Tagged News

• Doctor: Routine vaccinations for Valley children decreased amid pandemic Play Video

  May 18, 2020 7:38 PM

  Gov. Greg Abbott announced summer school classes can be held beginning June 1. Texas requires students get certain vaccinations, but at least one doctor has noticed a change among patients. Before the coronavirus pandemic a visit to the doctor's office wouldn't typically spark fear in a parent, but... more »

• McAllen ISD music teacher prepares for online classes Play Video

  March 24, 2020 7:08 PM

  MCALLEN – On Wednesday, online classes will begin for advanced placement students at McAllen Independent School District. For some younger students it’s time to learn music. In his online class, Jesus Cervantes mostly focuses on singing. A program which during the COVID-19 pandemic has changed completely. Cervantes says... more »

• Low-income Valley students face hurdle completing schoolwork without internet access Play Video

  March 24, 2020 7:04 PM

  MERCEDES – Families across the Rio Grande Valley are experiencing a rare occurrence of having their children at home instead of the classroom. Schools in the Valley remain closed to comply with a statewide order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Students are trying to adjust to do all... more »

• McAllen ISD students to enter online courses following spring break extension Play Video

  March 16, 2020 10:34 PM

  MCALLEN – A major move on Monday by McAllen Independent School District. Students, kindergarten through high school, won’t be returning to class after spring break. School board officials canceled in-class session for two weeks, which will start after spring break. McAllen students would resume instruction online April 6. ... more »

• Fmr. Brownsville academy employee pleads not guilty to improper relationship with students Play Video

  March 11, 2020 6:21 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A former Harmony Science Academy employee pleaded not guilty Wednesday to five felony sex crimes involving students. Julian Nicolas Carrera, 36, of Harlingen pleaded not guilty Wednesday to three counts of indecency with a child, a second-degree felony, and two counts of improper relationship between educator and... more »

• Initiative brings awareness of teen drinking and driving to Weslaco students Play Video

  March 4, 2020 6:03 PM

  WESLACO – An initiative in Weslaco is intented on showing teenagers the consequences of drinking and driving just before spring break. Weslaco Independent School District teamed up with local first responders, including AirMed South Texas and the police department, to show high school students a reenactment of what could... more »

• Edinburg CISD hold mental health aid certification courses for parents and staff Play Video

  February 28, 2020 7:04 PM

  EDINBURG – It's not your average classroom in Edinburg. This one had parents doing the learning along with staff members, all to benefit their children's health. Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District conducted its fifth training in youth mental health first aid for parents. Ileana Herrera, a licensed professional... more »

• La Joya ISD implements barista program for special needs students Play Video

  February 10, 2020 5:57 PM

  LA JOYA – A first of its kind program is now implemented at a middle school at La Joya Independent School District. An on-campus coffee shop run by some very special students. At Domingo Trevino Middle School they're brewing more than just coffee, they're brewing hope. Just like... more »

• Installation of remote security gates surrounding La Joya ISD campuses near completion Play Video

  January 31, 2020 6:42 PM

  LA JOYA – The La Joya Independent School District is taking step to protect students and staff. Just three months ago, the district began installing security gate along all of its 42 campuses. The remote gates were added to know exactly who is coming in and out of their... more »

• Weslaco students awarded shopping spree for their hard work Play Video

  January 31, 2020 5:31 PM

  WESLACO – A special surprise for five Rio Grande Valley students courtesy of a national sports retailer and Weslaco police. The police department told Weslaco Independent School District to nominate students with good grades and several extra-curricular activities. On Friday, the students got to spend the morning out... more »

• Edinburg parents continue to ask questions following school bus incident investigation Play Video

  January 30, 2020 6:24 PM

  EDINBURG – Questions still linger for parents after school bus incident Tuesday. Their children were on the bus for more than three hours. Parents say the incident involved eight sixth grade students from Harwell Middle School. On Wednesday, Edinburg Consolidated School District officials stated their bus driver followed... more »

• Brownsville students, teachers honor fallen soldier Play Video

  January 23, 2020 6:36 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Brownsville students turned out to pay tribute to Spc. Miguel A. Villalon. Streets lined with children, banners reading "Brownsville’s hero" and "Americas finest", just a few of the many posters created by students to thank Villalon for his sacrifice. When Angelica Villarreal's students at Perez Elementary... more »

• Cameron County officials beef up patrol around school buses Play Video

  January 21, 2020 6:57 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Constables in Cameron County are stepping up patrols, looking for drivers not following school bus road rules. Somos Noticias rode along with Constable David Martinez of Cameron County Precinct 1. They spent a few hours patrolling as students were dropped off. Martinez reminds all drivers if... more »

• Valley Teacher Writes Book On Alton Bus Crash Play Video

  January 5, 2020 8:57 PM

  ALTON - It's been 30 years since 21 students lost their lives in a bus crash in Alton. On September 21, 1989, a school bus collided with a Dr. Pepper delivery truck on 5 mile line and Bryan road. The bus fell into a caliche pit with about... more »

• UTRGV Tuition to Increase Starting Fall 2020 Play Video

  December 30, 2019 5:27 PM

  EDINBURG - Those planning to attend UTRGV in the Fall of 2020 should expect to pay more for tuition. The University of Texas Board of Regents is increasing tuition by 7 percent at all of its academic institutions. The increase goes into effect Fall semester 2020. Current... more »

• Police Shop with McAllen Students to Buy Christmas Gifts Play Video

  December 11, 2019 4:15 PM

  MCALLEN – Dozens of McAllen students got to shop ‘til they dropped Wednesday morning through the city’s Heroes and Helpers event. The city of McAllen and McAllen Independent School District teamed up with Target to make sure no child goes without a Christmas gift this year. Officers escort... more »

• Texas First Lady Address Philanthropy Group at Brownsville ISD to Inspire Their Communities Play Video

  December 3, 2019 5:38 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – The First Lady of Texas was the keynote speaker for the Brownsville Independent School District Youth in Philanthropy ceremony reminding students of the importance of service. First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the students from six early college high schools, all of whom participated in the semester-long Youth... more »

• Harlingen Students Work to Spread Awareness on Sugary Drinks Play Video

  November 19, 2019 7:11 PM

  HARLINGEN – Harlingen students are working together to launch the Life is Sweet Enough campaign to fight against diabetes and childhood obesity. It promotes drinking more water and forgetting sugary beverages. The prevalence of diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley is at 25%; that is double than the... more »

• Classroom Door Poster Causing Concerns for Parents in Edinburg Play Video

  November 14, 2019 6:14 PM

  EDINBURG – A graphic poster at a Rio Grande Valley high school is causing concern for some parents. The classroom door at Edinburg High School depicts the Salem witch trials of 1692, and it’s based on a play by American playwright Arthur Miller. The door is based on... more »

• Harlingen CISD Gathering Warm Clothing for Students Play Video

  November 9, 2019 11:00 PM

  HARLINGEN - Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District is asking for winter coats and warm clothes for students in need. Dr. Jose Luis Cavazos, the director of parent involvement with the district, said, "We have families coming in every day you'd be surprised, sometimes, there will be 2 to 3... more »

• Shoes Given to Students in Need Play Video

  November 9, 2019 10:58 PM

  MCALLEN - McAllen ISD, along with their rotary partners, raised funds and bought more than 1,200 pairs of shoes for needy students. With the help of parent involvement specialists, the school district identified over 1,400 needy students. Miguel Castillo, says his children were picked to receive new shoes.... more »

• Valley Students Create Ornaments for National Christmas Tree Display Play Video

  November 5, 2019 8:32 PM

  LYFORD - The Rio Grande Valley will be represented on the National Christmas Tree display in Washington, D.C. this year. Students at Lyford Middle School are creating one of a kind ornaments that will hang from the tree in the nation’s capital. Toniqua Smith, one of 24 students... more »

• Students Evacuated after Fire at IDEA School in McAllen Play Video

  October 25, 2019 12:10 PM

  MCALLEN – Authorities are investigating a small fire at the IDEA Tres Lagos Elementary School in McAllen. It happened Friday morning at the location just off Ware Road, south of Monte Cristo Road. Fire officials told CHANNEL 5 NEWS they believe the fire was intentionally started in a... more »

• CON MI GENTE: Walk Across Texas Play Video

  October 22, 2019 1:51 PM

  LASARA – An idea to motivate students to exercise and be healthy while also asking them to walk more than 800 miles. They call it the Walk Across Texas, a program sponsored by Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service to get students to take on more physical activities. At... more »

• Mercedes ISD to Help Owner with Property Next to School Targeted by Vandals Play Video

  October 15, 2019 10:31 PM

  MERCEDES – Administrators for a Rio Grande Valley school district are looking to help with a problem next door. Their neighbor says she believes the people trespassing on her property are students, who are leaving their trash, tearing down her security camera and even doing drugs. Last week,... more »

• Cameron Co. DA to Hold Parent-Student Meetings at Schools over Vaping Risks

  October 9, 2019 10:16 PM

  RIO HONDO – The Cameron County district attorney held one of what he hopes will be many meeting for parents and children to clear up confusion around vaping. District Attorney Luis Saenz doesn’t want them to be left in the dark about the health risks and legal consequences. ... more »

• Residents Upset Over Lack of Sidewalks to San Juan Schools Play Video

  October 8, 2019 5:28 PM

  SAN JUAN – Residents near two schools in San Juan are worried for their children's safety. They say there are no sidewalks and there’s heavy traffic on the way to Sorrenson Elementary and Austin Middle School. CHANNEL 5 NEWS was there nearly a year ago for the same... more »

• Homeowner Irritated by Ongoing Vandalism Next to Mercedes School Play Video

  October 7, 2019 10:26 PM

  MERCEDES – Mercedes police are working to identify suspects in a vandalism case. An ongoing problem for a property owner who plans to move in, but says she keeps spending money to repair vandalism instead of on renovations. “Here I am fixing up what is broken. Eleven windows.... more »

• La Joya ISD Adding Remote Security Gates to Campuses Play Video

  October 4, 2019 6:12 PM

  LA JOYA - One Rio Grande Valley school district is doing more to protect students and staff while at their campus. La Joya ISD is adding remote security gates along all campus parking lots. Chief Raul Gonzalez says this will help the district maintain accountability of who's coming... more »

• Brownsville ISD Makes Changes to Social Media Regulations Play Video

  October 3, 2019 6:16 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A Rio Grande Valley school district is doing more to protect student privacy on social media. The Brownsville Independent School District limits the interaction board members can have with students. During Tuesday's board meeting, Brownsville ISD Board of Trustees created some new limitations on how board... more »

• Second Graders Collect Food for Rescue Animals in Cameron Co. Play Video

  September 16, 2019 6:15 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Students at a Brownsville school worked together to help animals rescued in Cameron County. Students at Episcopal Day School heard about the dogs discovered in a warehouse last Monday. Their teachers, Ruby Abete and Jackie Armstrong, say their second graders rallied the entire school. "They're... more »

• Edcouch-Elsa ISD Stopping Sales of Computer Equipment Play Video

  September 9, 2019 10:51 PM

  ELSA - District Leaders reveal what they're doing about the accidental auction of student information in Edcouch Elsa. Letters to all parents have finally been sent out notifying them of the current situation and what is being done about it. The mistake put children and school employees at... more »

• Parents Still Seek Answers from Edcouch-Elsa ISD after Computers Auctioned Play Video

  September 3, 2019 6:12 PM

  EDCOUCH – Parents with students in the Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District say they haven't heard from the district. They want answers after a CHANNEL 5 NEWS investigation into the auctioning of computers with student information still in the hard drives. The last thing the superintendent said to us... more »

• Students at Brownsville ISD Dealing with Changes in New School Year Play Video

  August 27, 2019 5:49 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Almost two weeks into the school year and some students at Brownsville Independent School District are still dealing with some changes. Back in May, the district approved the closure of three elementary schools. Maria Crouch says her 8-year-old son started third grade at Perez Elementary less... more »

• Grandmother Concerned School Bus is Not Air Conditioned Play Video

  August 21, 2019 5:41 PM

  DONNA – A Rio Grande Valley woman wants to know why her granddaughter's school bus doesn't have air conditioning. Hilda Sifuentes says her granddaughter started school at IDEA Donna two weeks ago and she's worried about how she looks when she picks her up at the bus stop. ... more »

• Changes at Hidalgo Bridge to Accommodate Commuters Attending School Play Video

  August 21, 2019 12:05 PM

  HIDALGO – Daily operations at the Hidalgo International Bridge will change next week to help commuters who cross daily to attend schools in the U.S. The goal by Customs and Border Protection is to get legal crossers through faster, especially in the mornings for those attending school. Starting... more »

• Busy Intersection near School in Harlingen Raises Concerns Play Video

  August 16, 2019 5:38 PM

  HARLINGEN - A Harlingen woman is worried about a school zone in her area. Lisa Gutierrez says the combination of parents rushing to pick up their kids and other drivers going too fast is turning it into a danger zone. Many families use the crosswalk and many others... more »

• Long Wait Times at Donna Intl. Bridge Spark Concerns for Students Play Video

  August 14, 2019 9:23 PM

  DONNA – A new school year starting in Texas brings new stress for students living across the border. High school senior Carlos Pineda is a United States citizen. "Like I did nine hours the other day on the bridge, just by itself," says Pineda. He and his... more »

• PSJA Hosting Summer Swim Camp For Students Play Video

  July 2, 2019 7:22 PM

  PHARR - For students looking to beat the heat, PSJA ISD is offering a swimming sports camp at the Pharr Aquatic Center. CHANNEL 5's Erica Ross has more on the skills students can learn about in the pool. more »

• La Joya ISD, Mission CISD Offering Free Meals to Students throughout Summer

  June 5, 2019 12:44 PM

  WESLACO – A Rio Grande Valley school districts are stepping up to make sure children within their district are fed throughout the summer. La Joya Independent School District will be offering free meals to children who rely on school meals during the academic year. Mission Consolidated Independent School... more »

• Hidalgo Co. Commissioner Announces Free ACT Prep Courses

  May 31, 2019 4:08 PM

  MCALLEN – A local commissioner wants to make sure high school juniors and seniors get into college. On Friday, Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Cantu announced the ACT Attack, summer sessions to prepare students for the ACT on July 13. The free courses will be available for... more »

• Parents Seek Answers over Charter Bus Incident involving Weslaco Students Play Video

  May 23, 2019 6:24 PM

  WESLACO – Buses carrying Weslaco elementary students on their end of the year field trip were hit by “projectiles” in Brooks County. Panic and concern was the feeling among parents and guardians of the fifth grade graduating class at Clecker-Heald Elementary. A woman told CHANNEL 5 NEWS she... more »

• Brooks Co. Officials Confirm Incident with Buses Transporting Weslaco Students Play Video

  May 23, 2019 10:15 AM

  NEAR FALFURRIAS – The Brooks County Sheriff’s Office confirms charter buses occupied by students with the Weslaco Independent School District were hit by “projectiles” Wednesday night. The incident happened in the Falfurrias area as the buses were returning from San Antonio. Officials say two out of three buses... more »

• Meeting over Potential Closures of 3 Brownsville Schools Cancelled Play Video

  May 14, 2019 5:10 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A meeting to determine the future of three Brownsville schools was cancelled. Parents and school leaders were set to discuss what will happen with students. Victoria Heights, Longoria and Resaca elementary schools could potentially close. The district cities low enrollment, maintenance costs, funding, a decrease... more »

• Suspicious Package Removed from UTRGV Campus Play Video

  April 16, 2019 7:47 AM

  EDINBURG – Parts University of Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg were cleared out after a suspicious package was discovered. It was reported shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday. Police had closed off the areas of the chapel and student union. McAllen Bomb Squad was called out to the... more »

• At Least 1 Case of Mumps Confirmed at UTRGV Play Video

  April 2, 2019 6:31 PM

  EDINBURG – The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley is warning students after a case of the mumps was confirmed. The mumps is a disease that causes swelling and can be deadly – it can spread quickly among students. According to UTRGV, more than 27,000 students attend classes at... more »

• Local Bus Driver to Undergo Additional Training following Incident Play Video

  March 19, 2019 12:19 PM

  PROGRESO – A local school bus driver will undergo additional training before getting behind the wheel again, according to school district administrators. The driver backed up into a ditch Tuesday morning while 10 students were on board. A Progreso schools spokesperson says the incident happened at about 7... more »

• UTRGV Officials Unveil New STARGATE Technology Center near SpaceX Site Play Video

  March 18, 2019 4:45 PM

  NEAR BROWNSVILLE – Officials at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, along with other local leaders, unveiled the new STARGATE Technology Center. The facility, located near the SpaceX Boca Chica Beach site, will allow students to work on space technology development that will benefit SpaceX and others. UTRGV... more »

• City Police Patrolling in Weslaco Schools Play Video

  February 28, 2019 10:56 PM

  WESLACO – Weslaco police officers are implementing a new safety program to protect students at schools. Officer Juan Mariscal and five other uniformed and experienced Weslaco officers are now trained to protect Weslaco schools. Officers started patrolling the school in January, checking lockers for drugs and weapons and... more »

• La Joya ISD Celebrates 30th Year of Honoring Cultural Fine Arts Play Video

  February 28, 2019 9:28 AM

  LA JOYA – For 30 years, the La Joya Independent School District has put on an award winning show. Each year, students find their culture and put it on center stage. Performances range from mariachi, folklorico dances and conjunto music. The program has grown over the years... more »

• Foul Odor at Pharr School Causes Evacuation, 13 Transported to Hospital as Precaution Play Video

  February 15, 2019 1:32 PM

  PHARR – An incident took place this morning in Pharr that caused several students to be taken to the local hospital. IDEA Public Schools in Pharr received reports of a foul odor on the campus Friday morning. Students and staff evacuated the building as a precaution. Thirteen... more »

• Alamo Academy Re-Opens after Nearly 50 Students Called in Sick Play Video

  February 12, 2019 5:27 PM

  ALAMO – Almost four dozen students called in sick with flu-like symptoms last week at an Alamo Christian Academy. The Macedonian Christian Academy administrators told staff and students to stay home for two days after 47 students called in sick. The Academy’s administrator James Mendoza says the school... more »

• McAllen School Evacuated after Smoke Fills Classroom Play Video

  February 5, 2019 8:47 AM

  MCALLEN – A school in McAllen was evacuated just as students were being dropped off. McAllen Fire Captain Javier Gutierrez tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS St. Paul Lutheran School was evacuated around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday after an A/C motor shorted causing smoke in one of the classrooms. No injuries... more »

• HCISD Confirms No Threats to Harlingen High Schools

  February 4, 2019 10:21 AM

  HARLINGEN – Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District has been working with the Harlingen Police Department to address threats made Sunday evening. Brianna Vela, marketing coordinator for HCISD, tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS the students who were involved have been identified and appropriate actions have been taken. Law enforcement has... more »

• Authorities Search for Hit-and-Run Driver Involving 9-Year-Old Victim Play Video

  January 30, 2019 10:20 PM

  PALMVIEW – The search continues for an accused hit-and-run driver in a white-Sedan. The 9-year-old victim underwent surgery and is now in stable condition. KRGV’s Sierra Pizarro explains the impact the incident had on parents and other school district employees. The location where the child was hit... more »

• Camera Technology Helps Maintain Safety on School Bus Routes Play Video

  January 30, 2019 6:02 PM

  DONNA – Camera technology is helping school administrators at Donna Independent School District. The director of transportation explains camera technology helps to see what happens on school bus routes. Luis Solis says there are outside cameras on some buses that have a view of oncoming vehicle, as well... more »

• Parents Concerned about Explaining Auto-Ped Crash to Children Play Video

  January 30, 2019 5:28 PM

  LA JOYA – An auto-pedestrian accident is bringing attention to parents and students at a local school. A 9-year-old girl was hospitalized after being hit by a driver as she was walking to her school bus. The mother of the girl’s classmate tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS she’s now... more »

• Students Working to Identify 16 Exhumed Bodies Play Video

  January 24, 2019 5:20 PM

  FALFURRIAS – Sixteen sets of human remains have been exhumed from a cemetery in Falfurrias since the beginning of the year. The director of the South Texas Human Rights Center says students are working to identify these bodies. Most are believed to be migrants who died trying to... more »

• Federally Funded School Meal Programs May be Affected by Gov't Shutdown Play Video

  January 22, 2019 11:03 PM

  MCALLEN – Money for federally funded school meal programs could be in jeopardy due to the government shutdown. Lunch is provided to low-income students or all students, depending on the district. KRGV’s John Paul Barajas spoke to McAllen Independent School District Communication Specialist Mark May. May says... more »

• RGV Colleges Promoting Food Pantry Programs to Students Play Video

  January 16, 2019 4:28 PM

  WESLACO – Rio Grande Valley colleges are promoting access to affordable, nutritious food for students. South Texas College student Amberly Sanchez says college is a balance between managing finances, while also trying to be successful in classes. KRGV’s Taylor Winkel spoke with the director of student activities and... more »

• Local High School Students Impacted After Pres. Trump's Visit Play Video

  January 10, 2019 9:50 PM

  EDINBURG – President Donald Trump’s visit to the Rio Grande Valley served as a teaching moment for some high school students. Edinburg North High School students say they hope the president left the Valley with an open mind. "We're good people and most of us come over here... more »

• Gov't Shutdown Impacting Financial Aid Process for College Students Play Video

  January 9, 2019 5:14 PM

  UPDATE (1/18): According to a financial outreach specialist at South Texas College, the Department of Education is now accepting paper tax returns from FAFSA applications. This move is designed to eliminate Internal Service Revenue-related delays. --------- WESLACO – The partial government shutdown is making the financial aid... more »

• Valley School Districts Experiencing Decrease in Enrollment Play Video

  September 6, 2018 9:52 PM

  MCALLEN – School districts across the Rio Grande Valley are trying to keep students from leaving. CHANNEL 5 NEWS analyzed enrollment at all school districts in the Region 1. This region includes seven counties – Webb, Zapata, Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, Jim Hogg and Cameron. Out of all the public... more »

• Harlingen Police Take Students Shopping for Christmas Gifts Play Video

  December 23, 2016 3:36 PM

  HARLINGEN – The Harlingen Police Department made Christmas a little brighter this year for dozens of less fortunate students. It was the second year the police department put together their “Shop with a Cop” event. Sirens that rang weren’t for an emergency at the Harlingen Target. It was to signal... more »