🌱 School COVID Protocol Concerns + Viral TikTok About Round Rock

Happy Thursday, people of Round Rock! I'm Nicole Fallon-Peek and Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 72 Low: 44.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Round Rock today:

1. Parents with students of Round Rock ISD are expressing concerns over the lack of COVID-19 protocols in local schools. A McNeil High School parent said she is "really uncomfortable" with how the school is "not handling COVID," adding that the ISD is not enforcing campus compliance with the district's "orange stage 4" protocols of masking up indoors when there is no room to social distance. According to CBS Austin, parents want the district to take action to ensure student and staff safety at school and on buses. (CBS Austin)
2. A TikTok video has gone viral after listing the lamest cities to visit in Texas, including Round Rock. The video received more than 720,000 views, over 69,000 likes, and over 5,000 comments. Residents disagreed, though, stating Round Rock's uniqueness and that it has the largest indoor waterpark in America. (MySanAntonio)
3. Locally famous Via 313 Pizzeria is expected to open a Round Rock location. This would be the first Via 313 location in Round Rock. Construction is underway at 2111 N. I-35, Ste. 380, with an opening expected in the second quarter of 2022. (Community Impact)

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Today in Round Rock:

• Virtual Tween Book Club At City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation (5:00 PM)
• City of Round Rock Council Meeting At City Hall (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Round Rock Police Department is encouraging residents to submit crime tips to the Round Rock Police Department via text message at 847411. Submitters should start the message with the keyword RRPD, add a space, and then tip info. (Facebook)
• Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department was excited to share Kinningham & Buck Egger Park conceptual drawings that could be approved at this Thursday's City Council meeting if the projects are approved. (Facebook)
• Texas State University Round Rock Campus showcased the Round Rock Arts council's newest gallery, "Celebrations," on the fourth floor of the Avery building before the gallery's end on Jan. 22. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.