Back to School with a Focus on Safety
As students at Marshall Middle School in Houston returned to campus for the first day of school on August 12, 2025, state and local officials were on hand to welcome them back and emphasize the importance of community safety. The initiative, known as Safe Walk Home Northside, was launched after the tragic stabbing death of 11-year-old Josue Flores in 2016. Flores was attacked while walking home from school, sparking calls for extra safety measures for students walking to and from school every day.
The Safe Walk Home Northside Initiative
The Safe Walk Home Northside organization has been holding a back-to-school procession for returning students for the past 10 years. This year, officials such as Houston Police Department Chief Noe Diaz, U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, and Harris County Justice of the Peace Victor Trevino III were in attendance. The organization works with law enforcement and the METRO police department to provide first aid training and free self-defense courses to the public. Stella Mireles-Walters, one of the organizers, emphasized the need for community members to report apparent safety hazards to their local officials.
A Community Comes Together
Mireles-Walters, who grew up in the neighborhood, decided to take action after Flores’ death. She started speaking to the school, local churches, and law enforcement officers to raise awareness about the need for safety measures. Her efforts, along with those of a handful of other community members, have made a significant impact. Marshall Middle School is now an A-rated school, and the community is working together to create a safer environment for students.
Other Safety Concerns in the Area
The death of another Houston ISD student, 15-year-old Sergio Rodriguez, who was struck by a train while walking to Milby High School last year, has prompted plans for a pedestrian bridge near the campus. A state grant program for safer railroad crossings is also in the works. However, Union Pacific Railroad recently lifted a train traffic curfew that had been in place during drop-off and pick-up times near the high school. The company cited the need to reduce blocked crossings and congested areas as the reason for returning to a normal train schedule.
Conclusion
As students return to school for the 2025-26 year, safety remains a top concern for communities across the country. The Safe Walk Home Northside initiative serves as a model for community-led safety efforts, demonstrating the impact that can be made when individuals come together to demand change. By reporting safety hazards, supporting organizations like Safe Walk Home Northside, and advocating for safer infrastructure, community members can help create a safer environment for students to walk to and from school.
