Welcome

Welcome to the TCSS (Texas Center for Students Supports) newsletter! We trust you’re doing well, and we’re excited to share information that’s not only helpful but also adaptable to your unique role. Our mission is to provide you with the latest updates as we work on building a comprehensive sustainable system to support all students, focusing on their non-academic needs.

For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check out our website at www.texascss.net and follow us on social media. TCSS is evolving rapidly, and we’re constantly adding new features and resources. While our newsletters will be sent on the 20th of each month, we understand that a lot can happen within a month’s time!

Feel free to connect with any of our dedicated staff members if you have questions or if you’d like to share your ideas. We’re here to engage with you and are eager to hear from you as we strive to serve you better in this important work. Together, let’s make a lasting impact on student support!

Kind Regards,

Robin

• ESCs Stronger Connections Virtual PLCs - January 24th

• Zoom Link- https://esc16.zoom.us/j/91654325614

• TCSS Student Task Force selected districts site visit in February

• Advisory Group Meeting - February 7 @ 9AM
  

• Advisory Focus Group Meeting - February 8 @ 9AM

• Future PLC & Coffee Chat schedule: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CKmYhEPffSdYOWxuXbLNZfw91uKJvmfe/view?usp=sharing

The Texas Center for Student Supports Advisory and Focus Groups were created to support the establishment and implementation of secure and supportive learning environments through a student support program structure that will be tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, promoting their overall well-being. The groups are a required component of the Student Support Program as stipulated in the TCSS grant.

The advisory group and focus groups meet monthly to engage in the following activities:

• Provide feedback and input on needs for services and support provided by the TCSS.

• Provide feedback and input on developed products for the Student Support Program.

• Vet/Review programs and resources provided by potential vendors or recommended by Local Education Agencies (LEAs).

The TCSS Advisory Group is composed of campus leaders, teachers, parents, and students who represent Texas LEAs and campuses. The membership of this group is defined in the grant program guidelines. The group will include two focus groups and a Student Advisory Task Force. Each focus group will consist of professionals from across the state who are experts in the fields of education, mental & behavioral health, and systemic educational reform. The Student Advisory Task Force will consist of 10th & 11th grade students from schools around the state.

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) was signed into law by President Biden in 2022. This legislation expands vital mental health services and provides additional support for States and districts to design and enhance initiatives that will promote safer and positive school environments for all students, educators, and school staff.

The TCSS Team is required, by the grant, to vet vendors and create a Vendor Resource List for Stronger Connections Grant Awardees. This list will encompass companies and products aligning with the SSP as well as in the scope of the grant deliverables; therefore, having a positive impact on students in the area of non academic needs (Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Physical Health and School Safety, and School Culture and Climate).

• TCSS will work diligently to keep the list up to date and to vet vendors as quickly as possible. We anticipate this process will take approximately one month to complete.
• The process will include multiple check and balances with the request form, TCSS vetting and the TCSS Advisory Group input.
• Please submit a request for a vendor to be added to the Resource List by completing the form.

Facebook: Texas Center for Student Supports

Instagram: @texascss

LinkedIn: Texas Center for Student Supports

Be sure to check out our new website! https://www.texascss.net

Robin Terry, Coordinator

robin.terry@esc16.net

806-677-5157

Heather Newman, Assistant Director of Performance Management

heather.newman@esc16.net

806-677-5021

Mary Scobey, Learning Leader, School Culture & Climate

mary.scobey@esc16.net

806-677-5140

Mandy Nettleton, Learning Leader Counselor

mandy.nettleton@esc16.net

806-677-5144

Andi Cochran, Learning Leader MTSS/Behavior

andi.cochran@esc16.net

806-677-5222

Amy Saysouriyosack, Digital Media Specialist

amy.saysouriyosack@esc16.net

806-677-5102

Barbara Dorman, Administrative Assistant

barbara.dorman@esc16.net

806-677-5008