The HISD Family and Community Engagement Department recently welcomed parent leaders from across the district to the Spring Parent Organization Expo.

Attendees gathered virtually on May 11 to learn about resources and tools to support their work with their respective parent organization groups, such as recruitment best practices, fundraising ideas, transition to a new school year, and more. In addition, the audience got to hear from guest speakers: Brenna Pilcher from the well-known Get Movin’ fundraising organization, Lisa Holbrook from Texas PTA, and Rolando Martinez, PTO treasurer for Cornelius Elementary School. The FACE department also presented valuable information for parent organizations to prepare for the summer months.  

Parent Leaders were able to ask questions, interact with speakers, review tips on effective communication with different stakeholders, and share ideas for different campus levels. Attendees also had the opportunity to enter a drawing to win wonderful items for their parent organizations to share with their students and members. Parent leaders from Burbank MS, Carnegie HS, Cornelius ES, Durham ES, Fields, Kate Bell ES, Memorial ES, Sterling HS, and Young Women’s Preparatory College were the nine lucky winners.

The Family and Community Engagement Department offers many resources to families and schools, including parent organization workshops to assist with the formation process, including the legal documentation needed to establish parent groups. In addition, FACE Specialists are available throughout the year, including the Summer, for one on one consultations. To schedule an appointment with your campus specialist, please email us at FACE@houstonisd.org. FACE is also offering a free Parent Summer Resource Toolkit with at-home activities to do with students. If you are interested in receiving one, please