EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Tuesday marked the start of the largest delivery of school supplies to Precinct 4 by members of Judge James Metts and Constable Rowdy Hayden’s offices in the annual event’s nine-year history. Five schools were added to the list this year, at the request of school officials, for a total of 22 elementary schools receiving the donated school supplies.
The schools have traditionally been New Caney ISD and Splendora ISD elementary schools, but this year, some Conroe ISD schools were also included. That decision was made prior to Hurricane Harvey, which has created an even greater need throughout southeast Texas, since so many families lost everything including already purchased school supplies.
Over the summer, community members and business owners donated supplies or funds to purchase them and JP4 staff members kept track of what was donated, noted what was in shorter supply, and used donated funds to purchase those items.
The deliveries began with Piney Woods Elementary on FM 2090 in Splendora. Bot Judge Metts and Constable Hayden are graduates of Splendora High School and both sent their children to school in that district. Judge Metts has grandchildren attending SISD schools.
The judge said he appreciated East Montgomery County’s response the drive.
“It’s always touching to see how many people make an effort to either go and buy supplies and drop them off, or stop by the office to contribute whatever they’re able,” Metts said. “Some folks can only contribute a few dollars, because they’re on a fixed income, but every few dollars makes a difference.”
“We want every child in Precinct 4 to have the tools they need to succeed,” Metts said. “Constable Hayden and I are grateful that our community joins us each year in this very worthwhile endeavor.”
The tradition began almost a decade ago, after Judge Metts realized how difficult it was for a single mother on his staff to provide all the required supplies for her child. Seeing so many families struggling financially in the community, the judge and his staff decided to do something about it. As soon as Constable Hayden took office, he was onboard with effort as well and began providing transportation and manpower to help deliver the supplies each year. This year, delivery will take two to three days.
left to right Piney Woods Elementary School Principal Heath Lucas, Constable Rowdy Hayden, Judge James Metts, Asst. Principal Sally Harris, Counselor Anne Lougee, and Instructional Specialist Laura Wildman
