Houston area students are making meaningful academic progress, according to the latest STAAR results. Reading scores reached new regional highs, math continues to improve, and some local districts are outpacing the state in key areas. We sat down with Thomas Pich, Director of District Partnerships at Good Reason Houston, and Dr. Kregg Cuellar, Superintendent of Spring ISD, to discuss what's driving these gains, why the work isn't finished, and how schools can build on this momentum to help even more students succeed.

A high school student at a Spring ISD campus has been arrested Friday after being found in possession of a firearm on campus, according to Spring Independent School District officials.

Spring ISD police believe there could be more possible victims after arresting a convicted felon for reportedly sexually assaulting and kidnapping a 15-year-old girl.

A Spring man with multiple felony convictions has been taken into custody and charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Spring ISD high school student last September.

A Spring ISD mother says her four-year-old daughter was slapped twice in the face by a substitute teacher inside her Pre-K classroom, an allegation now under investigation by the district.

Spring ISD said patrols will be increased on their bus routes and around their campuses.

Spring ISD said patrols will be increased on their bus routes and around their campuses.

Deputies and Spring ISD Police are investigating after a suspect stopped a school bus near Birnam Wood Blvd in Spring and threatened the driver and students with a weapon.

Transportation to school is a major challenge for many families during back-to-school season, but it is even more difficult for students with severe disabilities.

Power outages are affecting several school districts in the Houston area due to ongoing storms, but schools remain open.

During National Police Week, Spring ISD honored 9th-grade student Clarke Jenkins by naming her "Chief for a Day."

Spring Independent School District (Spring ISD) has officially opened its nationwide search for a new superintendent of schools.

The Hobby Center, in partnership with ExxonMobil, is expanding its free arts program for Houston-area 5th-graders, allowing up to 40,000 students to experience live theater performances during the school day.

In most school districts, Pre-K is only offered to families who meet certain requirements. Spring ISD however, believes it doesn’t matter what’s happening at home, every single student deserves a high-quality education.

Authorities said Caitlin Von McCall, 34, was walking on West Cedar Bayou Lynchburg Road in East Harris County when a truck hit her and kept on going.

Investigators said there were 12 students on the bus when a driver in a jeep crashed and took off, leaving the vehicle behind.

A 17-year-old student from Spring ISD has been arrested for bringing a gun onto Dekaney High School's campus.

A man was detained by Harris County authorities after allegedly attempting to board a school bus and offering Uber rides to children.

Investigators said they got word of some kids fighting in the parking lot on North Freeway. When officers got there, they found one person with a gunshot wound. At least 1 person was also detained.

Police are responding to a report of a man being shot near Boyland Elementary School in North Houston.

What’s at stake in Alvin ISD, Spring ISD, Sugar Land

A teacher and two paraprofessionals at Northgate Elementary in Spring ISD have been placed on administrative leave following allegations that a student was given a sleeping aid patch in the classroom.

A gun was found on campus at a Spring Independent School District high school Wednesday morning, according to an email sent to parents.

Spring ISD has closed two campuses, Carl Wunsche Sr. High School and Winship Elementary School, due to power outages.

Some entire districts are closed again Tuesday.

A Dekaney High School theater teacher, Valerie Lauren Mata, has been arrested after her text messages revealed an improper relationship with an 18-year-old student.

As we continue to track heavy storms and flood watches Thursday morning, Shepherd ISD says it will be closing its campus.

Due to an arctic cold front moving into the Houston area this week, several school districts are closing their campuses on Tuesday.

Multiple school districts in the Houston area are canceling after-school activities as severe weather persists Monday.

After a Spring ISD janitor was arrested, accused of placing cameras in two staff bathrooms at an elementary school, KPRC 2 spoke with a local digital forensics company president about steps you can take to protect yourself from hidden cameras.

A Spring ISD janitor has been arrested, accused of placing cameras in two staff bathrooms at an elementary school.

Christmas at Spring ISD is saved after officers with Spring ISD Police announced they have arrested a man believed to be “The Grinch.”

A teacher with the Spring Independent School District has been placed on administrative leave for allegedly giving melatonin gummies to several students students Wednesday.

Spring ISD said Westfield High School and the School for International Studies at Bammel were placed on lockdown Friday after three men were seen accessing the building at the main campus.

Spring ISD officials are laying out possible solutions to help students and staff feel safer following complaints of ongoing and rampant violence, but they said they will not be working with a non-profit anti-violence organization that volunteered its services.

A foundation born out of tragedy is bringing hope to local students and their families.

A mother says her worst fears have come true now that a former teacher from Spring Independent School District who she says constantly molested her two young daughters while in the 3rd grade will avoid jail time.

A mother is making a desperate outcry for alleged sexual abuse victims of a former third-grade teacher to come forward.

A parent with a student in Spring ISD is demanding accountability after her son was beaten up on a school bus.

A Spring Independent School District mother is upset after her 5-year-old daughter was allowed by educators to walk home alone from school one-day last week.

The 2022 General Election is being held on November 8. You can find results for Harris County on Tuesday night here.

October 10 is the first day of National School Lunch week

Students in Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District will be returning to campus this week, months after the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School that left 19 students and two teachers killed.

Spring ISD opened a new school this year specifically for students seeking an alternative to the traditional middle school or high school experience.

Spring ISD’s new superintendent is making history.

The Texas Education Agency has just released the newest accountability ratings, which show how schools performed academically across the state last year.

Several Houston-area school district police chiefs are joining together to layout a safety plan as the 2022-2023 school year gets underway.

Thursday through Saturday, a collective 2,000 plus Spring ISD seniors from the for the district’s five high schools -- Spring Early College Academy, Spring High School, Carl Wunsche Sr. High School, Dekaney High School, and Westfield High School -- walked the stage of Planet Ford Stadium.

The Spring ISD Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved a comprehensive employee retention and incentive package for the 2022-23 school year – including a $2,000 retention stipend and two additional wellness days.

An accident involving a school bus from Spring Independent School District and a Metro bus left multiple students and a driver injured Thursday evening.

Spring Independent School District Superintendent Rodney E. Watson announced that he will accept a new role with the Texas Association of School Boards as deputy executive director, effective in January 2022, the district announced Thursday.

A Spring ISD mother is upset and concerned after she says an officer at Westfield High School choke slammed her son and held him on the ground for two minutes.

Here are things to know for Thursday, August 26:

A Spring ISD bus driver that doesn’t want to be identified said he had the ride of his life while trying to pick up students from Wells Middle School Friday morning.

Spring ISD is rolling out a new transportation system on their buses to track students.

Spring ISD superintendent announced Tuesday evening that a mask mandate will be in effect for all 35,000 students and staff when school begins on Monday, Aug. 16.

More than 100,000 students at Spring ISD and Conroe ISD will return to dozens of campuses in person in the coming days without the most obvious COVID-19 protocols.

Spring ISD has been awarded $8.5 million in grant funding from the Texas Education Agency to continue its 21st Century after-school program at 10 select campuses for the next five years.

A Houston mother was killed in Annapolis, Maryland on Tuesday while sitting outside of a hotel patio, according to officials.

Teaching during this pandemic has been anything but easy.

One of the best in the business is retiring in Willie Amendola of Spring ISD. He won a state title in 2011 with an upstart Dekaney Wildcats program before overseeing athletics on a macro level as the district's athletic director. Heck, he oversaw the construction of Planet Ford Stadium in Spring - a state-of-the-art facility on the north side of Houston. The name is synonymous with football all the way up to the NFL as his son Danny Amendola won multiple Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Amendola to talk about his career and his love of the game.

SPRING, Texas – Westfield High School’s Ninth Grade Center in the Spring Independent School District opened it’s doors Tuesday, a day that has been a year-and-a-half in the making. Educators said the school district spared no expense. “They gave us the ‘wow’ factor.”“The building beats my expectations with what I thought could actually happen with this space,” said David Mason Jr., Westfield High School and Ninth Grade Center Principal. Since high schools in the district are so big, educators said this center is a great way to make sure the transition to high school for freshmen is easier while helping them build a foundation for success. “Kids who typically do well in ninth grade do well throughout high school.”The school will be hosting a virtual town hall soon to introduce the new center and ensure a smooth transition for students and parents.

HOUSTON – Spring ISD is making sure students who are struggling with attendance and engagement are not left behind this semester. Spring ISD says they just want to make sure students have everything they needed in order to succeed. Many students say the initiative was much needed because they were able to ask questions and talk to school leaders. The primary focus will be high school students, who either have a high number of absences or are at a high risk of failure for this semester. Students say it feels good to know that Spring ISD wants them to be successful.

SPRING – Spring ISD launches a door-to-door campaign to get students either back in school or in front of their computers again at home. “And offer them the support that they need to be successful this year.”District administrators said they plan to reach 500 families in Spring ISD over a three-hour period. The primary focus will be high school students, who either have a high number of absences or are at a high risk of failure for this semester. “I love that because now it’s showing the passion the administrators have for the kids, even for the parents,” said Spring ISD parent Shamal Peets. Many believed the parents need the visit as much as the students.

SPRING, Texas Parents and students lined up at several schools in two Houston-area school districts to receive devices that will make learning from home easier in the new school year. Schools administrators from the Galena Park Independent School District and the Spring Independent School District passed out Chromebooks and chargers ahead of the 2020-21 school year. The district said it could be until late August event September before elementary and student middle school students can pick up their equipment. On Monday, the district passed out hundreds of Chromebooks, chargers and school supplies to middle school students at several drive-thru locations throughout the district. The district said elementary school students will be able to pick-up their equipment on Aug. 13 and 14.

The football stars of Houston were socially-distanced and masked-up as we hosted the 2020 VYPE Houston Football Photo Shoot powered by Whataburger. Over 300 of the city's top players attended shoots at Spring Branch's Tully Stadium, Sheldon ISD's Panther Stadium and Spring ISD's Planet Ford Stadium. A special thanks to Athletic Directors Paige Hershey, Willie Amendola and Derek Fitzhenry for making this photo shoot a reality for the athletes. Check out the behind the scenes video below! Click here to visit your local Whataburger and make sure to check out #WhataSnap.

The football stars of Houston were socially-distanced and masked-up as we hosted the 2020 VYPE Houston Football Photo Shoot powered by Whataburger. Over 300 of the city's top players attended shoots at Spring Branch's Tully Stadium, Sheldon ISD's Panther Stadium and Spring ISD's Planet Ford Stadium. A special thanks to Athletic Directors Paige Hershey, Willie Amendola and Derek Fitzhenry for making this photo shoot a reality for the athletes. Check out the behind the scenes video below! Click here to visit your local Whataburger and make sure to check out #WhataSnap.

SPRING, Texas – A Spring Independent School District principal is facing a domestic assault charge, according to the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office. Northgate Crossing Elementary School Principal Kristi Brown was arrested last week after investigators responded to a family violence call, officials said. According to investigators Brown is accused of hitting a male victim, striking him with her hand. Spring ISD issued the following statement in response to KPRC 2′s request for comment:“We’re aware of her arrest. We will monitor all legal proceedings related to this matter.”Brown was not removed from her position as principal at Northgate Crossing Elementary School as of Tuesday evening.

The football stars of Houston were socially-distanced and masked-up as VYPE hosted it's 2020 Football Photo Shoot powered by Whataburger. Over 300 of the city's top players attended shoots at Spring Branch's Tully Stadium, Sheldon ISD's Panther Stadium and Spring ISD's Planet Ford Stadium. A special thanks to ADs Paige Hershey, Willie Amendola and Derek Fitzhenry for making this photo shoot a reality for the athletes. Check out some of our best #WhataSnaps! (Photos by Bradley Collier / VYPE Media)Click here to visit your local Whataburger and make sure to check out #WhataSnap.

The fictional story follows a kid named Matt, who manages entering high school and starting on the varsity basketball team. He said the coronavirus pandemic gave him the time to finish a project on his mind finally. RJ Walker wants to try out for the Spring Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, as a trombone player, and the golf team. RJ Walker also has an idea of what he wants to do after graduating from high school. "I wasn't really writing when coronavirus started, but then my parents took me off all of the technology, and I started writing," RJ said.

Spring ISD is prepared to welcome back students this August. All buses will have strict social distancing protocols by having one child per seat. Social distancing: Strict social distancing guidelines will be followed. Sanitation protocols: Aside from deep sanitation protocols taking place every Wednesday, campuses will enhance everyday sanitation protocols and hygiene efforts through a variety of strategies. Spring ISD is committed to providing a quality education, as well as access to PVA, athletics, and Career and Technical... Posted by Spring ISD on Thursday, July 2, 2020Do you have questions about Spring ISD’s plan?

Houston Community College has already announced hybrid classes, and the Spring Independent School District announced Tuesday that is would be adopting a similar model. Spring ISD will give parents the chance to choose between two options when students return to classes: full-time online instruction or a hybrid model, which is a combination of both in-person and remote classes. They will do remote classes on Wednesday so their schools can be deep cleaned. What measures will Spring ISD take to make sure my child is safe while on campus? Spring ISD is also offering classes that are strictly remote, but they will differ from the classes students were taking during the closure at the start of the outbreak.

Despite receiving their diplomas, two recent graduates from Spring ISD’s Carl Wunsche Sr. High School couldn’t leave their work unfinished. Engineering student Dawn Ford was responsible for building the prosthetic model, while veterinary science student Shianne Koch worked to make sure that any design would be comfortable and safe for Tootsie. The project came to an unexpected halt after spring break when the students were unable to return to school due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to Spring ISD, Tootsie’s right prosthetic requires some minor additional adjustment, but the left one fits well. At the fitting, the students took another set of measurements and said they intend to create the final prosthetics quickly.

HOUSTON – After revealing their 2020-2021 academic calendar late last month, Spring ISD’s Board of Trustees will introduce a few reopening scenarios during a June 30 special meeting. A spokesperson for Spring ISD said that the calendar has been approved already, with staggered breaks throughout the year based on TEA’s recommendations to accommodate possible disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to a press release, the district will assemble teams to look into class configurations, instruction, student and staff support, nutrition and transportation issues. Spring ISD parents will receive a survey next week to give feedback on the new school calendar and possible reopening scenarios should an outbreak occur, whether schools reopen with strict social distancing measures or continue with distance learning, the release said. “Spring ISD has a strong commitment to offering opportunity and choice to our students and families,” said District Superintendent Rodney Watson.

The Spring ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved a calendar that includes 20 additional break days for the 2020-21 school year. The revised calendar for the upcoming school year includes extended breaks throughout the year, recommended by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), in preparation for possible interruptions caused by the coronavirus. The intersessional calendar plans for students to start school on Aug. 17, and includes additional breaks occurring the week before or after regularly scheduled vacation times. During these breaks, seniors will participate in remote learning from home in order to graduate in May. “Spring ISD has a strong commitment to offering opportunity and choice to our students and families.

The 69th annual Spring Livestock sale online show and auction was held virtually this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. “The virtual auction was very successful,” Spring ISD Career and Technical Education Director Cynthia Williams said. “If Tri-Club had not used this platform, student projects would not have been sold. Auctions help fund future projects and, in the case of graduating seniors, their post-secondary education and career training goals. “Our community really came together for this, and it was kind of heartwarming,” Spring Tri-Club President Courtney Musterman said.

Despite the 2020 track and field season being cut short, there were still some amazing performances. VYPE has scoured the standings on MileSplit.com and have gathered the best of the best in each running category. Go crazy track nation and vote for the 2020 VYPE Houston Girls Jumper of the Year in this fan poll. The poll will close on Thursday, May 28 at 7 P.M! 2020 VYPE Houston Girls Jumper of the Year Fan Poll (Closes Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m.)

ExxonMobil shows Spring ISD girls how they can change the world | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: February 20, 2020, 4:03 pmHundreds of middle school girls from Spring ISD partnered with female volunteers from ExxonMobil at the ExxonMobil Girls Engineering Festival. The event was designed to spark girls’ interest about the field, build confidence in their problem-solving abilities, and show them that if they want to be an engineer, they can be. Students took on fun, interactive engineering challenges, and got to interview female ExxonMobil engineers about their experiences.

HOUSTON – Since 2015, KPRC Channel 2 has been awarding twenty scholarships to deserving high school seniors. The winning students and schools have been featured weekly in KPRC’s newscasts. Here are a few winners from 2019′s Senior Scholarships. Angela Chan - Westfield High School, Spring ISDNaya Edwards - North Shore Senior Highschool, Galena Park ISDWill Ashworth - Klein Forest Highschool, Klein ISDAndy Nguyen - Westside High School, Houston ISDMarcela Molina - Sharpstown International School, Houston ISDSavannah Lawerence - La Porte High School, La Porte ISDJared Hallmark - Dulles High School, Fort Bend ISDNishat Nabi - Cypress Ranch High School, Cy-Fair ISDIsaiah Osazuwa - Alief Taylor High Shcool, Alief ISD

SPRING, Texas – Spring ISD announced multiple suspensions Monday for a brawl during a high school football game Friday night between Spring and Westfield at Leonard George Stadium. Spring ISD Athletic Director Willie Amendola said it started when a Spring player reacted to a series of calls against him. On Monday, Spring ISD officials announced that six players from Westfield and five players from Spring High were suspended for a total of 18 games. Four Westfield players were suspended for two games and two players were suspended for one game. One Spring player was suspended for three games, one player was suspended for two games and three players were suspended for one game.