Bryan Adams expands student support 

Bryan Adams High School is focusing on creating a safe and supportive environment by prioritizing students’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As a recipient of the Stronger Together Grant, the campus has strengthened schoolwide systems of support, leading to increased student engagement and success. 

“The grant was specifically designed to decrease acts of hate and violence while increasing support for students’ overall well-being through mental health and safety resources.” said Principal Sarah Foster.  

Now in its second year, the grant is guided by campus data. Bryan Adams has one of the highest numbers of mental health referrals in the district, with many students self-referring to receive support from a clinician. 

“Our teachers are acutely aware of students’ needs,” Foster said. “As a campus, we have one of the highest number of students being seen by a clinician.”  

In the first year of implementation, Bryan Adams saw a 56% increase in students self-referring for mental health services and a 20% percent increase in individual counseling sessions, totaling 3,600 sessions. 

According to the campus clinician, students have even begun bringing their friends to the office, recognizing when someone may simply need someone to talk to.  

This progress is driven by a focused approach built on three key areas: mental and behavioral health, supportive discipline, and systems and structure. 

To meet growing student needs, the school used grant funds to hire an additional mental health clinician, expanding access to services.  

The grant also funded Yondr pouches to limit cellphone use during the school day and supported a telehealth partnership with Hazel Health, helping address students’ physical health needs. 

As one of the first campuses in the district to implement Yondr pouches, Bryan Adams has seen how limiting cellphone use can support student’s overall well-being.  

“Sixty to 75% of bullying is now cyberbullying,” Foster said. “We knew that if we could limit access to cellphones during the school day, students would be more engaged in their academics. We also anticipated an increase in overall student safety, along with a decrease in discipline issues and behaviors related to mental health concerns.”  

Bryan Adams maintains a strong focus on student well-being. The counseling program, led by Kathye Jackson-Porter, received the 2025 CREST Award from the Texas School Counselors Association. 

Donna Deadman, 10th-grade counselor, also played a key role in implementing the Stronger Together Grant, working alongside the team to build strategies that support students and strengthen school culture.  

“At Bryan Adams, we want students to have the confidence and skills to seek and solve complex problems in the world,” Foster said. “Seeing them involved, confident and growing beyond the classroom is more than we can ask for.” 

For three consecutive years, Bryan Adams has been recognized as a No Place for Hate campus by the Anti-Defamation League.  

Principal Foster attributes this recognition to the growth she sees in students each day.  

“I am both humbled and proud to watch our students’ journeys throughout the year,” Foster said. “To see them grow, become self-advocates and understand what they need, and to be able to express that, is everything we hope for. We want our students to grow into adults who can advocate for themselves and others while supporting those around them. Watching that growth over the years has been an incredible journey.”