🌱 Winter Storm Warning + School Closures + Restraints In Schools

Good morning, Round Rock Daily crew! Waking up to this arctic blast weather makes you just want to get cozy, and tune into all I've got to tell you about the news in town, right? In today's briefing, you'll find news about these stories and more:

• Winter storm warning in full effect!
• School and extracurricular activities' closures
• Parents take action after terrible treatment of their special needs students.

But first, today's weather:

If you must get on the roads today, read this list to properly prepare for emergency kits in cars and at home. Make sure to check schools and businesses for closure notices!

A bit of ice and rain. High: 35 Low: 28.

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Here are the top stories in Round Rock today:

1. We made it through Snowmageddon 2021, and we will definitely make it through this arctic blast upon us. On-call responders are ready to assist in emergencies, but if you don't have to risk traveling, it's best to stay home. Power outages are possible and roads are expected to remain iced over through tomorrow. Travel safely and visit City of Round Rock for tips to stay warm, where you can get weather alerts, and updates on road conditions.
2. Parents of Round Rock ISD students: Official school closure statements were made for Jan. 30-31 . Campus offices, classes and extracurricular activities are cancelled for Jan. 31. Stay tuned to your local school networks to see if the same will apply for Feb. 1. The current weather warning predicts that ice accumulation could reach about three-quarters of an inch. More on this story on Community Impact Newspaper.
3. Among other emotionally distraught and concerned parents, Tatiana Alfano is one of those who shared her experience at the Texas State Capitol, on how an educator aggressively restrained her teen at school. Alfano's 14-year-old son was "tossed" against a wall by a school administrator, in an attempt to get the student to stand in a "cool down room." Extreme incidents like this sparked many parents who have experienced similar situations, to demand that lawmakers "change the definition of abuse under the Texas Family Code to include when school employees use violent restraint or seclusion that is not in compliance with federal and state regulations." Read more about this story on KXAN.

Today in Round Rock *Due to possible hazardous, icy road conditions, check with event hosts beforehand, to see if they're open!* :

• It's a Scavenger Hunt! *Virtual* (10 a.m.)
• HOA Annual Board Meeting of Brushy Creek at Brushy Creek MUD Community Center (6 p.m.)
• Trivia Tuesday at Anchor Bar (6:30 p.m.)

Here are some "at-home" activities that could also provide entertainment if you're planning on avoiding the roads!

• Pick a few board games to play with members of your household.
• De-clutter and re-organize a neglected closet or cabinet.
• Choose a nostalgic show or movie to watch and get cozy on the couch.
• Pull away from your smart phones, get a pen and paper, and write a letter to someone you miss.
• Practice de-stressing with meditation, yoga or a workout routine.
• Get crafty with paper and scrapbook old photos, fold origami, make a paper airplane with the kids.

From my notebook:

• Sending a "thank you" ahead of time to our roadway crews! 🚧 🚨 "The City of Round Rock's Transportation crews have implemented 12-hour shifts in anticipation of icy conditions. They have been loading fleet vehicles with de-icing fluids and sand this morning that can be used on critical bridges to keep public safety services running smoothly during a winter event." (Round Rock City Government Facebook)
• Signing up for the 2023-2024 school year: "Round Rock ISD kindergarten registration for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year opens on Tuesday, March 7." Visit Round Rock ISD for everything you need to bring to get registered!
• How much ice is going to be on the roads? "Now is the time to prepare. We are officially in a winter storm warning with a possibility of .25-.5 inches of ice accumulation between now and through Wednesday. See more from US National Weather Service Austin-San Antonio Texas. Remember the 4 P's -Plants🪴Pets 🐈🐕Pipes 🚰People 🥶" (Sam Bass Fire Department Facebook)
• A new nail salon to pamper yourself and the kids: "The World Nails Bar, located at 3100 RM 1431, Ste. 200, now offers kids and adult nail services, as well as waxing." (Community Impact Newspaper)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update.

— Elaine Thompson

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