This weekend in the middle of the night, our Texas Government argued over HB3979, pointing out the adverse effects on our teachers and students. Yet as the night went on, over 200 historians and many non-profits testified that HB3979 was a bill that would control our teacher’s and students’ discussions within the classroom and violate their freedom of speech. It will also bar students from getting course credits for civic engagement efforts, including lobbying and political activism. This bill would allow teachers to talk about current events from different positions, but they can’t give one perspective over another. Then this bill would cost our state about $15 million for new books and training for our teachers, which comes out of our pockets. After all of this back and forth arguing over HB3979, it seemed that it wouldn’t make it through, but at the last minute, our Lt Governor sent it back to the Senate, and now it’s on the way to the Governor’s office to be signed into law. This new bill will start in the 2023 school year and will be taught in PK-12th grade. Parents know that this bill is being passed in other states, so we’re not alone.
The other bill that passed this week was HB1468. This bill will allow our school districts to create their own policies on how they will determine who will be allowed to continue learning from home, but this only allows up to 25% of our students in the district to stay online. Then this bill also states that if a teacher doesn’t want to teach online, the districts can’t make them. The school districts must get a written consent form from their teachers stating that they agree to teach online classes. The other rule is that only schools that receive a C rating can offer online learning, then if any student starts falling behind, the district has to make room for them to return to their campus for in-person learning. All students learning online will also be able to participate in extracurricular activities after school but only at their home campus. Next, SB 348 gives all parents and guardians the ability to request their child’s curriculum to include workbooks, books, and other things that might help their child with online learning. Parents, these are a few new laws that will go into effect this coming school year.
Now, for all my seniors, once again, I would like to remind all of you to make sure all your work is turned in before it’s too late. Seniors, I know it hasn’t been easy for any of you but knows that as you cross that stage that all your hard work and determination has brought you to that one glorious day. It’s my hope that all of you will move forward and will accomplish your next educational adventures.
Parents, SAISD has partnered up with HEB to offer the COVIAD vaccine to all their students 12 years old and up for free. So please contact your school or local HEB to schedule your appointment. Also, know that it takes up to two weeks after your second shot to be considered fully vaccinated, so know that you still need to be careful around others.
Parents, know that if you have any questions or concerns that you can email me at lena.lopez@saobserver.com
Have a Blessed Week, Lena Lopez
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