Spring Independent School District has partnered with the nonprofit organization Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) to bring additional support to students and families at nine campuses who may continue to struggle from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The district is adding nine full-time student support specialists from CIS to serve additional campuses in 2021-22 school year: Bailey, Bammel, Claughton, Dueitt, Twin Creeks and Wells middle schools; Spring Leadership Academy; Spring High School; and Westfield High School. CIS currently has a student support specialist serving at Dekaney High School.

CIS partners with education leaders and community organizations across the Houston area to provide comprehensive services for students and families in times of need. From providing crisis intervention to basic necessities, the CIS student support specialists at these Spring ISD campuses will have the goal of ensuring students have the resources they need to be successful.

“We’re more committed than ever to providing our students with a safe, nurturing learning environment, especially after COVID-19’s substantial disruption to their lives,” said Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, the district’s chief of Innovation and Equity. “Whether a child needs food, school supplies, or a safe place to live, CIS will work closely with Spring ISD school staff to proactively identify and support students who may be trying to work through issues on their own.”

For the upcoming 2021-22 school year, CIS student support specialists have been called to help more than 125,000 students on nearly 170 campuses in Spring ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Houston ISD, Spring Branch ISD, Alief ISD, Aldine ISD, Southwest Schools, Texas Connections Academy virtual public school and Lone Star College campuses.

“CIS has doubled down on our commitment to do whatever it takes to help meet the need spurred by the pandemic and other challenges,” said Lisa Descant, CEO of Communities In Schools of Houston. “We’re excited to expand our partnership with Spring ISD to help educators engage students and their families at a time when the need is greater than ever.”