Communities In Schools of Houston

Dogs, donuts, and mental health support 💙

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, students at Sunrise Center at Mission Milby (Houston ISD) enjoyed a special “Dogs and Donuts” event focused on relaxation, connection, and well-being. Thanks to HISD PAWS, students had the opportunity to learn more about mental health, spend time with their service dog Justic, and take a moment to decompress.

From meaningful conversations to sweet treats, it was a great reminder of the importance of creating safe spaces where students can recharge and feel supported.

CIS of Houston surrounds students with the support they need to stay in school and succeed in life.

Inside schools across Houston, our team works directly with students - removing barriers like mental health challenges, food insecurity, housing instability, and more.

Through counseling, basic needs support, academic guidance, and family engagement, we’re there for students every step of the way.

Because when students have the right support, they can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and building their future.

💙 Learn more about how we’re making an impact: https://www.cishouston.org/what-we-do

New shoes, fresh start, and a whole lot of heart. 👟💙

Students at Woodview Elementary School received a very special gift — brand-new shoes and socks, courtesy of Operation Warm and Nordstrom Rack South TX/LA.

Small gestures can make a big difference in how a child feels walking into school every day. We are so grateful to everyone who made this moment possible for our students.

Thank you for showing up for our kids. 💙

Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that student well-being doesn’t happen in isolation... it takes a strong circle of support. 💙

At CIS of Houston, Parent & Family Engagement is a critical part of that circle. When parents and guardians are involved, students feel more supported, schools grow stronger, and entire communities become more connected.

Last school year alone, our highly trained CIS Student Support Specialists have handled 3,527 crisis situations with care - working hand-in-hand with families to ensure students have the support they need, both in and out of the classroom.

Because when families are engaged, students don’t just get by... they thrive.

Our Student Support Managers at Lone Star College - Atascocita hosted an Earth Day Art event to celebrate our beautiful planet!

Participants spent the day learning about the history of Earth Day while getting creative - painting flowerpots, designing suncatchers, and potting their own aloe vera plants to take home and care for. The event also created space to relax and recharge, with calming nature sounds, good food, and meaningful connection.

It was a day full of creativity, learning, and love for our planet! 💙🌱

Thank you to our incredible partners at Bank of America, Visa, and Street Soccer USA for inviting CIS of Houston and students from Neff Elementary to be part of such a meaningful milestone. 💙

Our students had an amazing time celebrating the grand opening of the Bank of America Fields at Visa Street Soccer Park - bringing energy, teamwork, and plenty of competitive spirit to the field! ⚽

We’re grateful for the opportunity to create moments like this for our students and are excited about the continued community connection this space represents.

Mental Health Awareness Month continues... but so does the need 💙

During the 2024-2025 school year, CIS of Houston provided 23,000+ hours of mental health support to students across our community.

More than 8,000 students received care from licensed professionals - right on their school campuses, where support is most accessible and stigma is reduced.

But the need is growing - and more students are still waiting for help.

Help us reach every student who needs support: https://bit.ly/4fqE5zh

Support is never one-size-fits-all.

One key insight from the Harvard and Cornell study, "When Resources Meet Relationships," shows that although students at Communities in Schools campuses receive different supports based on their needs, they experience similar long-term gains. 💡

Meeting each student where they are isn't just the right thing to do — the research confirms it works.

When we support the whole student, academic success follows.

Students at Harmony School of Fine Arts and Technology took their creativity to one of Houston's most beloved events — the 2026 Houston Art Car Parade!

Made possible by a grant from H.E.B. for supplies, these students designed and decorated their very own art car, bringing their school's artistic spirit to the heart of the city.

A huge thank you to art teacher Mrs. Davies, who poured her heart into making this experience happen, and extends her warmest gratitude to everyone who made it possible. 💙🎉

Klentzman CIS Boys spent Saturday, April 11 at the Alief Boys Conference — a day dedicated to identity, purpose, and becoming the best version of themselves.

Guest speaker Alief Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays led powerful conversations on owning your story, committing to your purpose, and the kind of man each student is working to become.

These young men showed up ready — and left inspired. 💙