President's Letter: Sharing Our Hearts for Hurricane Harvey Relief

By Tammi Mackeben | September 2017

As this newsletter reaches you, more than a month has passed since Hurricane Harvey hit south Texas with a fury, yet for some Texas school counselors, students and families, it is still fresh in their minds. For many Texas school counselors, it was a day they will never forget. In Rockport ISD, where Harvey made landfall with a vengeance, schools remained closed for more than 40 days. In the Houston area, many schools opened as scheduled, but some students did not begin school until the end of September. Some of those who started classes did so at alternative locations because their home schools had to undergo repairs. As many as 270 teachers in the Houston area were affected by the flooding, leaving them unable to return to work until the end of September. In Humble ISD, some students had to share buildings and, as a result, some went to school in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. This brought so many obstacles for school counselors. Because many of the buildings were completely flooded, school counselors lost all their materials. They may still need resources to help students deal with what they have been through. Like students, many school counselors had to be relocated, were displaced or might be sharing a campus with other schools. As the school counselors leave for the day, some are reminded that they do not have a home to return to. Those counselors who are at a school that was not affected by the flooding will be supporting students who have been placed at their campus and dealing with the many physical and social/emotional issues that arise from such trauma.

I know that many of you in the Houston area and many of you who are, like me, more than 700 miles away, still want to know how we can help. Numerous organizations, including those listed below, are ready to assist even today. Organizations are now asking for monetary donations to assist with the rebuilding process. At LSSSCA, we know you want to help, so we have posted a link with information on assist school counselors and students. Follow the link on our website at: www.lonestarstateschoolcounselor.org or at the link: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors-members/professional-development/learn-more/helping-students-after-a-hurricane. Don’t forget, Texas school counselors, how far a well wish goes. Texas school counselors, students, staff and parents affected by Harvey, we are thinking of you daily and sending hugs your way!

Organizations to Assist with Hurricane Harvey Relief