytiesfrs.org
popular comic strip by Harold Gray. • Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 17, 3 p.m. • $26-$38.75 • 10760 Grant Road, Houston • www.stageworkshouston.org
Cy-Fair Ten Pin Challenge Participate in the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce’s Ten Pin Challenge with a team of four at Coppereld Bowl. • Aug. 22, 12:30-4:30 p.m. • $425 (registration per team) • 15615 Glen Chase Drive, Houston • www.cyfairchamber.com Paint your pet Paint a picture of your pet with the guidance of an instructor during a step-by-step painting process at Painting With a Twist. • Aug. 28, 7 p.m. • $59-$77 • 12344 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 200, Cypress • www.paintingwithatwist.com
Shop ‘Til You Drop Support the Cy-Fair Women’s Club during its annual market featuring over 250 small-business vendors at the Berry Center. • Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.cyfairwomensclub.org
• 10120 Pattison Road, Katy • www.reachunlimited.org
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CYPRESS EDITION
Cy-Fair Educational Foundation
Hyatt Regency Houston West • October 18, 2025
HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress Missing Man Underwriter Howard Hughes 1st Lt. Jeremy Ray Fallen Soldier Sponsor
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Veteran Tickets - $75 • Individual Tickets - $125
Guest Speaker Joe Torrillo - FDNY Lieutenant
On September 11, 2001, Lieutenant Joe Torrillo of the NYC Fire Department responded to the World Trade Center attacks. Joe ful lled his vow as a reman, risking his own life to save trapped victims. In the process, Joe himself was buried under tons of concrete and steel. During the four- year recovery from his life-threatening injuries, Joe faced a choice: succumb to self-pity or get back on his feet and face the future with the bravery of a Fireman.
Contact Marie Holmes at 281.370.0144 • eCFEF.org
The Care They Deserve Schedule your tour today and experience our resident-first philosophy! AT CYPRESS Wellness ∙ Community ∙ Peace of Mind Our residents thrive as they enjoy:
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17935 Longenbaugh Rd., Cypress, TX 77433
24
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Business
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
The Texas Tornado ($5.96-$7.79) is made with vanilla custard with chocolate and strawberry avors.
Owners Keri Jackman and Matthew Greatens enjoy a cone of frozen custard.
PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILAR COMMUNITY IMPACT
Connie’s Frozen Custard oers taste of the Midwest Connie’s Frozen Custard has been a local staple in the Cy-Fair community for 25 years, but for its cur- rent owners, Keri Jackman and Matthew Greatens, texture ready to eat as soon as it is prepared. With ingredients from the Midwest, Connie’s Frozen Custard o ers vanilla and chocolate frozen
J.B.’s Texas Turtle ($6.59) is made with frozen custard, hot fudge, caramel, roasted pecans and cherries.
custard prepared daily. Frozen custard can be customized with over 50 toppings, such as nuts, syrups and candy. A few popular menu items include the Texas Tornado made with melted chocolate chips and strawberries, and the Turtle Sundae made with vanilla custard, hot fudge, caramel and pecans. Served through a walk-up window and drive- thru, Connie’s Frozen Custard plans to continue serving frozen custard to the community at its original location as well as its new location set to open this fall in Towne Lake.
the nostalgic swirl of frozen treats runs deeper. Once regulars while attending Cy-Fair High School, the husband-and-wife duo took ownership after the original owners retired in 2022. “I think for us, it was about wanting to continue something that we knew was iconic in the commu- nity,” Jackman said. Craving frozen custard? Under the couple’s ownership, Connie’s has maintained the original frozen custard recipe. Unlike traditional ice cream, frozen custard is made with pasteurized eggs and o ers a creamier
MCCRACKEN CIR.
CYPRESS NORTH HOUSTON RD.
N
12545 Jones Road, Houston www.conniesfrozencustard.com
KIDS AROUND OUR COMMUNITY ARE HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL. SHARE THE ROAD AND DO YOUR PART TO KEEP THEM SAFE.
CONNECT WITH US! @CYFAIRFD . #CYFAIRFD • Bus routes and traffic patterns will be changing— Allow extra travel time and drive slowly in school zones, near bus stops, and in residential areas. • Stay alert for students— Some walk to and from school or to and from a bus stop. Pay close attention, especially between 6:30-9:00 a.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. • Don’t drive distracted— Put the phone down. A second of distraction could mean a child’s life.
MOST ACCIDENTS HAPPEN WHEN CHILDREN ARE NOT INSIDE A VEHICLE.
Scan here for more
important safety considerations:
WWW.CYFAIRFD.ORG
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CYPRESS EDITION
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