July 28, 2022
Humble ISD formed a committee to decide how to distribute Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) federal funds. The district conducted stakeholder surveys to determine the greatest needs of students, staff, and the community due to the pandemic. Responses showed, overwhelmingly, that mental health services and support was a priority in order to address social isolation and emotional connectedness. Humble ISD added Student Wellness Counselors beginning in the 2021-2022 school year.
The three Student Wellness Counselors, Tammie Johnson, Francesca Newman and Maria Ingram, are Texas licensed professional counselors trained to target, triage, and support student’s mental health in crisis situations. Although the campus counselors provide individual meetings to all students, campus counselors can refer students to the Student Wellness Counselors when additional mental health supports are needed. Parental consent is required for services.
The Student Wellness Counselors are able to provide individual and group counseling sessions, provide campus and parent consultations, collaborate with Mental Health Officers in the Police Department, and provide ongoing parent and educator sessions on the importance of mental health. “The services the Student Wellness Counselors provide to the students of Humble ISD are remarkable and essential in ensuring our students have ongoing and timely access to mental health support.” Dr. Melissa Leigh, the Senior Director of Personalized Student Success, said. “If you would like more information about accessing their services, please reach out to your campus counselor.”
Each elementary student will receive at least one individual meeting and each secondary student will receive at least two individual meetings each year with their counselor.