Community Corner
🌱 How a new special ed contract could reshape San Marcos classrooms
Spotted on the San Marcos calendar: Panda Express Grand Opening Celebration
Hi there, San Marcos! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How a new special ed contract could reshape San Marcos classrooms
- How a three-month sting led to a massive San Marcos drug bust
- How better-trained San Marcos officers could change local mental health calls
Also on today's calendar: Panda Express Grand Opening Celebration and 6 more events.
Find out what's happening in San Marcosfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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Find out what's happening in San Marcosfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Sunshine; breezy in the p.m., with a high of 79 and low of 42 degrees.
- Friday: Sunny and not as warm, temps: high: 68, low: 50.
- Saturday: Breezy with some sun, with a high of 75 and low of 50 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Major Virginia District to Implement Supplemental Literacy Program; Texas System Seeks Special Ed Services (edweek.org) — San Marcos CISD is seeking a vendor to provide a wide range of special education services, from evaluations to therapies and sign language support, under a contract starting in 2026. Vendors must align services with federal and state law, and proposals are due January 6, 2026. This RFP could shape how local students with disabilities receive support for years. 
2. San Marcos police arrest two in major meth bust after three-month joint investigation (cbsaustin.com) — San Marcos police, working with Seguin and Guadalupe County agencies, arrested two people and seized large quantities of meth, cocaine, and suspected fentanyl after a three-month investigation. The operation, centered in San Marcos and spanning Hays and Guadalupe counties, removed a major supply of dangerous drugs from the region and highlighted the impact of coordinated law enforcement efforts.
3. San Marcos officers trained for mental health crises (fox7austin.com) — More than half of San Marcos police officers are now certified Mental Health Peace Officers, training specifically to deescalate crises and connect residents to care instead of jail. Chief Stan Standridge says officers logged 4,200 training hours this year and have already safely resolved high‑risk calls. The department plans to expand proactive mental health outreach in San Marcos in 2026.
4. SMHS student finishes third in state FFA contest (sanmarcosrecord.com) — A San Marcos High School student, Paula Gomez Garcia, has made local history by finishing third in Texas in the Spanish Creed contest, representing the San Marcos FFA Chapter. After advancing through multiple competitive rounds, her performance at Sam Houston State University earned a top-three statewide ranking and marked a first-ever milestone for the San Marcos program.
5. ACLU expresses concern after Texas State revokes approval for Black history museum visit (universitystar.com) — Texas State University’s decision not to host the Black History 101 Mobile Museum for Black History Month 2026 has drawn a sharp rebuke from the ACLU of Texas, which alleges unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination. Officials say the choice was made during planning for events on the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses, while the university may still consider the exhibit in future years.
📸 Around San Marcos
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🗓 Upcoming Events in San Marcos
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Panda Express Grand Opening Celebration
Panda Express, 1550 N Interstate 35, San Marcos
10:00 am - The Truth about ‘The Christmas Story’: There are Two Stories, Neither One is True, and Scholars Know
Howson Branch, Austin Public Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd, Austin
11:00 am
Thursday December 18
Saturday December 20
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Tanger Outlets San Marcos Extends Holiday Shopping Hours for Last-Minute Gifting
Tanger Outlets San Marcos , 4015 S I-35 South Frontage Rd , San Marcos
10:00 am - G Bask @ Canyon HS
Canyon High School , 1510 I-35 , New Braunfels
5:00 pm - Live Music Unplugged
Wineaux , 314 E Hutchison St , San Marcos
7:00 pm - Movies in the Park
UFCU Stadium , 1100 Aquarena Springs Drive , San Marcos
7:30 pm - Reed Brothers
Cheatham Street Warehouse , 119 Cheatham St , San Marcos
8:00 pm - Downtown Farmer's Market — Downtown Association of San Marcos
Downtown - "The Square" , San Marcos
9:00 am - Live Music Unplugged
Wineaux , 314 E Hutchison St , San Marcos
7:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
Friday December 26
📣 San Marcos Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
- Ribbon Cutting-Tapestry Centerpoint-Streamline Advisors
San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce Tapestry Centerpoint The Ribbon Cutting will be held at: 4334 Transportation Way San Marcos, TX 78666
10:00 am - Ribbon Cutting Panda Express
Panda Express , 1550 North Interstate 35 , San Marcos
10:00 am - Chamber Mixer - Hosted by La Cima
San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce Amenity Center 301 Central Park Loop San Marcos, TX 78666
5:00 pm - Zoning Board of Adjustments
City of San Marcos No applications were received for the December meeting. The Zoning Board of Adjustments will next meet on January 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. - 630 E Hopkins St San Marcos TX 78666
6:00 pm - SMHS Band Winter Concert & Silent Auction
Lamar Personalized Learning Center San Marcos, TX 78666
6:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- ❗️❗️STILL LOST❗️❗️
LOST DOG ALERT Breed: Belgian Malinois Age: 2 years old Last Seen: Around Harris Hills Raceway Details: His collar just broke and he has nothing on,… (Nextdoor Texas State) - Hello neighbor...
do you want your house to look nicer or do you want more comfort by the pool? I can help you with that. Call me. Affordable prices, free estimates… (Nextdoor Texas State)
- Goodwill Industries of Central Texas posted a job opening for AI Merchandise Pricer in San Marcos. Apply here.
- California State University posted a job opening for Assistant Librarian - 12 month in San Marcos. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near San Marcos here.
Ok San Marcos! 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 don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
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