SCHOOL WELCOMES STUDENTS, VISITORS TO OPEN HOUSE
The University of Texas-University Charter School’s open house on the MCH campus September 5 was an opportunity for parents and caregivers to tour the students’ classrooms and meet their teachers. Students earned stickers for visiting the various rooms and took part in a variety of fun activities.
“We had an awesome turnout at the open house, and it was a great opportunity for all to connect,” said Dorothy Phillips, senior director for programs (Waco campus). “The event was welcoming and interactive, giving families a clear picture of the school’s value, expectations and resources.”
STUDENT COUNCIL SPONSORS SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS WEEK
Students and staff at the University of Texas-University Charter School on the Waco campus participated in a weeklong initiative in September to promote suicide prevention and awareness.
Student council members planned designated days and activities designed to foster connection and support. Awareness bracelets were distributed throughout the school, and students were invited to write peer affirmations during lunch periods. The encouraging messages were attached to lollipops and later shared with students.
“We are proud of our student council for leading this meaningful effort with kindness and care,” said Principal Raul Kastner. “Together, we can continue building a culture of compassion and support at MCH.”
TAILGATE OFFERS FUN BEFORE HOME GAME
The Admissions department and the Day Student program co-hosted a tailgate prior to the September 26 football game with Avalon. Everyone had their fill of hot dogs and cupcakes as well as soda and water to drink. Students and their families participated in games or just relaxed before kickoff. Children were able to paint rocks as an activity, while others kicked around soccer balls, tossed footballs, or simply relaxed.
Tim Price, MCH director of outdoor education and recreation, directed participants in a couple of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) exercises: trust falls and racing blindfolded with a partner alongside.
“It’s always wonderful to see families come together to celebrate student success and build community through engaging events and activities,” said Amy Grisham, director of school support. “My favorite activity this year was the rock painting. There were so many creative designs! I especially enjoyed connecting with families I don’t work directly with. Family, fun and student success is the perfect combo!”
MCH STAFFERS ATTEND REGIONAL CONFERENCES
MCH staff members Dwan Childers, Whitney Trevino, Jean Wright, Kevin Brown and Meghan Holder attended the HR Southwest Conference October 12-14 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
The event is one of the largest regional gatherings for human resources professionals and industry partners, offering top-tier speakers, the chance to network with peers across the HR landscape, and an exploration of innovations in HR products and services.
Holder, director of human resources, presented a session titled “HR for Nonprofits: Balancing Mission, Compliance and Culture.” The session highlighted how nonprofit HR teams can align policies with organizational values, strengthen retention through mission-driven engagement, and build resilience with purposed-based workforces.
“It was such an energizing experience to share the MCH story and the heart behind nonprofit HR,” Holder said. “I left inspired by how many people are committed to doing this work with both excellence and compassion.”
MCH Family Outreach staff members took part in the 37th annual East Texas Network for Children (ETNC) Training Conference in Tyler, Texas. The conference brings together child welfare and juvenile services professionals from across the region.
This year’s theme, “The Power of YOU,” focused on the crucial role each person has in creating safer, healthier and happier childhoods.
Staff hosted an information table to share program offerings. Traci Wagner, vice president of programs, serves on the ETNC Board of Directors. BrieAnna Vine, director of Family Outreach in Tyler, and Kristy George, foster care specialist, led a breakout session titled “Incorporating TBRI Principles for All Ages.” The session shared practical ways to apply Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) strategies when working with children and youth.
MCH PRESIDENT AND CEO HONORED WITH DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
Trey Oakley, president and CEO of Methodist Children’s Home, was honored with this year’s Howard Payne University (HPU) Distinguished Alumnus Award. Oakley graduated from HPU in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, and is a past president of the HPU Alumni Association.
The MCH president and CEO also earned a master’s degree in philanthropy and development from Saint Mary’s University and a master’s in Christian ministry from Baylor University.
Oakley and other honorees were recognized at the university’s homecoming alumni banquet, parade and football game halftime show in October. “HPU encouraged me to do my best in the classroom and to make sure what I learned was shared with the community,” Oakley said.
FAMILY OUTREACH DELIVERS HALLOWEEN FUN
MCH Family Outreach offices celebrated Halloween in fun ways during October.
The Family Outreach New Mexico Family Resource Center in Las Cruces hosted its third annual Caregiver Empowerment Group event, where families learned how to trick-or-treat safely, played games, and enjoyed spending time together.
In Odessa, the Permian Basin office held its first-ever Trunk or Treat event open to the entire community and the families it serves.
In addition to getting candy at the Trunk or Treat cars, kids enjoyed tossing plastic hatchets at an axe-throwing setup in the parking lot. Indoors, Family Outreach Corpus Christi staff members got into the Halloween spirit as they dressed as characters from the Disney Pixar movie “Inside Out 2” complete with a colorful photo backdrop.
The Permian Basin branch of Communities in School rocked a Winnie the Pooh theme with colored shirts and ears for staffers dressed as Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger.
Some local businesses brought their mascots to interact with the children at the well-attended event.
The Corpus Christi Family Outreach staff continued its annual Trunk or Treat event, which it began in 2020. It had a strong attendance from community partners and local families.
MCH BULLDOGS FINISH AS STATE RUNNER-UP
The MCH Bulldogs fell short in the Texas Christian Athletic Fellowship six-man state championship game November 15 at Lake Country Christian School in Fort Worth, but showed tremendous heart, resilience and sportsmanship throughout the night.
Facing a talented and undefeated Faustina Academy team, the Bulldogs played with determination from start to finish, backed by an enthusiastic crowd of MCH supporters.
Congratulations to Aid’Ron and Colin for earning MVP honors for the game.
A special thank you to head coach Darell Williams, assistant coaches Marquis Harrison, Adam Mahar and David Perez, and to Athletic Director Sarah Arocha for leading the Bulldogs to a well-earned appearance in the state championship.
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