Hays CISD Hosting Virtual Substance Abuse Prevention Webinar for Families on March 10
As families across Hays County continue to prioritize student wellness and safety, Hays CISD is offering parents and guardians an opportunity to learn more about one of the most pressing challenges facing adolescents today: substance abuse.
On Tuesday, March 10, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Hays CISD will host a virtual Substance Abuse Prevention presentation as part of the district’s Family Wellness Series, an initiative designed to equip families with practical tools and information to support the mental and emotional health of students.
The session, presented by the Safe Schools Institute, will help families better understand how substance use affects a developing brain, how to recognize warning signs in teenagers, and what Texas laws say about underage drug and alcohol use. The webinar will be conducted in English with Spanish captions available, ensuring accessibility for families across the district.
Helping Families Recognize the Signs
Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, and experts say that early exposure to drugs or alcohol can have lasting effects on memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
During the webinar, presenters will walk families through the science behind substance abuse and the adolescent brain, as well as the behavioral and physical warning signs that may indicate a young person is struggling with substance use. Understanding these signs early can help parents intervene sooner and connect students with appropriate support.
The session will also cover laws surrounding underage substance use, helping parents and guardians understand both the legal consequences and the resources available for prevention and intervention.
Part of the Hays CISD Family Wellness Series
The presentation is one of several educational sessions offered through the Hays CISD Family Wellness Series, a program focused on strengthening student mental health through family engagement.
These evidence-based virtual sessions are facilitated by professionals from the Safe Schools Institute and TCHATT clinicians in partnership with the Hays CISD Counseling Department. Together, they provide research-backed guidance and practical strategies that families can use at home to support student well-being.
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By creating space for open dialogue and education, the series aims to help families feel more confident navigating difficult topics such as mental health, substance abuse prevention, and adolescent development.
How Families Can Join the Webinar
The Substance Abuse Prevention webinar will be held virtually via Zoom, making it easy for parents, guardians, and caregivers across the Hays CISD community to participate.
Event Details
- What: Substance Abuse Prevention – Family Wellness Series Webinar
- Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Format: Virtual (English presentation with Spanish captions)
Residents can register for the session using the Zoom link here.
Additional information and registration assistance are available by contacting Rachel Maldonado at rachel.maldonado@hayscisd.net.
For those interested in future sessions, Hays CISD provides a full schedule of upcoming Family Wellness Series parent webinars and mental health education events.
As communities across Central Texas continue working to support youth mental health and safety, programs like these provide families with knowledge that can make a lasting difference.
Residents are encouraged to stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more updates on local schools, family resources, and community events across Hays County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.