As the SBISD Chief of Police, the safety, health, and well-being of our students are always my highest priority. The significance of children’s mental health cannot be overstated - it greatly influences their school success and prepares them with the emotional, social and behavioral resilience to navigate through life’s adversities.
As a community leader and peace officer, it's my duty to adopt a proactive stance, working collaboratively to prevent problems from escalating to a level where local police intervention becomes necessary. Effective action in this regard requires a coordinated effort by all adults involved, along with information and a shared understanding of available resources.
Our school district offers a variety of programs designed to support the unique needs of our students and their families. Our team is always ready to assist you, and I urge you to reach out should you need information about support services. These family resources have been put in place to enable each student who walks through our school doors to attain their full potential.
In addition, I’d like to introduce you to two invaluable resources for parents and families - 211 Texas United Way HELPLINE and the Harris County Resources for Children and Adults. Both provide comprehensive services designed to meet the specific needs of children and families in crisis.
SBISD also employs the 'See Something, Say Something' anonymous reporting system as an early intervention mechanism.
We continuously seek out new trainings, programs, and strategies that can further guarantee a secure and positive learning environment for all.
Below are a strategies families can use at home:
- Create an environment where your child can freely express their feelings, concerns, and uncertainties. Your guidance can greatly comfort them.
- Look out for tell-tale signs of problems like aggression or withdrawal. These could indicate that something might be wrong.
- Join forces with our school staff to facilitate positive resolutions and outcomes.
- Keep yourself updated on the CommonSense social media guidelines.
Bear in mind that the behavior of all students in SBISD is guided by the SBISD Student Code of Conduct, which provides clear information about the consequences of different types of violations. I encourage you to get in touch with your school if you require additional information about mental health resources and support. |