D Custom | Texas Center for Student Supports Work

The client

Texas Center for Student Supports (TCSS) empowers schools statewide to bridge consistent systems, supporting every facet of student success. TCSS implements secure and supportive learning environments through a student support program structure tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, promoting their overall well-being. The organization supports 20 Education Service Centers that serve 99 Stronger Connections Grant awardees.

TCSS Student Support Framework training materials

The partnership

According to the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments, a positive school climate is tied to high or improving attendance rates, test scores, promotion rates, and graduation rates. Given concerns about the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty and food insecurity, and the isolating effects of social media, the need is urgent for creating safe, inclusive, supportive, and healthy learning environments. These positive environments support the emotional well-being and academic achievement of all students, especially those who have endured challenging or traumatic experiences.

It is no small task to ensure a supportive, positive learning environment for every Texas student. D Custom was proud to be part of the team that took on this awesome task in 2024.

Thanks to a unique partnership with Tacky Box, whose mental health expert, Michelle Kinder, led the development of the curriculum, we worked with TCSS to create a best-in-class student support program framework and parent and family engagement playbook, delivered as instructive presentations and manuals. TCSS’ Education Service Center leads participated in multiple “training of trainers” sessions to become experts in the student support program framework. Armed with the playbook, the leads went to the 99 Stronger Connections districts to train school administration on how to build and nurture the positive learning environment every Texas student deserves.

The takeaways

While building the training materials, we also built a trust with TCSS that led to our planning the Stronger Connections Convening for grantees. Our responsibilities included the design of the conference experience and agenda; sourcing venues, vendors, and speakers; developing sponsorship packages; creative execution of conference materials; and project management from start to finish.

The D Custom and Tacky Box teams are efficient, creative, dedicated content experts who challenge us to improve our craft. We appreciate their work ethic, relationship-building efforts, and willingness to meet our needs.
— — Robin Terry, Texas Center for Student Supports

We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with D Custom and Tacky Box and believe they’ve helped us elevate our materials to a higher standard.
— — Mary Scobey, Texas Center for Student Supports

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