When members of #TeamHCDE arrive at any Harris County Department of Education facility, they’re almost guaranteed to see a smiling face, hear a warm greeting or be pulled in for an embrace.
“HCDE is a big organization, but it also seems so small,” explained Lorna Patterson, an assistant campus manager at Humble Head Start. “We may have 19 different divisions, but it feels like we are all one because our leaders have created a space for everyone to collaborate and just be ourselves.”
That sense of unity doesn’t happen by chance – it has been carefully cultivated over the last decade in the moments when employees step away from their daily responsibilities and come together to celebrate one another. Picnic in the Parking Lot, held annually in April at HCDE’s Irvington and North Post Oak locations, is one way leaders create intentional opportunities for employees to connect.
“I’ve been here two years, and I’ve never had one morning that I’ve gotten up and not wanted to come into work,” Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Tyrone Sylvester said. “This is a beautiful place, and it’s the mission that drives us to give people second chances, but it’s events like Picnic that revitalize employees so they can keep giving their all to students and families daily.”
Patterson, who was recently appointed to campus leadership, described the opportunity to break bread with colleagues as a necessary part of making connections in her new role.
“I’m now getting so many emails from people across divisions, but Picnic and these other employee events are a great opportunity for me to put a name to a face,” she laughed. “But I also love that we can play games with our senior director or members of executive leadership, because that’s a vital part of building a great community and getting to know each individual’s qualities or expertise we bring to HCDE.”
For some divisions, like Head Start and School-Based Therapy Services, where employees are on various campuses, events are the one time of year when colleagues have an opportunity to connect and fellowship.
“It’s always fun to see people from other districts and all of our managers,” said Nora Contreras, a physical therapy assistant working in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. “I love that the administration brings us all together to appreciate us, give out phenomenal prizes, and just hang out with us.”
Creating a positive workplace climate and culture requires work, and Department leaders are strategic in planning events throughout the year to keep employees connected, engaged and revitalized. Chili Cook-Off, held annually in February, provides a space for friendly competition after the new year. Picnic gives employees the boost they need to finish the school year strong, while Convocation prepares them for the new year and provides new goals that continuously push #TeamHCDE to excellence. Finally, the festive holiday parties in December are another show of gratitude for staff dedication and an opportunity for leaders to urge employees to rest throughout the winter break.
The synergy felt at each event is palpable as conversations flow easily; colleagues reconnect and share moments that make another workplace hard to compare. With more than 900 employees, there is never a dull moment and always someone new to meet. Whether they recently joined the Department, like Patterson, or have spent the past 30 years employed in Adult Education.
Maria Rodriguez-Chavez earned her high school equivalency diploma through Adult Education, and when leaders recognized her potential, they hired her as an administrative assistant. She helped prospective students identify which program they wanted to enter and obtain the necessary documentation.
“I love getting to help the students and tell them about the opportunities that HCDE provides, and I love to show myself as the example of what they are capable of,” she described.
She’s since worked her way up to a data entry clerk and describes HCDE appreciation events as family affairs. The sentiment is not empty words. Rodriguez-Chavez has several family members who also work for the Department, including a daughter in Human Resources and a daughter-in-law in the Special Schools division.
“I come out, and I’m just so happy to be here, see everyone dancing, laughing and having a good time together,” Rodriguez-Chavez smiled. “I think it’s wonderful. I love to see my family enjoying themselves.”
Whether it’s sharing a meal, enjoying a friendly game or simply spending time with colleagues outside of the workplace, the gatherings give employees a chance to feel seen, valued and appreciated.
“When it’s time to work, this whole Department works hard, but it’s not all about being in
the classroom or our office,” Patterson explained. “We need an opportunity to let our hair down and have some fun because sometimes we can forget to celebrate ourselves, the work we do and the daily impact we make on this community.”
More than just events on a calendar, the employee appreciation events serve as a meaningful reminder that the work done across every division matters and the people behind that work matter just as much.
“It feels like our leadership really cares about us,” smiled Jasmine Castleberry, the manager of federal programs and compliance in CASE for Kids. “We experience so many changes on the job, but to have events like Picnic or the holiday parties where we can let all that stuff go and have a great time with each other is necessary and appreciated.”