Tomball ISD Continues to Address the Whole Child through Implementation of the R.I.S.E. Program Thanks to Funding from Tomball Regional Health Foundation

TOMBALL - Tomball ISD is committed to addressing the needs of the whole child and through a continued partnership with Teen and Family Services (TAFS), and with the funding support from Tomball Regional Health Foundation, the implementation of the Restore. Instruct. Support. Educate. (R.I.S.E.) program, has offered a positive, restorative approach for students struggling with substance abuse problems.

Through the R.I.S.E. program, Tomball ISD is able to provide the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to address substance abuse problems in a holistic way. R.I.S.E. incorporates an Alternative Peer Group Model (APG) that provides a positive social environment and a new peer group that focuses on attitudes and behaviors conducive to growth and change. 

Through the generous funding from the Tomball Regional Health Foundation, Tomball ISD has been able to implement R.I.S.E. and truly witness the impact it has made on students and families who have taken part in this restorative program. 

“RISE impacted me by giving me insight on how and why drugs do what they do, and what mindset to have to get out of the cycle,” said a Tomball ISD student participating in R.I.S.E. “I really like the people controlling or are in the RISE program, such as Jeremy. He’s a really good RISE program teacher and I really like the way he takes and receives our input. He doesn’t ever hardly disagree, he listens and kinda just tells you the facts.”

With the continued support from Tomball Regional Health Foundation, R.I.S.E. offers free substance use screeners by licensed counselors through referral by parents, educational staff members, student self selection, or through the campus disciplinary process.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2014, an estimated 22.5 million Americans aged 12 and older self-reported needing treatment for alcohol or illicit drug use.

Moving from a punitive to restorative approach, Tomball ISD believes discipline is not always punishment. Addressing health factors involved with illegal substance use is vital to the overall well-being of students. 

Since implementing R.I.S.E., Tomball ISD has received positive feedback from parents as well.

"I think RISE is a great outlet and resource for kids as well as parents,” a Tomball ISD parent said. “The biggest change I have seen is in my son’s willingness to talk things out. It is a massive improvement over him shutting down all the time.”

In addition, R.I.S.E. provides substance-use disorder assessment and intervention to address the root cause of substance-use disorder and support to maintain sobriety.

“We were at a loss with how to help our son,” a concerned Tomball ISD parent said. “We tried to balance being strict parents and allowing him to make independent decisions because of his age and being a senior in high school. We didn’t think it was a serious problem because it seems his friends were all doing the same thing. After receiving RISE interventions, we have noticed that he has been more open at home and pausing to think about what he wants to do before he proceeds. This pause at least allows him to stop and think about possible action/reaction/consequences. We have seen improved confidence but also spending more time on appropriate things (basketball) rather than resorting to substance abuse due to boredom or anxiety.”

By truly embracing a community partnership to support the whole child, both Tomball ISD and Teen and Family Services, with the funding support from Tomball Regional Health Foundation, have been able to positively reach a number of families through R.I.S.E.

Tomball Activity Summary (information provided by Teen and Family Services (TAFS))

• RISE + Community Screenings for adolescents and families in Tomball area: 71
• Tomball Area Students participating in Community Program Activities: 78
• Number of Tomball TAFS participants who attended Wilderness retreats: 25
  • Fall Campout (2 days)
  • Spring Break Trip (5 days)
  • Colorado (8 days)

Parents: Number of Tomball parent support services to date: 61

To learn more about Tomball ISD’s implementation of R.I.S.E. and how to help support a student who may be experiencing substance abuse, visit the Behavioral Health page.

ABOUT TOMBALL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 20,500 students at 22 campuses.