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Community Corner

🌱COVID-19 Hospitalizations + Teacher Shortages And Consequences

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in North Austin-Pflugerville.

Gabriela Cantu Couvillion's profile picture
Gabriela Cantu Couvillion, Neighbor
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Happy Wednesday, people of North Austin-Pflugerville! Here's everything you need to know going on locally today.

First, today's weather:

Cool with sun and some clouds. High: 54 Low: 38.

Here are the top stories in North Austin-Pflugerville today:

  1. Although COVID-19 related hospitalizations have gone down slightly across the nation, according to health experts, "there is still a long way to go before the country reaches pre-omicron variant levels." As of Jan. 25, approximately "150,000 inpatient beds were being used for COVID-19 patients," and although that number was 8,000 less than the prior week, "hospitals continue to be challenged by the large influx of COVID-19 patients, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services." Emily Pond, research analyst at Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center, said "There may be reason for cautious optimism... The most recent case surge appears to have peaked, with nationwide case totals declining for the first time in over a month." For the complete press release on COVID-19 hospitalizations, including hospital capacity in the North Austin-Pflugerville Area, visit: (North Austin-Pflugerville Patch)
  2. On Thursday, Jan. 20, the Pflugerville Legislative Advocacy Committee met during their regular board meeting and "came up with a list of mitigation strategies to make up for the teacher shortages and substitute deficits." Although the meeting focused on the consequences of teachers who break a contract during the middle of the school year, "the board also discussed wanting "to push the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) to provide more flexibility on who can enter the classrooms." For more information and details on the meeting's topics of discussion, visit: (KXAN.com)
  3. The new Haverty's Furniture store, which was slated to open in November of last year, is now scheduled to open in April, according to the store's representatives. The home furnishing store will be the third one in the Austin-area and will be located at the Stone Hill Town Center in Pflugerville, at the corner of SH 130 and SH 45. For more details, visit www.havertys.com and: (Community Impact Newspaper)

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Today in North Austin-Pflugerville:

  • Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Erika at Pflugerville Recreation Center. (8 a.m.)
  • Mighty Kids Taekwondo for Ages 5-6 at Pflugerville Recreation Center. (4:15 p.m.)
  • Stand Strong Family Taekwondo for Ages 8 and Older. (6 p.m.)
  • City Council Meeting at City Council Chambers. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • "Our own Hendrickson Hawks of Pflugerville ISD land in the top 25 of the UIL! Check it out: uiltexas.org/lone-star-cup." (Facebook)
  • "It's your last chance to apply for our Pflugerville Police Department's 33rd Citizens Police Academy! What is the Citizens Police Academy? It's an opportunity to learn more about policing, build relationships and is a pre-requisite for joining our Citizens on Patrol program. This 28-hour program meets on Thursday evenings to cover a diverse list of topics from criminal investigations, forensics, crime prevention, victim services and more.
    Apply before Jan. 31 to join our class beginning in February at pflugervilletx.gov/cpa." (Facebook)
  • "Starting Monday, Feb. 7, there is an exclusive virtual only offer for you to get 4 weeks for only $10! Visit campgladiator.com to sign up and see how four weeks can help you! Virtual training times: Monday-Wednesday, 5 a.m. Central." (Facebook)
  • "Spring Bookfair is coming at Ruth Barron Elementary! Visit our bookfair website for all of the details at: RBES Spring Bookfair 2022 (google.com)." (Facebook)
  • "Learning in action! Wieland Elementary Pflugerville ISD 4th grade students applied their knowledge of area and perimeter by working on designing and building the dream homes in class. Check it out here." (Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update.

— Gabriela Couvillion

About me: I'm an active mom of two grown sons and lifelong San Antonio resident. I received a BA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and in my free time I immerse myself in creative writing. Thanks for reading Patch, and feel free to reach out if you have any news and happenings you think may appeal to our readers!

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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