Story by: Amanda Kennington, GCCISD Healthy Community School Coordinator

Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District proudly hosted the GCCISD Family Wellness Festival on January 31, 2026, at Sterling High School, welcoming families for a vibrant morning dedicated to health, wellness, and community connection. The campus was filled with energy, laughter, and learning as families explored resources designed to support the whole child.

The festival drew an impressive 1,309 attendees, including students, families, staff, and community members, representing all GCCISD campuses—a testament to the strong engagement and commitment of the Goose Creek community. Mayor Charles Johnson declared the day Family Wellness Day in Baytown, encouraging citizens to reflect and participate in health-promoting behaviors in and near our city.

“Our volunteers—both adults and students—were the heartbeat of this event,” Lori Rumfield, Healthy Schools Special Projects Specialist, shared. “Their passion and dedication ensured families felt supported the moment they walked through the doors.”

Nutrition and food security were central to the festival’s mission. Aramark Nutrition Services provided 190 Grab & Go meals for youth ages 18 and under. In partnership with Hearts & Hands of Baytown, the festival distributed 13,050 pounds of food, serving 150 families through the Hearts & Hands Food Distribution. Families had access to 39 resource vendors, offering free health, wellness, educational, and community services.

The event went beyond physical health by supporting families with food literacy and access to resources that help students thrive both in and out of the classroom. Literacy support was also highlighted, with the Curriculum & Instruction ELA Team distributing 400 books and literacy flyers to encourage reading and learning at home.

Educational sessions provided meaningful opportunities for learning and reflection. The Social Emotional & Student Wellness Team hosted “Stressed Out & Puffing It Away: Understanding Student Stressors,” offering families practical strategies for navigating stress and promoting healthy choices.

“It was wonderful to observe parents and children interacting in open, meaningful conversation about current stressors,” said Thresa Caldwell, Behavior & Mental Health Coordinator. “These genuine interactions reflected strong family connections and highlighted the importance of creating supportive spaces where families can openly communicate, listen to one another, and work through challenges together.”

The festival also featured hands-on activities that brought joy and excitement to families of all ages. United Way donated 300 kite kits, and 23 entries were submitted for the kite contest, filling the sky with color and creativity. Monimoon Heng, a student at Gentry Junior School, will have her design incorporated into next year's event t-shirts.

The event was made possible through the support of 10 sponsors and in-kind donors. Nineteen GCCISD campuses hosted interactive booths through their Campus School Health Advisory Committees (C-SHACs) and participated in mascot dance-offs and student performances, including dance, cheer, and student club showcases.

“This festival truly shows what’s possible when a district and its community partners come together with a shared purpose,” said Amanda Kennington, Healthy Community School Coordinator. “Our families left not only with resources, but with a sense of belonging and support—and that’s something worth celebrating.”