🌱 Student Petition For COVID Guidelines + Round Rock Foster Teen

Good morning, Round Rock! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's what's going on today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and mild. High: 72 Low: 45.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Round Rock:

1. Over 600 Round Rock ISD students have signed a petition imploring the school district to enforce tighter COVID-19 protocols on campus. The petition was initially launched at Cedar Ridge High School and has made its way to several Round Rock middle and high schools. Students are asking for contact tracing, mask mandate enforcement, regular student testing, and several other policies to help mitigate the risks of COVID-19. A district-wide student "walkout" is planned for Jan. 20 if these demands aren't met, according to the petition. (KXAN)
2. A 16-year-old in foster care is looking for their forever family. Katherine, who is on the autism spectrum, enjoys learning about new technology and works at their school fixing computers. They made enough money to purchase an Oculus virtual reality headset, which helps them to destress. (KVUE)
3. Ralph Rickey, a Round Rock native, is bringing three additional Grease Monkey Oil Changes & More locations to Round Rock and the Greater Austin area. Grease Monkey Oil Changes & More is a lube and automotive service shop. The first of Rickey's franchised locations, the Round Rock location, is expected to open in six to nine months, with a second area center expected in 18 months and a third in two years. (Community Impact)

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Today in Round Rock:

• The Prairie Rattlers At The Mill Bar & Grill (8 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Round Rock Police Department announced that Smokey the 10-year-old dachshund has been reconnected with his family. (Instagram)
• Round Rock ISD showcased fifth-graders at Caldwell Heights Elementary School who crafted and sent handmade paper flowers to the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City. (Facebook)
• Williamson County and Cities Health District released its latest COVID-19 update from Jan. 12. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— 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.