Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Community walks promote strong connections and family empowerment
 

 

In an effort to establish a strong connection between schools and the communities, several Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) schools recently organized community walks. This family engagement initiative, now in its fifth consecutive year, aims to foster meaningful connections between teachers, staff, and the families they serve.

 

“We can’t do it alone. Working with our community is essential for the success of our students,” said HP Hyder III, Northbrook High School principal. “We are committed to 100 percent of our students graduating in four years with T-2-4 readiness. In order for that to happen, it has to involve our community.”
 
The community walks also hold a special place in the hearts of educators notes Amanda Salazar, a teacher at Northbrook High School.
 
“The reason we’re teachers in the first place is because of how much we love our students,” said Salazar. “I hope that from this that we are able to allow students to feel welcome and loved, and that we’re here for them as not just teachers but as a school community.”
 
SBISD strongly believes that families and schools are equal partners in ensuring student success. This belief is further reinforced through the school district's Family Education, Engagement, and Empowerment (E3) Framework. By actively involving families in their child's educational journey, SBISD aims to strengthen attendance rates, enhance academic performance, and ignite a lifelong love of learning.
 
“Our families are the ones that hold us accountable,” said Julian Gante, Spring Woods Middle School student. “They are the ones there to support and encourage you.”
 
SBISD encourages family members to get involved and engaged with their local schools. There are numerous opportunities for parents and guardians to join school events, attend parent-teacher conferences, volunteer in classrooms, participate in parent-teacher organizations, and engage in two-way communication with teachers.
 
"The community walk was a great way to start the school," said Irma Garner, Woodview Elementary principal. "My entire staff was excited to meet their students, and there were so many smiles. We met new families, saw students from the previous years, and passed out school supplies." 
 
These efforts build a strong foundation for student success and create a supportive learning environment. To further empower families, SBISD offers parent and family trainings throughout the year to equip families with tools and knowledge to support their child's educational journey. Click here to visit the Parent U website for information about upcoming sessions.
 
“Community walks help us understand our parents better and how best to communicate and connect with them,” said Brandon McArthur, Spring Woods Middle School teacher. “In the end, it’s about making our entire community a success.” 
 
Thank you to Woodview Elementary, Northbrook Middle, Northbrook High and Spring Woods Middle schools for supporting this year's walks.