TCSS Newsletter
June 2024
Greetings!
June is here, and we are particularly excited about this month! First, we will be conducting our first level-setting training on the Student Support Framework and Climate and Culture with ESC leads from across the state. Secondly, it is our birthday! On June 28, 2023, we discovered we had been awarded the TCSS grant, enabling us to guide stronger connections awardees across Texas. It has been a rollercoaster ride, but we have enjoyed almost every moment!
Finally, we love June because it marks the beginning of summer, a time for rest and relaxation.
We hope each of you can take the time to rest, reflect, and relax!
Enjoy,
The TCSS Team
Spotlight
Student Task Force members worked with our D Custom & Tacky Box vendor to create a video sharing their views and thoughts about school climate and culture. We look forward to viewing the STF voices during the June ToT.
TCSS wants to thank the following school districts for participating in this valuable effort: Dell City ISD, Harlandale ISD, Hereford ISD, Hedley ISD, Longview ISD & St. Mary's Catholic School Longview, and Wylie ISD.
Upcoming Events
SCG ESC Executive Coaching
If you have not registered for a session, please register to attend:
Session 2 - July 30, 2024, 9:00-4:00, Dallas, Texas. Register Here. Session #996339
Gallery
Stronger Connection Grant (SCG)
Vendors
Our recent virtual vendor fair was a great success, and we want to thank everyone who joined us! It was wonderful to see so many of our partners and educators come together to explore the resources available to support our students. We're currently working on updating our vendor catalog with all of our approved vendors to ensure you have access to the best options. In the meantime, you can view the current catalog here. Thank you for your continued support and participation!
TEA Updates:
- There are about 20 SCG NOGAs left in the queue. If you have not received your NOGA notification via email and do not see it in Expenditure Reporting, please reach out to sarah.mccaslin@tea.texas.gov so that we can put you in touch with your grant negotiator for any outstanding fiscal negotiations.
- The 2023-2024 school year served as a planning year for the SCG. This allowed 1) the TEA and TCSS to plan and prepare for the grant implementation phase, 2) the competitive grants division to work their way through the negotiation process, and 3) the awardees to form advisory committees, learn more about the TCSS, and make plans to tackle their SMART goals and other grant objectives beginning July/August. We understand that this onboarding process has felt slow, but we can only move at the speed of our best work! Quality time to set up systems and structures is essential for this work to outlive the grant period.
- June 3rd to June 21st is the Quarter Four (April/May/June) FOI evaluation window. Please set aside time with your SCG teams to discuss this quarter’s movement with the SCG. For more information about the FOI, please visit this website and reach out to sarah.mccaslin@tea.texas.gov or your ECS SCG Lead, as needed.
FAQ
Revised June 2024
TCSS Headspace
Check out the TCSS Mental Health Headspace section in our newsletter! We’re providing educators, students, and parents with valuable mental health resources, including free webinars, videos, quotes, activities, assignments, and positive self-talk affirmations. Don’t miss out on these essential tools to support mental health and well-being!
TCSS Behavioral Bites
Don't miss the "Behavioral Bites" section in our newsletter! This month’s tip is "The Importance of Schedules and Routines." Discover practical tips, strategies, and activities to help educators, students, and parents effectively manage and improve behavior through structured daily routines.
Check us out on Social Media!
Contact Us
Robin Terry, Coordinator
806-677-5157
Mary Scobey, Learning Leader, School Culture & Climate
806-677-5101
Jason Norman, Learning Leader, Mental Health
806-677-5288
Andi Cochran, Learning Leader MTSS/Behavior
806-677-5222
Amy Saysouriyosack, Digital Media Specialist
806-677-5102
Barbara Dorman, Administrative Assistant
806-677-5008