Periodically, Beyond the Classroom shares blog posts from affiliates, mentors, partners, and education and nonprofit leaders. Today’s post was originally published on Communities In Schools of North Texas’ blog. Jennifer Hughes, a Communities In Schools program manager at DeLay Middle School, wrote the post to thank a teacher for her endless support.
Communities In Schools site coordinators and program managers collaborate with teachers and other school staff. Many of the students we serve are referred to us by teachers, who are often the first to notice when a young person is struggling. Through our model of integrated student services, we address the nonacademic needs of students so they are prepared to learn. And that frees up teachers to do what they do best: educate students and help them prepare for life as successful adults.

Monique Garza and Communities In Schools of North Texas Program Manager Jennifer Hughes. Photo courtesy Communities In Schools of North Texas.
This month I would like to recognize a teacher, Monique Garza, for her constant support for Communities In Schools of North Texas and the Communities In Schools students at DeLay Middle School.
Ms. Garza has been a teacher at DeLay Middle School in Lewisville ISD for seven years and has supported Communities In Schools from the start. She knows about the resources that we offer our students and families and does not hesitate to bring a student by who needs this help.
She is one of the teachers who always volunteers at my events. In October she came to the DeLay Fall Carnival and took pictures of the event. She helps me with the Communities In Schools Christmas party by helping to translate and sign families in. This year she will help with the party and delivery of presents to students whose parents who are not able to attend. In February, she volunteered her Saturday afternoon and evening for 20 DeLay students and family members to do a walking tour of the University of North Texas followed by a women’s and men’s UNT Mean Green basketball game.
Ms. Garza is the eighth grade lead teacher and is my contact for anything eighth grade related. She helped to encourage students to join the new Igniting Minds program. Ms. Garza assists me with recruiting speakers and organizing the 8th grade Career Day.
At the end of the school year, the 8th grade students will donate their old uniforms to Communities In Schools. She runs this program with her students and allows me to keep the donations in her room through the summer.
Communities In Schools of North Texas at DeLay Middle School would not be as successful as it is without Ms. Garza’s support.

















