Getting Started: Setting Up a District McKinney-Vento Program Maria Cendejas Homeless Liasion New Braunfels Independent School District
Dec 31, 2015
Getting Started:Setting Up a District
McKinney-Vento ProgramMaria Cendejas
Homeless Liasion New Braunfels Independent School District
My history with M-V:
11 years with New Braunfels ISD
Established a system and program for identification of M-V students because there was not one
Eliminated barriers to welcoming homeless students
Began a strategic plan to build community relationships in 2005
Built a shelter in 2012
Maria’s Closet
Currently working on transitional housing with the McKenna Foundation
Changing the perceptions of M-V: Drop-out, graduation, and attendance rates were once very poor.
There was a lack of awareness of the program on the part of the community and administration.
Promoting awareness in NBISD: M-V awareness trainings for all new employees
Refresher updates on M-V for key district personnel (administrators, registrars, PEIMS clerks, counselors, nurses, transportation)
Student Residency Questionnaire- any returning student’s survey is included as a part of the online enrollment/registration process; new students receive a hard copy to complete
Making yourself available and accessible
Graduation Rate for 2013-2014 District Continuous Graduation Rate= 100%
Homeless Graduation Rate= 96%*
District Drop Out Rate=1.3%
Homeless Drop Out Rate= 0
*There were two students who did not graduate but continued school in 2014-2015.
Student Engagement for 2013-2014 Data shows that student engagement at the district level is high.
In weekly meetings with students, we maintained a log of student feedback. We discussed credits, graduation plans, an accelerated credits, in addition to a variety of services offered in the district and community.
We made a very deliberate effort to let all students know that they were supported and cared for.
What do we do in NBISD? Meet with every student
Discuss the law and services available to them
Meet basic needs
Check of graduation credits
Assist with appropriate documentation
Assist with FAFSA and scholarship applications
Help with waivers for SAT and ACT
Meet regularly with counselors to review transcripts to make sure that they are on track for graduation.
Thank you for your time!!
Please reach out to me if you have questions.
Maria CendejasNew Braunfels ISDNew Braunfels, [email protected]
New Braunfels Independent School District