Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What changes is Waco ISD making after eight campuses failed?

You won't want to miss Levitt AMP Waco Concert #7 on the Waco Patch calendar

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Good day Waco! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What changes is Waco ISD making after eight campuses failed?
  • Why Baylor's bears just moved off campus for a while
  • How will United Way's $1.2 million goal impact Waco families?

Also on today's calendar: Waco Downtown Farmers Market and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Hot, with a high of 99 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Very warm with clouds and sun, temps: high: 96, low: 75.
  • Friday: Hot with sunshine, with a high of 97 and low of 72 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Waco ISD superintendent responds to failing campus ratings, outlines plan to improve scores (kxxv.com) — Eight Waco ISD campuses just received failing state accountability grades, and district leaders are rolling out new supports, including an at‑risk specialist role, to help struggling students. Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer stresses that test-based letter grades don't define Waco students, highlighting high achievers and promising that stronger wraparound services will lift performance across the district.
   

2. Baylor's bear mascots relocated during campus habitat renovations (kwtx.com) — Baylor's beloved live bear mascots Indy and Belle are temporarily living off campus while their on-campus habitat in Waco undergoes a major renovation, including a new education pavilion and memorial wall. The university plans to bring the bears back for big events like Family Weekend and Homecoming, with construction expected to wrap up in spring 2027.
   

3. United Way Kicks Off Fundraising Season with Proclamation from McLennan County and Waco (fox44news.com) — United Way of Waco‑McLennan County has launched its 2026 fundraising drive on the courthouse steps, backed by a joint proclamation from McLennan County and the City of Waco. With a $1.2 million goal, the nonprofit plans to reinvest donations into youth programs, health, financial stability, and resilience efforts that directly support families across Waco and surrounding communities.
   

4. Debbie Potter to be nominated for BGCT president 2nd term (baptiststandard.com) — Waco will host the Texas Baptists' annual meeting Nov. 15–17 at the Waco Convention Center, where messengers will vote on Debbie Potter's nomination for a second term as BGCT president. Local pastor Matt Snowden of First Baptist Church Waco plans to nominate her, citing her leadership, focus on children's ministry, and efforts to keep diverse Texas Baptists united.
   

5. Traffic stop in Waco leads to two arrests, alleged discovery of cocaine, mushrooms and ecstasy (kwtx.com) — A recent traffic stop in Waco near La Salle and South 18th led DPS agents and troopers to arrest two men after reportedly finding cocaine, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, ecstasy and open beer containers. One suspect allegedly had drugs in a cross‑body bag, and both are now being held in McLennan County on high bonds tied to multiple drug and identification charges.
   

📸 Around Waco

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Waco

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
    6 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread) 1½ cups whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 4 large eggs 1 cup brown sugar, packed ½ cup… (Nextdoor Sanger Heights)
  • Looking for a new home for this adorable little kitten!
    We are assuming it hitched a ride in someone's car to my job since there are no other kittens in the area! Estimated to be 8ish weeks old! It's… (Nextdoor Brookview)
  • Medxcel Facilities Management, LLC posted a job opening for Powerplant Operator II in Waco. Apply here.
  • AbbVie, Inc. posted a job opening for Manufacturing Supervisor II in Waco. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waco here.

Ok Waco! 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: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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