Myra Castaneda is the Program Director for Educational Support at Galena Park ISD. 

Before RaaWee, “We didn’t have any software. It was just kind of, ‘Here’s the form, everybody do their own thing, put your notes into [the Student Information System]’ — but not everybody was putting their notes in — and not everybody could see them. This [previous] SIS system was just very choppy,” she explains.

Before: Not a Uniform Process

Specifically, the previous ‘system’ or lack thereof, made for a disorderly, dispersed operating basis. “There was not a uniform system that we were following,” shares Castaneda, “and everybody had different forms. Some people were sending the letters at different times, and some printed the letters. It was just not a uniform process.” 

Despite those challenges, Castaneda describes how the district found their way forward. 

“We had to do something that was going to be more structured and organized, so district administration could actually go in and see, ‘Hey, this school’s been really low with attendance. Let’s see what they’re doing. Oh—well you know what, they’re not putting their interventions in, they’re not sending warning letters. So that’s why, they’re not on the ball!’ 

After: A View of What’s Really Going On 

Using RaaWee, “We can all see what’s been done for these kids,” says Castaneda. “And then, if we’re missing something—you can pull up one student and say, “Man, this kid has 20 absences. I wonder what’s going on?’ The counselors see it on the dashboard, and they’ll put in, ‘Oh, well, you know what, the parents just got divorced.’ 

“RaaWee is a great system and I would encourage everybody to use it—it has brought a lot more focus on the truancy piece. And people are like, ‘Oh my gosh, I didn’t even realize this!’ 

“It’s just a good system in trying to figure out stuff for the students, building the relationship, and paying more attention to discipline.” 

“And then they know that the district has a view on what they’re doing, too. You know when people are checking on you, you’re probably going to get it done.”