In-Depth – The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Artificial Intelligence Grows in Texas education

Emily Gandy, News Editor
May 12, 2026

In 2023, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2060, establishing an advisory council for the usage of Artificial Intelligence in Texas education. According to Programs, a cybersecurity education and career guide, there’s been a significant increase in the usage of AI, with 30% of K-12 students using...

Effects of H.B. 1481

Ryan Neef, Staff Writer
March 2, 2026

Now that House Bill 1481 affected the district for a semester, teachers, administrators and students show their true feelings for the bill. Mr. Michael Garza, principal of The Phoenix Academy, handles all of the students sent to the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) because of the House...

Texas Legislation Changes Standardized Testing Procedures

Blakely Copeland, Graphics Editor
February 9, 2026

The Texas legislature passed House Bill 8 on Oct. 23, 2025, changing the policy for standardized testing throughout the state. Written by Representative Brad Buckley, this bill repeals traditional STAAR tests for the 2027-28 school year, opting for adaptive testing, removal of the English II test and...

Academic Pressure’s Effect on Students

Avery Owens, Entertainment Editor
January 26, 2026

Academic Pressure is a common struggle for many high school students. Academic pressure often leads to heavy workloads, fear of failure, competition with other students and high expectations, which can lead to burnout. An article by the American Institute of Stress says that 75% of high school students...

Impact of Anxiety on Adolescents

Kati Waguespack, Co Editor-in-Chief
January 22, 2026

According to the National Institutes of Health, one in three adolescents aged 13-18 will experience an anxiety disorder. In a poll posted on “The Rider Online” Instagram, 108 out of 164 students responded stating that they struggle with anxiety. Junior Isabella Clark battles anxiety as part of her...

Students, Staff Raise Support For School Spirit

Claire Reed, Staff Writer
January 20, 2026

Your high school’s marching band proudly rings the fight song in your ear as you stand in the student section at your high school's football game, cheering as loud as you can. The sound of Texas-sized mums jingles cheerfully as you see the colors red, black and silver being worn proudly. Whenever the words “school spirit” come to mind, many people envision loud pep rallies, flipping cheerleaders and dazzling dancers, but what really happens? What actually causes people to generate school spirit and what causes it to decline?

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Impact Of Vaping Among Teens

Olivia Morris, Staff Writer
January 13, 2026

According to a study done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.63 million students vaped in 2024, including 410,000 middle schoolers and 1.21 million high schoolers. Many students develop a serious addiction, with 30% of those students reporting vaping every single day. “When I became...

Internet Increases Societal Communication

Claire Reed, Staff Writer
January 6, 2026

According to Pew Research Center, the internet is the easiest way to access information. Since 1993, the Internet remains available to people all over the world for sharing special moments, researching ideas and inspiring others. As time passes, more and more people from various ages receive access to the internet, exposing them to opportunities that supposedly benefit their lives. The internet and its information constantly changes on a day-to-day basis because of articles, newsletters, videos and viral internet memes. Is it possible for this exposure to the internet to hurt us as a society? Will the internet and new technologies cause the downfall of society or improve it?

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Students Learn Time Management Skills

Emily Gandy, News Editor
December 16, 2025

According to Acuity Training, a program that teaches people life skills, 82% of people don’t rely on a good time management system. About 33% of people use a to-do list as their way to manage their time and tasks, 24% use their email inbox, 12% schedule their activities in their journal in advance...

HB 1481 Restricts Phone Use in Schools

Olivia Morris, Staff Writer
October 23, 2025

After House Bill 1481 signed into law on June 20, 2025, by Gov. Greg Abbott, students can no longer use any personal communication devices during the school day. Texas Representative Caroline Fairly primarily wrote the bill. “Phone-free schools give students the chance to fully engage in their education...