Melissa Nowicki

The meeting featured the recognition of Master Teachers and a presentation on beginning of the year student outcomes. Reports were provided regarding a partnership with the Houston Food Bank, student program offerings, strategic planning, the Texas Public Charter Schools Conference, and a legislative update. During a closed session, the board deliberated on personnel matters, and upon reconvening, the board voted to confirm the roles of Vice President and Secretary.

This document presents Southwest Schools' Instructional Framework for Literacy, outlining a shared vision to ensure all students engage daily with grade-level, complex content across all subjects to build knowledge and critical thinking. The framework is built upon six core beliefs: evidence-based foundational reading, knowledge-building for comprehension, consistent access to culturally relevant content, instruction starting with complex texts, regular speaking and writing in response to complex texts, and curriculum-embedded assessments driving responsive instruction. It details stakeholder actions and includes a 2023-2024 implementation plan with specific actions and timelines to achieve academic and career goals for students.

This document outlines Southwest Schools' Local Wellness Plan, designed to comply with federal requirements for school wellness policies. It establishes comprehensive guidelines for nutrition, covering foods sold and made available, alongside strategies for nutrition promotion and education. The plan also sets goals for physical activity and other school-based initiatives, such as appropriate meal times, community wellness events, and mental health support, all aimed at promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity.

The committee reviewed the district wellness policy and discussed potential updates to the language regarding bi-weekly food distribution through the Houston Food Bank. Key discussions included the implementation of annual staff health fairs, reinforcing physical activity guidelines to ensure recess is not used for punishment, and strict adherence to food safety guidelines for classroom celebrations. Additionally, the council reviewed student health initiatives, specifically the vision care partnership with the University of Houston Eye Institute, providing free screenings and eyeglasses for students, and discussed the status of follow-up appointments.

The meeting focused on several key health and wellness initiatives. Discussions included the proposed Asthma Action Plan for students, a collaboration with Harris County Public Health to address healthcare barriers, and the potential implementation of mobile health clinics. The council reviewed updates on vision screening programs conducted with local university partners. Additionally, the district highlighted ongoing mental health awareness efforts, including the promotion of crisis resources and support services for students and families. Maternal health education and advocacy resources were also introduced for future distribution.