Additional Support Services

Nutrition Services

HISD Nutrition Services is committed to serving good food that fuels your student for learning and helps them to build a lifetime of healthy habits. During the first six weeks of virtual learning, from September 8 until October 16, curbside meals will be provided at select schools with enrollment of 60% or more free and reduced lunch students.

Please visit www.houstonisd.org/nutritionservices for updated information on school meals.

Social and Emotional Learning

The Social Emotional Learning Department promotes the process for helping children and adults develop fundamental skills for life effectiveness. SEL teaches social competencies and interpersonal skills we need to be successful citizens, have positive relationships, and function effectively in society. These skills are designed to foster positive student academic outcomes and to help adults understand, develop, and model SEL skills such as: 

• recognizing and managing our emotions
• developing caring and concern for others
• establishing positive relationships
• making responsible decisions, and
• managing challenging situations constructively and ethically.

Here are some ways you can support provide social and emotional support for your student:

• Establish routines to help your student be more successful
• Monitor your student's use of social media platforms and limit viewing of news broadcasts
• Understand the role mental health plays in the development of your student's physical health, school performance, and behavior. Some students may develop symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
• For counseling, mental health education, and to obtain mental health referrals, you may contact 24/7 Mental Health Let's Stay Connected Hotline @ 713-556-1340
• Submit secure and anonymous safety concerns using the Sandy Hook Hotline 1-844-572-9669 or online at http://www.saysomething.net/
• Utilize resources and tools via https://www.houstonisd.org/sel
  

Visit https://www.houstonisd.org/sel for additional parent resources

The Equity and Outreach Division will continue to provide connections and support services to our most underserved populations to increase student achievement, connect HISD families to district and community resources, and continue the development of our global graduates.

Wraparound Services

The Wraparound Services Department connects students and their families with community-resources that address the non-academic challenges that students face which ultimately impact their ability to learn.

Wraparound Resource Specialists use a data-based approach to identify students in need and to connect them to the appropriate non-academic supports that address critical issues that impact students and their families such as mental health and physical needs, food insecurity, lack of stable housing, violence, incarceration of a parent, legal and crisis support and many other challenges that can have adverse effects on a student’s readiness and ability to learn.

Wraparound Resource Specialists build partnerships between their campuses and resources available in their local communities, helping to leverage partnerships to meet the unique needs of HISD campuses.

For more information about the Wraparound Services program, or to complete a Student Assistance Form for a student in need, visit: www.houstonisd.org/wraparound

Parent University

Parent University is a series of events that provides parents with timely information and training to help support the education of their children, including introductions to district programs, community resources, and parental engagement strategies.

For the 2020-2021 school year, Parent University will be a virtual experience, ensuring that students and families can access up-to-date information as HISD continues to navigate the COVID-19 epidemic.

Parent University sessions have covered topics including: 

• Social and Emotional Learning Supports
• Special Education
• Applying to College and Financial Aid 
• Navigating HISD School Choice 
• And more!

For more information, including dates and registration for future Parent University sessions visit: www.houstonisd.org/parentuniversity