Water Damage
Restoration in Fort Worth, TX
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Disaster Recovery Done Right: Trust Atlas for Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Fort Worth, TX.
When you own a business, property damage is an unfortunate occurrence that happens all too often. Property damage can be caused by any number of disasters, both natural and man-made. Most often, however, property damage happens from an excess of water. From very heavy rainstorms to broken pipes, water damage can be incredibly harmful not just for your storefront but for your customers.
When water spreads through your commercial property, it happens quickly, causing damage as it moves. At the same time, furnishings and porous materials soak up moisture. In just a short amount of time, you could be dealing with warping, rotting, and even mold growth. That's why water damage remediation is so important - to address your current damage and prevent water from making your business unsafe.
At Atlas National Renovations, we know that dealing with water damage seems like a losing effort on your own. But when you trust our water damage restoration team, you don't have to lose hope. We provide comprehensive water remediation services for businesses of all size in Texas. From the first time we lay eyes on your water damage to the time we mitigate your problem, we're here for you. With a team of IICRC certified technicians and innovative restoration tools at our disposal, we specialize in making your business safe again.
Unlike some of our competitors, we are fiercely dedicated to our clients and aim to exceed their expectations with the highest quality water damage restoration services in Fort Worth, TX. When water damage hits your business, time is of the essence, which is why we get to work quickly and efficiently by assessing the damage to your property. Once we know the extent of your water damage, we'll consult with you about its severity and detail the next steps you should take so you can make an informed purchasing decision.
With decades of combined experience, there is no disaster cleanup project too complex or large for our team to handle. We assist small businesses, large commercial entities, and even multi-family apartment complexes. Our clients trust Atlas National Renovations to keep them dry, safe, and secure, and it would be our pleasure to help do the same for you.
In addition to our reliability and quality of work, our customers choose us over others because we offer:
Restoration Services
- Disaster Recovery Done Right: Trust Atlas for Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Fort Worth, TX.
- What is Water Damage Restoration in in Fort Worth, TX
- Common Signs of Commercial Water Damage in Fort Worth, TX
- Benefits of Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Fort Worth, TX
- Capital Expenditure Services
- Multi-Family Building Deficiencies and Restoration Services
- Discover the Atlas Difference
Service Areas
Fair, Accurate Work Estimates
We drain water from your property, not money from your bank account.
Clear, Constant Communication
When you work with Atlas, you're never left wondering what's happening with your commercial property.
Detailed Deadlines and Schedules
We're meticulous about sticking to schedules and meeting deadlines. You can always expect us to be on time and ready to work.
Experienced Project Managers
We assign seasoned, hardworking project managers for each of our projects. When you work with Atlas, you're working with the best.
Courteous and Knowledgeable Leadership
Excellence starts at the top, and our leadership team is the best in the business.
Atlas National Renovations Multi-Family and Commercial Renovation Experts
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What is Water Damage Restoration in in Fort Worth, TX
If you're currently dealing with serious water damage from a flood, broken pipe, or other cause, you're probably not sure what to do next. While it's understandable to feel panicky, it's important that you have the water removed as quickly as possible. When structural damage and health hazards are at play, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will get. The damage you see with your eyes is usually the tip of the iceberg - most water damage gets deep in your carpets and walls fast.
Atlas' water damage restoration services are focused on restoring and repairing the damage that water causes to commercial property. The primary purpose of our restoration services is to return your property to the condition it was in prior to the damage. Once your water damage has been mitigated, our team swoops in to begin the restoration process.
Depending on the scope and severity of your water damage, common water damage restoration services can include:
- Damaged Flooring and Wall Replacement
- Damaged Roof Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Humidity and Moisture Testing
While little can be done to predict natural disasters, there are common signs you can keep an eye on to prevent serious water damage from occurring.
Common Signs of Commercial Water Damage in Fort Worth, TX
There's no convenient time to be sidelined with water damage when it comes to your commercial property and business. Water damage to your commercial or industrial property is particularly devastating because every hour that your business is closed means lost revenue and productivity. You do not just have to deal with damage to the structural integrity of your building - you have to deal with the disruption of service to your loyal customers.
The good news? Atlas is here when you need us most, with a team of highly-trained technicians and unmatched water damage restoration expertise. We're ready to tackle your problem and solve it in an efficient, effective manner, so you can keep your doors open and your clients happy.
As a business owner, you know that one of the best ways to prevent a disaster is to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand. For that reason, keep an eye out for the following signs of water damage to your commercial property:
Look for Mold:
Mold can begin to grow just a day or two after water has taken hold of your business. If you see small signs of mold growth in an area where you suspect a leak, contact Atlas National Renovations ASAP to diagnose the problem.
Check Your Pipes:
If it's safe to do so, check out the piping inside and outside your commercial property. You want to keep a keen eye out for oxidation and corrosion around pipe fixtures. While you're at it, check your water heater for rust too. Corrosion or rust is a telltale sign of a water leak.
Check for Rings:
Dark spots on walls and ceilings usually indicate water damage. If you see rings around a stain, the damage is probably older. Several rings with different shades of color mean an intermittent issue, where the area has been soaked and dried several times.
Understand Your Property:
This is more of a suggestion than a sign. As the commercial property owner, you should know your building's pipe system. You should know what is old and new and what areas may be at risk for water damage. Keep an extra-close eye on areas that have a higher potential for leaks, especially during rainstorms.
Benefits of Commercial Water Damage Restoration
in Fort Worth, TX
When water invades your business or commercial property, you don't have much time to ponder your next course of action. While some business owners opt to try DIY water damage restoration, in most cases, they end up with more damage and expenses than before their leak. For the most effective, comprehensive solution to water damage, it's important that you hire a professional. At Atlas National Renovations, our primary focus is assisting business owners and commercial property managers with water damage restoration. We've been doing it for years, and we can help you too.
Here are just a few of the most common benefits we hear from past customers:
Safe Shopping Experience
If you own a business, the health and safety of your customers is of utmost importance. When water damage occurs inside your storefront, you could be dealing with more than property damage. Depending on the severity of your issue, contaminants and microorganisms may be present, putting your customers' health at risk. When you trust a professional water damage restoration company like Atlas to remediate your water leak, you're not just putting a stop to the leak. Our team will clean and sanitize your business, making it safe for customers to continue shopping at your store.
Quick Response Time
Water damage can create unbearable conditions in your commercial property. As such, your water restoration company must be quick to respond. Professional water damage companies like Atlas respond quickly and can clean up water, dry and disinfect the area, and make necessary repairs. Because we have an entire team of pros and industry-leading equipment, we can be on site in minutes.
Less Damage, Better Costs
Water damage can be very expensive. Sometimes, it only takes a couple of hours to result in heavy losses. How soon you call the experts could mean the difference between painting over a water stain and having to rebuild an entire area of damaged drywall. When you call Atlas immediately, clients often reduce the cost of water damage restoration and overall building damage.
Capital Expenditure Services
In addition to our disaster recovery services, we also offer large-scale upgrades and improvements for your capital expenditures. If you own or manage a large commercial building or a multi-family property, you need to make sure your capital expenditures maintain present operating levels and foster your company's future growth.
At Atlas National Renovations, class A, B, and C properties are our bread and butter. We take the time to understand our customer's needs and expectations from the start so we can deliver outstanding results. If you're looking for a top-tier contractor to do the job right the first time, look no further than Atlas. Our customers love our team because we make large, highly-complicated projects easy to finish.
If you're looking to invest in the future of your business, know that we are here to help with projects like these:
- High Volume Unit Upgrades and Improvements
- Amenity Upgrades and Conversions
- Common Area Improvements
- High Volume Carpet, LVT, and Tile Installation
- Courtyards and Hardscapes
- Package Room and Mail Center Upgrades and Additions
- Fitness Center Upgrades and Improvements
- Dog Parks and Pet Stations
- Signage Improvements and Additions
- LED Lighting and Electrical Upgrades
Fitness Center Upgrades
and Improvements
Free Consultation
Multi-Family Building Deficiencies and Restoration Services
New multi-family properties are entering the market every day. That means that older communities must be renovated to keep up with modern demands and tenant needs. Upgrades to amenities, aesthetics and even structural changes help assets stay up-to-date. At the same time, damages from leaks and storms must be addressed. If you're a multi-family property manager or owner, and need unmatched restoration capability, Atlas National Renovations is here to serve you.
We specialize in cutting-edge, high-quality ways to achieve your renovation goals - for your tenants but also for your corporate leaders and management team. After all, a successful multi-family renovation benefits all parties.
We currently work with the top multi-family groups across our state. Unlike some multi-family renovation companies in Texas, our team understands the inner workings of the multi-family environment. Our customers appreciate our accommodations to their residents, maintenance team, leasing team, corporate leaders, and beyond. We're proud to say we know multi-family, inside and out, and have the credentials to back up those claims.
When crafting a multi-family restoration plan, we always consider your tenant's demographics, your building's curb appeal, property age, and energy efficiency. Whether you need to have significant updates applied to an older property or need a water damage inspection for a brand-new building, we can help.
Here is a quick glance at some of the multi-family renovations that our team handles:
- Leak Detection and Water Intrusion Investigation
- Exterior Sealants and Waterproofing
- Large Interior and Exterior Paint Projects
- Stucco Remediation and Exterior Facade Re-Clads
- Full Property Exterior Repaints
- Concrete and Flatwork
- Corridor and Common Area Painting
- Roof Replacement
Before / After
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Discover the
Atlas Difference
Water damage restoration is a crucial, complex process that must be completed properly to save your business from serious damage. Choosing the right professional is equally important, especially when your customers' health is on the line. Whether you need large-scale commercial restoration or quick, effective water damage cleanup for your storefront business, know that we are only a phone call away. Contact our friendly team of experts to learn more about Atlas National Renovations and how we clean up your water damage mess better than the rest.
214-814-4300
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Latest News in Fort Worth, TX
TCU News: “It feels like we’re back in Fort Worth again”
Anthony Northhttps://www.frogsowar.com/2023/5/15/23723534/tcu-news-it-feels-like-were-back-in-fort-worth-again
Former TCU offensive lineman Altrique Barlow commits to Marshall via NCAA Transfer Portal | On3Former TCU offensive lineman Altrique Barlow has announced his commitment to Marshall via the NCAA Transfer Portal....
Former TCU offensive lineman Altrique Barlow commits to Marshall via NCAA Transfer Portal | On3Former TCU offensive lineman Altrique Barlow has announced his commitment to Marshall via the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Former TCU defensive lineman Landyn Watson commits to Marshall transfer | On3Former TCU defensive lineman Landyn Watson has chosen Marshall as his new school via the NCAA Transfer Portal.
TCU DB transfer Kyron Chambers commits to SMU | On3Former Dallas (Tex.) South Oak Cliff standout Kyron Chambers is transferring to SMU, the 6-0, 195-pound defensive back announced.
UConn football adds two transfer pass-catchers | The UConn BlogThe German QB-turned-TE Alex Honig has found a transfer landing spot with the Huskies
LA's Rookie WR Showcases Talent in Rookie Minicamp | FanNationRookie minicamps have opened and QJ is looking to show out right away
Former TCU teammates start NFL careers with Los Angeles Chargers | wfaa.comThe first look at QJ, DD, and Max with the Chargers.
Quentin Johnston's first practice in the NFL felt similar to the ones he had in college at TCU.Derius Davis was lined up next to him at the other wide receiver spot and they caught passes from Max Duggan.But instead of the Horned Frogs' practice field, it was the opening session of the Los Angeles Chargers' rookie minicamp.“It almost feels identical. It feels like we’re back in Fort Worth again,” Johnston of the Friday morning session.
Saints Draft Class Quotes from Rookie Minicamp | FanNationKendre Miller is on the path to the playing field and seems himself as able to do the same things as Alvin Kamara has for the Saints
ON HEALTH: "I feel great. You know, I feel great. But the doctors, they kind of got to tone it down and be like, 'You're not ready for that yet.', but that's just the competitiveness in me."
Luken Baker’s two-homer game | 05/13/2023 | MLB.comFormer Horned Frog slugger Luken Baker has been raking in the Minors lately, including a pair of solo homers for Triple-A Memphis on Saturday
Who left the lights on in Fort Worth’s new City Hall? Take your pick
Haley Samselhttps://fortworthreport.org/2023/05/15/who-left-the-lights-on-in-fort-worths-new-city-hall-take-your-pick/
Those driving past the new City Hall building might notice a curious sight – a sea of lights that remain on, day or night, rain or shine.Tanyan Farley of Athenian Group, who serves as project manager for the new City Hall, is all too familiar with the malfunctions and complexities that have kept the lights on inside the former Pier 1 tower at 100 Energy Wa...
Those driving past the new City Hall building might notice a curious sight – a sea of lights that remain on, day or night, rain or shine.
Tanyan Farley of Athenian Group, who serves as project manager for the new City Hall, is all too familiar with the malfunctions and complexities that have kept the lights on inside the former Pier 1 tower at 100 Energy Way.
He’s been on the receiving end of emails asking about the lights and even whether the city plans to light Christmas trees around the building. Those decisions aren’t up to Farley, but fielding those questions is the nature of running a public project, Farley said.
“We try to be as open and transparent as possible, with the good things and the bad things,” Farley said. “We know there are some frustrations with this building, talking about the lights and some of the mechanical elements that we find along the way. But that’s why you do what you do, right?”
He points to a variety of reasons for the lights remaining on throughout the night. One is simple: Private tenants occupy four floors of the building, and some employees work late. What they do is out of the city’s control because those companies control their own utilities, Farley said.
The building also has a difficult-to-control decorative lighting system that isn’t “super flexible,” but the city does the best it can to use it for special events, such as turning the building purple for TCU’s college football playoff run, Farley said. Other lights on the city-controlled floors are kept on for emergency and life safety purposes.
“Because you’ve had so many tenants in here, there’s multiple lighting control systems, which is pretty difficult to deal with, as you can imagine, for an operator,” he said.
Farley and his team face an ongoing dilemma: They either can’t turn off the lights, or if they can, turning one set of lights off results in turning off more lights in other parts of the building.
The tower’s renovation will include replacement of the lighting controls so that it runs through one system, he added. The first wave of renovations is expected to begin later this year, while wave two will be in the early part of 2024.
The third and final wave of renovations is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024, Farley said. All three portions of renovations will include upgrades to the building’s electrical and lighting control systems, he said.
“Our goal would be to bring each individual flood online one at a time,” he said. “The control system is planned out and designed and done. It’s just a matter of implementing it over those portions.”
The accuracy of those timelines depends on whether – and when – Farley’s team and the city can obtain a necessary permit to build in a federal floodplain. Fort Worth residents have until June 4 to share their thoughts on the city’s permit application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which will make a final decision on the new City Hall plans in the coming months.
The public notice can be found here. Comments must be submitted to CESWF-408@usace.army.mil before June 4 and reference the Section 408 Request ID # and project name. The Request ID # is 408-SWF-2022-0004, and the project name is Fort Worth City Hall.
Telephone inquiries and requests for more information should be directed to Jason Story, at (817) 886-1852, or to CESWF-408@usace.army.mil.
Haley Samsel is the environmental reporter for the Fort Worth Report. You can reach them at haley.samsel@fortworthreport.org.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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The 2023 Professional Bull Riders World Finals are In Fort Worth
Rudy Fernandezhttps://krod.com/the-2023-professional-bull-riders-world-finals-are-in-fort-worth/
As the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Finals in Fort Worth get closer and closer to the final ride, the competition is getting more challenging. Furthermore, the PBR organization has released the names of the top-ranked bulls this year's finalists are going to have to face; they are Dennis the Menace, Domino, Cool Whip, Ridin' Solo, and Bestex Legend.In this year's top five, three of the riders are from Texas. However, the most interesting p...
As the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Finals in Fort Worth get closer and closer to the final ride, the competition is getting more challenging. Furthermore, the PBR organization has released the names of the top-ranked bulls this year's finalists are going to have to face; they are Dennis the Menace, Domino, Cool Whip, Ridin' Solo, and Bestex Legend.
In this year's top five, three of the riders are from Texas. However, the most interesting part of all this is that of the top 10 finalists coming up during the final week, five are from the USA, and five are from Brazil. They all have their eyes set on the top spot, and the video below shows just how tough the competition is.
The battle for the prestigious title of "2023 PBR World Champion Unleash the Beast" enters its final week May 18 through May 21, 2023, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. Amid the heated action, one rider will take ownership of the highly coveted gold buckle, a $1 million dollar grand prize, and the title of "2023 PBR World Champion".
This is promising to be one of the fiercest competitions in rodeo history. As the riders are scoring so close together, I feel as though the winner of this year's championship will win by mere decimals.
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At this point in the competition, rankings can change in the blink of an eye, with one ride, or one bull. See if you recognize your favorite rider competing in this year's PBR World Finals. The top 45 qualifiers (via world standings) who are still giving it their all in Fort Worth are:
(Place, Rider, Events, Wins, Top Fives, Points, Total Winnings)1. Kaique Pacheco, 25, 3, 10, 980.00, $226,512.672. Jose Vitor Leme, 16, 3, 10, 906.00, $217,281.673. Dalton Kasel, 22, 4, 8, 792.66, $155,855.674. Cooper Davis, 21, 2, 4, 679.50, $135,426.005. Boudreaux Campbell, 25, 0, 7, 671.66, $106,854.676. Dener Barbosa, 22, 2, 5, 661.83, $124,141.677. Rafael Jose de Brito, 26, 1, 7, 644.00, $126,205.818. Andrew Alvidrez, 26, 2, 5, 615.00, $133,451.679. Eduardo Aparecido, 25, 1, 5, 595.50, $116,441.1410. Daniel Keeping, 24, 2, 3, 434.33, $110,253.3311. João Ricardo Vieira, 21, 0, 4, 433.00, $55,944.3312. Jesse Petri, 28, 1, 4, 403.00, $87,558.1413. Tate Pollmeier, 21, 0, 4, 389.25, $66,152.8114. Ramon de Lima, 16, 1, 2, 374.50, $68,153.3315. Wingson Henrique da Silva, 21, 0, 3, 363.50, $57,518.3316. Keyshawn Whitehorse, 24, 0, 2, 343.25, $50,551.3317. Luciano De Castro, 16, 0, 3, 339.50, $51,314.6718. Colten Fritzlan, 20, 1, 2, 336.66, $58,017.4819. Silvano Alves, 27, 0, 4, 314.00, $46,512.0020. Chase Dougherty, 13, 1, 1, 296.83, $61,126.6721. Braidy Randolph, 18, 0, 2, 295.00, $32,682.6722. Kyler Oliver, 14, 0, 5, 283.00, $47,556.6723. Thiago Salgado, 14, 0, 3, 277.50, $36,385.0024. Rafael Henrique dos Santos, 22, 1, 2, 274.50, $46,903.6725. Mason Taylor, 16, 0, 1, 264.50, $33,348.0026. Derek Kolbaba, 18, 0, 1, 250.00, $23,438.3327. Austin Richardson, 12, 0, 2, 245.00, $25,578.6728. Eli Vastbinder, 23, 1, 2, 233.50, $59,226.0029. Ezekiel Mitchell, 23, 0, 1, 223.00, $26,865.1430. Lucas Divino, 5, 0, 3, 200.50, $27,989.1431. Manoelito de Souza Junior, 24, 0, 1, 194.00, $20,013.0032. Marcelo Procopio Pereira, 14, 0, 1, 189.00, $16,313.3333. Guilherme Valleiras, 8, 1, 2, 187.00, $53,743.6234. Koltin Hevalow, 24, 0, 0, 184.50, $16,696.3335. Brady Oleson, 11, 1, 1, 167.00, $45,380.3336. Sandro Batista, 13, 0, 2, 166.50, $21,514.6737. Jess Lockwood, 4, 0, 2, 159.00, $32,875.6738. Wyatt Rogers, 22, 0, 0, 157.25, $15,245.9539. Casey Roberts, 12, 0, 1, 149.00, $33,136.0040. Marcus Mast, 18, 0, 0, 146.50, $17,245.0041. Brady Turgeon, 7, 0, 2, 136.00, $21,476.0042. Bob Mitchell, 11, 0, 1, 135.00, $15,163.0043. Nick Tetz, 10, 0, 1, 133.00, $12,946.0044. Chase Outlaw, 20, 0, 1, 131.50, $19,955.1445. Flavio Zivieri, 14, 0, 2, 116.66, $23,232.67Source: PBR/PR - Kacie Albert
The video below shows local Texas favorite Dalton Kasel from Muleshoe, Texas, making Sunday night's ride spectacular. The 2023 PBR World Finals "Unleash The Beast" continues with Round 4 kicking off on Thursday, May 18, at 7:45 p.m. Get your tickets early and online at pbr.com/tickets.
These parents want improved reading rates. Fort Worth mayor promises to help
Jacob Sanchezhttps://fortworthreport.org/2023/05/15/these-parents-want-improved-reading-rates-fort-worth-mayor-promises-to-help/
Melany Watson knew something was off with her daughter’s report card.Her third grader had been named to the A-B honor roll — a distinction any parent would be proud of. But Watson had watched her daughter struggle to read at home.Her grades did not reflect her abilities.“I just started crying because I had A-B honor roll certificates for my baby that couldn’t read,” Watson said, as her voice cracked with emotion. “How is my child on the A-B honor roll when she can’t read?”...
Melany Watson knew something was off with her daughter’s report card.
Her third grader had been named to the A-B honor roll — a distinction any parent would be proud of. But Watson had watched her daughter struggle to read at home.
Her grades did not reflect her abilities.
“I just started crying because I had A-B honor roll certificates for my baby that couldn’t read,” Watson said, as her voice cracked with emotion. “How is my child on the A-B honor roll when she can’t read?”
Six in 10 students who live in Fort Worth did not meet grade level on the state reading test in 2022, according to data from parental advocacy group Parent Shield. The education organization recently hosted a forum with Mayor Mattie Parker to discuss how to shift people’s mindsets around reading and education so Fort Worth can do better.
In front of more than two dozen parents, Parker called on them to demand high quality education for their children. Having that expectation is the only way for schools in Fort Worth to do better, she said.
“This is a long game, as y’all know,” Parker said. “You have to keep going even after your kids are out of school because whatever gains we make, they have to keep going.”
Fort Worth ISD trustee Wallace Bridges, who also attended the forum, emphasized that parents need to be engaged with their children’s education. More than that, they need to show up and demand more from their school leaders, like him, he said.
In March, Bridges was heartbroken when administrators presented projections that showed 19% of third graders would meet grade level on the reading portion of this year’s State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR. In the fall, estimates showed 25% of third graders would meet grade level.
“We cannot accept this as a norm. But, as a board, they have to see more of you guys coming out, and — I’m just going to be more frank — more people of color coming to that board and demanding that we do better when it comes to our kids.”
Trina Harris homeschools her daughter. As a social worker, she has worked with students in Fort Worth ISD. She has heard from mothers who are concerned about their children’s education.
She asked the mayor how the city, which is not traditionally thought of as a player in education, can support literacy.
Parker pointed to the Fort Worth Public Library as one way. Libraries help children and adults become readers, she said. And that’s a free resource for all Fort Worth residents, she said.
The city also hosts reading competitions during the school year and summer, Parker said. Even the city’s summer camp has an embedded literacy component.
“These efforts are not cliche. They work to get students excited,” the mayor said.
The city also supported the NCAA’s Readers Becomes Leaders contest that saw Fort Worth ISD elementary schools compete to see which campus could read the greatest number of books.
Bridges pointed out that three of the the top five were in the district he represents.
“That wasn’t a coincidence,” Bridges said.
Focusing on students already in the K-12 system is not the only way to boost literacy rates, Parker said. Early childhood education is key because it lays the foundation for all future learning.
The city has invested money into early childhood education through nonprofits. Still, more work is needed, the mayor said.
Rhonda Adams Randle, a former educator, sees the future as dependent on educating today’s children.
“They are essential to the success of Fort Worth as a whole,” Randle said.
She wants the city to focus on ensuring 100% of students are reading on or above grade level.
Fort Worth had an ambitious plan once before.
In 2016, the leaders of Fort Worth ISD and the city announced an ambitious goal: have 100% of third graders reading on grade level by 2025.
Seven years and a pandemic later, 38% of third-grade students in Fort Worth ISD were reading on grade level, according to 2022 STAAR results. In 2017, 34% of third-graders met grade level.
Number of 3rd graders reading on grade level increased 4 percentage points in 5 years
In 2016, leaders of Fort Worth ISD and the city announced they wanted to 100% of third graders to read on grade level by 2025. In 2017, slightly more than three out of 10 third-grade students were reading on grade level. Five years later, nearly four out of 10 are on grade level.
Source: Texas Education Agency • (Jacob Sanchez | Fort Worth Report)
The STAAR test was not administered in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
That endeavor, while valiant, was not realistic for Parker. Any improvements in literacy rates in Fort Worth need to start with attainable goals, she said.
“If I’m honest with you, I, as mayor, am not going to get that done,” Parker said of a 100% literacy goal. “The only way that happens is when your districts are supported, you’ve got great teachers, and we as a community are demanding excellence and know their goals and they’re meeting them year over year.”
Parker emphasized Fort Worth ISD needs more help than ever before. The district is in a rebuilding mode, she said, as Superintendent Angélica Ramsey makes cuts to the district to be leaner and cheaper so it can be more focused on academic excellence.
The mayor told the couple of dozen parents gathered inside the Bradley Center Community Center to be patient as Ramsey reorganizes Fort Worth ISD.
Part of the solution for Parker is high quality charter schools, such as Rocketship Public Schools and the Texas Wesleyan University-operated Leadership Academy Network campuses in Fort Worth ISD.
“But it’s not the silver bullet. You also need high-performing traditional public schools,” Parker said. “This city will not thrive until Fort Worth ISD is back to where it wants to be and where we want it to be.”
Bridges acknowledged charter schools are here to stay.
Most schools in Fort Worth still have their work cut out for them to boost literacy rates.
“We have a long way to go,” Parker said. “The house is on fire. We all have a sense of urgency because those kids who are in the third and fourth grade don’t get to do that again.”
Jacob Sanchez is an enterprise journalist for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at jacob.sanchez@fortworthreport.org or via Twitter. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
Largest cavern in Texas excavates new tour through hidden wonders underground
CultureMap Fort Worthhttps://fortworth.culturemap.com/news/travel/hidden-wonders-natural-bridge-caverns/
Spelunkers now have a new cave to explore at the state’s largest cavern: Natural Bridge Caverns’ newest tour, Hidden Wonders, opened to visitors on Friday, May 12.The new tour allows guests to access an area that was previously accessible only by cavers. Development of this second cavern has been in the works since 2017. It was previously sealed under the Earth’s surface, perfectly preserving the natural environment and i...
Spelunkers now have a new cave to explore at the state’s largest cavern: Natural Bridge Caverns’ newest tour, Hidden Wonders, opened to visitors on Friday, May 12.
The new tour allows guests to access an area that was previously accessible only by cavers. Development of this second cavern has been in the works since 2017. It was previously sealed under the Earth’s surface, perfectly preserving the natural environment and its beautiful, unique formations.
“In developing this area of the cavern system, we have both pursued and established best-case practices for working in this delicate environment,” said Natural Bridge Caverns president Brad Wuest in a statement. “Our goal is to give visitors a stunning view of the cavern like never before, without impacting its beauty.”
The multimillion-dollar expansion into never-before-seen areas of the cave features state-of-the-art lighting and a unique sound and light show. Public passageways have expanded by 1,100 feet with a new stainless steel bridge that crosses the cavern’s deepest area.
Additionally, a new 5,700-square-foot dome chamber, dubbed the Ballroom, has been constructed to serve as an event space. For the light show, a viewing area called the Box Canyon serves as a natural theater.
Wuest explained that certain aspects of developing the cavern had been a challenge, such as the depth of the new touring area. Fortunately, they were able to construct a new exit tunnel "with minimal impact on the cavern."
"We used best-in-class techniques and developed new ones to make it work," he said. "We took the time to do it right. The result speaks for itself.”
To exit the Hidden Wonders tour, visitors take a glorious ride on a pioneering conveyor system ride, the Belt Assisted Transport, to the surface through the newly constructed tunnel.
“We plan to showcase the science behind the beauty of this once hidden cavern on our tour,” said Wuest. “With Hidden Wonders’ many enhancements, we have an opportunity to both educate and entertain.”
More information about the new tour can be found on naturalbridgecaverns.com. The visitor's center at the caverns is located at 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., San Antonio.
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