Think and Act Locally

Empowering Deer Park, La Porte & Pasadena

Liberty • Prosperity • Service • Growth

Introducing: Know Your Schools

Your 2026 Engagement Calendar Starts This Week

A Community Project to Understand How Our Local School Districts Really Work

We're asking better questions about our schools.

Over the next several months, Think and Act Locally will be taking a deep dive into our local school districts, starting with Deer Park ISD. Future articles will cover La Porte ISD and Pasadena ISD.

This isn't about assigning blame or picking political fights. It's about asking better questions as citizens and taxpayers: Are our schools actually delivering what they promise?

Deer Park ISD serves over 12,800 students across 15 schools. The district boasts award-winning fine arts programs, successful athletics, and strong career and technical education pathways. Its teachers average over 12 years of experience, and the turnover rate is well below the state average. On paper, things look good.

But here's what we want to understand: Does the reality match the promise?

The district's mission statement commits to "maximizing educational opportunities for all students" and "fulfilling the expectations of stakeholders." Its vision promises that graduates will be "prepared to master the intellectual, economic, civic, social, and ethical challenges of adulthood."

Those are bold commitments. We plan to examine whether the district is meeting them.

Our Approach: Systems, Not Scapegoats

We'll be examining structures and incentives, not pointing fingers at teachers or administrators. Most educators enter the profession to serve children. Our goal is constructive accountability—the kind that improves systems over time.

We'll look at academic performance data, achievement gaps, financial stewardship, and whether the district's practices align with its stated mission. We'll share what we find and help you ask better questions at school board meetings.

Because you're not just a customer of the school district—you're a shareholder.

Stay tuned for our first deep dive into Deer Park ISD.

Q: How many total students are served by the three school districts covering Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena?

"The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next." — Abraham Lincoln

Check your school's report card: Texas Education Agency publishes accountability ratings for every campus. Search "TEA school report card [school name]" to see how your kid's school actually performs.

https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-accountability/performance-reporting/school-report-cards

GROWTH & LEARNING

Tuttle Twins

Speaking of taking ownership of your children's education...

If you've ever wanted to introduce your kids to concepts like free markets, personal responsibility, and individual liberty—but weren't sure how to start—the Tuttle Twins book series makes it easy.

Written for kids ages 5-11, these illustrated books teach economic and civic concepts through engaging stories. My kids have learned more about how the world actually works from these books than from most of what they get in school.

The curriculum includes activity workbooks that turn passive reading into active learning. Perfect complement to our "Know Your Schools" philosophy: take ownership of what your children learn.

[Check out the Tuttle Twins here] (affiliate (affiliate link)

Prosperity Spotlight

Supporting Local Business & Entrepreneurship

GROWTH & LEARNING: 

Stealing Yourself Wealthy

I've spent a lot of ink in this newsletter talking about holding government accountable for financial sustainability. But here's an uncomfortable question: How sustainable are your own finances?

Back in August, I started applying a simple options trading framework called Low Stress Options. The pitch sounded almost too boring to be true: target 1% per week, spend just 1-2 hours managing it, avoid the drama of day trading.

Four months later, I've collected nearly $25,000 in premium income.

No, that's not a typo. And no, I'm not glued to a screen all day. I run multiple businesses, write this newsletter, and chase kids around. This fits because it was designed to fit.

The framework is built on the same philosophy we preach here: systems over speculation, consistency over chaos, and taking control of what you can actually control.

The founder learned this mindset during 1980s Brazilian hyperinflation - his host father "stole" small amounts from the family businesses, converted them to dollars, and saved three franchises when everyone else went under. Same principle: small, consistent actions compound into something significant.

If you're looking to make up for lost time on retirement, smooth out the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurial income, or just put your money to work harder than a savings account's pathetic 0.45% annual return - this is worth your time.

Check out Low Stress Options →

Full disclosure: This is an affiliate link. But you know the rule - sponsors support the mission, never influence the message. I don't recommend anything I don't personally use.

FOOD SCENE UPDATE

The Cosmic Bean

5834 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505

Eight Turn Crepe Pasadena

3633 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77504

The Neighborhood Scoop

2106 Strawberry Rd, Pasadena, TX 77502

Angus beef burgers & chicken tenders, plus hand-dipped ice cream in a retro-style restaurant.

REAL ESTATE PULSE

Featured Property - For Lease

4422 Meadow Way Dr, Deer Park, TX 77536

Beautiful one-story home with a split floor plan featuring high ceilings in the living area. Upgraded flooring throughout. The primary bath includes a garden tub, separate shower, and large walk-in closet. Great outdoor kitchen with space to entertain. Washer, dryer, and refrigerator included with $2500 lease. No damage during the 2021 freeze or flooding during Harvey. Owner is willing to lease the house with the furniture currently in the home. Tenant must pay and use the current lawn maintenance company.[Link to full listing]

ADOPT A FRIEND

Pet of the Week

Meet SINOR the cute little "RAY" of sunshine at our shelter that is now available for adoption. Sinor was lost and was found laying under a trailer. Sinor was scared at first but allowed us to put him on a leash and bring him to the shelter. Over the last couple of weeks we have been working with Sinor and he has really opened up and shown us his happy side. From the moment we arrive in the morning Sinor is there waiting for us will his tail wagging full speed. He loves playing out in our yard and walks good on a leash. Sinor is neutered, has a rabies vaccination, has had his first set of vaccinations too. If you'd like to meet him please swing by the shelter today. Help us find him a home by sharing his post with family and friends.

 

If you’re ready to meet your new best friend, come visit us and see them in person at:

Deer Park Animal Shelter and Adoption Center

4221 Luella Ave, Deer Park, TX

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Ways to Make a Difference

Volunteer Spotlight

La Porte Fire Department 

 

NOW ACCEPTING VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS!

 

Looking to give back, serve your community, and be part of something bigger?

 

You can apply to become a La Porte Fire Department Volunteer Firefighter today!

 

Visit our website and fill out an application now:

www.laportetx.gov/1330/fire

 

Take the first step toward making a difference in your community!

Volunteer Spotlight: Your School District Needs You

With our "Know Your Schools" series launching this week, here are ways to get involved beyond just attending board meetings:

• Campus Volunteer Programs - All three districts welcome parent and community volunteers
• Mentoring Programs - La Porte ISD's HELPS Mentoring Program matches adults with students who need support
• Education Foundation Support - All three districts have education foundations accepting donations and volunteer help
• Career Day Speakers - Share your profession with students in CTE programs

Contact your district's volunteer coordinator to learn more.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Ways to Give Back This Week

Loving La Porte: Feeding Students at the Library

Michael and Kristy Hanks discovered Joseph Daughtery feeding 80-150 kids at the La Porte Library after school—out of his own pocket, three to four times a week.

They didn't just admire it. They joined him.

Now "Loving La Porte" is growing into something bigger: a vision for a community center where families can access a food pantry, receive clothing, learn life skills, do laundry, get tutoring, and more—all under one roof.

84% of students at La Porte Elementary live below the federal poverty level. This isn't abstract. This is your neighbor's kid.

How to Help:

• Volunteer: Setup begins at 2:15 PM weekdays at the Harris County Library in La Porte
• Donate: Contact Michael Hanks at 832-867-3499 or mhanks11@hotmail.com
• Learn more: LovingLaPorte.org or Facebook: Loving La Porte

[Full story in Around La Porte, Pages 1 & 4]

Blue Santa Milestone

The La Porte Police Department's Blue Santa Program served nearly 1,000 children this holiday season—up from 600-700 in previous years. The program has grown from helping 10 families in 2009 to this record-breaking year.

Partners who made it happen: La Porte Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, La Porte Police Officers' Association, Underwood Baptist Church, and dozens of local businesses.

If you missed the chance to help this year, mark your calendar for October 2026 when registration opens again.

[ALP, Page 2]

GROWTH & LEARNING

Education & Personal Development

Library Preserving Local History

The La Porte Public Library received a $20,000 grant from the Ladd and Katherine Hancher Library Foundation to digitize decades of historic newspapers, including The Bayshore Sun.

Why This Matters: These archives contain La Porte's stories, milestones, and cultural history. Once digitized, they'll be searchable online for residents, students, researchers, and former community members worldwide.

This is how communities preserve their identity. Support your local library.

[ALP, Page 2]

34 La Porte Students Named AP Scholars

Congratulations to the 34 La Porte High School students recognized as AP Scholars, including Addison Steffer who earned the prestigious AP International Diploma—a globally recognized distinction.

AP Scholars with Distinction: Natalie Gamble, Sienna Naron, Liz Olivera, Colt Rawls, Blake Schneider, and Addison Steffer

This is what the Growth pillar is about: recognizing young people who put in the work.

[Full list in Around La Porte, Page 12]

San Jacinto College Updates

$500,000 Houston Endowment Grant: San Jac was selected as one of nine Gulf Coast community colleges to receive funding for strengthening programs and student support services.

Leadership Changes: Dr. Rhonda Bell appointed Central Campus Provost. Dr. Alexander Okwonna succeeds Dr. Laurel Williamson as Deputy Chancellor. Dr. Christopher Wild named Generation Park Campus Provost.

[ALP, Pages 14-15]

Emergency Management Excellence

Amber Castro-Beltran and Jeremy Borja of La Porte's Emergency Management team have earned Certified Emergency Manager credentials from the International Association of Emergency Managers.

Only 2,521 people worldwide hold this certification. That's the caliber of professionals protecting our community.

[ALP, Page 2]

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:

What If Healthcare Worked Like a Community?

Here's a question I've been wrestling with: We talk a lot in this newsletter about broken systems in government. But what about the healthcare system?

My family of four has never had traditional health insurance. For years we used Medishare, a health sharing ministry. Earlier this year, we switched to CrowdHealth - and I want to tell you why.

The model is simple: You pay a $55/month subscription per person for access to their platform and advocacy team. Then each month, you contribute to help crowdfund another member's medical bills - never more than your set maximum. When you have a health event, you pay a $500 commitment, and the community funds the rest.

Right now, we're testing this in real time. My family had a $6,000 ER visit. CrowdHealth is negotiating that bill down, I'll pay $500, and the crowd will cover the remainder. No claims department. No denial letters. No fighting with bureaucrats.

Our monthly cost for a family of four: roughly $400-660/month, depending on community needs that month. Compare that to $1,500-2,500 for traditional family coverage in Texas.

But here's what really sold me: Unlike insurance companies, CrowdHealth doesn't profit from sickness. There's no incentive to deny your claim. The whole model is built on members helping members - mutual aid, not corporate gatekeeping.

It's healthcare that works like a community should work. And that's exactly what Think and Act Locally is about.

Learn how CrowdHealth works →

Full disclosure: This is a referral link. But you know the rule - sponsors support the mission, never influence the message. I've been a paying member since January.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

This Week's Must-Attend Events

Featured Events

Send us your events (david@thinkandactlocally.com)

Paso Robles Wine Dinner

Texans Wild Card Party

Spirit Day at Gringo's

Event by DPHS Choir Booster Club 

Gringo's Mexican Restaurant

January 12, 2026 at 9AM - 7PM PST

Spirit Day at Gringo’s! No need to cook, just head to Gringo’s LP and let them do the cooking for you. Be sure to mention DPHS Choir or show this flyer!

District Services Job Fair

January 13, 2026 at 7AM - 10AM PST

Event by Pasadena Independent School District

3010 Bayshore Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77502-5602, United States

We’re hiring across the district. Join us at the District Services Job Fair to explore opportunities with Nutrition Services, Transportation, Maintenance and operations. Learn more about available positions, meet our teams, and take the next step toward a career supporting our schools and students!

This Month

Upcoming Events

Tex's Winter Wonderland 📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026 🕛 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM 📍 Jimmy Burke Activity Center, 500 W. 13th Street, Deer Park 💵 $10 presale / $15 at the door ❄️ Snow areas, snow slides, S'mores, petting zoo, pony rides, face painters, characters and more! 🔗 Get Tickets

Art in the Park - Monthly at Dow Park, Deer Park

Movies in the Park - Monthly at various Deer Park locations

Check the Deer Park "Deer in the Spotlight" January 2026 Newsletter for more city events!

Coming Up

Monday, January 13 - La Porte City Council, 6:00 PM (Consolidation discussion expected)

Thursday, January 22 - Chamber Awards Banquet, 5:45 PM at Monument Inn

Friday, January 24 - Deer Park: Tex's Winter Wonderland

January 24-25 - Disney Voice Actors at Pasadena Celebrity Comic Con (Jodi Benson, Richard White, Bruce Reitherman)

Monday, January 27 - La Porte City Council, 6:00 PM

Save the Date

Friday, February 7 - Father-Daughter Masquerade Ball, 6-9 PM at Sylvan Beach Pavilion ($15/person, register at LaPorteTx.gov/Register)

Tuesday, February 3 - Marketing SBA Session, 2-3 PM at La Porte City Hall

Saturday, February 21 - Mardi Gras on Main, 4-8 PM at Five Points Town Plaza (FREE)

Local Theory Playlist - Check out New Year, New Mountain - Kick of 2026 strong

WEATHER FORECAST

Enjoy the cooler weather.

COMMUNITY VOICES

Letter of the Week

[Featured reader submission]

Q&A Corner

Q: [Reader question about local topic]

A: [Your answer or community expert response]

Over 65,000 (DPISD ~12,800 + LPISD ~7,500 + Pasadena ISD ~45,000)

Unrivaled Travels

Great travel deals - Find out more click here

NEIGHBORS IN NEWS

A tip of the hat to Around La Porte

Our friends at Around La Porte dropped their January 2026 issue this week—16 pages of community coverage from the team led by Maggie Anderson Eddy (now in their 15th year of publication!).

This month's issue covers the consolidation election story, the incredible work of Loving La Porte volunteers, Blue Santa's record year, Fairmont Parkway improvements, and much more.

We don't compete with Around La Porte—we complement them. They report what's happening. We ask what citizens can DO about it.

Subscribe: $40/year delivered to your home Website: aroundlaporte.com

Facebook: facebook.com/aroundlaporte

Facebook Buzz

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BaKsPiEBU/

Liberty Watch

Know Your Government Week 2: School Boards

Education Governance in Our Region

Four separate boards oversee public education in our three-city area. Each one makes decisions about how your tax dollars are spent, what policies govern your schools, and what kind of education your community provides.

Here's your complete guide to January meetings:

DEER PARK ISD Board of Trustees

📅 Monday, January 12, 2026 (TOMORROW!) 🕡 6:30 PM 📍 Education Support Center, 2800 Texas Ave., Deer Park 💡 Regular Meeting & Grievance Hearing 🔗 dpisd.org

Serves: 12,800+ students across 15 schools To participate: Email Bridget Winstead at the district office

LA PORTE ISD Board of Trustees

📅 Monday, January 13, 2026 🕖 7:00 PM 📍 LPISD Administration Building, 1002 San Jacinto St., La Porte 💡 Regular Meeting 🔗 lpisd.org

Serves: 7,500+ students across 13 schools Note: Instructional Materials Hearing was held January 6

PASADENA ISD Board of Trustees

📅 Tuesday, January 27, 2026 🕠 5:30 PM 📍 Administration Building, 3920 Mickey Gilley Blvd., Pasadena 💡 Regular Meeting 🔗 pasadenaisd.org

Serves: 45,000+ students—one of the largest districts in Texas To participate: Email board@pasadenaisd.org or sign up in person

SAN JACINTO COLLEGE Board of Trustees

📅 No January Meeting 📅 Next Meeting: Monday, February 2, 2026 @ 7:00 PM 📍 Thomas S. Sewell District Administration Building, 4624 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena 🔗 sanjac.edu

Serves: 45,000+ students across 5 campuses Leadership Update: The Board recently approved leadership changes including a new Deputy Chancellor (Dr. Alexander Okwonna) to replace retiring Dr. Laurel Williamson in August 2026.

Why This Matters

Between these four boards, decisions are being made about:

• $1+ billion in combined annual budgets
• Curriculum and instructional materials
• Teacher pay and hiring
• Facility construction and maintenance
• Your property tax rate

You're not just a customer of these institutions. You're a shareholder.

How to Participate

You don't have to speak to attend. Just showing up sends a message that citizens are watching.

One Action This Week: Pick ONE of these meetings and attend. You don't need to be an expert. You just need to show up.

La Porte

• • City Council: January 12, 2026 - 6pm
  • January 26, 2026 - 6pm
  • Location: 604 W Fairmont Parkway
    La Porte, TX 77571
  • Agenda: [Link to agenda]
  • Live Stream: Live here and Youtube channel
  • Link to most recent meeting Brief.
  • Link to most recent meeting Deep Dive.
  • Key Items: 

    About the Council

     

     

    All powers of the City and the determination of all matters of policy are vested in City Council. The Council executes the laws and administers the government of the City. The Mayor and the two councilpersons-at-large are elected by a majority vote of the qualified voters of the city at large. The city is divided into six districts and one councilperson is elected from each district by majority vote of the resident voters of the district. The Mayor and Councilpersons hold their respective offices for a term of three years or until their successors have been elected and duly qualified. The positions of Mayor and Councilpersons Districts 2 and 3 will be elected next in 2027 and 2030; Councilperson At-Large Position A and Districts 4 and 5 in 2025 and 2028; and Councilperson At-Large Position B and Districts 1 and 6 in 2026 and 2029.

     

    Agendas & Minutes

    The City Council meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 6:00 p.m. To view the most recent agendas and minutes, view the archive. Council meeting video is available at LaPorteTX.gov/MeetingVideo. To search and/or view past meeting agendas and minutes and historical records, visit the public portal at LaPorteTX.gov/SearchRecords.

    Council Documents

    • City Charter
    • 2023 Strategic Plan
    • City Council Rules of Procedure and Ethics Policy, updated October 14, 2024
    • City Council Conflict of Interest filings
    • City Council campaign finance documents (Per EC 254.0401(b)(e-1)(g) and (h))

   

  Cycle the City with Mayor Helton

  Join Mayor Helton for a monthly bike ride to connect with the community and explore the City of La Porte together! These rides will occur on the Third Tuesday of every month, starting at 6:30 pm, summer hours are at 7 pm.  The starting point will change each month so check back for the latest details to plan your attendance.  

   

  January 20 | 6:30 PM

  The January ride will start at the Garden of Eden Tea Room, 10515 Spencer Hwy, La Porte, TX 77571.

   

  February 17 | 6:30 PM

  The February ride will begin at the La Porte Historic Depot Museum, 604 Park Street, La Porte, TX 77571.

   

  March 17 | 6:30 PM - TBD

SUBMIT YOUR CONTENT

Community events

Business features

Volunteer opportunities

Letters/Q&A

Email me - david@thinkandactlocally.com

Deadline: Thursday 5 PM for Sunday publication

Value4Value

A Different Way to Build Community

How Think and Act Locally Works

This newsletter operates on the Value for Value model - a simple concept that reflects our core philosophy: We provide value freely, and you contribute back based on the value you receive.

No paywalls. No subscriptions required. Just real local content that matters.

We do feature paid sponsorships from local businesses - because supporting local prosperity is part of our mission. But here's our promise: Their support will never influence our message. We will always Think and Act Locally, speak truth about local issues, and put community first.

Three Ways to Provide Value

⏰ Time

• Share this newsletter with neighbors who care
• Attend the events and meetings we highlight
• Report back on what you discover
• Join the conversation in our Facebook groups
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Why This Model?

We believe in treating you like the responsible adult you are. You know better than anyone what value you're receiving and what you can contribute. This isn't charity - it's an exchange of value between neighbors building something together.

Our business sponsors are part of this value exchange too - they support local engagement while we support local prosperity. Everyone wins, and no one controls the message except our shared commitment to thinking and acting locally.

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