KSAT Kids: What it’s like in KSAT’s newsroom; student vaccination latest; dancing hearts experiment

This week’s spotlight is a 7-year-old who is donating to those struggling with homelessness

FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2021 file photo, pre-kindergarten teacher Sarah McCarthy works with a student at Dawes Elementary in Chicago. Chicago Public Schools should allow students back into classrooms in no more than 100 facilities and then gradually reopen others, an organization of school principals proposed Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, saying most of them doubt the nation's third-largest school district can safely handle a mass reopening. (Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Chicago Sun-Times via AP, Pool File) (Ashlee Rezin Garcia, Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times)

Hello parents, teachers and students! Happy Friday!

Are you ready for some good news? Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, gave reason for optimism on Thursday when he announced that children as young as first grade may be able to get the coronavirus vaccine by the time school starts again in September, presuming trials are successful. That’s big news, so if manufacturers can prove vaccines safe and effective for children, we may yet be able to have a more normal-looking school year next year!

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Here at KSAT, one of the things we love to do is talk to students and educators about what goes on behind the scenes and why we are so passionate about our job. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, we haven’t been able to host our regular station tours. So, new this week, we’ve decided to give viewers a peek behind the curtain and answer some of our most frequently asked questions. Click here for a video of our anchors answering your questions and showing you what we do.

In this week’s KSAT Kids’ spotlight, we highlight a 7-year-old San Antonio girl who is creating “Blessing Bags” to help those dealing with homelessness. Ella Fall has been fundraising in different forms, including online and the bags are filled with snacks, toiletries, socks and items specific to the season, including a beanie and gloves. What a kind gesture, and ever so important with temperatures dropping!

And parents, are you looking for a fun, educational activity to do with your kids indoors? Well, check out Meteorologist Kaiti Blake’s latest home science lab -- this time a cool seasonal demonstration that will create a reaction and have a popular Valentine’s candy dance around. And don’t forget, if you upload a video of your child performing the experiment, you might see it on GMSA @ 9 a.m.!

For those students still seeking additional schooling help, the San Antonio Public Library continues to offer resources to help with their lessons. We also have a list of places offering free Wi-Fi for students and their families.

Have a great weekend everyone!

-Ben Spicer

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Do you have an idea for a lesson or feedback? Email me at Bspicer@ksat.com with new content, lessons, story ideas or tips!

Here’s what can be found on KSAT Kids for Friday, February 12:

Student Spotlight

7-year-old San Antonio girl creates ‘Blessing Bags’ and donates to those struggling with homelessness

Ella Fall, 7, started raising funds to stuff bags with essential items for those struggling with homelessness. Fall’s Blessing Bags have already benefitted 150 people across the city.

7-year-old San Antonio girl creates ‘Blessing Bags’ and donates to those struggling with homelessness

Do you know of a classroom or school that is doing amazing work and deserves to be featured in KSAT Kids? Nominate a student, teacher or school by emailing ksatkids@ksat.com.

Kid Activities

KSAT Kids Home Science: Dancing hearts experiment

Are you looking for something fun to do at home that has a little bit of science behind it?

KSAT Kids Home Science: Dancing hearts experiment

Behind the scenes: A taste of what we do at KSAT

GMSA Executive Producer Joy Presley and Max Massey spoke to some of the talented folks who work in front of the camera and behind the scenes who make it all happen.

KSAT Kids: Check out a behind the scenes look at KSAT12

Cuteness Alert: Watch video of new baby penguin hatching at SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld San Antonio has welcomed a new baby chinstrap penguin. A video of the chick hatching was shared by SeaWorld.

SeaWorld video of baby penguin hatching

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About the Author

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

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