Communities In Schools National kicks Off “Ready, Set, Learn” Back-to-School Tour with CIS of Houston, Whataburger and H-E-B

The national office of Communities In Schools® (CIS®) joined with Communities In Schools of Houston to launch the “Ready, Set, Learn” Back-to-School Tour at Houston ISD’s Forest Brook Middle School, celebrating the start of a new school year with festivities, giveaways, and community support. The Saturday event was made possible through national sponsor Whataburger, along with local partners H-E-B and Soles4Souls.

CIS and Whataburger share a commitment to empowering students and strengthening communities. As part of a four-city tour, “Ready, Set, Learn,” brings high-energy back-to-school events to students and families in communities where both organizations are deeply engaged. The initiative is part of CIS’s National’s “Being Present Matters” campaign, which focuses on removing barriers to student success—including chronic absenteeism—and ensuring students start the year ready to thrive.

“At Communities In Schools, we know that when students show up, they thrive. Our partnership with Whataburger allows us to meet families where they are, with the resources, energy, and encouragement they need to start the year strong, “ said Kevin Lei, Principal, Events and External Engagement, Communities In Schools National. “Ready, Set, Learn is more than an event—it’s a reminder that being present truly matters, and together, we’re making sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to succeed.”

During the two-hour celebration, families visited stations offering free school supplies from H-E-B; uniforms provided by Whataburger; shoes from Soles4Souls; hygiene items donated by TTLA and CP Chem; underwear and socks from TTLA; and access to local resources. Students also received free haircuts, enjoyed music from a guest DJ, and took part in storytelling activities at the CIS booth. Whataburger kept spirits high with its signature hamburgers and a special “Prickly Pear Raspberry Whatafresher” drink for attendees.

Speakers underscored the importance of daily attendance and how CIS is embedded on campuses like Forest Brook to provide individualized and whole-school support.

Special guests included Rey Saldaña, President & CEO of Communities In Schools National; Jennifer Osowski, Regional Marketing Manager for Whataburger; Lisa Descant, CEO of Communities In Schools of Houston; Eric Charles, CIS Alum; and Alicia Gobert Lewis, Principal of Forest Brook Middle School, along with CIS of Houston staff, students, siblings, and parents. CIS Alum Rosaura Martinez served as emcee. Additional partners included Soccer Stars and Visit Houston, part of Houston First Corporation.

“We appreciate Whataburger’s commitment to the “Ready, Set, Learn” initiative, which is so important in setting the tone for a successful school year,” said Lisa Descant, CEO of CIS of Houston. “Our evidence-based model uses a tiered approach of Integrated Student Supports to address both academic and non-academic barriers. Whether it’s academic help, mental health supports, referrals to community services, or food insecurity, CIS is there for our students and families.”