Lightning bolts and diamonds among drug-signaling emojis
HUTTO – With students out of class from Dec. 15 through Jan. 3, Hutto Independent School District has released a list of emojis that parents should be aware of as they interact with their students over the break.
“Emojis, used as a secret language for discussing illegal drugs, are everywhere in today’s tech-savvy world,” said a Hutto ISD statement. “As parents, caregivers and educators, we must stay informed with the digital landscape, where counterfeit prescription pills laced with dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine are easily accessible on social media and e-commerce platforms.”
Snowf lakes, palm trees and green snakes are some of the innocent-seeming icons parents need be on the lookout for. See graphic for reference.
Final rezoning meetings scheduled
As part of the effort to balance student population between Hutto and Farley middle schools and the new Gus Almquist Middle School campus which will open in August, 2024, HISD will hold two final public forums to hear community input on the proposed
plans.
• Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.
Kerley Elementary School Cafeteria 800 Haybarn Lane • Thursday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.
Howard Norman Elementary School Cafeteria 101 Llano River Trail The district has two options it is working on, which can be reviewed at hipponation.org/ rezoning.
These public forums are open to all parents, guardians and residents of the district to ask questions and provide comments about potential impacts due to attendance rezoning.
In addition to the boundary options, trustees and district administrators are considering zone exemptions to allow rising seventh graders to finish their upcoming eighth grade year at their current middle school campuses for the 20242025 school term.
Cottonwood Properties considering final two developer bids
Hutto Economic Development Corp. has narrowed the search for a master developer for Cottonwood Properties to two companies – Midway, a commercial real estate development company in Houston, and Austin-based Momark Development.
The two were among four firms who pitched their visions to the HEDC at the Nov. 14 meeting.
Cottonwood Properties’ development has been stalled with lawsuits and financing delays, but with the property now under the control of the HEDC, the 250-acre site near US 79 and County Road 132 is ready for progress.
“Both Midway and Momark were selected to advance because of their history with mixed-use developments similar to the Cottonwood Properties, which could include retail, grocery, restaurants, and entertainment co-existing with some residential, parkland, and city facilities,” according to a city statement.
HEDC is planning to select a finalist and make a recommendation to Hutto City Council by the end of the year. The development is expected to be at least a 10-year plan with opportunity for community input at different stages.
Hutto Education Foundation awards $120,000 in grants
The Hutto Education Foundation said yes to 34 teachers and educators who submitted their innovative ideas to the foundation in hopes of funding new educational opportunities, a total of $120,000.
“Each year HEF awards grants to individuals, groups of educators and/or administrators to obtain resources and tools that are innovative and most significantly enrich, enhance, and maximize the quality of education available to Hutto ISD students,” said a district spokesperson.
“Students and teachers will have an enriched learning experience because of these grants,” said HEF Director Claudia Cardwell. “We couldn’t do it without the support of our Annual Corporate Partners. Thank you to our supporters, grant writers, and administrators. You are difference makers and we celebrate you and your efforts!”
Four of the noteworthy applications were:
• A grant to provide adapted music kits to allow students with special needs to participate and engage in a variety of innovative ways.
• A grant to provide portable wireless mics for multiple situations including fine arts and campus events across the district.
• A grant to create three Spanish classroom libraries full of engaging novels for language learners.
• A grant to provide a recycling program on the Nadine Johnson Elementary School campus. Students will take responsibility for maintaining the recycling in their school cafeteria.
HEF also awards grants to student leaders who have applied for funding for special projects. The foundation is a partnership between Hutto ISD, local businesses and community organizations to support students with programs that are not funded by traditional tax dollars.
An HEF fundraising event on Nov. 3 generated nearly $45,000 in net proceeds.
