In her message, principal Dr. Sandra Menxueiro said that Smith Elementary on Lockwood Drive started the 2025–2026 school year with a stronger focus on community excellence and purpose-driven leadership. The school is now part of the Project Safe Start program. This program makes sure that students who are returning to the historic Kashmere Gardens area can learn in a safe place. The school also changed its Title I status, which gives its dedicated staff better tools and training for teaching.

Q1. How does Smith El on Lockwood Drive include the history of Kashmere Gardens in its lessons for students?

Ans. Students take part in community storytelling projects that honor the area's rich cultural history and important events in the past.

Q2. Does Smith El (HISD) have any special weekend programs to help families get extra academic help?

Ans. Families can use learning tools and do activities that build community together at our campus's monthly "Saturday Success" workshops.

Q3. What kind of help with uniforms is available for new families moving to the Smith El (HISD) area?

Ans. Our school counselor runs a "Clothing Closet" that gives students the right clothes for school so they can feel good about themselves.

Q4. Does Smith El (HISD) have a special mentor program for students who need extra social and emotional support during the day?

Ans. We work with local community leaders who come to our school once a week to help our students and set a good example for them.

Q5. How can parents at Smith El (HISD) give feedback on the specific data-driven teaching methods that are being used?

Ans. Parents are invited to "Data and Dessert" nights every three months to talk with school leaders about how things are going and share their thoughts.