The national office of Communities In Schools® (CIS®) partnered with Communities In Schools of Houston to launch the “Ready, Set, Learn” Back-to-School Tour at Houston ISD’s Forest Brook Middle School. The event marked the start of the new school year with family activities, school supply giveaways, and community engagement.

The Saturday celebration was supported by national sponsor Whataburger, along with local partners H-E-B and Soles4Souls. As part of a four-city tour, the initiative aims to provide resources and encouragement to students and families while emphasizing the importance of daily attendance. The effort is aligned with CIS’s national “Being Present Matters” campaign, which addresses challenges such as chronic absenteeism to help students succeed.

Families attending the two-hour event received free school supplies from H-E-B, uniforms from Whataburger, shoes from Soles4Souls, hygiene products from TTLA and CP Chem, and socks and underwear from TTLA. Students also enjoyed free haircuts, storytelling activities, music from a guest DJ, and refreshments provided by Whataburger, including its signature hamburgers and a limited-time “Prickly Pear Raspberry Whatafresher.”

Speakers highlighted CIS’s role in providing campus-based support and ensuring students have access to both academic and non-academic resources. Special guests included CIS National President & CEO Rey Saldaña, Whataburger Regional Marketing Manager Jennifer Osowski, CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant, Forest Brook Middle School Principal Alicia Gobert Lewis, CIS alum Eric Charles, and CIS alum Rosaura Martinez, who served as emcee.

Additional community partners included Soccer Stars and Visit Houston, part of Houston First Corporation.

For more information about Communities In Schools of Houston, visit www.cishouston.org.