🌱 Staffing Shortages Impact STAAR Tutoring + Freezing Weather

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First, today's weather:

Ice, then rain; very cold. High: 37 Low: 22.

Here are the top three stories in McKinney-Frisco today:

1. Staffing shortages are impacting a new law approved last year requiring schools to provide students with at least 30 hours of tutoring in each failed subject. In general, hiring has been challenging in education so Districts don’t expect to reach the requirements outlined in the legislation. Some districts question whether the statewide approach is best for students who faced immense learning loss. In Frisco, officials want the flexibility to put together individualized plans based on their own community needs. (The Dallas Morning News)
2. Amid Wednesday morning’s freezing weather, police and firefighters responded to multiple traffic incidents around McKinney, Frisco, and Fort Worth. These crashes deteriorated road conditions. US Highway 380 was shut down when eight vehicles collided, but it was reopened shortly before 8 a.m. Fire officials warn drivers to drive cautiously in icy conditions. (NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)
3. The City of McKinney signed a contract with Australian artist Guido Van Helten to paint the historic 100 feet tall silos. The McKinney Silo Project will be funded through a combination of grants, private investments and more. Van Helten, known for his photorealistic paintings, will immerse himself into the community to identify the true identity of McKinney. The City requests residents take a brief survey on the city website which will be used in crafting Van Helten’s visits this spring. (Star Local Media)

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Today in McKinney-Frisco:

• McKinney Community Development Corporation At City Hall Council Chambers (8:00 AM)
• Silent Yoga At Apex Centre (9:30 AM)
• Pre-K Storytime: Alphabet Adventure At Roy and Helen Hall Library (10:15 AM)
• Tech Help At John and Judy Gay Library (10:15 AM)

From my notebook:

• No children were injured in a bus accident at the long bridge on FM 3286 in between Branch and Lucas. Deputies from the Collin County Sheriff's Office McKinney, Texas are in the process of clearing the area. (Facebook)
• Collin County Sheriff's Office McKinney, Texas congratulates Sgt. Wright on his promotion to Lieutenant and wishes him every success with his new duties in the detention facility. (Facebook)
• Beware of the weather! Frisco will remain under a Winter Weather Advisory from through the day today. (Facebook)
• The North Texas Food Bank recently celebrated its 40th anniversary commemorative event, Harvest. With the support of an anonymous donor who was matching dollars raised Saturday night, the total funds raised through Harvest reached $1,154,000! (Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.