Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) Executive Leadership Team members Jonathan Parker, Dr. CJ Rodgers, Dr. Jesus Amezcua and Dr. Tyrone Sylvester were among those SuperMENtors who visited their respective Head Start Centers this week to read to students in addition to spreading holiday joy and cheer before the winter break.

SuperMENtors read “Maisy Makes Gingerbread” by Lucy Cousins this month as part of the Head Start Significant Male Initiative. The program connects male role models with Head Start students, with community volunteers joining HCDE leaders in serving the 12 campuses.

Many mentors go above and beyond simply reading. In December, a number have gifts in tow for the young students, teachers and paraprofessionals in the classrooms. These small acts of servitude and appreciation help connect students positively to male role models.