As the school year begins, UT Charter campuses across Texas are opening their doors not just to students—but to families, community members, and supporters. These “Back to School” nights and Open Houses are more than calendar events; they are powerful opportunities to build a sense of belonging and connection that fuels student success. 

At UT Charter’s Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) campus in Waco, the recent Bulldog Bash Open House was a vibrant example of this spirit as families, staff and members of theMCH community filled the classrooms.  

“This year’s Bulldog Bash Open House was a tremendous success!” MCH Executive Principal Raul Kastner said. “The energy, excitement, and student engagement were a true reflection of the positive relationships built by our dedicated teachers and the unwavering support from houseparents, staff, and leadership. There’s something truly magical happening at our little school—and it’s all thanks to the incredible contributions of our entire school community.” 

The Helping Hand Home for Children also hosted an open house at its UT Charter School campus. As one of UT Charter School’s longest-standing partners and a residential childcare agency for more than 100 years, Helping Hand Home understands the power of community and school environment.  

Chris Janawicz, director of residential services at Helping Hand Home, emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for the children served. 

“When the children we serve were in traditional school, they were not doing well because of the trauma in their lives,” Janawicz said. “Many of them internalized that failure. The students who attend the UT Charter School at Helping Hand Home are learning how to be students, how to go to school. They are learning resiliency. They are learning, ‘I belong’.” 

Helping Hand Home has built a strong network of support around its students, and many showed their support at the open house. Guests included representatives from the Helping Hand Home Society, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers, and members of the Austin Police Department’s Blue Buddy Guardian program. 

The Science Behind the Welcome 

Janawicz hit the nail on the head when he noted that students were learning that they did indeed belong. Educational neuroscience expert Liesl McConchie reminds us that every child—and every adult—asks themselves a fundamental question when entering a new space: “Do I belong?” When schools intentionally create welcoming environments, they help answer that question with a resounding “Yes.” McConchie’s work emphasizes that “Connections Change Everything”—from academic performance to emotional well-being. 

At UT Charter, we believe that building community is foundational to learning. Open Houses and Back-to-School nights are strategic opportunities to: 

• Foster relationships between families and educators 
• Showcase student work and classroom environments 
• Share campus goals and programming 
• Celebrate the unique identity of each campus 

We’re grateful for the families, staff, and community partners who make our campuses vibrant places of learning and belonging. To everyone who join our open houses and to all who champion UT Charter’s mission, thank you for proving that connections truly do make a difference in education.