Feel Good Story: Community Connection Fuels Positive School Climate at GOES

April 25, 2025
Community Connection Fuels Positive School Climate at GOES

A strong school climate is not built only on high-academic achievement but on connection, care, and community engagement. Recognizing this, Church Story - a local church in Tomball who meets for church at Grand Lakes Junior High - stepped up big this year in partnering with Grand Oaks Elementary to build meaningful relationships through a growing partnership and support initiative.

Just over a year ago, Church Story reached out to Grand Oaks Elementary school counselor Stephanie Robinett to offer a partnership opportunity. After a meeting between Robinett and Executive Pastor of Church Story Birdie Netz, to discuss possible opportunities that the church would be open to providing, a collaboration began. 

In addition to becoming volunteers for campus events (field day, kickball game, college tailgate, etc.), and providing donations of meals, snacks and school items - Church Story and GOES started a mentor program.

Through the Mentor Program, volunteers from Church Story offer weekly guidance and encouragement to identified students, fostering personal growth and academic success. 

“The students look forward to their weekly visits with their mentors,” Robinett said. “The mentors have been very consistent, which creates a sense of being seen and valued - someone is there just for them. We mindfully paired the students with their mentor and the relationships have been magical to watch.”

Through this partnership, Church Story has made a tangible impact in the community. 

“Since we started meeting in Tomball ISD, our goal has been to be one of the district’s biggest supporters,” said Netz. “When we first met Stephanie at GOES, we were deeply moved by her passion and how she cares for every student. From that moment, we knew we wanted to support the school in any way we could.”

The mentor program, in fact, has become a practical expression of that support - one that helped strengthen ties within the broader community.

Their involvement extends to beautification efforts on campus and special initiatives that enrich the overall school experience.

“The collaboration has fostered a strong sense of community, providing essential resources and opportunities of support that enhance the educational experience at GOES,” Robinett said.

Church Story has extended their generous support with the recent donation of 200 Thanksgiving meals to families within the Tomball community.