Our Stories of Supporting Students Beyond the School Walls
Uplifting cards for students
An Dang, LMSW from Alexander Elementary School in Alief ISD has always gone above and beyond for her students and families, and things are no different amidst a crisis. On top of texting, calling, and emailing parents to stay in touch and assist them with resources, An has written individual cards for every one of her caseload students to uplift their spirits and remind them at CIS is still here for them.
checking in and providing guidance
Elizabeth Reed, LMSW from Sterling Aviation Early College High School in Houston ISD has been in contact with her students since remote work began. She is helping them navigate helpful resources and develop routines and healthy goals as they adjust to a new way of life.
Remote support and helping with stress
Amanda Heij, LMSW with Lone Star College Health Science Building and Creekside Center has been working hard, even while Lone Star College students were on a break from classes, to provide support for her students. CIS students are experiencing stressors such as changes to or loss of sources of income, financially supporting their families, paying bills, finding reliable internet access, and much more. Amanda has been by their side helping them navigate these added stressors.
parade in support of students
Upon hearing that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year, our CIS Student Support Manager from Edgewood ES in Spring Branch ISD, Sonya Ramirez, decided to coordinate a staff parade through the school’s neighborhood. Staff members drove through the streets honking and cheering, while students cheered them on from the sidewalk; some had even created posters. Staff wanted to let their students and families know they are still here for them and that they miss them.
PrOVIDING ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES
“Some of the greatest needs that we have been trying to tackle have been rent, utility and food assistance”.
Our team of Student Support Specialists, like Kassandra Segura from Hollibrook ES in SBISD, have been working tirelessly every day throughout the COVID-19 crisis to help their families access resources and provide assistance to help them get by during these unprecedented times. Families have been struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table, and we are stepping up to provide support where we can.
cis team in spring branch isd
Our incredible team working in Spring Branch Independent School District has been working diligently to adapt to supporting their students, since the effects of COVID-19 changed their students' lives drastically. Hear from several members of our SBISD team on how they are serving their students and families during this time through a powerful message of unity and perseverance.
*The student artwork featured was created by Isabela Sherrard from Westchester Academy in SBISD.
Grocery Delivery for a Family in Need
Abby Archer, LMSW from Mata Intermediate in Alief ISD was able to provide a family of 8 with groceries for two weeks through the CIS of Houston COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. The family did not have a car to make it to local food distributions, and were struggling to make ends meet. The mom of the family was so grateful and thanked her from the bottom of her heart, stating, "we are now able to eat 3 meals a day".
Tips on Developing a Routine
For most of our students this is the first time they have experienced remote learning, and some are struggling to adapt to this new way of life. One of our CIS Mental Health Professionals from Northbrook High School in Spring Branch Independent School District, Taylor Rayner, LMSW, has been sharing videos to promote positive mental health and wellness practices with the students on her campus- one of the topics included developing a daily routine while at home.
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
Coping skills for students
As our students face difficult circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many are experiencing a wide range of emotions. Our staff of caring Student Support Specialists, such as Tiffany Pham, LMSW from Westchester Academy in Spring Branch Independent School District, have been helping students identify coping skills to help them care for their mental health and well-being while experiencing social isolation and uncertainty. Students are being advised on various grounding techniques, meditation, and positive ways to acknowledge their emotions. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
critical mental health support
Joni Cooper, LCSW from Heights HS in HISD has been supporting her students' mental health needs during this time as they are finding themselves facing struggles far beyond what they might in a typical school year. She has been sending her school weekly newsletters to promote self-care and how to manage daily stressors.