🌱 Mental Health Support For Students + Scholastic's Teacher Cohort

Good morning, Round Rock! Elaine Thompson here with your Tuesday edition of the Round Rock Daily, full of all the things you need to know about what's going on locally. Today's issue includes news about:

• The school district's steps to bettering mental health and safety of students
• Caldwell Elementary teacher's really cool accomplishment
• Newest real estate listings in the area

But first, today's weather:

Fog in the a.m.; mostly sunny. High: 80 Low: 58.

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Here are the top stories today in Round Rock:

1. This is one you'll all be super-proud of: Round Rock ISD is one of the first school districts in Texas that is collectively contributing a team effort between social workers and police officers, to provide mental health support to students, amid ongoing concerns for safety at school. "One of the ways they’re working to ensure safety is by referring students who have posed a threat to themselves or others to the district’s in-house social workers." Another technique the district uses is software that automatically combs through words used on social media that may sound like a threat to the student themselves or to those around them. After the tragedy of the Uvalde mass school shooting, the state of Texas has "allocated over $100 million towards school safety and mental health services. " (The Texas Tribune)
2. A round of applause for Tierra Pitchford of Caldwell Elementary, please! "This team of 12 high-performing K-8 teachers will collaborate with Scholastic Education Solutions' product development, research and publishing teams across the school year, offering a direct pathway to their diverse expertise and the real-time experiences of their classrooms." Pitchford was selected to be part of Scholastic's "Teacher Fellow Cohort," earning the opportunity to co-design with and also receive professional development from this well-known educational organization. Read more on PR Newswire about this program and what perks teachers can expect to receive.
3. Are you looking to purchase a home in the area? Or maybe you'd like to just have a look-see at what the market has in store? We have some of the newest home listings for your viewing: 5709 Toscana Trace at $693,990, 3721 Top Rock Ln. at $440k, and 3327 Alexander Valley Cv. $385k. (Round Rock Patch)

Today in Round Rock:

• Caregiver Support Group at Grace Lutheran Church (1:30 p.m.)
• Widow Sisterhood Meeting at Sandi Waeltz home (3 p.m.)
• Trivia at Anchor Bar (6:30 p.m.)
• BrewFest: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World at Flix Brewhouse (6:30 p.m.)
• Fiscal Meeting with Jeramy Kitchen *$10 fee* at The Alcove Cantina (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Check out the ❤ and support for Round Rock Police: "In honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, here are some social media messages sent to us by citizens. It is our honor to serve the wonderful people of Round Rock. #UnityInOneCommUNITY #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay" (Round Rock Police Department via Instagram)
• Take a trip down memory lane! "Round Rock has come a long way since its days as Old Town! It was by sheer coincidence and fate that the town of Round Rock came to be. Years ago, Thomas C. Oatts decided to recognize a cherished pastime with his friend Jacob Harrell" (Round Rock, Texas – City Government via Facebook)
• Williamson County Health District has a message for you: "The rarest blood type is the one not on the shelf when it's needed by a patient. One donation of blood can potentially save up to three lives. Make plans to donate blood: https://weareblood.org/ #NtlBloodDonorMonth" (Williamson County and Cities Health District via Facebook)

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Events:

• New Neighbors of Greater Round Rock Monthly Luncheon & Meeting (January 12)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll see you soon!

— Elaine Thompson

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Round Rock Daily? Contact me at RoundRock@Patch.com