🌱 Patch AM: How two Plano teens turned a school project into a U.S. patent

What's up Plano! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Plano PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

• Crain & Wooley — (972) 560-6288
  Estate Planning and Probate Attorneys serving DFW
• PeakPower Learners — (469) 396-6182
  The Power Of Two: Online Classes for Dual Language Students

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

In today's newsletter:

• How two Plano teens turned a school project into a U.S. patent
• How does Plano Magazine keep advertisers out of its newsroom?
• How Plano students turned good grades into cash and new tech

Also on today's calendar: Crain & Wooley: Free Estate Planning Webinar and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Very warm with sun and clouds, with a high of 78 and low of 63 degrees.
• Wednesday: Very warm with clouds and sun, temps: high: 76, low: 63.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 78 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Plano Students Awarded U.S. Patent For Real-Time Sun Safety App (localprofile.com) — Two Plano ISD seniors have earned a U.S. patent for a real-time sun safety app they began developing at a Renner Middle School science fair. Now students at Plano Senior High and Plano East, they created a personalized UV monitoring system that factors in skin type and health history to help North Texans make safer choices outdoors.
   

• Editorial Policy (planomagazine.com) — Plano Magazine is laying out how it keeps its reporting independent from donors, sponsors and other financial supporters. The policy explains that editorial decisions remain fully in the newsroom’s control and that major donors will be publicly disclosed, giving Plano readers clearer insight into how their local outlet operates.
   

• Alpha Iota Iota Graduate Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Honors Academic Excellence With 'Cash for Grades' Initiative (northdallasgazette.com) — Plano families recently gathered at the Boys & Girls Club of Collin County’s Plano Branch as Omega Psi Phi’s Alpha Iota Iota chapter rewarded local students with cash for earning A’s and other academic honors. The celebration included raffled tech prizes, performances, and recognition of club leaders, while highlighting ongoing tutoring and mentorship programs in Plano that aim to boost students’ confidence and long-term success.
   

📸 Around Plano

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Plano

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Wednesday December 24

• Crain & Wooley: Free Estate Planning Webinar
  Online,
  12:00 pm

Saturday January 3

• The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Dallas, TX (January 2026)
  Dallas Market Hall, 2200 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas
  10:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Thursday December 25

• Christmas Day
  Plano Chamber of Commerce , 5400 Independence Pkwy #200 , Plano

Wednesday December 31

• Crain & Wooley: Free Estate Planning Webinar
  Online
  12:00 pm

Sunday January 4

• West Plano ER - Blood Drive
  West Plano Emergency Room , 2000 Dallas Pkwy Ste 100 , Plano
  8:00 am

📣 Plano Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 23

• NTFB Application Assistance for Social Services
  J. Erik Jonsson Central Library , 1515 Young Street , Dallas
  9:30 am
• Connected Dallas: Stay Connected, Get Empowered!
  J. Erik Jonsson Central Library , 1515 Young Street , Dallas
  10:30 am
• Technology and Media Literacy
  Fretz Park Branch Library , 6990 Belt Line Road , Dallas
  12:00 pm
• A Visit from Santa
  Martin Luther King Jr Library and Learning Center , 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. , Dallas
  1:00 pm
• Winterween (Holiday Movie Series)
  J. Erik Jonsson Central Library , 1515 Young Street , Dallas
  1:00 pm
• Movie of the Month
  Martin Luther King Jr Library and Learning Center , 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. , Dallas
  1:00 pm
• Career Launch Pad
  Fretz Park Branch Library , 6990 Belt Line Road , Dallas
  2:00 pm
• English Conversation / Ingles Conversación
  Fretz Park Branch Library , 6990 Belt Line Road , Dallas
  2:00 pm
• Christmas Spectacular Light Show - City of The Colony
  The Colony Fire Department , 4900 Blair Oaks Dr , The Colony
  5:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
  Bojer was LOST on December 20, 2025 in Dallas, TX 75208 near Melba Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the owner, view… (Nextdoor Hunters Glen)
• Good morning!
  My girl Rachel is missing since yesterday afternoon. Please contact me @ 214-514-9225. TIA (Nextdoor Barron/Memorial)

• TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for British Airways Baggage Handler in Plano. Apply here.
• Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Plano. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Plano here.

🗞 Nearby News

Allen

• The 18 Best (and Five Worst) Dishes Our Dining Critic Ate in Dallas This Year (dmagazine.com)
• ECHL Transactions - Dec. 21 (echl.com)

Murphy

• Texas A&M Basketball Wins on Sunday (wtaw.com)

Frisco

Ok Plano! 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: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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