Maricela Alarcón

The working session included time for socialization, networking, and refreshments. Key discussion items involved an informational review and potential approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Agenda Item #1 focused on a discussion regarding The Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) Program, detailing how it provides resiliency training to students to navigate challenges such as substance abuse and school violence, leading to measurable improvements in academic performance and disciplinary issues. Agenda Item #2 involved a discussion on the UTSA School Psychology School-Based Consultation service-learning experience, which engages graduate students in developing and implementing behavioral and academic interventions. Agenda Item #3 centered on the election of new SHAC leadership and a review and alignment of strategic goals for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year in preparation for the Board of Trustees review. The session concluded with adjournment planning.

The key new business discussed was a formal request to initiate a pilot program in partnership with the Spay Neuter Network's Pet Care and Dog Safety Program. This program targets specific zip codes within the district with high financial need and transportation barriers, offering free spay and neuter services. The educational component focuses on essential pet care, including proper nutrition, hydration, microchipping, and understanding pet behavior and body language.

New business included three primary topics for discussion and potential approval. The first topic involved Dr. Castro-Villarreal sharing and seeking approval to implement the evidence-based Strong Kids Social Emotional Learning Curriculum for Grades 5-8 at Bonham Academy, with a vote scheduled for the next meeting. The second topic involved Dr. Jorge Gonzalez seeking approval to implement the STARS curriculum at Hawthorne Academy, which had been vetted in a previous meeting. The third topic involved vetting a curriculum from the Center for Health Care, allowing members to ask questions.

The meeting included discussions on two new business topics. The first topic covered the Texas School Mental Health: American Indians of Texas program, where the committee reviewed the curriculum and voted unanimously in favor of the program. The second topic focused on the SACADA T.R.E.E Program; after a recap and data review, the committee voted in favor of the program contingent upon the development of a strategic plan addressing sustainability for returning students, strategies for daily struggles for students and families, and methods for providing soft handoffs to campus staff.

New business focused on the presentation of the 'Teen Mental Health First Aid' curriculum, designed to equip students aged 14-18 with skills to identify and respond to mental health and substance use signs among peers. The council also reviewed the NEST curriculum, which addresses Senate Bill 9 requirements concerning Child Abuse, Human Trafficking, and Teen Dating Violence. Following group review, the SHAC voted to move forward with NEST pending resolution of raised concerns. Attendees were also reminded that the election for the new SHAC Executive Committee, serving from August 2025 to June 2027, will occur at the next meeting.