🌱 LISD Teacher Speaks About Banned Books + Unpaid Training At LISD?

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know to start today off on an informed note, shall we? Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today in Cedar Park-Leander.

First, today's weather:

Sunny, breezy and very warm. High: 87 Low: 60.

Here are the top three stories in Cedar Park-Leander today:

1. On Apr. 7, Leander ISD teacher Deanna Perkins introduced two books that are being challenged within the district at the virtual Banned Book Read-In. Perkins has worked as an elementary school teacher in Leander for 17 years and expressed concerns about the precedent it would set if students did not have access to books by and about historically underrepresented groups. "I feel like it’s important to see what these people have gone through whether they are Black, whether they are Mexican American, whether they are indigenous or LGBTQ, because a lot of us don’t know what they’ve gone through," said Perkins. (KXAN)
2. Texas Legislature is requiring teachers of grades K through 3 complete the Reading Academies, a 60 to 120-hour course on reading, during their own time and without pay if they want to keep their jobs in 2023. An elementary visual arts teacher in the Leander ISD, Meredith Connely, paid almost $200 for the all-level certification to be exempt from the Reading Academies. Conney ultimately believes it was $200 well spent, but added that, "I shouldn’t have had to pay. My time has worth."(HPPR)
3. Need help with spring cleaning this year? Try "Local Businesses," where you can find Cedar Park-Leander area professionals that can help with your long to-do list. Some categories include house cleaning, junk removal, window repair, swimming pool cleaning, mowing the lawn, mounting televisions, and more. Learn more on Patch. (Cedar Park-Leander Patch)

Today in Cedar Park-Leander:

• Easter Egg Hunt & Festivities At 2001 W New Hope Drive in Cedar Park (10:00 AM)
• Virtual All Ages Storytime At Cedar Park Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Mini-Con Film Finale: The Princess Bride At Cedar Park Public Library (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Meet Persephone, an adorable young female cat with orange, black, and white fur, at Texas Humane Heroes No Kill Animal Adoption Centers in Leander! View the link to see Persephone and many more adoptable pets in your area. (Cedar Park-Leander Patch)
• The Cedar Park Police Department is hiring Lateral Transfers! Visit the police department website for more information. (Facebook)
• Looking for the perfect spot to take bluebonnet pictures? The City of Cedar Park suggests Brushy Creek Lake Park, Sports Park, and Sagebrook Nursing Home on Discovery! (Facebook)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (April 14)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!