Four more campuses recognized as ‘model’ Family Friendly Schools

DeAnda ES parents (pictured) were able to purchase books at discounted prices from local retailers after obtaining library cards from the Houston Public Library, thanks to a special arrangement made by Principal Erwin Garcia Velazquez.

DeAnda ES parents (pictured) were able to purchase books at discounted prices from local retailers after obtaining library cards from the Houston Public Library, thanks to a special arrangement made by Principal Erwin Garcia Velazquez.

Last month, HISD began honoring district campuses for their successful implementation of the Family Friendly Schools program.

Now, four more campuses have been recognized by the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department for their efforts to make parents feel welcome and valued at their children’s schools.

The four schools honored in February are:

  • DeAnda Elementary School, which is the first campus to achieve the Gold certification level, with more than 15 stars accredited. Just a few of the activities organized by this campus include: a perception survey, an on-campus library-card registration drive, a presentation on Positive Reinforcement Discipline, and a book study about parent engagement. “Family engagement is a critical component of student achievement,” said Principal Erwin Garcia Velazquez. “Parents must be visionaries, mentors, and strategic partners in ensuring children’s ability to succeed in the 21st century.”
  • Herrera Elementary School, which has completed 11 activities so far, and is working hard to earn the Gold Certification by the end of the spring semester. This campus understands the importance of partnering with families to increase student achievement, and has hosted several activities linked to learning. This school also enhanced its family center recently with useful materials for parents and offers monthly “Family Fun Fridays” that cover a variety of topics, including ideas for supporting children at school.
  • Jackson Middle School, which has already received its Bronze certification, and is just a star away from reaching its Silver certification. The school has formed an action team made up of parents and staff, exhibited student art work at Lawndale Arts Center, hosted faculty and staff trainings, and even sent a representative to the Region XVI Statewide Parent Involvement Conference. “At Jackson MS, we know that family engagement is not an ‘add-on’ or an ‘extra,’” said Principal Kelly Vaughn-Pichon. “Family engagement is key to student academic achievement.”
  • Chávez High School, which has been certified as “Bronze,” with eight stars accredited at the end of the fall semester. At this campus, parents attend orientation sessions specific to their students’ needs and grade levels. For example, Senior Parents Night might include information about graduation requirements, college admissions, and applying for financial aid.

See this related article to read about January’s honorees.