 The school at 500 N. University Parks Drive has seen generations of students across five eras, including Jefferson-Moore High School, the Waco Ninth Grade Center, A. J. Moore Academy, Indian Spring Middle School, and Kendrick Elementary.
As this site prepares for its next chapter, we invite all alumni, former staff, and families from every era of the school to help us tell the story of the campus with our video history interview series.
School Transition Update
Starting April 1st, you will see construction fencing placed around the former school building as we begin the abatement and removal phase. This work is expected to continue through July, preparing the way for the construction of Barron’s Branch Park later this year and future phases of the project.
While the physical structure will change, your stories will help us design forward by looking back, ensuring we build a place that honors our roots – For the Love of Waco.
 City of Waco offices will be closed on Friday, April 3 for the spring holiday. Residents with a Friday, April 3 trash pickup day will have their gray waste carts and blue recycling carts collected earlier on Wednesday, April 1.
 On Thursday, April 2, at the request of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), a statewide test of emergency alerting systems will occur between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. In McLennan County, residents may receive a test alert on their mobile phone and/or hear outdoor warning sirens during this time. Because multiple jurisdictions may participate, you could receive more than one test alert during the testing window.
This will only be a test. No emergency action is required. The regular first-Friday schedule will resume in May.
Testing helps ensure emergency alert systems function properly and allows agencies to evaluate how alerts are delivered during real emergencies.
 Get ready for a summer of building, creating, and discovering. Our hands-on camps at the new Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center let kids explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun projects and challenges. With 20+ camps to choose from, there’s something for every interest—for students entering grades 1 to 12.
Spots are limited—register today!
 Free, high-speed Community Wi-Fi is now live at Bridge Street Plaza! Whether you’re visiting, attending an event, or shopping at the Farmers Market, you can stay connected, browse online easily, and vendors can process payments seamlessly.
This upgrade brings faster, more reliable internet to one of Waco’s favorite gathering spots – helping connect our community and expand access for all. More locations, including the STEAM Center, are coming soon!
 Did you know you have access to convenient, self-service recycling and trash drop off at Cobbs Recycling Center? Bring your items Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4201 Trice Ave.
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Anyone can bring recyclable material like paper, cardboard, #1 and #2 plastics, glass, household batteries, and electronics.
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At no additional cost, Waco residents can drop off bulky or brush waste and latex paint up to four times a year (with proof of Waco residency).
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For an additional cost, Waco residents can also drop off appliances containing freon and tires.
 The Great Waco Cleanup is live now through May. Organize your own neighborhood cleanup with our partner Keep Waco Beautiful. Help us create a more vibrant Waco, Texas. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to get volunteer hours on your schedule!
Keep Waco Beautiful provides the location and the tools necessary to hold your own cleanup whenever you want. These locations are selected each season to tackle commonly blighted areas.
 With the days getting warmer, quick reminder that the City of Waco has a three-day watering schedule for businesses and residents based on your address.
- Odd numbered addresses water Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
- Even numbered addresses water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
- No outdoor watering on Fridays
- No outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Hand watering allowed any day
 Big things are happening at the Pet Circle Regional Animal Center! Construction has officially gone vertical on the new surgical building, a 4,775-square-foot expansion that will make a huge impact for animals in our care.
The new clinic will include:
- 13 indoor/outdoor isolation kennels
- X-ray room & clinic area
- Two surgery suites & recovery room
- Dedicated cat & puppy isolation rooms
- Lobby, offices, and staff spaces
This expansion also frees up space in the current shelter to add even more dog kennels –helping us care for more pets in need.
 City of Waco Housing & Community Development invites qualified organizations to submit applications to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to help improve our communities. Organizations that qualify can apply through Friday, April 3, 2026.
This funding comes from two federal grant programs — Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME). Both support several programs and activities that benefit our low or moderate income residents.
 Last week, we were proud to host our annual Waco Police Awards Banquet recognizing the outstanding service of our officers and civilians here at the Waco Police Department.
This event honored individuals who consistently go above and beyond—demonstrating character, resilience, and trust while protecting and serving our community.
Their hard work, often done behind the scenes, does not go unnoticed. Congratulations to all of our award recipients and nominees, and thank you for your continued commitment to our community!
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