Family Connections

Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year!

It is my honor and pleasure to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope you and your family had a relaxing, enjoyable summer and are looking forward to a wonderful year ahead. I am extremely proud to continue serving as the Executive Director of Special Services and to support the students, families, and staff of Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD).

I would especially like to welcome our new families. Whether you are joining us from a neighboring district or have relocated from another city, state, or country, we are so glad you are here. Our Special Services educators, support staff, administrators, families, and community partners are committed to working together to help every student grow and experience success. CCISD is a special place for all children!

Stay Connected Through Family Connections

Throughout the school year, please read our monthly Family Connections Parent Newsletter. The newsletter provides important Special Services information, upcoming events, learning opportunities, community resources, and ways for families to become more connected and engaged.

Parent Resource Center

I also encourage families to become involved with the CCISD Parent Resource Center, where parents and caregivers can find information, resources, education, and support throughout their child's educational journey. Our Parent Resource Center Specialist, Ms. Penny Sweeney, is available to help families navigate resources, connect with district and community supports, and identify opportunities for learning and involvement. Please visit the CCISD Special Services webpage for additional information about Special Services and upcoming opportunities.

We Are Here for You!

As we begin another school year, I wish you and your child continued academic, social, and emotional success. Every child has unique strengths and potential, and we believe that through collaboration, appropriate support, high expectations, and strong family-school partnerships, our students can continue to learn and grow.

Please remember: your child is important to us, your voice matters, and you are an important member of your child's educational team.

As always, if we can be of service, please reach out through the link provided in the newsletter, email sped@ccisd.net, or contact our Parent Resource Center Specialist, Penny Sweeney, at 281-284-0751.

We look forward to partnering with you throughout the 2026–2027 school year!

Dr. Michele Staley

CCISD Executive Director of Special Services

The information in this newsletter comes from a variety of sources and may include information from outside organizations. Inclusion of outside resources does not constitute sponsorship or endorsement by CCISD. Information is provided for families' information and review.

If translation is needed for the newsletter:

In the right-hand column under Accessibility, click Translate and select your desired language.

Si se necesita traducción para el boletín: En la columna de la derecha, debajo de Accessibility, haga clic en Translate (Traducir) y seleccione el idioma deseado.

Welcome back, CCISD families! We are excited to begin another wonderful school year at the Parent Resource Center (PRC). The PRC connects, supports, and empowers families of students receiving special education services. Whether you have questions about your child’s IEP, are looking for helpful resources, want to connect with other families, or simply need someone to help point you in the right direction, you are always welcome here. This year, we have many opportunities for families to learn, connect, and grow together, including Coffee Chats, parent workshops, our Parent Empowerment Program (PEP), book studies, SibShops, Parent Mentors, community resources, and more!

We look forward to partnering with you throughout the year. Remember—you are an important part of your child’s educational team, and the PRC is here for you!

🌻 Connect • Learn • Support • Grow 🦋

Thank you for your feedback!

We received a wonderful response to our survey about additional Parent Resource Center hours. Based on your feedback, we are excited to offer new early-morning and after-hours opportunities for families to connect with the PRC!

New 10-Minute Parent Support Calls

Three 10-minute phone call appointments will now be available during each of these times:

PRC Quick Connect ⭐ — 10 Minutes. One Question. Real Support.

Tuesdays | 7:30–8:00 AM
Wednesdays | 4:30–5:00 PM

These brief calls are perfect for parents who have a quick question, need help finding a resource, or would like guidance on their next steps.

💬 NEW! Evening Open Chats

On SibShops evenings, the PRC will also offer an open Chat from 6:00–7:00 PM, immediately following SibShops.

🌻 PRC After Hours

📅 Open Chat Dates:
September 24
October 29
January 28
February 25
March 18
April 29

Open Chat is an informal opportunity to ask questions, connect, and get support. Families will join virtually through Microsoft Teams.

📣 Open Chat hours will be posted, reminders will be sent, and a Teams link will be shared before each session.

More information will be provided as we get closer to each date. We hope these expanded hours make it easier for families to connect with the Parent Resource Center.

We heard you—and we’re making more time for YOU! 💛

Email: BSweene1@ccisd.net
Website: https://www.ccisd.net/specialservices
Location: 2903 Falcon Pass, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 281-284-0751

We often hear the phrase, “It takes a village.” But for many families caring for a child or adult with special needs, that village simply does not exist.

Our Facebook group is new and still small, but with your help, we can grow it into a strong and caring community that connects families, shares resources, and helps support one another.

Respite care is often expensive, and unfortunately, insurance does not always provide the help families need. Many caregivers go without a much-needed break because affordable and accessible support can be difficult to find.

We believe that no family should have to feel alone or unsupported. By coming together, sharing this group, and helping connect families with resources and people who care, we can begin to build the village that so many families need.

Our group may be small today, but together, we can build a community that makes a difference, one family at a time.

Join our Facebook group and help us build the village:

TX Respite for Special Needs Families

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FMicXk5qd/

As we begin a new school year, strong partnerships between families and school staff can make a meaningful difference for students. We encourage parents to connect with their child’s teachers and service providers early in the year. Share what you know best about your child—their strengths, interests, successful strategies, and hopes for the year ahead. Establishing a communication plan that works for everyone can also help families and school staff stay connected and informed.

Helping your child develop self-advocacy skills is another important way to prepare for success. Encourage your child, at a developmentally appropriate level, to communicate their needs—whether that means asking for help, requesting a break, asking for directions to be repeated, or sharing when something is difficult.

Finally, remember to celebrate progress along the way. Growth may look different for every child, and success is not always measured by a final outcome. Recognizing effort, perseverance, new friendships, increased independence, and small victories can help build confidence and encourage continued growth.

1. Establish a relationship with the teacher.

2. Start a morning routine early at home.

3. Familiarize them with transportation and lunch plans.

4. Establish social support.

5. Work on school skills at home.

6. Talk about emotions.

The start of the school year means changes in the whole family’s routine. Some teens welcome the return to the school routine; others resist it. Though they’re nearly grown, teenagers still need guidance and supervision. Parental oversight in reestablishing structure in the home is vital in order to set adolescents up for success in the fall.

Tip #1: Create a Schedule and Share It

For most teenagers, organization isn’t a strong suit. But it’s important for teens to understand how to use their time appropriately. Before the school year begins, parents should talk with their teens about their schedule—not just their morning schedule and school schedule, but their after-school schedule, too.

Create a schedule putting each activity in its time slot, and create a way for everyone to easily access the schedule. It could be a colorful chart, calendar, or list noting what needs to happen and when. Post it somewhere visible, like the refrigerator or their bedroom door.

Tip #2: Wake Up and Go to Bed at Set Times

Generally speaking, teenagers need eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. Teenagers with a set bedtime schedule are more likely to get adequate rest. And that means they have more energy to perform at school. Don’t wait until the night before school starts to remind teens that they need to go to bed early. A week or two before the big day, encourage them to get to bed sooner at night and to set a morning alarm, too. So as not to shock their systems, recommend they wake up and go to bed in slightly earlier increments each day. That way, they’ll be more accustomed to their new morning routine when the first day of school comes around.

Tip #3: Limit Teens’ Screen Time

Another way to ensure that teens get enough sleep is to limit their screen time, especially in the evenings. When teens are on their screens right before bed, they tend to feel less sleepy. Make device disconnection part of the nightly routine. In the hour before bed, encourage teens to turn off cell phones, computers, laptops, televisions, handheld video game devices, and other electronics that emit blue light. Less time online encourages teens to read, journal, or connect with family. And parents can follow the same guidelines: If you model healthy device management, your kids are more likely to do the same.

Tip #4: Eat Regular Meals as a Family

Life usually gets a whole lot busier when school starts. With kids juggling homework, extracurricular activities, and time with friends, it’s hard to gather the whole family together for evening meals. While it may be challenging to eat together every night, blocking off time to connect as a family around the dinner table is well worth it. To make family meals more enjoyable, everyone should turn their phones off to keep the focus on each other.

Tip #5: Work Downtime into the Routine

Living in a culture that prizes activity, many teens juggle daily routines that are chock-full of demanding classes, extracurricular activities, homework, maybe even a part-time job or college prep workshop. There’s value in productivity. But overscheduled teens can also feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Everyone needs time to unwind and recharge. If your teen doesn’t have downtime, work with them to schedule it.

Tip #6: Make Sure There’s Time to Move

Some kids love being physically active. Others need some encouragement to get moving. Either way, scheduling time for movement is important, even more so if teens don’t take physical education classes at school. And even if they do, they might still benefit from a block of time set aside to swim, play a sport, ride a bike, jump on a trampoline, or practice yoga. The benefits of exercise are well-known: it’s a huge stress reliever; it’s also been shown to bolster academic performance, improve sleep; and it may reduce symptoms of depression in both young children and teenagers.

Tip #7: Help Teens Get Organized

Some teenagers are diligent about organizing their assignments and keeping track of their responsibilities. Others may need help establishing regular routines for studying and finding the right methods for organization. There are many tools available, ranging from a simple checklist or spreadsheet to more sophisticated time-management tools. To figure out what tools a teen needs, start with a discussion. Talk with them about which subjects require more time. Help them decide if they need to rearrange their schedule as a result. They may realize they need to replace some extracurricular activities with academic responsibilities.

Tip #8: Practice Gratitude

In the fall, the pace of life intensifies, and everyone’s to-do list grows. Hence, it’s helpful for families and teens to slow down and take a few moments each day to practice gratitude. Many studies have proven that expressing appreciation for what’s good in your life boosts happiness and other positive emotions. In addition, the practice of gratitude helps teens build resilience.

Article revised from Child Mind Institute- info@childmind.org

Clear Creek ISD invites families of current and incoming elementary students from in and around the District to the wildly popular Books Alive Family Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The FREE Books Alive Family Festival features many beloved books through interactive activities and immersive experiences. From carnival celebrations and coding challenges to tow trucks and car fun, families will enjoy a day of fun and community while celebrating the joy of reading! The CCISD Voyager Bus will also be making an appearance at the festival, handing out free books to all who board, courtesy of the Clear Creek Education Foundation (CCEF).

What: Clear Creek ISD Books Alive Family Festival
Presented By: CCISD Library & Media Services
Sponsored By: CCEF, H-E-B and CCISD Friends of the Library

When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Where: CCISD Learner Support Center, 2903 Falcon Pass, Houston, TX 77062

Who: Open to ALL families of elementary-age students. Guests are asked to check in at the Welcome Desk to receive a loot bag and adventure map.

In collaboration with United Way of Bay Area, Partners Resource Network PATH Project is hosting a free event “Growing Stronger Together” – Supporting Positive Behavior, Educational Success, and Self-Advocacy. Conference and Resource Fair.

📅 When: Saturday September 26
🕗 Time: 8:00 a. m. a 3:00 p. m.
📍 Address: United Way of Bay Area 1300 Bay Area Blvd-A, Houston, TX 77058

This conference is designed specifically for parents of children with disabilities, self-advocates, and youth. This event offers a valuable opportunity to hear from a range of expert speakers and connect with other families.

While parents can engage in informative sessions in English and Spanish tailored to their need, youth will have the chance to participate in their own sessions and activities, specially designed for them.

Important Details:
• Youth ages 14 and older must register for youth-specific sessions.
• The conference is free, but registration is required.
• Childcare will not be provided.

To attend the Conference please register using theses links:

Parent Registration:

https://forms.gle/zQnzcTm22sM3f7iy7

Youth Registration:

https://forms.gle/AcauDwLwg6MZ8T448

🚗 Mileage stipends are available for eligible attendees.

https://forms.gle/vQ7HdckXjeqa2zNF9

We will have morning refreshments and lunch for the attendees and door prizes at the end of the conference.

Don't miss out on this chance to gain knowledge, share experiences, and build a supportive community.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

En colaboración con United Way of Bay Area, el Proyecto PATH de Partners Resource Network llevará a cabo el evento gratuito "Creciendo más Fuertes Juntos: Fomentando las Conductas Positivas, el Éxito Educativo y la Autodefensa", una conferencia y feria de recursos.

📅 Fecha: Sábado 26 de septiembre
🕗 Hora: 8:00 a. m. a 3:00 p. m.
📍 Lugar: United Way of Bay Area
1300 Bay Area Blvd-A, Houston, TX 77058

Esta conferencia ha sido diseñada especialmente para padres de niños con discapacidades, jóvenes y personas autodefensoras. El evento ofrece una valiosa oportunidad para escuchar a diversos expertos y conectar con otras familias.

Mientras los padres participan en sesiones informativas en inglés y español, diseñadas para responder a sus necesidades, los jóvenes tendrán la oportunidad de asistir a sesiones y actividades especialmente creadas para ellos.

Información importante:

• Los jóvenes de 14 años o más deberán registrarse para participar en las sesiones dirigidas a jóvenes.
• La conferencia es gratuita, pero es necesario registrarse.
• No se ofrecerá servicio de cuidado de niños.

Para asistir a la conferencia, regístrese utilizando los siguientes enlaces:

Registro para Padres:
https://forms.gle/zQnzcTm22sM3f7iy7

Registro para Jóvenes:
https://forms.gle/AcauDwLwg6MZ8T448

🚗 Hay becas de millaje disponibles para los asistentes que cumplan con los requisitos de elegibilidad.

Solicitud de beca de millaje:
https://forms.gle/vQ7HdckXjeqa2zNF9

Los asistentes disfrutarán de un desayuno ligero por la mañana, almuerzo y, al finalizar la conferencia, habrá sorteos de premios.

¡No pierda esta oportunidad de adquirir nuevos conocimientos, compartir experiencias y fortalecer una comunidad de apoyo!

Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en comunicarse conmigo.

Saludos cordiales