Fort Worth ISD wants to hear from you about what the 2023-24 school year calendar should be. Jacob details why.

• Two proposals are on the table. The only difference is when winter break begins and ends.
• One calendar proposes the break be Dec. 15, 2023, to Jan. 2, 2024, with the first day of the spring semester being Jan. 3. The other has the break as Dec. 22, 2023, to Jan. 8, 2024, with Jan. 9, 2024, as the first day of the spring semester.
• Have thoughts? Go to our story and fill out the district’s survey.

The Keller ISD Unified Sparkle Cheer team won gold at a state Special Olympics competition.

• The team not only had the highest score in its division, but the cheerleaders managed the highest score in all divisions.
• The winning routine included a game-day cheer, jumps, standing tumbling, running tumbling, stunts, pyramid and dance. The team had to incorporate all of the components in a routine under three minutes long.
• Seventeen middle and high school students make up the team.
• Congratulations, athletes!

 After 11 years leading Arlington ISD, Marcelo Cavazos announced his plans to retire.

• His accomplishments include overseeing the passage of two bonds totaling $1.3 billion to renovate campuses, developing 13 specialized academies and rolling out universal pre-K.
• Arlington ISD school board President Melody Fowler told our friends at KERA News that Cavazos’ retirement is a big loss.
• In the coming weeks, the school board is expected to start putting together its plans for picking a new leader for Arlington ISD, one of the largest districts in Texas. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2. Cavazos’ planned last day is Aug. 31.

Fort Worth ISD is aiming to transform discipline at its alternative school campus through a partnership with the nonprofit Big Thought. Kristen explored the initiative.

• The Metro Opportunity School serves students in sixth-12th grade and provides more resources for addressing discipline versus punishment alone.
• Programming at the campus — such as more art classes — aims to help students take ownership over their actions and learning tactics to lower the chances of a repeat offense.

Feb. 1 is “World Read Aloud Day,” which is a great day to share a love of reading with your children. We have some suggestions on our favorite children’s books if you’re looking for ideas.

• Jacob’s suggested book is one of his childhood favorites, “Goodnight Moon.” You and your children can read it aloud right before you tuck them into bed.
• Kristen’s grandma used to read “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” to her, and she’ll always treasure the story. It’s a great chance to teach your reader about the alphabet.
• Looking for some books to buy to fill out your library? Explore the kids’ books page on Bookshop.org and support local bookstores when you buy.