HOUSTON – Aug. 9, 2016 – With the implementation of Project SAFE this fall, Spring Independent School District is another step closer to meeting initiatives defined in the district’s strategic plan – Every Child 2020. Project SAFE, which stands for Spring ISD Afterschool and Family Engagement Project, is being funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant from the Texas Education Agency.

“We are committed to providing excellent support systems for our students who are struggling. This grant not only provides funding but also guidelines for designing a program that will help our students succeed and gain the confidence they need to move forward,” said Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, chief academic officer.

The $1.8 million grant will be used to supplement student learning at 10 schools, including a family engagement component and academic enrichment for students who most need assistance. The program will focus on college and career readiness through SAT preparation, college visits and parent sessions for high school students. Academic performance, including a strong literacy foundation, attendance and discipline will be priorities for all levels.

The grant will allow the district to hire coordinators for each of the ten campuses to oversee the program as well as materials, resources and contracted services needed to support the project. Additionally, each campus program will be monitored and evaluated by an independent evaluator. The evaluation results will be reported to TEA.

Participating schools are: Dekaney and Westfield high schools, Bailey and Wells middle schools, and Bammel, Eickenroht, Hoyland, Major, Ponderosa and Salyers elementary schools. Bammel Middle School will also participate in the program under a grant award made to Harris County Department of Education.

For more information, contact Carla Jones-Taylor, project director at 281-891-6689.