Permian High School unveils renovated auditorium before students return
Ector County Independent School District has unveiled the newly renovated auditorium at Permian High School, marking the eighth completed project under its 2023 bond program....
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HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: Senior-loaded Compass Academy squad enters season with high expectations
By this point, contending for district titles and getting to the playoffs has become the norm for the Compass Academy volleyball team. In the school’s short history, the Lady Cougars have won two district titles and have made the playoffs each year since the inaugural season in 2...
Set your child up for back-to-school success: Midland counseling experts share bedtime, routine, and mental health tips
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) — As summer winds down, the familiar buzz of back-to-school preparation begins. While many families focus their energy on buying new clothes, binders, and bookbags, mental health professionals say the most critical preparation happens right at home. Modupe B...
Red Cross Permian Basin to host back-to-school bash
The American Red Cross Permian Basin Chapter is scheduled to host a community Back-To-School Bash on Saturday, August 15th, featuring safety programs and youth engagement activities....
American Red Cross Permian Basin Chapter to host Back-to-School Bash
The American Red Cross Permian Basin Chapter will host a community Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, August 15, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Red Cross office, located at 4241 Tanglewood Lane in Odessa. The free event is open to the entire community and will feature activities focuse...
Midland ISD enters school year with 97% staff rate
Midland Independent School District announced it will begin the 2026-2027 school year with a 97% teacher fill rate following various strategic recruitment and retention efforts....
DPS calls on Texans to help keep students safe this school year
Courtesy Photo AUSTIN As students head back to the classroom, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds all Texans to exercise heightened caution and adhere to safety measures implemented to protect students, staff and fellow drivers this school year. This includes tips...
ECISD: Ross Elementary leads the nation with new school certification
Ross Elementary in the Ector County Independent School District became the first school in the United States to achieve Level 3 Opportunity Culture Certification....
Ross Elementary School becomes first in nation to earn certification
Five years ago, Ector County ISD took the leap to adopt Opportunity Culture staffing and instructional design, an initiative from Public Impact designed to extend the reach and impact of the most effective teachers on a campus. This year Ross Elementary took that to the next leve...
Basin PBS unveils ‘The Jolly Trolley’
PERMIAN BASIN Basin PBS is taking learning on the road. On Tuesday, August 11, at 10 a.m., Basin PBS will officially unveil The Jolly Trolley, a colorful new mobile education van designed to bring free educational experiences, books, technology, and PBS KIDS learning resources di...
Rope Youth pays off Midland ISD lunch debt, plans new feeding center
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Rope Youth has paid off Midland ISD’s school lunch debt through community fundraisers and says it will continue working to address food insecurity among local children as the new school year approaches. The nonprofit served 12,000 meals to children over th...
Local organization support low-income families ahead of back-to-school season
Various West Texas non-profits and local organizations are partnering to provide school supplies and financial assistance to low-income families ahead of the upcoming school year....
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: Lady Bronchos hoping to take the next step this season
The Odessa High volleyball team is hopeful of finally taking the next step and clinching a playoff spot. The Lady Bronchos will have about six seniors on this year’s varsity team after graduating six from last year so the team has a good place to start. Not to mention, Odessa Hig...
Professors sue Texas A&M System over limits on teaching race, gender
The Academic Building sits on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station on Nov. 13, 2025. Credit: Cassie Stricker for The Texas Tribune By Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune Four professors and a national faculty group asked a federal judge Monday to block the Texas A&M U...
Fort Stockton ISD mourns death of incoming ninth grader
The Fort Stockton Independent School District is mourning the death of an incoming ninth-grade student and will provide counseling services on Tuesday afternoon to support the community....
PHS Band ready to make a mark this year
Permian High School has one of the biggest marching bands in its history this year with 371 kids. They will probably pick up more members once school starts. Ector County ISD has a staggered start — Aug. 11 for specific grade levels and Aug. 12 for the remainder. “It’s definitely...
Fort Stockton ISD announces death of incoming ninth-grade student
FORT STOCKTON, Texas (KOSA) - Fort Stockton ISD announced Tuesday that one of its incoming ninth-grade students has died. The district did not release the student’s name or disclose a cause of death, citing only the loss in a public statement issued Tuesday. “Our thoughts and pra...
School night meals that help busy families share time together
Feature Impact Weeknights often feel like a race against the clock. Busy families feel the squeeze from school pickups, homework and social commitments, but dinner remains one of the few opportunities for everyone to slow down, reconnect and share important moments together at th...
Is pre-K too early for digital literacy? Parents say no
Photo Source: Talker Research Talker News | Talker As screens become a bigger part of childhood, the average parent says digital literacy education should start before kindergarten, according to new research . A survey of 2,000 parents of children aged 0–5 years found that, on av...
Angelo State to collaborate with Zoom for AI Center of Excellence
SAN ANGELO Angelo State University on Tuesday announced a collaborative plan to incorporate Zoom technology into its Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence ( AI-COE ) that was launched last fall as an initiative to position ASU as a national leader in applied AI education, ...
School backpack overload: Heavy bags can strain kids’ bodies
By CHEYANNE MUMPHREY AP Education Writer Backpacks can be fashionable and functional, but they can also be too heavy — weighed down by digital devices, musical instruments, sports equipment and more. Some kids carry home a laptop or tablet and textbooks, too. It’s good to be prep...
Water line work near Crockett Middle School could cause low pressure in Pecos
PECOS, Texas (KOSA) - Contractors are placing a new water tie-in for the Crockett Middle School water line at 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to the City of Pecos. The city said a water tie-in connects a newly installed water line to an existing public water system. Residents from West...
MISD and ECISD to continue free meals for students this school year
ODESSA/MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Families in both Midland ISD and Ector County ISD will once again save on school meal costs this year. Both districts announced that all students will receive free breakfast and lunch throughout the 2026-2027 school year, regardless of household inc...
Salvation Army supports local students in Midland and Odessa
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - As the upcoming school year approaches, the Salvation Army held a shopping event for students to receive free shoes in Midland and Odessa. Families filled out a form and were pre-approved to participate as students filled the Shoe Carnival Store in Mid...
Opticians urge students to get glasses before the school rush
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - As students across the Permian Basin get ready to head back to class, parents are already shopping for school supplies. One item many students need on their list is a new pair of eyeglasses. Local opticians are encouraging parents to shop early before ...
High school marching bands spend summer preparing for new season
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - They may not wear helmets or shoulder pads, but marching band students are putting in just as much work this summer. From the practice field to the parking lot, they’re spending countless hours preparing for the season ahead. For most students, summer means...
ECISD and MISD announces free meals for all students
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - Ector County ISD has announced that all students are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch, with no meal application required. ECISD will begin the school year on August 11th for Pre-K through 6th grade and 9th grade, and August 12th for 7th and...
TTUHSC School of Medicine students receive first white coat
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Which families are using ESAs? Here’s what we know about Texas’ first school vouchers
Gov. Greg Abbott signs SB2, a bill authorizing educational savings accounts (ESA’s) to help parents pay private school tuition for their children, during a ceremony at the Texas Governor’s Mansion in Austin on May 3, 2025. Credit: Bob Daemmrich for the Texas Tribune By Jaden Edis...
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Area teams begin first day of workouts
The holiday that is the start of high school football season in Texas officially happened Monday. Teams all across the state (that didn’t have spring workouts) took the fields Monday morning for the first of many workouts for the 2026 season. Schools that did participate in sprin...
At colleges, the AI boom means everyone wants to dabble in computer science
By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH AP Education Writer With no background in coding, Faith Maeba, a psychology major, was reluctant when her mother first suggested she enroll in classes on artificial intelligence. But the senior at Virginia Commonwealth University began to see it different...
Back-to-School: School zones and bus stop reminders
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Backpacks are packed and school supply lists are checked, but state officials say Texas drivers have some homework of their own to do before classes start this month. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has launched its annual “Be Safe. Drive Sma...
PHOTO GALLERY: First day of high school football
High school teams from all over Texas (including Odessa High and Compass Academy) began the first day of practice Monday. #tdi_1 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item1 { background: url(https://www.oaoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_5566-160x120.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat; } #tdi_1 .td-double...
Ready for school? The Garriga Law Firm is giving away $200 gift cards to West Texas students!
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Heading back to class is always exciting, but a little extra spending cash makes it even better! The Garriga Law Firm is teaming up with Wake Up West Texas to get local students off to a spectacular start this school year with a fantastic giveaway. Your stu...
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: Area team get on the court for the first practice of the season
Area high school volleyball teams returned to the court for the first day of practice for the 2026 season this weekend. Saturday marked the start of volleyball season as the eager players and coaches were excited to get ready for the new season. The Permian Lady Panthers began th...
LANDGRAF: A new school year, a renewed focus
By State Rep. Brooks Landgraf Over the next couple of weeks, a familiar rhythm will return across West Texas. School buses will once again roll through our communities. Parents will snap first-day-of-school photos, teachers will put the finishing touches on their classrooms, and ...
West Texas organizations giveaway free school supplies as part of back-to-school season
West Texas organizations came together at Odessa College's Back-to-School Bash Thursday to giveaway free school supplies ahead of the 2026-2027 school year....
ExxonMobil STEM Camp engages West Texas students in energy and engineering
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Houston mothers challenge Ten Commandments posters under Texas’ new parental rights amendment
The Ten Commandments, written out on a monument, sit outside the Texas Capitol on March 17, 2025. Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune By Ellie Ashby, The Texas Tribune Three Houston mothers are suing to stop displaying the Ten Commandments in Texas public school classrooms...
PHOTO GALLERY: Permian Marching Band practice
Members of the Permian High School Marching Band were busy practicing for this year’s show Friday at the school. #tdi_1 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item1 { background: url(https://www.oaoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_5440-160x120.jpg) 0 0 no-repeat; } #tdi_1 .td-doubleSlider-2 ...
Convenient, crave-worthy school day recipes to get kids eating healthy
Feature Impact During the rush of back-to-school season, parents need quick, efficient options to encourage healthy foods for their families without fielding moans and groans. That means choosing simple recipes that feature nourishing fruits, vegetables, proteins and healthy fats...
STANTON ISD: School bus registration is open for the 2026–27 school year
STANTON, Texas (KOSA) - The countdown to the new school year is on, and Stanton ISD is reminding parents to lock in their student’s transportation for the 2026–2027 school year. School bus registration is open. Stanton ISD officials say securing a spot early is crucial for planni...
Best friends equal academic success
Montessori Mastery School of Odessa top grads Julie Moseley and Analiyah Fox pose for a photo post graduation. They are both headed to Texas Tech where they will be roommates. (Courtesy Photo) Best friends Julie Moseley and Analiyah Fox have done nearly everything together from g...
Bush Family Home introduces new science, history clubs for local students
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - If you’re hunting for a cool way to keep your middle or high schooler active and engaged this year, Midland’s Bush Family Home Historic Site has some great news. They are rolling out an expanded lineup of student programs for the upcoming school year, feat...
Local youth showcase their talents in “The Aristocats”
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Young performers are taking center stage this weekend as they bring a Disney classic to life. After weeks of rehearsals, the cast is ready to perform “The Aristocats” featuring students from the River Fine Arts. Students spent the last few weeks learning m...
Broncho band getting prepared for new marching season
With a new marching band season underway, members of the Odessa High Broncho Band have been busy getting ready for this year’s halftime show. This year, the band has over 200 students and all have been busy putting together this year’s show. “We’re really excited about this year,...
Back-to-School Bash offers free supplies, family fun at Music City Mall
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Families can get a jump on the new school year during the Back-to-School Bash from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the north entrance stage of Music City Mall. The free community event will be hosted by Patsy Casas of Telemundo 20, alongside Isa...
Building Futures and Families: TTUHSC professor and pioneering fertility specialist reflects on career
Samuel Prien, Ph.D., has impacted thousands of students and families during his nearly 50 years with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). Prien is dual-appointed as a professor in the TTUHSC School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and in the T...
Bush Family Home announces youth programs
Are you looking to get your child involved this school year? The Bush Family Home State Historic Site has enlarged their offerings for middle school and high school students. Applications for the programs are due by August 31. The four programs include: Youth Advisory Council for...
Father who gave his son the gun used in a Georgia high school shooting to be sentenced
A sentencing hearing was underway Thursday for a man who gave his son the gun used to kill two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Georgia after he was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Colin Gray's sentencing comes just days after ...
Diamondback Energy gives Midland College $1 million check
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - Diamondback Energy presented Midland College with a check for over $1 million that will go towards the Instrumentation & Electrical and Automation program. “Diamondback’s continued support prepares our students for success after graduation through pra...
Odessa Chamber holds annual ECISD New Teacher Reception
New teachers at Ector County ISD were given a nice, warm, welcome to Odessa with the 12th annual New Teacher Reception Wednesday at the MCM Grande Hotel and Fundome. Area businesses had booths set up with goody bags as local merchants got a chance to welcome new faces to the Perm...
Tips to make college move-in easier
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - With college move-in season around the corner, students are checking off their supply lists and getting ready for a fresh start. But experts say a few simple purchases can make life in a dorm much more manageable. Items like storage bins, cleaning supplies...
More than 100 new teachers join Ector County ISD ahead of new school year
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - More than 100 new teachers joined the Ector County ISD family during New Teacher University, where they were introduced to the district and the resources available to support them in the classroom. Throughout the day, the district’s newest educators l...
Bridge the Basin to feature Fawcett
Bridge the Basin, a regional summit on education, prevention and community well-being, is set for Aug. 28 at the Region 18 Education Service Center, 2811 La Force Blvd., Midland. The keynote speaker is Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett. Educators, prevention professionals, behavi...
Coffee and Conversation
Before school starts, the Basin Lighthouse Prevention Team will host Coffee and Conversation with Tina, the mascot for Red Ribbon Week, from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, July 31, at Basin Lighthouse, 426 N. Texas Ave. Coffee is provided by Starbucks. Visit basinlighthouse.org The post ...
Midland ISD trustee says updates on two elementary campuses expected before first day of school
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - A Midland ISD trustee says families should expect an update about the readiness of two elementary campuses as the first day of school approaches. Matt Friez, the District 4 trustee, said in a Facebook post that he has concerns about whether both Sam Housto...
Sheriff’s Office training at Dirks-Anderson Elementary this week
FORT DAVIS, Texas (KOSA) - The Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office will be holding training at Dirks-Anderson Elementary School on Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. If you’re in the area, don’t be alarmed by the extra law enforcement prese...
West Texas schools announce start dates
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - Multiple school districts within West Texas have announced that the first day of school is approaching. Check the dates below for when school begins in your district....
IDEA Public Schools to offer free meals
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - IDEA public schools have announced that they will offer free meals for students this upcoming school year. IDEA Yukon and IDEA Lopez are the two Odessa campuses that will offer the free meals. The schools can provide this to students as they qualify un...