Federal/Special Programs
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Program protects the rights of homeless children and youth to receive a free and appropriate public education. Many children and families who are eligible for help do not consider themselves homeless. The definition of homelessness under the Act includes, but is not limited to, children or youth in these circumstances or settings:
- Children or youth in shelters or transitional housing
- Children or youth living in parks, public spaces, vehicles, abandoned buildings, or other places not meant for people to live
- Children or youth doubled up or couch-surfing due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Children or youth living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to a lack of alternative accommodations
- Unaccompanied children or youth (i.e., not in the physical custody of their parents or guardians)
McKinney-Vento Parent Flyer: English Spanish
McKinney-Vento Youth Flyer: English Spanish
Resources
Region VII Education Service Center
This link provides information and resources for children and families lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate residence in our area.
West Rusk Resource Guide
2-1-1 Texas
This is a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission committed to helping Texas citizens connect with the services they need. Their goal is to present accurate, well-organized, and easy-to-find information from state and local health and human services programs. No matter where you live in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1 or follow the link below for more information about resources such as food and housing, child care, crisis counseling, or substance abuse treatment.
County Resources
Contact:
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Leisha Smith Director of Career and Technical Education 903.392.7850 smithl@westruskisd.org |
SHAC
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
At West Rusk County Consolidated Independent School District (WRCCISD), we believe that student success begins with a foundation of good health and well-being. The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) serves as a vital connection between the school, families, and community in promoting a healthy learning environment for all students.
The SHAC is a group of parents, community members, educators, and district staff who work together to advise the district on coordinated school health initiatives. This includes programs and policies that support physical education, nutrition, mental health, and overall wellness.
At West Rusk, our SHAC meets regularly to review and recommend practices that enhance student health and wellness, ensuring our policies reflect the needs and values of our community. By bringing diverse perspectives together, the council helps guide our district’s efforts to create a safe, supportive, and healthy environment where every student can thrive.
In 2005, the 79th legislature passed SB42. This comprehensive school health education package focused on a number of significant issues; one of which was the establishment of a state-level School Health Advisory Committee at the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The text of the statute, now codified in the Health and Safety Code, can be found at http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us , Title 12 of Chapter 1001, Subchapter D, Section 1001.0711: SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
TSHAC Guiding Principles
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Assuring a healthy future for all Texans will guide the work of this committee.
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To that end, we will work to support a healthy and safe school environment that fosters learning.
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We will dedicate our efforts to goals that will produce healthier minds and bodies through effective school health education and services.
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Achieving academic success by providing leadership to those who teach and empower our students will be our sustaining and overarching charge.
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We will champion the practice of coordinated School Health to effectively reach our goals and objectives through the eight components of coordinated school health programming.
SHAC meetings for the 2025-2026 school year:
October 15th at 1:15 p.m.
December 10th at 1:15 p.m.
February, 2026
April, 2026
All meetings will be held in the Technology Building, and the public is welcome to attend.