Category Archives: Wraparound services

Honor your school counselor during the week of Feb. 3-7

Counselors are behind-the-scenes leaders in our schools who are actively engaging themselves in fostering a safe and secure environment for students, and next week is a chance to honor the tremendous impact they have on students’ lives.  

National School Counseling Week is February 3–7 and the theme this year is “School Counselors: Helping Build Better Humans.” Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, National School Counseling Week highlights the contributions that school counselors make in helping students achieve academic success, and the vital role they play in social and emotional development.  

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HISD students take part in sensory-friendly movie night

Going to the movies can be a magical experience and one that should be enjoyed by all. Last Friday, thanks to the autism advocacy group The Perfect Connection, six HISD students attended a free, sensory-friendly private screening of the newly released Disney-Pixar short film “Loop,” which follows the story of a non-verbal, autistic girl.

“We’ve partnered with some amazing vendors to premiere the Disney+ premiere of Loop,” Liza Bailey, founder of The Perfect Connection, said. “Through this movie, Disney has empowered the autism community by providing a wonderful example of autism representation in the media.”

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HISD to participate in Souper Bowl of Caring

In partnership with Souper Bowl of Caring and the Houston Food Bank, HISD schools and staff are participating in the 2020 Souper Bowl of Caring, a youth-led, national food drive that mobilizes thousands of young people to fight hunger and poverty in their communities 

Beginning Jan. 14, one of the nation’s largest celebrations of serving and giving will raise awareness and tackle hunger in communities. There are five ways to participate: 

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HISD to hold first Parent University of spring semester 

HISD will host its fourth Parent University workshop from 5:15 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at two district locations: Key Middle School and Lamar High School. 

The theme for the session will be “Attendance Matters.” The workshop will begin with a dinner and resource fair and will include information on district programs, parent engagement, community resources, and how parents can become active partners in the successful education of their children. 

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HISD to offer no-cost winter meals at five schools during winter break

School may be out for winter break, but cafeterias will be open at five HISD high schools, where Nutrition Services will offer meals free of charge for all children ages 1 to 18.

Booker T. Washington, Chavez and Madison high schools will serve breakfast and lunch during winter break. Additionally, Yates High School will serve lunch only, and Revere Middle School will serve breakfast only. Children ages 1 to 18 can enjoy a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge, while adults can purchase breakfast for $2.75 and lunch for $4.

“We know our students can’t learn and thrive without healthy food to fuel them — and that need does not stop just because schools close for the winter break,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “Ensuring student health, safety, and well-being is one of our strategic priorities, and this program takes us one step closer to achieving our goal.”

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A special message from Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan

Let’s Connect initiative offers supports to students on a variety of issues

In HISD, we believe you cannot educate a child without taking care of the WHOLE child, and that includes promoting and offering supports for positive mental and physical health.

The Office of Student Support Services offers resources and helpful information on issues students are facing – including vaping, human trafficking, suicide prevention, and bullying prevention – through a program called Let’s Connect. The Let’s Connect initiative encourages students in HISD to reach out to a trusted adult on their campus, such as a teacher, social worker, nurse, counselor, principal, or librarian.

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Ascending to Men Project, ROSES to host winter ball fundraiser 

HISD’s Ascending to Men Project and ROSES will host their first joint winter ball on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Minute Maid Park. 

Under the umbrella of HISD’s Equity and Outreach Division, the Ascending to Men Project (ATMP) and Resilient Outstanding Sister Exemplifying Success (ROSES) are both mentorship initiatives that provide positive role models and advocates for students who need guidance and opportunities for educational, social, and professional growth to underserved young men and women in the district.

The public can support both initiatives by donating online or by becoming a mentor for the programs. For more information about ROSES, visit houstonisd.org/roses. To learn more about ATMP, visit houstonisd.org/atmp.

ROSES to hold women’s forum on effects of social media

The Houston Independent School District’s Resilient Outstanding Sisters Exemplifying Success (ROSES) project on Thursday will host its first professional women’s forum to discuss the effects of social media on education and society, especially as it relates to the well-being of young, underserved female students.  

The forum’s discussion panel will be moderated by Telemundo News Anchor Ingrid Barrera. The event, which will begin at 6 p.m. at Sterling Aviation Early College High School (11625 Martindale Road, 77048), will feature panelists who are leaders from various fields, including an attorney, an entrepreneur, a police officer, a social worker, and a human resources professional.  

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Westbury HS celebrates grand opening for district’s first-ever Wraparound Transformation Center

HISD’s Westbury High School celebrated the grand opening of its new Wraparound Transformation Center on Monday, a first-of-its-kind, in-house community resource hub.  

As the only WTC in the country, Westbury will offer high-risk students and their families comprehensive support services that may not have been accessible in their neighborhoods. These services address critical, non-academic issues that may impact students’ ability to learn by bringing together community partners and resources in one location and embedding them inside the school.   

“We like to make sure we are doing everything and all that we can for our kids,” Westbury Principal Susan Monaghan said during the ceremony. “That’s what the Wraparound Transformation Center is all about – providing anything and everything our students need. No task, no problem is too large.” 

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New Parent University session scheduled for Oct. 15 

HISD will host its next Parent University workshop from 5:15 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at four locations throughout the district: Cook Elementary School, Lawson and Pershing middle schools, and Westside High School. 

The theme for the session will be “How to Get Involved.” The workshop will begin with a dinner and resource fair and will include information on district programs, parent engagement, community resources, and how parents can become active partners in the successful education of their children. 

Parents can look up locations and select the most convenient one to attend. Registration is available at HoustonISD.org/ParentUniversity. 

Free dinner, interpretation services, and child care will be provided.