Cypress Digest🌲 5.16.25

New Program Tackles Absenteeism in Cy-Fair ISD

Cy-Fair ISD is teaming up with Communities in Schools of Houston to fight chronic absenteeism. Starting soon, six high schools will have on-campus specialists helping students stay engaged, attend regularly, and access academic and behavioral support. The program, backed by state and federal funding, aims to remove barriers to student success by building strong relationships directly on campus.
Learn more about Communities in Schools →

CFISD Faces Budget Shortfall, Teacher Pay at Risk

Cy-Fair ISD may struggle to offer competitive salaries next school year without more state funding. With 89.67% of its budget tied up in payroll, the district is staring down a projected $50 million shortfall for 2025-26. Despite this, Superintendent Doug Killian is pushing for staff raises—even if it increases the deficit.

Key factors include:

• Lower state funding due to decreased attendance

• Declining enrollment (down 1,123 students expected)

• Lost revenue from local tax exemptions and rate compressions

A final decision on the budget is expected June 23, with a budget workshop set for May 22. [Full story here]

The Big Picture— Well, it’s a balancing act

This is a case of short-term sacrifice vs. long-term gain. The absenteeism program could help stabilize attendance and funding if it works well. But until then, CFISD is stuck trying to make up a $50 million shortfall, pay its staff competitively, and fund new programs—all with limited wiggle room.

If attendance improves significantly in the next year or two, this partnership could help CFISD regain its financial footing. But it’ll take patience, planning, and likely some tough decisions in the meantime.

Cy Woods Baseball in the Regional Semifinal Playoffs

Continuing the playoff coverage, if you recall we covered the 6 Cypress teams that advanced into the playoffs. Cypress Woods sealed the deal to win the bi-district championship. They won their May 8th Matchup and is now in the Regional Semifinals!
🔗 Follow Them on Social Media for the Latest Coverage

In Case you Missed it…. You can see how CFISD Ranked (Spoiler we got a B)

We have ALOT of new businesses making their debut in the Cypress area. Here’s a few from last week and a few we found out about this week!

Hot Pot Express will be coming this year. It offers solo hot pot bowls that are made to order in under 10 minutes. Guests can choose from a variety of noodles, proteins, toppings and spice levels all served in different broths inspired by the streets of Chengdu, China. It will go in over by the new Walmart off of Fry rd. (20510 West Road, Ste. 100, Cypress).

Boba Smoothies now open on 10511 Jones Road, Ste. E, Houston. If you’re looking for a new Boba place to try out, one just opened at the beginning of May. We couldn’t find a website but we did find an address. They are said to offer a variety of Boba smoothies, shakes, Italian soda and lemonade. Plus, there will be some small bit options like icream and burgers.

Luce Avenue Coffee Roasters Arriving in Cypress
Get ready for premium coffee. Luce Avenue Coffee Roasters is opening a new café offering freshly roasted beans, signature drinks, and pastries. Yet another great addition to Cypress’s growing food and drink scene. [Here’s more about them]

Goldfish Swim School is making waves in Cypress with its brand-new facility at 24310 Hwy. 290. Offering fun, confidence-building swim lessons for kids ages 4 months to 12 years, the school focuses on safety, skill-building, and fun in a warm, shiver-free pool. With flexible scheduling, small class sizes, and a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, it’s designed to help every child thrive in the water. Families can book lessons now. [See class schedules here]

Kona Reserve Coffee Makes its Way to Cypress, now open at 17111 West Road! This new spot brings the flavors of Hawaii straight to Cypress, serving freshly roasted beans from Kona’s volcanic soil and a tropical-inspired menu of lattes, cold brews, and acai bowls. With its lush decor and island vibe, it’s the perfect place to work, relax, or catch up with friends over an Aloha Latte or Kona Peaberry pour-over. Whether you're near Stone Gate or just craving something new, Kona Reserve is your neighborhood escape for premium coffee and island bites. [Find out more here.]

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Looking for more resources? Here’s the Cypress Digest Resource List. Exclusive to subscribers of Cypress Digest. Enjoy!

1. New! How To Protest Property Taxes in Cypress, TX.

   A Step-by-Step Guide to Lowering Your Houston Property Taxes with Expert Tips and Proven Strategies. Read the guide now!

2. I compiled this list of 35+ camps in the Cypress area for kids of all ages.

   I grabbed a little of this and that mixing in science, sports and art (of course). Give it a read here!

3. A short list of all your neighborhood’s favorite businesses and service providers (Over 200 and counting). Check it out here!

4. Lawn Maintenance Cheat Sheet. This includes the product(s) and schedule we’ve used when we knew nothing at all. Read it here!

Ongoing: Cy-Hope is having a food drive! The best part? If you can’t make it to drop off there’s an Amazon wishlist you can shop from here: https://a.co/eLhymmP
Or make a monetary donation (Please select 'Summer Feeding' from the dropdown menu labeled 'For') https://bit.ly/3O32ahP

🗓️ Friday, May 16

Painting with a Twist – Date Night: Love Trees
⏰ 7:00–9:00 PM | Ages 18+
🎨 Couples session | 💵 $35–$49
📍12344 Barker Cypress Rd, Ste 200

Friday Movie Matinee – LSC-CyFair
⏰ 1:00 PM | Free family film screening
📍LSC-CyFair Library

Friday Night Live Music – Creekwood Grill
⏰ 7:00 PM | Live local band
📍Creekwood Grill, Cypress

Youth Game Night – Christ Family Church
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM | Ages 12–18
📍Christ Family Church

🗓️ Saturday, May 17

Painting with a Twist
⏰ 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Ages 12+
🎨 Family-friendly art fun | 💵 $29 - $49
📍12344 Barker Cypress Rd, Ste 200

Free Kids Craft – Michaels Stores
⏰ 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Drop-in craft activity
📍Local Michaels Stores

Adopt-a-Pet Event – PetSmart Cypress
⏰ 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Meet adoptable pets
📍PetSmart, 19511 US-290, Cypress

Family Board Game Day – LSC-CyFair
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM | Free games and snacks
📍LSC-CyFair Library

🌀 Disaster Preparedness Summit
⏰ 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Free summit on hurricane readiness
📍Steve Radack Community Center – 18650 Clay Road, Houston, TX

🐾 Houston: Bring Happy Home Event
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Free pet adoptions for National Pet Month
📍Walmart Supercenter – 26270 Northwest Fwy, Cypress, TX 77429

🏏 AAPI Heritage Month Celebration & Cricket Field Day
⏰ 9:00 AM | Celebrate culture, community & cricket
📍John Paul Landing Park – 24202 West Road, Cypress, TX 77433

🎉 Bob Hope School Meet & Greet Celebration
⏰ 9:00 AM | Learn about Bob Hope School – Cy Fair
📍11123 Cypress N. Houston Rd, Cypress, TX

📚 Family Story Time – LSC-CyFair
⏰ 10:30 AM | Songs, rhymes, and stories for families
📍Lone Star College-CyFair Library – 9191 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77433

🛍️ Farmer's Market at The Boardwalk
⏰ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Live music, produce, & artisan goods
📍The Boardwalk at Towne Lake – 9955 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77433

🏛️ Precinct 4 Town Hall
⏰ 1:00 PM | Community updates with Commissioner Briones
📍Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center – 8440 Greenhouse Rd, Cypress, TX 77433

🎸 Loaded Dan Live – Brew:30 Taphouse
⏰ 6:30 PM | Classic rock favorites
📍Brew:30 Taphouse, Cypress, TX

🎶 Tommy Peters Live – Vintage Park
⏰ 7:00 PM | Rock, pop, and country hits
📍Vintage Park, Houston, TX

🎤 AM/FM Live – The Barn at Frio Grill
⏰ 8:00 PM | ’70s rock tribute show
📍The Barn at Frio Grill – 16416 Mueschke Rd, Cypress, TX

🕺 Checkered Past – Mo’s Irish Pub
⏰ 8:30 PM | Live dance music
📍Mo's Irish Pub – Vintage Park, Houston, TX

🗓️ Sunday, May 18

Painting with a Twist
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM | Mimosas welcome!
🎨 Instructor-led | 💵 $39
📍12344 Barker Cypress Rd, Ste 200

BIG Garage Sale! : The Family Faith Lutheran Church
⏰ 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
📍16710 FM 529 Rd, Houston

Multiple Events Brew:30 Taphouse
⏰ 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Shop local
📍Brew:30 Taphouse, Cypress

Pancake Breakfast – VFW Post 8905
⏰ 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | All-you-can-eat
📍21902 Northwest Fwy, Cypress

Bridgeland Farmers Market
⏰ 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Local produce, crafts, food trucks
📍Lakeland Village Center, Bridgeland

🧘 Yoga & Mimosas on The Lawn
⏰ 9:00 AM | Beginner-friendly yoga & bubbly
💵 $10 per person
📍The Barn & Frio Grill – 16416 Mueschke Rd, Cypress, TX 77433

🍊 Fairfield Citrus Festival & Farmers Market
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Fresh citrus, family fun, & local vendors
📍15103 Mason Rd, Cypress, TX

⚽ Fairfield FC Fall Tryouts
⏰ 1:00 PM | Boys & Girls 2nd–9th Grade
📍Athlete Training & Health – 27646 Northwest Freeway, Cypress, TX 77433

🏃 Open Workout – Speed & Agility Drills
⏰ 1:30 PM | Free event with CFSA Bears coaches
📍Athlete Training & Health – Cypress, TX

🏈 CFSA Vikings Open Workout
⏰ 1:30–3:30 PM | For K–6th grade students
📍Memorial Hermann Sports Park, Cypress, TXDiscounts & Specials 🌲

Friday Specials

• Hans’ Crawfish: Single pound price drops to $8.50 $7.99

• BB’s Tex-Orleans: 5 lbs crawfish for $35

• Pluckers: Teacher Freebie Friday! 3–7 PM – Show faculty badge for 1 free appetizer (App Sampler excluded; 1 app per 2 people)

• Brewingz: All Fireball drinks $4

• Texas Mesquite Grill: Happy Hour 3–6:30 PM, $6.95 bar food (wings, chips & queso, more)

• Big City Wings: ½ Price Appetizers, $5 Ritas All Day, $18 Buckets of Corona Premier

• Frio Grill: $7 Appetizers, $2 Beers, $4 Wines, $6 Cocktails

• Dario’s: Happy Hour 3–6 PM

• La Viva Cantina: Happy Hour Apps, Mini Meals & Drinks 3–6 PM

• Mac’s Sports Bar & Grill: Fish Fry Friday starting at 5 PM

• Willie’s Ice House: $5 Apps, Happy Hour 2–6 PM

• World of Beer: Weekday Lunch $6.95 (Open–2 PM), Happy Hour 3–7 PM

• Main Squeeze Juice Co.: Mocktails $7 from 4–6 PM

• Crust Pizza: 2 for $10 Rotating lunch specials (different per location) 11 AM - 3PMDon’t forget to follow us on Facebook and check out the neighborhood business recommendations sheet below!

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