Spring Branch Independent School District

Department updates were provided across several key areas. The Physical Education and Health Fitness update covered student participation in various sports events and preparation for Go Texan Square Dance programs. The Athletics update detailed the status of High School and Middle School sports seasons, including upcoming District competitions and the UIL Realignment where Northbrook High School is moving to 5A. The Fine Arts section reported on UIL competitions, ongoing musical productions, and Rodeo Art judging results. Health Services provided statistics on clinic visits, case management, and medication administration from the Fall 2025 audit, and detailed plans for practicing first responder skills and strengthening campus evacuation plans. School Nutrition highlighted upcoming events like National School Breakfast Week and Read Across America Day, and noted ongoing efforts to hire a menu planner/chef due to USDA guideline changes. Counseling services reported on grief training, Parent U sessions concerning human trafficking, and upcoming training on trauma-informed lenses. Behavioral Health shared statistics for the Alcohol and Marijuana Program (AMP) and System of Care support requests from the fall semester. Family Engagement noted an upcoming community event focusing on bridging the gap between school and families. Community Involvement mentioned the ongoing Teacher of the Year competition and planning for the school district's 80th anniversary. The Physical Environment (Safety) section confirmed that Intruder Detective Audits are ongoing, and 3-Year Audits for remaining schools are scheduled for this semester.

The meeting included Department Updates from various divisions. Health Fitness reported on the participation of Cheer Squads and Advanced Movers in middle school and high school games. Athletics noted that football, volleyball, and water polo are ongoing, with ticket purchases required exclusively through the Gofan app. Fine Arts updates covered rehearsal phases, elaborate halftime shows, the purchase of four new trailers, and the schedule for upcoming high school theatrical shows in October. Health Services reported a smooth start, with staff vaccinations managed at the campus level. School Nutrition announced National School Lunch week in October with a Pirate Theme Menu, blood oranges as the fruit of the month, and the introduction of strawberry milk for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Counseling and Psychological Social Services highlighted the first Counselor Convocation, the welcoming of new District Care Counselors, training on the "Stand strong, stay safe" curriculum, and ongoing STEM field trips supported by the CITGO Grant. Behavioral Health reported on continuing direct student support, the upcoming launch of the AMP (Alcohol and Marijuana Program) for secondary students, and plans to use the Screenagers film "Under the influence" during Red Ribbon Week. Family Engagement detailed staff training on communicating with families and the Parent U session scheduled for high school essentials. Community Involvement provided updates on volunteer application processing delays, the Spring Board mentoring program, the Reading Buddies tutoring program, and new advertising opportunities for partners. Physical Environment reported that safety modules for Fire extinguishers and "Avoid, deny and defend" have been completed by all staff, with remaining modules due by the end of October.

The second PAT meeting involved a recap of PAT 01, where feedback highlighted unique aspects of the existing campus such as gardens and outdoor spaces, while noting deficiencies in parking and traffic flow. Key discussion points revolved around distilling feedback into guiding principles, which emphasized access to outdoor spaces, community engagement, natural light, and flexibility. The group reviewed the overall project scope (750 student capacity, 105,000 SF, opening Fall 2023). A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to presenting and analyzing four distinct schematic layout options (Options 1 through 4) for the new facility, focusing on the adjacencies of administration, community spaces, library, academic areas, gymnasium, cafeteria, and playgrounds. Specific concerns raised included traffic management, bus loop placement relative to large trees, and the proximity of different age-group playgrounds. Consensus voting resulted in Options 1 and 4 being identified as the preferred concepts, and the group unanimously agreed they were proceeding in the right direction.

The meeting provided updates across various departments concerning student health and wellness. Physical Education and Health Fitness reported on student attendance at athletic events and swimming participation, along with expanding middle school cheerleading to include 6th through 8th graders. Athletics summarized the status of middle school and high school sports seasons, noting playoff progress for golf, water polo, team tennis, and cross country, as well as the remaining football games. Fine Arts updates included the dates for the Marching Band Region Competition and upcoming Theatre Fall Shows. Health Services discussed staff training on anti-choking devices, upcoming trauma response review, and reported immunization compliance tracking above the state average. School Nutrition detailed National School Lunch Week activities, plans for First Responders Day, and the upcoming Thanksgiving Meal schedule. Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services reported on upcoming referrals training with the Harris Center, collaboration on supporting students with challenging behaviors, training on Human Trafficking, and details about the District College Night and CTE Career Exploration events. Behavioral Health provided statistics on referrals to the Alcohol and Marijuana Program and System of Care support requests, noting a significant increase in behavioral support needs in early grades, and the initiation of a High School Peer Support Program. Family Engagement announced upcoming meetings and a Family Engagement Night. Community Involvement highlighted upcoming events, including The Good Neighbor 20th Anniversary Tailgate and the CIS Gallery Walk. Physical Environment (Safety) confirmed the district-wide rollout and badging completion for the new Crisis Alert System (Centegix). The Committee unanimously voted to move forward with the Community Impact Hub Grant sponsored by the Houston Tennis Association and approved the donation of female hygiene products for middle school girls.

The key discussions revolved around the Hunters Creek ES Replacement project, specifically during PAT Meeting #7. The committee reviewed the current site plan, noting the relocation of playgrounds to the north side of the gym, and current floor plans. Significant decisions were made regarding exterior elements: the PAT unanimously selected Exterior Elevation Option A (taller main entry with lighter brick tones, and horizontal concept) over previous options, requesting further wood material options. For the courtyard, consensus was reached for the rectilinear scheme. Regarding exterior materials, two bricks were finalized: Sioux City Brick - Fine Art Velour (Dark) and Acme - Light Grey Mod Velour (Light). For interior color schemes, scheme A was unanimously chosen, with a suggestion to replace orange accents with blue or teal. Interior concept feedback included positive reception for whimsical ceiling elements (like kites), seating at stairs (without nooks underneath), accent paint colors, library storytelling steps, and the use of wood ceilings throughout. Graphic concepts and library/dining features were also reviewed.