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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....

Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)Aug 5, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 5, 2026

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....

Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)Aug 5, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 5, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 5, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 5, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Aug 4, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 4, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 4, 2026

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....

Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)Aug 4, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 4, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Aug 4, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 4, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 4, 2026

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, ...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 4, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 4, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Aug 4, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Aug 4, 2026

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...

Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)Aug 4, 2026

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 ...

Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)Aug 3, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Aug 3, 2026

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...

Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)Aug 3, 2026

TTUHSC School of Medicine students receive first white coat

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Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 3, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 3, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 3, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Aug 3, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 3, 2026

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 ...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Aug 1, 2026

ExxonMobil STEM Camp engages West Texas students in energy and engineering

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Odessa American (oaoa.com)Jul 31, 2026

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 ...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Jul 31, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Jul 31, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Jul 31, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Jul 31, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Jul 31, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Jul 30, 2026

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,...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Jul 30, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Jul 30, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Jul 30, 2026

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 ...

Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)Jul 30, 2026

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...

Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)Jul 30, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Jul 30, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Jul 29, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Jul 29, 2026

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...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Jul 29, 2026

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 ...

Odessa American (oaoa.com)Jul 29, 2026

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...

CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)Jul 29, 2026

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....

Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)Jul 29, 2026

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...

Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)Jul 29, 2026