Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Odessa’s ECISD just earned a top STEM education award

Coming up on the Odessa Patch calendar: Colors of Autumn Market

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Friday September 18th Patch AM
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Hello Odessa! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Odessa's ECISD just earned a top STEM education award
  • What ECISD is doing after a multi-vehicle school bus crash
  • How one Odessa teacher just landed $20,000 for her school

Also on today's calendar: Colors of Autumn Market and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 93 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Warm; an afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 95, low: 73.
  • Sunday: Warm; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 95 and low of 70 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Ector County ISD awarded Outstanding STEM Initiative (newswest9.com) — Ector County ISD in Odessa has been honored with the Outstanding STEM Initiative award for its hands-on science program that's boosting student performance across key STAAR categories. District leaders credit real-world, sensory-rich lessons and digital tools that help multilingual learners fully participate in science classes.
   

2. Ector County ISD bus crash damages multiple vehicles in Odessa (star-telegram.com) — An Ector County ISD school bus crash in Odessa on Thursday damaged several vehicles but caused no serious injuries to students, pedestrians, or the driver. District officials say the veteran driver, who has over 20 years' experience, was checked at the hospital and released, and will undergo retraining and recertification if cleared to return to driving.
   

3. Odessa teacher wins national contest, brings $20,000 to Harmony school (star-telegram.com) — An Odessa elementary teacher at Harmony Science Academy has won a national "Stock Your School" contest, bringing nearly $20,000 in supplies and grants directly to her campus. Students and staff will receive reusable water bottles, teacher Getaway Bags, and extra classroom and schoolwide resources, with administrators praising the community support that helped secure the win.
   

4. FIRST ALERT 7 Forecast for Friday, September 18th, 2026 (firstalert7.com) — If you're in Odessa, expect a hot, sunny Friday with highs near 95 degrees before a cool front brings more comfortable 80s and increasing rain chances later this weekend into next week. Most areas stay dry to end the workweek, but keep an eye out for more frequent showers in the days ahead.
   

5. Woman accused of striking acquaintance with bat (oaoa.com) — Odessa police arrested a 35-year-old woman after another woman reported being struck in the head with a wooden bat and having her car windshield smashed during a dispute on Santa Rosa. Officers found the victim bleeding and a damaged Buick, and a witness backed up the account, leading to aggravated assault and criminal mischief charges and her release on bond the next day.
   

📸 Around Odessa

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Odessa

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Odessa Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Harmony Science Academy-Odessa Teacher Named National Winner of Simple Modern's Stock Your School Campaign —Daniela Marquez Read on Patch
  • Peter is a sweet mixed-breed boy with a big heart and lots of love to give.
    At 4 years old and 80 pounds, he's ready to leave the waiting behind and start making happy memories with a loving family of his own. Could Peter be… (Nextdoor )
  • National Pet Carbon Monoxide Safety Day
    Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas dangerous to both people and pets. Install CO detectors near sleeping areas, maintain fuel-burning… (Nextdoor )
  • AmeriPride Services posted a job opening for Op-Mender/Sewer in Odessa. Apply here.
  • Energi Personnel posted a job opening for Manuel Machinist in Odessa. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Odessa here.

Ok Odessa! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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