🌱 School District's Virtual Fentanyl Awareness Meeting + Dell Layoffs

Good morning, Round Rock crew! It's Elaine Thompson and I'm back with your fresh copy of the Round Rock Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally. In today's issue, you'll find news about...

• Have questions about fentanyl awareness? Register for this meeting!
• Shining the spotlight on the Dance Director of the Year
• Forest North Elementary School's ongoing power outage
• Tech company headquartered in Round Rock will lay off 5% of its workforce.

But first, today's weather:

Don't forget your umbrellas and raincoats on the way out the door!

A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 67 Low: 46.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Round Rock who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories in Round Rock today:

1. Round Rock ISD is holding a virtual fentanyl awareness meeting today, at 6 p.m. Fentanyl is "a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Because of its powerful opioid properties, Fentanyl is also diverted for abuse" according to the United States DEA. Those interested in participating in the virtual meeting need to register ahead of time. Participants can also prepare questions ahead of time, here. (Community Impact Newspaper)
2. Cedar Ridge High School Dance Director Stevie McCall was named the Dance Director of The Year by the Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA). Serving Cedar Ridge since 2015, McCall picked up her passion for dance as a student herself, first at Cedar Valley Middle School and then as a member of the Majestic Dance Team at McNeil High School. Selected for the Dance Director of The Year award by her peers, Fine Arts Director Marla Valk shared, "She encourages her students to strive for excellence while creating a positive and nurturing environment. They, in turn, produce incredible performances on the field, contest floor, and stage.” Read more on this story at Round Rock ISD News.
3. Round Rock's recent ice storm still has a hold on Forest North Elementary, leaving it the only school still experiencing power outage. Classes on Monday did not resume as other schools did, so students are temporarily attending Elsa England Elementary until power is back on at Forest North. Parents can check out bus schedules and mealtime plans here. Visit FOX 7 Austin for more on this story.
4. Following other tech companies such as Google and Microsoft, Dell Technologies will lay off 5% of its employees. Dell will also pause any external hiring, limit employee travel and reduce any outsourced service spending, to combat the challenges of the current “global economic environment.” Part of the slowdown in business comes from an abrupt drop in PC demand, which increased dramatically during the pandemic when more employees began working from home. More on this story at Spectrum News.

Today in Round Rock:

• City Council Packet Briefing at Round Rock City Hall (7:30 a.m.)
• Business Leader Services at Centro Event Space (8 a.m.)
• Heritage Sites (and More) Along the Texas Brazos Trail at the Baca Center (Noon)
• Citizens Police Academy (Opening Night) at Round Rock Public Safety Training Center (6 p.m.)
• DivorceCare® at The Fellowship Church Round Rock (6:30 p.m.)
• Trivia Tuesday at Anchor Bar (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Is a pay raise enough to keep teachers in schools? "Low pay isn’t the only challenge that teachers have to contend with, Rep. James Talarico said. He pointed to the constant threat of school shootings, historic learning loss following the pandemic and an escalating mental health crisis among students as other issues that teachers have to navigate." (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
• Learn about these leaders who are an integral part of support for students: "Our school counselors take on many vital roles in supporting each student's social, emotional, mental, and academic needs. We thank them for their dedication. Learn more about our School Counselors." (Round Rock ISD via Facebook)
• Time to party for Mardi Gras! "Grab your ⚜️Mardi Gras Mask⚜️ and 👞dancing shoes 👠and join us at the Allen R. Baca Center on February 17th for an evening of cocktails🥂🍸, dinner, and dancing💃🕺! Tickets $20 per person and are limited so get registered TODAY!" (Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department Facebook)
• A neighbor offers a helpful service: "Licensed and insured tree trimming service. - We have openings everyday this week. Call 512-595-1905" (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 8)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 11)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Elaine Thompson

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Round Rock Patch newsletter? Contact me at WritingWithElaine@gmail.com.