Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Schools in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) host Community Walks to welcome families and strengthen relationships with the community. 

Several schools in SBISD have participated in community walks this month: Edgewood Elementary School (EWE), Northbrook High School (NHS), Northbrook Middle School (NMS), and Spring Forest Middle School (SFMS).

These events promote healthy and strong ties between the schools and their students' families. Following the summer break, teachers can connect with past, current, and future students at these events, helping to get the students excited about returning to school.

"Engaging with the community outside school walls builds trusting relationships that drive meaningful change for our students," said Anisa Jones, SFMS Principal, as she prepared for the event. "Connecting with the community is essential for student success. When students and parents feel connected to the school, it creates an environment of mutual support, shared goals, and enhanced student confidence," added HP Hyder, Principal of Northbrook High School.

On SFMS’ tour, school staff met families at FamilyPoint Resources, a longtime community partner and SBISD Good Neighbor. There, the staff toured and learned more about the services FamilyPoint provides to families. They also met families at Sherwood Elementary, providing supplies, snacks and information on how to ensure a strong back-to-school start prior to the first day.  

Celebrating its first community walk, EWE hosted the initial part of their visit at James Lee Park. Teachers unloaded from school buses and greeted families. As part of the community walks, school supplies—including backpacks filled with notebooks, binders, pencils, and more—are given to families to help ensure a successful start to the school year.

Assistant Principal Gabby Cruz shared that this was not her first time participating in a community walk, but her first with the team at EWE. "It always meant so much to me because I was able to see where the kids came from. For me, it was really important to make that connection," Cruz said.

All who participate in these events feel the impact. Margarita, a returning parent to EWE, believes these events capture the spirit of the school: family, community, and inclusivity.

The second part of EWE's community walk included a visit to an apartment complex zoned to their campus. While there, families came down to the office to receive the backpacks and school supplies.

For Julianne Henson, a fourth-grade reading and writing teacher at EWE, this was her first time attending a community walk. As a teacher, she felt moved and inspired to reunite with past students and their families. "I think the families are encouraged to see that we care about their students, the ones we've had previously and new students that we'll have this year, and that we really care about their families … we want what's good in a holistic approach for families," Henson shared.

Both teachers and students left feeling inspired and passionate about the first day of school and the many more to follow. With over 100 backpacks given away and smiles brightening their days, EWE is ready now, more than ever, to continue connecting with its community.

"Engagement of parents, students, staff, and community members is necessary for positive student outcomes. By working together, we create a strong support system that equips students with the tools they need to succeed. When are united, we not only prepare them for their futures but also open doors to countless opportunities. That is powerful," said EWE Principal Jessica Tejada.

Together, SBISD and our community can achieve #CollectiveGreatness.

To learn more about Community Engagement in SBISD, click here.