The transition to distance learning was an adjustment for every North East ISD family. NEISD parents Jimmy and Amber O’Halligan were pleasantly surprised to see the teachers and staff at Longs Creek Elementary School go above and beyond their expectations. The O’Halligans were especially moved by their children’s teachers, Keri Bagley and Samantha Yanez. Both teachers took the time to maintain a personal connection with their students while providing engaging lessons from a distance.

“Each week, my son Gavin has received a handwritten letter in the mail from Mrs. Bagley,” said Jimmy O’Halligan. “Her letter was never about school assignments or instruction, it was about her relationship with my son. As parents, we love that Mrs. Bagley took the time to check in on Gavin and keep that connection. It has been very important to Gavin as well.”

“More than once, Mrs. Yanez has dropped off care packets on our doorstep,” said Amber O’Halligan. “She arranged online scavenger hunts, talent shows and chats for the students after the schoolwork and instruction was finished. We are blessed to have had these two great teachers in our kids’ lives this past year.”

Jimmy and Amber O’Halligan are both NEISD employees, but these personal connections remind them why they are so lucky to be NEISD parents as well. We invite you to share your story with us at neisd.net/tellyourstory.

When Andrea Cabello and her two elementary-aged children walked to Stahl Elementary School to pick up curbside meals, they had no idea they’d be returning home with more than they could carry. North East ISD Police Officer Diana Rodriguez noticed the family had their hands full and offered to personally drive the meals to their home and leave them at their doorstep.

“This was our first time so when we arrived I didn't expect to have to carry so much home with just us three,” said Cabello. “I had a small backpack but it was not big enough to hold everything, so we each were holding several bags and boxes. [Officer Rodriguez] insisted, and we were so thankful that we were able to comfortably walk back home.”

North East Police Department officers are on call 24 hours a day and are always available to help NEISD students, families and community members in need. Officer Rodriguez was assisting with traffic during curbside meal pickup when she made a small act of kindness that left a lasting impact on the Cabello family.

“I wanted to recognize her kindness, thank her and let the District know that we appreciate all NEISD staff and are proud to be a family of NEISD.”

Thank you for telling your story, Andrea Cabello! We invite you to share your story with us at neisd.net/tellyourstory.