KSAT Kids: Superintendent pushes for virtual learning; student’s art chosen for virtual MLK march; soap boats

With COVID-19 cases on rise, NISD’s Brian Woods asks parents to make switch if possible

Masked students work on computers at Tibbals Elementary School in Murphy, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. Texas Gov. Greg Abbot's statewide mask order does not mandate face covering for children under the age of 10, allowing some school districts to not require masks for children leaving the choice of mask use up to the parents. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (Lm Otero, Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Hello parents, teachers and students!

COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in San Antonio, so the superintendent of the city’s largest school district made a plea yesterday urging parents to consider virtual learning for their kids through the end of the month.

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Dr. Brian Woods, the superintendent of the Northside Independent School District, sent a letter and posted a video message but conceded that it won’t be feasible for every family. He said they’re not closing schools because the state requires them to offer daily in-person instruction and funding is tied to it. As for other districts, we’ve yet to hear what they intend to do. No matter what your family chooses, stay safe and remember to wear a mask!

In this week’s KSAT Kids’ kid spotlight, we focus on 11-year-old Yesenia Morin, who won a citywide Martin Luther King Jr. art contest. She will now have her artwork displayed as a visual representation of the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Virtual March on Jan. 18. Well done!

Kids, do you like dogs, or are you into puppies? Well, then becoming a puppy raiser may be just the volunteer opportunity for you! Guide Dogs of Texas, a nonprofit guide dog provider that breeds, raises, trains and matches guide dogs to owners across the state is now looking for volunteers.

And while Meteorologist Kaiti Blake doesn’t have a science lab this week, we still have some homework for you. You can click here to make ivory soap boats and learn about density. It’s both an art project and a science lesson all rolled into one. Do you know why these soap boats float in water?

For students still seeking additional schooling help, the San Antonio Public Library continues to offer resources to help with their lessons. We also have a list of places offering free Wi-Fi for students and their families.

Have a great day everyone!

-Ben Spicer

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Do you have an idea for a lesson or feedback? Email me at Bspicer@ksat.com with new content, lessons, story ideas or tips!

Here’s what can be found on KSAT Kids for Thursday, January 14:

Student Spotlight

Bernal Middle School student wins citywide MLK art contest; art to be used in 2021 virtual march

An 11-year-old student in the Northside Independent School District was selected as the winner of an annual citywide art contest presented by the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture and the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.

Yesenia Morin of Bernal Middle School, was selected as the winner of a citywide art contest. (KSAT)

Do you know of a classroom or school that is doing amazing work and deserves to be featured in KSAT Kids? Nominate a student, teacher or school by emailing ksatkids@ksat.com.

Kid Activities

KSAT Kids Home Science: Make Ivory Soap Boats

Are you looking for something fun to do at home that has a little bit of science behind it?

Container of soap. (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Volunteers needed in San Antonio to help raise, train guide dogs for nonprofit organization

Guide Dogs of Texas, a nonprofit guide dog provider, has worked to train and provide guide dogs to visually impaired Texans. They are in need of some “puppy raisers,” to help the program.

Bernese Mountain dog puppy (WKMG 2020)

Famous holiday lights on San Antonio’s River Walk extended through Valentine’s Day

San Antonio’s iconic holiday lights on the River Walk, which were lit earlier than usual last year, will continue to shine past the holiday season for some extended cheer.

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About the Author

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

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