At Harmony Public Schools, our top priorities are the health and safety of our students and staff, as well as the academic and developmental growth of our scholars.
In response to the continued spread of COVID-19 in the communities which we proudly serve, Harmony Public Schools is announcing the following revised plan for the start of the 2020-21 school year.
THE BASICS
Students at all HPS campuses statewide will start the academic year on Monday, August 17 in an online-only setting. Classes will continue online-only until at least Tuesday, September 8. During these three weeks, you will receive a survey asking your family to choose the option of either continuing classes online only, or returning to campus for in-person learning after Labor Day, if possible. Harmony will announce no later than the first week of September whether there is a need to extend online-only learning further, or if families who have opted for on-campus learning may return for in-person instruction. Students who opted for at-home learning will continue to learn remotely throughout the remainder of the school year, unless they notify their campus of a change request through Skyward.
All HPS staff will continue to work remotely while campuses are closed, unless a specific and essential job function requires their presence on campus or at an administrative office.
REASON FOR CHANGE
The primary purpose of these changes is to provide a safe educational environment for both our students and staff members, as well as to comply with local ordinances in many of our Harmony communities which specifically prohibit in-person schooling until after Labor Day.
SUPERIOR NEW ONLINE LEARNING SYSTEM, FEATURING ENHANCED STUDENT ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Accelerating your child’s education – even when learning from home – is one of our core missions. That’s why we’ve spent the summer completely revamping our online learning system to create a more interactive learning environment that’s easier to use for families, better connects students to their teachers and classmates, and – most importantly – promotes academic growth even while our campuses are closed.
With our new Schoology learning management system, students attending classes online will experience a robust academic experience with more one-to-one engagement with teachers through live classroom sessions, regular online office hours, as well as academic tutorial sessions, and intervention services for students who need them.
Students also will enjoy options for at-home, online extracurricular activities — including club activities, and both e-sports and academic competitions — that will allow them to stay connected with their classmates online, even if they can’t be together in person.
Parents will have full access to instructional materials, assignments, grading, calendars, student progress updates, and parent messaging in one simple platform.
Best of all, when it’s time for your student to return to campus, the Schoology system will follow them seamlessly back to campus, making the transition easier for both your student and your family.
Harmony teachers have spent their summers learning the intricacies of Schoology and will be prepared to incorporate it into their learning beginning on the first day of class.
STUDENTS NEEDING COMPUTER DEVICE OR INTERNET ACCESS
For the purpose of completing schoolwork, Harmony Public Schools will provide computer devices and/or internet access by request to those students without access at home. Each campus will have a drive-by pickup option for computer and WiFi access in early August. For more information, please contact your Harmony campus.
MEAL SERVICES
Free meal services will continue to be provided beginning the first day of school. Please contact your campus or follow them on Facebook to learn more about meal pickup dates, times, and locations.
ATTENDANCE FOR AT-HOME LEARNERS
A daily digital attendance record will be taken for all students learning from home, according to Texas Education Agency guidelines and requirements. Those at-home learners not in attendance will be marked “Absent,” as they would if learning on campus.
ENHANCED ON-CAMPUS SAFETY PROTOCOLS
To make sure our on-campus learning experience is as safe as possible for HPS students and staff members, Harmony will institute a broad spectrum of campus safety protocols once on-campus instruction resumes. Some of the new safety protocols include:
- Temperature screenings for students and staff.
- Requiring all students and employees to wear a mask when on campus or in other group settings. (Students may bring their own mask, or the school will provide them.)
- Limiting average class sizes to allow for social distancing. (Exact class size will be dependent on number of students attending in-person versus online-only.)
- Spacing desks at least six feet apart to maintain proper social distancing and/or installing partitions where students cannot be kept six feet apart.
- Severely limiting classroom rotations/switches to prevent the spread of germs across campus and to limit person-to-person exchanges.
- Staggered drop off and pickup times to limit person-to-person exchanges.
- Modified drop off and pickup procedures (ex. Students going directly to class after drop off and/or waiting in classroom at the end of the day until parent arrives for pickup).
- Requesting all students wash hands frequently.
- Detailed nightly cleaning by contracted company.
- Required Coronavirus Awareness & Prevention trainings for all employees.
- Remaining flexible regarding student and team member absences due to COVID-19, as allowed by TEA guidelines and applicable employment laws.
HANDLING OF COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
Whether screened at school or self-screened at home, the following conditions are considered symptomatic of COVID-19 by the Centers for Disease Control and could lead to a required leave from campus:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Diarrhea
- Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
- Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19
RETURNING TO CAMPUS AFTER COVID DIAGNOSIS OR SYMPTOMS
Anyone displaying the signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should follow below self-quarantine policy:
Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with Positive Testing
The following criteria must be met in FULL:
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at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
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the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
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at least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
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Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with Negative Testing or MD Note
If an individual has symptoms of COVID-19 and wants to return to campus before completing the above stay at home period, the following criteria must be met in FULL:
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Either obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis OR obtain a negative COVID-19 test AND
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at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications).
Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with No Testing and No U.S. Based Medical Provider’s Note
The following criteria must be met in FULL:
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at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
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the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
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at least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Readmittance will be granted when the following has been completed:
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Proof of negative COVID tests or U.S. based medical provider’s alternative diagnosis delivered to campus health staff or registrar if no health staff is available OR
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when all three of the following criteria are met:
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At least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
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The individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
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At least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
FAMILIES NEEDING ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE
We look forward to partnering with your family this school year to help your child continue to grow academically. We understand that any adjustments to the normal school environment or calendar may create unexpected challenges for some families. If you would like to discuss specific needs for your student or family that are not addressed above, please contact your local Harmony campus or contact us via our Let’s Talk online platform.
AVISO DE CAMBIO EN EL PLAN DE REAPERTURA DE LAS ESCUELAS PÚBLICAS DE HARMONY
En las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony, nuestras prioridades son la salud y la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y nuestro personal, así como el crecimiento académico y de desarrollo de nuestros estudiantes.
En respuesta a la continua propagación del COVID-19 en las comunidades a las que orgullosamente servimos, las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony anuncian el siguiente plan revisado para el inicio del año escolar 2020-21.
ASPECTOS BÁSICOS
Los estudiantes de todos los campus de HPS en todo el estado comenzarán el año académico el lunes 17 de agosto en un entorno solo en línea. Las clases continuarán solo en línea hasta al menos el martes, 8 de septiembre. Durante estas tres semanas, usted recibirá una encuesta en la que se le pedirá a su familia que elija la opción de continuar las clases solo en línea o regresar al campus para el aprendizaje presencial después del Día del Trabajo, si fuese posible. Harmony anunciará, a más tardar en la primera semana de septiembre, si es necesario extender más el aprendizaje solo en línea, o si las familias que han optado por el aprendizaje en el campus pueden regresar para la instrucción presencial. Los estudiantes que optaron por el aprendizaje en casa continuarán aprendiendo a distancia durante el resto del año escolar, a menos que notifiquen a su campus una solicitud de cambio a través de Skyward.
Todo el personal de HPS continuará trabajando a distancia mientras los campus estén cerrados, a menos que una función de trabajo específica y esencial requiera su presencia en el campus o en una oficina administrativa.
MOTIVO DEL CAMBIO
El propósito principal de estos cambios es proporcionar un entorno educativo seguro tanto para nuestros estudiantes como para los miembros del personal, así como para cumplir con las ordenanzas locales en muchas de nuestras comunidades de Harmony que prohíben específicamente la escolarización presencial hasta después del Día del Trabajo.
NUEVO SISTEMA SUPERIOR DE APRENDIZAJE EN LÍNEA, CON MEJORES OPORTUNIDADES DE PARTICIPACIÓN DE LOS ESTUDIANTES Y ACTIVIDADES EXTRACURRICULARES
Acelerar la educación de su hijo, incluso cuando aprende en casa, es una de nuestras misiones principales. Por eso hemos pasado el verano renovando completamente nuestro sistema de aprendizaje en línea para crear un entorno de aprendizaje más interactivo que sea más fácil de usar para las familias, que conecte mejor a los estudiantes con sus maestros y compañeros de clase y, lo que es más importante, que promueva el crecimiento académico incluso cuando nuestros campus estén cerrados.
Con nuestro nuevo sistema de gestión del aprendizaje Schoology, los estudiantes que asistan a clases en línea experimentarán una sólida experiencia académica con un mayor compromiso individual con los maestros a través de sesiones de clase en vivo, horarios de oficina regulares en línea, así como sesiones de tutoría académica y servicios de intervención para los estudiantes que los necesiten.
Los estudiantes también disfrutarán de opciones de actividades extracurriculares en línea en casa -incluyendo actividades de club y competiciones académicas y de deportes electrónicos- que les permitirán estar conectados con sus compañeros de clase en línea, incluso si no pueden estar juntos en persona.
Los padres tendrán acceso completo a los materiales de instrucción, tareas, calificaciones, calendarios, actualizaciones del progreso de los estudiantes y mensajes para los padres en una plataforma sencilla.
Lo mejor de todo es que cuando sea el momento de que su estudiante regrese al campus, el sistema Schoology lo seguirá de forma constante de regreso al campus, haciendo la transición más fácil tanto para su estudiante como para su familia.
Los maestros de Harmony han pasado sus veranos aprendiendo las complejidades de Schoology y estarán preparados para incorporarlo a su aprendizaje a partir del primer día de clase.
ESTUDIANTES QUE NECESITAN COMPUTADORA O ACCESO A INTERNET
Con el fin de completar las tareas escolares, las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony proporcionarán computadoras y/o acceso a Internet, previa solicitud, a aquellos estudiantes que no tengan acceso en su casa. Para solicitar un dispositivo o acceso a Internet, comuníquese con su campus de Harmony.
SERVICIOS DE COMIDA
Se seguirán ofreciendo servicios de comida gratuitos desde el primer día de clases. Comuníquese con su campus o sígalos en Facebook para obtener más información sobre las fechas, horarios y lugares de retiro de las comidas.
ASISTENCIA PARA LOS ESTUDIANTES EN CASA
Se llevará un registro digital de asistencia diaria para todos los estudiantes que aprendan desde casa, de acuerdo con las directrices y los requisitos de la Agencia de Educación de Texas. Aquellos estudiantes en casa que no asistan serán marcados como “Ausentes”, como si estuvieran aprendiendo en el campus.
PROTOCOLOS DE SEGURIDAD MEJORADOS EN EL CAMPUS
Para asegurarnos de que nuestra experiencia de aprendizaje en el campus sea lo más segura posible para los estudiantes y miembros del personal de HPS, Harmony instituirá un amplio espectro de protocolos de seguridad en el campus una vez que se retome la instrucción en el campus. Algunos de los nuevos protocolos de seguridad incluyen:
- Controles de temperatura para los estudiantes y el personal.
- Exigir que todos los estudiantes y empleados usen mascarilla cuando estén en el campus o en otros ambientes de grupo. (Los estudiantes pueden traer su propia mascarilla, o la escuela se la proporcionará).
- Limitar el tamaño promedio de las clases para permitir el distanciamiento social. (El tamaño exacto de la clase dependerá del número de estudiantes que asistan de forma presencial o solo en línea).
- Espaciar los pupitres al menos seis pies de distancia para mantener un distanciamiento social adecuado y/o instalar separaciones donde los estudiantes no puedan mantenerse a seis pies de distancia.
- Limitar severamente las rotaciones/los intercambios de clase para prevenir la propagación de gérmenes en el campus y limitar los intercambios de persona a persona.
- Escalonar los horarios de entrada y salida para limitar los intercambios de persona a persona.
- Modificar los procedimientos de entrada y salida (por ej., los estudiantes van directamente a clase después de la entrada y/o esperan en el aula al final del día hasta que los padres llegan a buscarlos).
- Pedir a todos los estudiantes que se laven las manos con frecuencia.
- Limpieza nocturna minuciosa por la empresa contratada.
- Requerir capacitaciones de Concientización y Prevención del Coronavirus para todos los empleados.
- Permanecer flexible en cuanto a las ausencias de los estudiantes y miembros del equipo debido a COVID-19, como lo permiten las directrices de TEA y las leyes laborales correspondientes.
MANEJO DE LOS SÍNTOMAS DE COVID-19
Ya sea que se examinen en la escuela o que se autoexaminen en casa, los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades consideran que las siguientes condiciones son sintomáticas de COVID-19 y podrían implicar un abandono obligatorio del campus:
- Tos
- Falta de aire o dificultad para respirar
- Escalofríos
- Temblores repetidos con escalofríos
- Dolor muscular
- Dolor de cabeza
- Dolor de garganta
- Pérdida del gusto u olfato
- Diarrea
- Sentirse afiebrado o una temperatura medida mayor o igual a 100 grados Fahrenheit
- Contacto cercano conocido con una persona con COVID-19 confirmado por un laboratorio
REGRESO AL CAMPUS DESPUÉS DE UN DIAGNÓSTICO O SÍNTOMAS DE COVID
Después de un diagnóstico de COVID-19 o de la aparición de síntomas, los estudiantes y el personal deben estar sin síntomas durante al menos 72 horas antes de regresar al campus, incluyendo una temperatura de menos de 100 grados sin el uso de medicamentos antifebriles. Aquellos diagnosticados con COVID-19 también deben tener una nota del médico que permita el regreso.
FAMILIAS QUE NECESITAN APOYO EXTRA
Esperamos asociarnos con su familia este año escolar para ayudar a su hijo a seguir creciendo académicamente. Entendemos que cualquier ajuste en el entorno o calendario escolar normal puede crear desafíos inesperados para algunas familias. Si desea hablar sobre las necesidades específicas de su estudiante o familia que no se han tratado anteriormente, comuníquese con su campus local de Harmony o comuníquese con nosotros a través de nuestra plataforma en línea Let’s Talk.
Summer Break Announcements and Reminders from Principal
Summer Break Announcements and Reminders from Principal: https://bit.ly/3owXnuP
Anuncios de vacaciones de verano y recordatorios del director : https://bit.ly/3qbUsZd
Notice of District Safety & Security Committee Meeting May 25, 2023
Notice of District Safety & Security Committee Meeting May 25, 2023
2023-24 Academic Calendar
Dear Families,
We are excited to announce the academic calendar for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. Please note the important dates listed below, so you can plan ahead for your family’s schedule.
First Day of School: August 10, 2023
Thanksgiving Break: November 20-24, 2023
Winter Break: December 22, 2023 – January 8, 2024
Spring Break: March 11-15, 2024
Last Day of School: May 24, 2024
We look forward to an exciting and productive academic year ahead. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.
Sincerely,
Harmony School of Innovation Brownsville
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Queridas familias,
Nos complace anunciar el calendario académico para el próximo año escolar 2023-24. Tenga en cuenta las fechas importantes que se enumeran a continuación, para que pueda planificar con anticipación el horario de su familia.
Primer día de clases: 10 de agosto de 2023
Vacaciones de Acción de Gracias: 20-24 de noviembre de 2023
Vacaciones de invierno: 22 de diciembre de 2023 – 8 de enero de 2024
Vacaciones de primavera: 11-15 de marzo de 2024
Último día de clases: 24 de mayo de 2024
Esperamos tener un año académico emocionante y productivo por delante. Gracias por su continuo apoyo y participación en nuestra comunidad escolar.
Atentamente,
Harmony School of Innovation Brownsville
Harmony Online Stores for School Uniform and Supplies
The letter is attached and the uniform flyer.
Summer Bridge Camp for upcoming 6th and 7th graders
Dear families,
Harmony School of Innovation will host a two-day Summer Bridge Camp on June 8th and 9th from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at our school campus (3451 Dana Ave.). Registration is for all students currently enrolled in 5th and 6th grade (future 6th and 7th graders for the upcoming 23-24 school year). Camp enrollment is open for the whole community, meaning enrollment at Harmony is not required to participate. However, there are only 50 spots available (on a first-come-first-serve basis), and transportation will not be available. Please complete and submit the following short registration form to participate: https://bit.ly/3UO6mnd. If you have any questions, please call our campus at 956-544-1348
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Queridas familias,
Harmony School of Innovation organizará un Summer Bridge Camp de dos días el 8 y 9 de junio de 9:00 am a 12:30 pm en el campus de nuestra escuela (3451 Dana Ave.). La inscripción es para todos los estudiantes actualmente matriculados en 5.° y 6.° grado (futuros estudiantes de 6.° y 7.° grado para el próximo año escolar 23-24). La inscripción al campamento está abierta para toda la comunidad, lo que significa que no es necesario inscribirse en Harmony para participar. Sin embargo, solo hay 50 lugares disponibles (por orden de llegada) y no habrá transporte disponible. Complete y envíe el siguiente breve formulario de registro para participar: https://bit.ly/3UO6mnd. Si tiene alguna pregunta, llame a nuestro campus al 956-544-1348
Harmony Public Schools awarded $18 million grant for ‘Inspiring Futures Across Texas’
The U.S. Department of Education has granted Texas-based Harmony Public Schools $18 million for further expansion of its public charter school network throughout the Lone Star State.
The announcement was made April 3 by the DOE’s Office of Elementary & Secondary Education. The grant will further Harmony’s current “Inspiring Futures Across Texas” growth initiative, which focuses on offering quality enrollment opportunities to more Texas students at future Harmony campuses. Currently, Harmony has 60 campuses across Texas, and one online-only virtual academy.
“Our new student application numbers are higher than they have ever been, and continue to grow each year,” Harmony CEO Fatih Ay said. “All over Texas, families are seeing the opportunity that Harmony Public Schools contributes to their communities, and this grant is proof that the U.S. Department of Education sees the value that Harmony provides, as well.”
The award was the latest in multiple major federal grants received by Harmony for its schools and programs. In recent years, Harmony has been awarded more than $110 million by the Department of Education, including:
Additionally, Harmony Public Schools has recently received financial support from a variety of education-focused philanthropic organizations, including the Charter School Growth Fund, KLE, CREEED, FWEP, and the George W. Brackenridge Foundation.
Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with campuses serving PreK-12 students in 23 cities across the state, including Greater Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont, and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness.
Harmony is now accepting applications for both students and team members for the 2023-24 school year.
About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are 61 high performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 58 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.
Attendance incentives and upcoming STAAR/EOC/AP testing schedule
Dear Parents, April is so crucial for the final test preparation, and we want all scholars in attendance every day!
Check out this flyer: https://bit.ly/3LOt3oY
ESL Parent Class
Hello Parents,
Join us on Saturday, March 25th from 9 am-12 pm for our next ESL Parent Class.
We hope to see you here!
2023 Public Comment on Federal Grant Applications
We are moving into the time of the year when we make plans and apply for Federal Funds applications (ESSA) for next school year, and we would like to gather parent and community feedback for our applications. Please use one of the public comment links below to share your comments or feedback with us:
Estamos entrando en la época del año en que hacemos planes y solicitamos solicitudes de fondos federales (ESSA) para el próximo año escolar, y nos gustaría recopilar comentarios de los padres y la comunidad para nuestras solicitudes. Utilice uno de los enlaces de comentarios públicos a continuación para compartir sus comentarios o comentarios con nosotros:
Join the 9th Annual Harmony Science and Engineering Fair
Dear Students,
We hope you will consider joining us with your projects for our 9th annual Harmony Science and Engineering Fair (H-SEF).
H-SEF 2023 will be virtual in two rounds this year. Details can be found here.
It is open to the 6th -12th grade level students.
The application deadline is March 3rd, 2023.
Registration link: https://harmonytx.org/hsef
H-SEF 2023 Committee
Harmony makes history, winning TASBO Award of Excellence for finance
Take the HSI-B School Quality Survey Here!
Help shape the future of our school by taking the HSI-B School Quality Survey!
You can share feedback on safety and behavior, student support, academic preparation, school leadership, and family involvement.
Parents and employees, go to here, or check your email for an invitation and link. Or you can pick up a paper survey at HSI-B. Students in grades 6-12 are taking the survey in school.
The survey is offered in English and Spanish. You have through February 19th,2023 to participate. All responses are strictly confidential!
Federal Report Cards – Now Available Online
GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE) ANNOUNCEMENT
In accordance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented students, Harmony Public Schools will begin taking referrals for all interested students in grades K-12 for Gifted and Talented (G/T) screening.
Anyone interested in the educational welfare of these students may nominate them for assessment. Students in grades 1 & up who were tested in Fall 2022 are not eligible to test in Spring 2023. Referral forms are available at the front office and on the school’s website (see below).
The referral forms must be returned or emailed to the front office by January 31, 2023. The Spring GT testing window is set by the campus in February or March. Campuses may elect to use NWEA MAP scores as a prescreening criterion for GT Testing.
For more information about the screening and identification process, parents may contact the school’s GT Coordinator/Teacher.
Parent GT Referral Form in English
ANUNCIO DE EDUCACIÓN PARA DOTADOS Y TALENTOSOS (GATE)
De acuerdo con el Plan Estatal de Texas para la Educación de Estudiantes Dotados / Talentosos, Harmony Public Schools comenzará a tomar referencias para todos los estudiantes interesados en los grados K-12 para la evaluación de estudiantes dotados y talentosos.
Cualquier persona interesada en el bienestar educativo de estos estudiantes puede nominarlos para dicha evaluación. Los estudiantes en los grados 1 y superiores que fueron evaluados en el otoño de 2022 no son elegibles para la prueba en la primavera de 2023. Los formularios de referencia están disponibles en la oficina y en el sitio web de la escuela.
Los formularios de referencia deben devolverse a la oficina de la escuela antes del lunes 31 de enero del 2023. Los campus pueden optar por utilizar las puntuaciones de NWEA MAP como criterios de preselección para las pruebas de GT.
Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de selección e identificación, los padres pueden comunicarse con el entrenador / maestro de GT de la escuela.
Parent GT Referral Form in Spanish
Donate to our TOY DRIVE
Hello Wildcats,
This a reminder that our TOY DRIVE is still going on, don’t forget to bring your donations. The toy drive will end on December 16. The grade level with the most donations wins an ice cream party. Every toy will earn you 20 PBA points.
Donation rooms are RM. 410 with Ms. Garcia, Rm. 419 with Ms. Torres, Rm 132 with Ms. Salazar, and Rm. 204 with Mrs. Nieto.
Monthly ESL Parent Class
Join us for our next ESL Parent Class on Saturday, December 10th from 9 AM-12 PM!
Thanksgiving Break Letter for HSI-B Families
Dear Families,
We are thankful!
As we prepare to take a short break from school for Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who makes it possible for students to come to school every day, on time and ready to learn. We thank:
● Our students and families for making daily attendance a priority. This habit of attendance will help them do well in the classroom.
● Our wonderful teachers pour their energy into making each classroom an exciting place for exploration and knowledge.
● Our support staff and community volunteers who provide the extra hands and attention for our children’s needs.
We appreciate each one of you so much. We look forward to seeing you after the Thanksgiving holiday. Our campus will close from November 21-25, 2022. We will reopen Monday, November 28th at 7:15 a.m.
We especially appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during the Thanksgiving holiday. Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and leave your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.
Sincerely,
M. Kaya
HSI-Brownsville Campus Principal
STEM Festival on Saturday December 3rd, 2022.
Join us for our STEM Festival on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022. Free admission, open to the public, all ages invited! There will be science, technology, engineering, math, art, and social studies projects, Spanish presentations, and other activities.
Join us for our 2nd ESL Parent Class
Join us for the 2nd ESL Parent Class on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 9 AM-12 PM at our campus. Classes will be offered once a month. Parents/guardians who have a student enrolled in the ESL program at our campus are eligible to attend. For more information, please contact Mrs. Villarreal at 956-544-1348 or via email at rgalvan@harmonytx.org
BILINGUAL AND ESL TEACHERS NEEDED!
Harmony Public Schools is recruiting talented, compassionate bilingual teachers dedicated to helping every student succeed. Harmony offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a commitment to excellence in the classroom.
Interested applicants may apply online.
Dyslexia Awareness Month
October is in the United States. Let’s deepen our understanding of this language-based challenge and try to raise awareness in our community.
Eight-year-old Evan is one of the brightest children in his third-grade class. He has a wonderful vocabulary and knows everything there is to know about baseball—he can even tell you who played in each of the last ten World Series games and who won. But when it comes to reading about baseball—or anything else—Evan has a lot of trouble. It takes him a long time to read each word, and even longer to read whole sentences. He often has to guess at how you say a word—and sometimes his guess is wrong. Reading out loud is especially stressful and embarrassing. His teacher recently told Evan’s parents that she thinks he might have dyslexia.
Most people assume that part of being smart is being able to read well. About 100 years ago, though, doctors figured out that some people, even some very smart people who do really well at many other things, have trouble learning to read. This difficulty with reading is called dyslexia.
Excerpt from: http://dyslexia.yale.edu/resources/dyslexic-kids-adults/on-being-dyslexic/
Useful Links:
What is Dyslexia? – Kelli Sandman-Hurley
https://improvingliteracy.org/brief/defining-dyslexia
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/videos-about-dyslexia
https://dyslexiaida.org/
https://dyslexiaida.org/fact-sheets/
http://www.dyslexia.yale.edu/resources/parents/
https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/texas-dyslexia-handbook-2021.pdf
Recommended Movie:
Taare Zameen Par- Every Child is Special https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z14uE7U0HY
Ishaan, a student who has dyslexia, cannot seem to get anything right at his boarding school. Soon, a new unconventional art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, helps him discover his hidden potential.
ESL Parent Classes
Dear Parents,
We will be offering our 1st ESL class for parents on October 22, 2022, from 9 AM-12 PM at our campus. Classes will be offered once a month. Parents/guardians who have a student enrolled in the ESL program at our campus are eligible to attend. Click the link on the flyer to sign up! We hope you can attend! For more information, please contact Mrs. Villarreal at 956-544-1348 or via email at rgalvan@harmonytx.org
PSAT TESTING
Dear Parents,
We will administer PSAT exams for grades 8th-11th on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.
For any questions contact javier.flores@harmonytx.org
HSI-Brownsville PTO
FAFSA Information Night
GT Nominations
We are now taking referrals for newly enrolled students for Gifted and Talented screening. The deadline for GATE referrals is September 30, 2022. For more information, please contact the school’s GT coordinator, Mrs. Ruby Villarreal at rgalvan@harmonytx.org.
– – – – – –
Ahora estamos tomando referencias para estudiantes recién inscritos para la evaluación de Dotados y Talentosos. La fecha límite para las remisiones GATE es el 30 de septiembre de 2022. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con la coordinadora del programa de GT de la escuela, la Sra. Ruby Villarreal en rgalvan@harmonytx.org.
SAT/PSAT Tutorials
HSI Weekly Newsletters
No School Friday 09/16/2022
Parent/Teacher conferences
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Announcement!
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Announcement!
In accordance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented students, Harmony Public Schools will begin taking referrals for kindergarten and newly enrolled students in grades 1-12 for gifted and talented screening.
Anyone interested in the educational welfare of these students may refer them for assessment. Referral forms are available at the front office and on the school’s website.
Parent GT Referral Form in English
Parent GT Referral Form in Spanish
The deadline for GATE referral is September 30, 2022, and G/T assessment period will take place in October. For more information about the screening and identification process, parents may contact the school’s G/T coordinator or G/T coach/teacher.
GATE (Educación para estudiantes dotados/talentosos) Anuncio
De acuerdo con el Plan Estatal de Texas para la Educación de Estudiantes Dotados / Talentosos, las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony comenzarán a recibir referencias para kindergarten y estudiantes recién inscritos en los grados 1-12 para la evaluación de estudiantes dotados y talentosos.
Cualquier persona interesada en el bienestar educativo de estos estudiantes puede nominarlos para dicha evaluación. Los formularios de referencia están disponibles en la oficina y en el sitio web de la escuela.
Forma de nominación
La fecha límite de referencia de GATE es el 30 de septiembre de 2022 y el período de evaluación de G / T se llevará a cabo en octubre.
Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de selección e identificación, los padres pueden comunicarse con el entrenador / maestro de GT de la escuela.
No Classes-Labor Day
In observance of Labor Day, our campus will be closed on Monday, September 5th. All classes and regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
En conmemoración del Día del Trabajo, nuestro campus estará cerrado el lunes 5 de septiembre. Todas las clases y el horario regular de oficina se reanudarán el martes 6 de septiembre de 2022.
Fall NWEA MAP Testing Letter
FALL MAP NWEA Parent Letter
Carta de otoño 2022 MAP NWEA para padres
Breakfast/Lunch Menus
Dear HSI-B Families,
You may access our breakfast and lunch menus from the link below.
You may also download the Nutrislice application to view the menus. Please follow the guide below to get started.
También puede descargar la aplicación Nutrislice para ver los menús. Siga la guía a continuación para comenzar.
Uniform Exchange Update
Stay Up to Date with the News
We highly encourage our Harmony families to please make sure that your most current phone number, physical address and email address are updated in Skyward. We currently use School Messenger to reach out to parents by sending out important information in regards to school dates, weather alerts, school closures, etc. We want to make sure that you are able to view these messages in every way possible.
We also ask that if you have a social media account, that you follow us on Facebook.
Please see the steps below on how to update your Skyward accounts and add School Messenger to receive text messages.
Recomendamos encarecidamente a nuestras familias de Harmony que se aseguren de que su número de teléfono, dirección física y dirección de correo electrónico más recientes estén actualizados en Skyward. Actualmente usamos School Messenger para comunicarnos con los padres mediante el envío de información importante sobre fechas escolares, alertas meteorológicas, cierre de escuelas, etc. Queremos asegurarnos de que pueda ver estos mensajes de todas las formas posibles.
También le pedimos que si tiene una cuenta de redes sociales, nos siga en Facebook.
Consulte los pasos a continuación sobre cómo actualizar sus cuentas de Skyward y agregar School Messenger para recibir mensajes de texto.
2022 TEA Accountability Rating
We are Ecstatic to announce our TEA Accountability ratings for our Harmony School of Innovation Brownsville campus. You can see the detailed report from this link.
We are #HarmonyProud of all the hard-working teachers and scholars who helped our campus earn this great post-pandemic accountability rating by the Texas Education Agency!
Harmony School of Innovation – Brownsville received an “A” rating!
A round of applause to all of our school staff and faculty, our scholars and our parents for all their hard work, dedication and support in making this possible!
Congratulations to all!!
School Cafe/ Lunch Application
Harmony School of Innovation Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! We are so excited and look forward to seeing everybody. If you have not completed the lunch application on SchoolCafe or stopped by the front office, please do so as soon as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance in filling out the application, please do not hesitate to email me at cristela.gutierrez@harmonytx.org so we can set up a time to meet.
School Lunch Application: Complete your application from SchoolCafe. Follow the directions using the forms in English or Spanish (Our School District is “Harmony PS South Texas)
¡Bienvenidos al año escolar 2022-2023! Estamos muy emocionados y esperamos verlos a todos. Si no ha completado la solicitud de almuerzo en SchoolCafe o no ha pasado por la oficina principal, hágalo lo antes posible. Si tiene alguna pregunta o necesita ayuda para completar la solicitud, no dude en enviarme un correo electrónico cristela.gutierrez@harmonytx.org para que podamos programar una cita.
Thank you,
C.Gutierrez
Welcome Letter 2022-23 – Carta de Bienvenida 2022-23
Welcome Letter 2022-23
Carta de Bienvenida 2022-23
Harmony Public Schools uniform store restocked with new inventory
Due to high demand, many uniform sizes quickly were sold out shortly after we launched our new online uniform store Thursday.
Stock shortage is not expected to be an ongoing issue. Fortunately, our uniform supplier has informed that they have added new inventory and are continuing to work to provide additional color and size choices as quickly as possible.
Shop now to get your uniforms purchases in time for the first day of school and take advantage of these offers:
EARLY SHOPPER SAVINGS
Shop July 21-Aug. 4 to get short sleeve polos for only $13.50 (reg. $15) or long sleeve for only $16.50 (reg. $18).
FREE HOME SHIPPING
Buy two or more items to qualify for free shipping directly to your home using promo code HPSPOLO at checkout.
Two Ways to Shop Your School’s Uniform Store
On Our Site
Click ‘Uniforms’ under the PARENTS tab of your child’s campus website.
Find Your School Website
On FrenchToast
Search for your campus name and city on the ‘Shop By School’ page.
Go to ‘Shop By School’
Frequently Asked Questions
The size and color I want are still out of stock – what can I do?
Our partners at French Toast are working hard to get more colors and sizes in stock as soon as possible. To get an automatic update when your uniform preference is ready to purchase, just enter your email in the ‘Notify Me’ box under the product ‘Out of Stock’ message.
Can my child still wear uniforms that were purchased previously?
Of course! If your child’s uniform is still in good condition, they are welcome to continue wearing uniforms from previous years, even if the campus has updated to a new uniform color scheme.
The free shipping code isn’t working – what’s up?
The free shipping code – HPSPOLO – is for orders of two items are more, so just make sure you have enough items to qualify for free shipping in your cart. If you’re still experiencing issues, please contact Customer Service at https://www.frenchtoast.com/contact-us.
Which uniform color do I need for my child?
When ordering new uniforms and polos, the following are the approved color schemes for each grade level:
The uniform color options don’t look like the ones I see above
– is something wrong?
There might be a minor color variation between the preview image on the French Toast website and the images above, but not by much. If the uniform you’re selecting doesn’t look right, just make sure you have the correct dress code selected from the drop down near the top of your screen.
Why can’t I just order uniforms directly at my campus anymore?
Unfortunately, year-round direct sales of school uniforms can be a complicated and time-consuming process for an individual campus. We’d rather put our team’s talents to use by serving our students. By partnering with an industry-leading school uniform supply company like French Toast, Harmony is able to keep uniform costs down for families while freeing up school staff (and storage space!) to focus on the other needs of our schools.
No returns or exchanges.
Uniforms will no longer be available for purchase at campuses.
2022-2023 School Year Student Orientation & Meet the Teacher
New Student Bridge Camp for Middle School: Thursday, July 28th from 8:30-1:30 p.m.
New Student Bridge Camp for High School: Friday, July 29th from 8:30-1:30 p.m.
Campus Orientation for All Students: Monday, August 8th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
**During campus orientation, parents will receive support with filling out necessary school forms, picking up car tags, assistance with the purchasing of school uniforms, students will have their pictures taken for their school IDs and much more.**
Meet the Teacher for All Students: Monday, August 8th from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Summer STEAM CAMP! Limited spots available
The great STEAM program you don’t want to miss out on!
Dates: June 7th-10th
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
*Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided*
To register, please click on the following link: https://bit.ly/hsisummercamp
**Limited spaces available**
Facebook: https://fb.watch/dbpX6ARcpe/
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¡Gran programa STEAM que no querrás perderte!
Fechas: del 7 al 10 de Junio
Horario: 8:00 am a 2:30 pm
*Se brindará desayuno, almuerzo y merienda*
Para registrarse, por favor haga clic en el siguiente enlace: https://bit.ly/hsisummercamp
**Cupos limitados disponibles**
Facebook: https://fb.watch/dbpX6ARcpe/
HSI-B 2022 Summer Reading Assignment
HSI-B 2022 Summer Reading Assignment
Summer Meal Programs provide no-cost, health meals to students
C
hildren need nutritious meals to learn, grow and thrive.
The Summer Meal Programs ensures kids have no-cost, health meals this summer and return to school read to learn.
Help us spread the word about this valuable program!
Text FOOD to 304-304 or visit SummerFood.org to find a site.
Los niños necesitan comidas nutritivas para aprender, crecer y prosperar.
Los programas de comidas de verano aseguran que los niños tengan comidas saludables sin costo este verano y regresen a la escuela leyendo para aprender.
¡Ayúdenos a correr la voz acerca de este valioso programa!
Envíe FOOD al 304-304 o visite SummerFood.org para encontrar un sitio.
Virtual Campus Improvement Plan for Parents, Scholars, and Teachers
Please join us on Friday, April 8th from 4:00-4:30 p.m. for our annual virtual CIP meeting. You may click on the Zoom link on the flyer below to join.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Javier Flores at javier.flores@harmonytx.org
HSI CIP 2022
2022-2023 Academic Calendar
Please find our Academic Calendar for the next school year below.
Brownsville Calendar One-Pager 2022-2023-1
School Cafe applications now open to establish meal eligibility for PEBT eligible students!
PEBT benefits will soon be available for families whose children have experienced COVID related absences and who qualify for free or reduced price benefits through the National School Lunch Program.
Does my child qualify?
Both criteria must be met to qualify for PEBT benefits.
#1 A COVID related absence from August – December due to a positive test or exposure that has been verified by the campus. COVID absences from January – May will receive benefits in July.
#2 Eligible for free or reduced price meals through the National School Lunch Program. To determine your child’s eligibility, submit an application through www.schoolcafe.com. Paper applications may also be requested from the school office. Students attending a CEP campus or who are directly certified automatically meet the eligibility requirement.
The deadline to complete a meal eligibility application is April 6th.
If you have any questions, please contact your school’s Child Nutrition Assistant.
Virtual Language Festival
Important STAAR Test Information for Parents
Wildcat Parents, we are close to the end of the school year. Before we can close the books, STAAR tests are coming up and we need your help. Many students are arriving to school late, we need students to arrive on time. They are missing out on quality instruction! Classes start at 8:15 a.m. and STAAR Countdown continues.”
Please be advised that we have our first round of STAAR EOC tests next week on Tuesday, April 5th and Thursday, April 7th. We encourage scholars to follow the following “Tips for Success”.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Flores at javier.flores@harmonytx.org.
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Estimados Padres de HSI Brownsville,
Estamos cerca del final del año escolar. Antes de que podamos cerrar los libros, se acercan las pruebas STAAR y necesitamos su ayuda. Muchos estudiantes están llegando tarde a la escuela, necesitamos que los estudiantes lleguen a tiempo. ¡Se están perdiendo una instrucción de calidad! Las clases comienzan a las 8:15 a. m. y la cuenta regresiva de STAAR continúa”.
Tenga en cuenta que tenemos nuestra primera ronda de pruebas STAAR EOC la próxima semana el martes 5 de abril y el jueves 7 de abril. Alentamos a los estudiantes a seguir los siguientes “Consejos para el éxito”.
Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con el Sr. Flores en javier.flores@harmonytx.org.
Student Holiday/District Professional Development
Please mark your calendars as there will not be any classes on Friday, March 25th due to a district professional development day. May scholars enjoy their 3-day weekend, all classes will resume regular activity on Monday, March 28th.
Public Comment on Federal Grant Applications
In accordance with United States Code (U.S.C.) Annotated, Title 20, Chapter 70, Subchapter VIII, Part C, Section 7846, and Public Law (P.L.) 114-95, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 8306, an entity planning to submit a federal grant application must afford a reasonable opportunity for public comment on the application before it is submitted.
Harmony Public Schools hereby gives notice to the public that it intends to file the following applications and request awarded amounts for federal grant funds with the Texas Education Agency for the school year 2022-23. HPS welcomes comments or questions concerning any of these grants, and requests that any comments or questions be submitted by June 30, 2022 using the form below.
En concordancia con United States Code (U.S.C.) Annotated, Title 20, Chapter 70, Subchapter VIII, Part C, Section 7846, and Public Law (P.L.) 114-95, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 8306, una entidad que planea presentar una solicitud de subvención federal (subsidio) debe brindar una oportunidad razonable para comentarios públicos. Las siguientes son las subvenciones federales que
Harmony Public Schools por la presente notifica al público que tiene la intención de presentar las siguientes solicitudes y solicitar los montos otorgados para fondos de subvenciones federales con la Agencia de Educación de Texas para el año escolar 2022-23. HPS agradece los comentarios o preguntas sobre cualquiera de estas subvenciones y solicita que los comentarios o preguntas se envíen antes del 30 de junio de 2022 mediante este Google form.
CORE VALUES
HSI BROWNSVILLE CAMPUS VALUES
* PRIDE *
Our five campus values contained in the PRIDE acronym are the habits and characteristics that prepare students for success and excellence in middle school, high school, and beyond. Our staff and students model and reinforce our values in every facet of campus life, which serves as the basis of our collective success.
Harmony Public Schools enrollment and lottery process
Each school year, thousands of families submit their application to become a part of Harmony Public Schools.
Here’s how we select applicants for enrollment each year to make sure each applicant has an equal opportunity to become our next high-achieving Harmony scholar.
STEP 1
Each January, we ask current families to let us know if they’ll be coming back to Harmony next year. This is called “Re-Enrollment.”
STEP 2
Based on the number of students returning next year and the number of classes in each grade level, we determine how many open spots we will have for new students.
STEP 3
Meanwhile, new families are submitting their applications during our annual Open Enrollment season, which runs from November 1 through February 10 each year.
STEP 4
After February 10, if the number of new applicants is greater than the number of available spots we have, Harmony holds a “blind lottery” to make sure all applicants have a fair opportunity to be seated.
STEP 5
Families of students selected for enrollment are notified. Those not selected are put on a “waitlist” and contacted as soon as a spot opens up.
… and that’s it!
Here are some answers to our applicants’ most frequently asked questions.
#1 – IS THERE ALWAYS A LOTTERY?
Not always, but often.
Whether a lottery is needed is determined by the number of spots available at each grade level and the number of eligible applicants interested in them.
#2 – I WAS SELECTED FOR ENROLLMENT –
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NEXT?
Most importantly, we need you to officially accept the spot (a link will be provided on the acceptance letter). Then, between now and next fall, you’ll need to officially register your child and provide a few documents verifying their identity and home address.
After that, we’ll see you on the first day of school!
(Note: If you were accepted by more than one campus, please register at your preferred campus and decline the invitation of any others. This will allow us to offer those spots to another prospective Harmony family.)
#3 – I WAS PLACED ON A WAITLIST –
IS THERE ANY CHANCE I WILL GET TO ATTEND?
Absolutely – so don’t give up hope! Students initially placed on a waitlist are given the opportunity to enroll all the time at Harmony, often for one of the following reasons:
and reached out to see if you were interested in attending there.
More Questions?
Reach out to us on Let’s Talk to let us know how we can help!
Early Dismissal and Parent/Teacher Conferences
Dear HSI-Brownsville Parents/Guardians,
There will be an early dismissal for all scholars next Friday, February 18th at 1:09 p.m. We will have Parent/Teacher conferences from 2:00-5:30 p.m. on this day. If you’d like to schedule a conference, please do by clicking on the link below and choosing an available time slot for each of your child’s teachers you would like to meet with. All meetings will be in person at HSI Brownsville, however, if you would like to meet virtually, please ask your scholar’s teacher for their meeting link.
Please keep in mind that conferences will be kept to a strict 10-minute time limit to accommodate as many parents as possible on this day. However, you are always welcome to schedule a separate conference with your child’s teacher at any time.
You may sign up for a time slot by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/HSIparentconference
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teachers.
Best Regards,
Harmony School of Innovation Brownsville
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Estimados padres/tutores de HSI-Brownsville,
Habrá una salida temprana para todos los estudiantes el próximo viernes 18 de febrero a la 1:09 p.m. Tendremos conferencias de padres y maestros de 2:00 p. m. a 5:30 p. m. en este día. Si desea programar una conferencia, hágalo haciendo clic en el enlace a continuación y eligiendo un horario disponible para cada uno de los maestros de su hijo con los que le gustaría reunirse. Todas las reuniones serán en persona en HSI Brownsville; sin embargo, si desea reunirse virtualmente, solicite al maestro de su estudiante el enlace de la reunión.
Tenga en cuenta que las conferencias se mantendrán en un límite estricto de 10 minutos para acomodar a la mayor cantidad de padres posible ese día. Sin embargo, siempre puede programar una conferencia por separado con el maestro de su hijo en cualquier momento.
Puede registrarse para un horario haciendo clic en este enlace: https://bit.ly/HSIparentconference
Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con los maestros de su hijo.
Atentamente,
Escuela Harmony School of Innovation Brownsville
Inclement Weather Update for 2/4
Free Dress-Inclement Weather 2/3 & 2/4
Substitute teacher pay raises announced at Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Science & Engineering Fair (H-SEF)
Harmony Science & Engineering Fair (H-SEF) is an annual science fair that brings together middle and high school students across the Harmony network who have engaged in advanced research projects all year long. Majority of H-SEF finalists are award winners in their regional science fairs within their local communities. H-SEF aims to promote STEM through advanced research among secondary students and increase their interest and motivation to pursue STEM careers.
H-SEF 2022 will be in person at the Harmony Public Schools Central Office in Houston and it is open to all Harmony middle and high school students.
Below you will find H-SEF rules and guidelines along with the event timeline.
H-SEF 2022 Information
H-SEF RULES & GUIDELINES
H-SEF 2022 Registration Link
H-SEF 2022 (In Person)
January 2022 – H-SEF announcement and flyers shared with HPS schools
January 17, 2022 – Application process begins
March 4, 2022 – Student registration deadline.
March 7-31 2022 – Review process begins and Pre-qualification decisions made
March 28 2022 – April 1 2022 – Qualification Emails sent to students
April 23, 2022 –H-SEF 2022 Judging and Award Ceremony (In Person)
For questions reach out to your campus science fair coordinator or principal.
Federal Report Cards-Now Available Online
Take the Harmony Public Schools School Culture Survey here!
Student voices matter in Harmony School of Innovation Brownsville. That’s why we need you to speak up in our School Culture Survey!
This is an opportunity to share feedback on student and academic support, safety and behavior, school leadership, family engagement, and more. We’ll use the results to better meet your needs and the needs of every child that enters our schools.
The online survey can be taken from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. Please check your email for an invitation and survey link. All responses are strictly confidential.
You may also take the survey by clicking on the following links:
Secondary Student Survey:
https://survey.k12insight.com/p/21-22-School-Quality-Survey-Students-6-12
*All students in grades 6-12 can access the survey through the link above. They will enter their student ID number to complete the survey.
Jan. 20-21st School Entry Schedule due to Inclement Weather
National School Choice Week-January 23rd-29th
NWEA MAP Testing-2nd Semester
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) announcement
Es hora de volver a inscribirse para el año escolar 2022-2023, ¡así es como!
FAMILIAS ACTUALES: ¡La reinscripción para el próximo año escolar comienza HOY! ¡Inicie sesión en www.HarmonyTX.org/ReEnroll2022 para volver a inscribirse en 3 PASOS FÁCILES!
It’s time to re-enroll for the 2022-2023 school year, here’s how!
CURRENT FAMILIES: Re-enrollment for next school year begins TODAY! Log into www.HarmonyTX.org/ReEnroll2022 to re-enroll in 3 EASY STEPS!
Re-enrollment is January 4-28 for 2022-23 at Harmony Public Schools
Re-Enrollment for current Harmony families who plan to return next school year is January 4-28, 2022.
Re-Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year for Harmony families begins soon.
During this time of year each January, we ask families to complete a simple, online Re-Enrollment process, letting us know they’ll be joining us for another great year of learning and fun next school year, which starts in August 2022.
This simple step allows us to make sure each current student’s spot at Harmony is reserved for the following school year, and assess how many new student seats we have available for other applicants.
Re-Enrollment at Harmony Public Schools runs January 4-28, 2022. Look for more details in your email inbox, via Skyward, or on our Facebook page soon.
In the meantime, check out these 6 things families need to know about Re-Enrollment at Harmony Public Schools.
#1 – When is Re-Enrollment season?
For the 2022-2023 school year, re-enrollment will be January 4-28, 2022.
#2 – How do I apply for Re-Enrollment?
The preferred method for re-enrollment is through the student’s online Skyward account. (A link to Skyward can be found at the top of your campus homepage or you can simply click here.). Parents without internet and/or Skyward access may also request a paper re-enrollment option from their child’s campus.
#3 – What is the difference between Re-Enrollment and Open Enrollment?
Re-enrollment is intended for current Harmony students planning to stay at their current campus the following school year, or who will naturally feed upward to a new campus (e. from elementary to nearby middle school). Open Enrollment is for new students, or current students who wish to change Harmony campuses for personal reasons (ex. transferring to a campus closer to home).
#4 – If a student plans to stay at the same school next year, are they automatically guaranteed re-enrollment if they complete the re-enrollment process before the deadline?
Yes, so long as their family completes the re-enrollment process.
#5 – What happens if a parent does not submit their re-enrollment information before the deadline?
If a parent misses the deadline to complete the re-enrollment process, then the student will lose his/her reserved space for next school year and must apply during Open Enrollment, held November 1-February 10 each school year. To apply, visit www.HarmonyTX.org/Apply.
#6 – What does a Harmony parent need to do if they would like to stay with Harmony, but transfer to a different campus for the next school year?
If a parent would like to change Harmony campuses for the following school year, they must submit an application for the desired school at www.HarmonyTX.org/Apply.
Scholars please be aware that end of the quarter is next week. Please verify that you have turned in any missing assignments by Tuesday, December 14th.
8th Grade Transition Night
Please join us for this important information session where important topics will be discussed with you and your scholar as they will be transitioning into high school.
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Únase a nosotros en esta importante sesión de información en la que se discutirán temas importantes con usted y su estudiante a medida que van a realizar la transición a la escuela secundaria.
Confirme su asistencia haciendo clic en el siguiente enlace.
Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con el Sr. Kuzey por correo electronico, nkuzey@harmonytx.org.
Harmony offers free online tutoring for all students through TutorMe
If your student is struggling in a subject, or just has a question about tonight’s homework assignment, Harmony Public Schools has a solution.
Harmony is proud to now offer free tutoring 24/7 with TutorMe.
Through TutorMe, students in Grades 3-12 have free, 24/7 online access to verified experts in more than 300 fields.
Check out the video below to learn more, or look for the TutorMe option inside Clever in your family’s MyHarmony Portal account.
What is a charter school? The difference between ISD schools and Texas public charter schools
One of the questions we hear most from prospective parents interested in applying to Harmony Public Schools is “I’ve been looking at schools near me, but I don’t understand – what is the difference between a charter school and an ISD public school?”
Public charter schools have grown exponentially in the past 25 years – both in Texas, and around the country – but we understand why many parents who grew up in a traditional independent school district setting themselves may still have questions.
That’s OK. We’ve got the answers to all of your biggest questions about charter schools.
So, what exactly is a charter school?
A charter school is a public school, and in many ways very similar to a traditional ISD school as you might think of one.
However, what makes charter schools different is what we believe makes them special. In a word, that difference is “choice.”
Way back in 1995, the Texas State Legislature decided that even though there were a lot of great schools in Texas, a one-size-fits-all approach to education might not work for all families. Each child is unique: some with special gifts, others with special challenges, and all with special dreams for their futures.
To help better serve every Texas student, the Texas public charter school system was created to allow independent, education-based nonprofit organizations called Charter Management Organizations (CMOs) to open and operate free public schools for Texas students with the promise that they would provide a new school choice in education for local Texas families.
For some charter schools, that new choice might be a curriculum that focuses on dual-language learning. For others, it might be helping students who have dropped out of the traditional school setting reclaim their path to graduation.
At Harmony Public Schools, we specialize in hands-on, project-based learning with a heavy emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), as well as advanced college preparedness and character education.
DID YOU KNOW?
Of the roughly 100 schools in Texas certified as official Texas STEM Academies be the Texas Education Agency, 23 are Harmony Public Schools high schools – more than any other school system in Texas!
Thirteen Harmony high schools have also been named among the Best STEM High Schools in the U.S. by Newsweek.
Who can attend a charter school?
As long as a student lives within its geographic boundaries of the school, any child can attend a Texas public charter school. However, unlike traditional ISD schools where students usually must attend whichever nearby campus they are “zoned” to, public charter school geographic boundaries are generally very large – often covering multiple communities or counties. These large geographic boundaries are another way Texas public charter schools offer Texas families a choice in their student’s education, and are unique from traditional ISDs. For example, rather than sending their child to an ISD campus near their home address, a parent may prefer for their child to attend a school near a grandparent’s home, or the parent’s place of work. Or they may prefer to send their child to a campus that specializes in a specific curriculum, like STEM, or with a higher TEA accountability rating than their neighborhood ISD school. All of these are options with Texas public charter schools.
Do public charter schools charge tuition?
Texas public charter schools are free to attend. Applying to a Texas public charter school is also free.
How do charter schools choose who gets to attend?
They don’t. Charter school students are never “cherry picked” from an applicant pool. Any student who applies to attend a charter school will be accepted, so long as they meet three basic criteria:
RELATED: Learn more about Harmony Public School’s application, enrollment and lottery processes
When and how can a student apply to a charter school?
A student can apply to a charter school at any time during the school year and be accepted if space is available. However, most Texas public charter schools also offer an open enrollment period each year specifically for prospective new students. During this time, families can learn more about their charter school options and enter their name for the enrollment lottery, which is held in the event there are more applicants than available seats. For Harmony Public Schools, open enrollment runs each November 1 through February 10.
MORE INFO: Learn more about how to apply to Harmony Public Schools.
How is a charter school funded?
As opposed to a traditional ISD school, which receives its funding primarily from the taxes local homeowners pay each year combined with additional funding from the state, charter schools receive their primary funding from the state and federal governments. Additionally, charters often receive both public and private grants to fund many of their innovative academic programs. For example, in recent years Harmony Public Schools has received grants of varying amounts from the U.S. Department of Education, the Texas Education Agency, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and the Elon Musk Foundation, among others.
Are Texas public charter schools for-profit?
No. By law, Texas public charter schools must be nonprofit entities. All funds received are used in the service of our students and school teams.
Do charter schools require uniforms?
That’s a decision that’s up to each charter school. At Harmony Public Schools, we do have a uniform policy. (Our students do get regular “free dress” days, though.)
Do charter schools offer the same types of programs and extracurricular activities as ISD schools?
Charter schools offer almost all of the same programs and extracurricular activities as ISD schools, though just like at an ISD school, the exact selection of extracurricular opportunities varies from campus-to-campus. Traditionally, charter schools specialize in offering a wide variety of academic-focused extracurriculars. For example, at Harmony Public Schools, some of our most popular extracurricular activities are our groundbreaking eSports clubs, LEGO robotics, rocketry, computer coding, and biomedicine. Our schools also compete in a wide variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and football.
What level accountability do charter schools have to maintain?
Just like traditional ISDs, Texas charter schools must remain in good academic and financial accountability with the Texas Education Agency. That includes annual inclusion in the TEA’s Financial Integrity System of Texas (FIRST) and Overall Accountability ratings. Charter schools that do not meet these standards face closure by the TEA. Finally, to help families easily understand how their charter school is performing, the TEA has created a Charter School Performance Framework (CSPF), which grades charter districts on overall academic performance and closing achievement gaps.
What other differences are there between charter schools and traditional ISD schools?
There are a few other differences between Texas public charter schools and ISDs, but most don’t impact the day-to-day campus life of our students. For example, charter school boards consist of appointed volunteers with a unique interest in education, rather than private individuals who have chosen to run for election. However, charter school board meetings are still open to the public to attend and participate.
What about …?
We couldn’t possibly share all the things that make charter schools a unique and important part of the Texas educational environment in just one article. So if you have more questions, we’d love the opportunity to tell you more. Just tell us what you want to know in our Let’s Talk family communication platform, and we’ll reach out with an answer soon!
Now Hiring: Math Teacher
Math Teacher
Job Duties:
Prepare appropriate curriculum and annual plan to submit to the administration for approval. Teach secondary school students in the subject of Mathematics; apply the curriculum as prepared and approved; keep attendance records; assign lessons; administer tests to evaluate students’ progress; and maintain discipline in the classroom. Create lesson plans, correct homework, and evaluate teacher-made tests. Prepare tests to evaluate students’ progress, record the results, and issue reports to inform parents of progress. Contact parents to offer positive reinforcement regarding social and academic achievements the students make.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Math or Math Education and 1 year of experience as Math Teacher at middle or high school level. Teaching experience must be full-time as a teacher of record (not substitute) at general education setting (not special population).
How to Apply:
Mail resumes to:
Attn: HR Dept, Harmony Public Schools
9321 W Sam Houston Pkwy S Houston, TX 77099
Refer to Ad#SY
Academic Parent Night for 9th-11th graders
FAFSA Application Workshop
High School Senior College Application Boot Camp
PSAT/SAT Testing
Our 8th-12th grade scholars will be testing next week. We ask that they please get a good night’s rest, eat a healthy breakfast and arrive to school on time.
Nuestros estudiantes de 8º a 12º grado estarán evaluando la próxima semana. Les pedimos que por favor descansen bien, tomen un desayuno saludable y lleguen a la escuela a tiempo.
An important request for parents of Harmony Public Schools students
Dear Harmony Families,
We would like to announce that submissions for school bus route selections between HSA-B and HSI-B are now open!
What you need to know:
-Please fill out a route selection form using this link: HPS Brownsville School Bus Route Selection
-First-come, first-serve basis
-Submission deadline is 9/24/2021 at 12:00 PM
-School bus service begins 9/27/2021 with a SIGNED parent consent form.
*Consent forms will be sent via email
***********************************************************************
Estimadas familias de Harmony,
¡Ya están ABIERTAS las presentaciones para las selecciones de rutas!
Lo que necesitas saber:
-Por favor seleccione las rutas usando este enlace: HPS Brownsville School Bus Route Selection
-Por orden de llegada
-La fecha límite de envío es el 24/9/2021 a las 12:00 p.m.
-El servicio de autobús escolar comienza el 27/9/2021 con un formulario de consentimiento FIRMADO por los padres/tutores
Harmony Public Schools offering virtual learning option for 2021-22 school year
Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott officially signed into law a new education funding bill that will allow public schools like ours to offer full virtual learning to up to 10 percent of our student body enrolled in Grades K-12.
Under the law, to be eligible to participate and remain in virtual learning, students must meet all of the following criteria:
Recently, we asked families to log into Skyward to let us know if they prefer for their child to attend virtual learning or continue in-person learning on campus. The deadline to make your selection is Wednesday September 15, 2021. For those who select “Virtual Learning,” we will cross-checking their student records to determine their eligibility status. Those selected will be notified by their home campus soon and given further directions on how to begin online learning.
For those not selected for virtual learning or who wish to remain in-person learning from campus, Harmony will continue to offer its “remote conferencing” option on an as-needed basis. Under this program, students can learn from home for up to 20 instructional days if they have a pre-existing medical condition, or are forced to quarantine due to positive COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure. Additional days may be granted upon TEA approval with required documentation.
Harmony thanks you for your ongoing support and patience as the situation regarding virtual learning unfolded these past few weeks. Whether your student is attending virtual or in-person, we look forward to a great school year with you and your family.
– – –
La semana pasada, el gobernador Greg Abbott promulgó oficialmente una nueva ley de financiación de la educación que permitirá a las escuelas públicas como la nuestra ofrecer aprendizaje virtual completo para hasta el 10 por ciento de nuestros estudiantes.
En consecuencia, Harmony Public Schools se complace en anunciar que comenzará a ofrecer una opción de aprendizaje virtual a partir del lunes 4 de octubre para los estudiantes elegibles, según lo permitan los límites de inscripción.
Según la ley, para ser elegible para participar y permanecer en el aprendizaje virtual, los estudiantes deben cumplir con todos los siguientes criterios:
Recientemente, les pedimos a las familias que inicien sesión en Skyward para informarnos si prefieren que su hijo asista al aprendizaje virtual o que continúe con el aprendizaje presencial en el campus. La fecha límite para hacer su selección es el miércoles 15 de septiembre de 2021. Para aquellos que seleccionen “Aprendizaje virtual”, verificaremos sus registros de estudiantes para determinar su estado de elegibilidad. Los seleccionados serán notificados por su campus de origen pronto y se les dará más instrucciones sobre cómo comenzar el aprendizaje en línea.
Para aquellos que no hayan sido seleccionados para el aprendizaje virtual o que deseen seguir aprendiendo de manera presencial desde el campus, Harmony continuará ofreciendo su opción de “conferencias remotas” según sea necesario. Bajo este programa, los estudiantes pueden aprender desde casa durante hasta 20 días de instrucción si tienen una afección médica preexistente o si se ven obligados a ponerse en cuarentena debido a un diagnóstico positivo o exposición a la COVID-19. Se pueden otorgar días adicionales con la aprobación de la TEA con la documentación requerida.
Gracias por su continuo apoyo y paciencia mientras se desarrolló el aprendizaje virtual estas últimas semanas. Ya sea que su estudiante asista virtual o presencialmente, esperamos tener un gran año escolar con usted y su familia.
Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences
On Friday, September 17th we have a student holiday, no school due to a teacher workday. All classes will resume on Monday, September 20, 2021.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Announcement!
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Announcement!
In accordance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented students, Harmony Public Schools will begin taking referrals for kindergarten and currently enrolled students in grades 1-12 for gifted and talented screening.
Anyone interested in the educational welfare of these students may refer them for assessment. Referral forms are available at the front office and on the school’s website.
Parent GT Referral Form in English
Parent GT Referral Form in Spanish
The deadline for GATE referral is September 30, 2021, and G/T assessment period will take place in October. For more information about the screening and identification process, parents may contact the school’s G/T coordinator or G/T coach/teacher.
GATE (Educación para estudiantes dotados/talentosos) Anuncio
De acuerdo con el Plan Estatal de Texas para la Educación de Estudiantes Dotados / Talentosos, las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony comenzarán a recibir referencias para kindergarten y estudiantes actualmente inscritos en los grados 1-12 para la evaluación de estudiantes dotados y talentosos.
Cualquier persona interesada en el bienestar educativo de estos estudiantes puede nominarlos para dicha evaluación. Los formularios de referencia están disponibles en la oficina y en el sitio web de la escuela.
Forma de nominación
La fecha límite de referencia de GATE es el 30 de septiembre de 2021 y el período de evaluación de G / T se llevará a cabo en octubre.
Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de selección e identificación, los padres pueden comunicarse con el entrenador / maestro de GT de la escuela.
Important update regarding Virtual Learning at Harmony
Dear Harmony Families,
Today, we would like to share some important news regarding a potential virtual learning option at your child’s school.
This weekend, a new bill to fund virtual learning in Texas public schools like Harmony cleared a major hurdle in the Texas Legislature. In its current form, schools such as Harmony Public Schools would be allowed to provide virtual learning for up to 10 percent of its student body throughout the remainder of the school year.
While the bill has not received final approval and specific details may change before being signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, it now appears very likely that schools like ours will be able to offer virtual learning in some form to students in the near future and we are looking forward to offering comprehensive virtual learning to our student population during 2021-2022 school year.
Currently, in your child’s Skyward account is a form asking your family’s interest in virtual learning. We ask that you please complete this virtual learning application form as soon as you are able. While we may not be able to accommodate every request due to potential new legal restrictions on the number of students who can participate, by understanding your preference we will be able to more quickly assign students to virtual learning should it become an option.
We will continue to share important updates with you as new information becomes available.
Thank you.
Estimadas familias de Harmony,
Hoy, no nos gustaría compartie algunas noticias importantes sobre una posible opción de aprendizaje virtual en la escuela de sus hijos. Este fin de semana, un nuevo proyecto de ley para financiar el aprendizaje virtual en escuelas públicas de Texas como Harmony eliminó un obstáculo importante en la Legislatura de Texas. En su forma actual, las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony podrían proporcionar aprendizaje virtual para hasta el 10 por ciento de su cuerpo estudiantil durante el resto del año escolar.
Aunque el proyecto no ha recibido la aprobación final y unos detalles específicos pueden cambiar antes de set convertida en lay por en gobernador, Greg Abbott, ahora parece muy probable que las escuelas como la nuestra puedan ofrecer aprendizaje virtual de alguna forma a los estudiantes en un futuro cercano y esperamos ofrecer un aprendizaje virtual integral a nuestra población estudiantil durante la escuela 2021-2022 año.
Actualmente, en la cuenta de Skyward de si hijo o hija hay un formulario que pregunta el interés de su familia en el aprendizaje virtual. Le pedimos que complete este formulario de solicitud de aprendizaje virtual tan pronto como pueda. Si bien es posible que no podamos atender todas las solicitudes debido a posibles nuevas restricciones legales sobre la cantidad de estudiantes que pueden participar, al comprender su preferencia, podremos asignar estudiantes más rápidamente al aprendizaje virtual si se convierte en una opción.
Continuaremos compartiendo actualizaciones importantes con usted a medida que haya nueva información disponible.
Gracias.
Harmony expands COVID-19 leave benefits for all employees
On Saturday, the HPS executive board approved a recommendation allowing all regular employees 10 additional days of paid leave should they test positive for COVID-19 or be asked to quarantine due to close contact with another COVID-19 positive individual.
The benefit is available retroactively to August 2 (first day of 2021-22 school year), and extends through December 31, 2021.
Employees with additional questions or who need to request leave for any purpose should contact leave@harmonytx.org.
1st Dose COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Registration
Harmony Public Schools Brownsville and Dignity LLC Services will be hosting two drive-thru format vaccine clinics in September. Pre-registration is required, you may register here. These clinics are an opportunity for our scholars, families, and those in our community to be proactive. There will be 1000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to be administered to those 12 years of age and older. Registrations will close on the Thursday before the clinic at 2:00 p.m.
Registrants will need to present a valid photo ID, a face mask must be worn at all times, and always remain in your vehicles.
Meet the Principal and Title 1 Presentation
Welcome to our 2021-2022 school year. We are excited to have our scholars and staff back on campus. We would like to invite you to come and meet our principal Mr. Kaya and enjoy a short Title 1 presentation. This event will be held in person or through Zoom on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
If you would like to join this meeting through Zoom, please register by clicking on this here. The meeting link will be emailed the day before to the registered email address on the form.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Javier Flores, javier.flores@harmonytx.org.
Parents have option for student to repeat grade or retake course
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Today, we would like to inform you of important education option for your family if you believe your student may have experienced significant academic losses during the 2020-2021 school year.
This summer, the 87th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 1697, which allows parents and guardians to elect for a student to repeat a grade or retake a high school course.
This gives parents or guardians the right to opt for their child to:
For the 2021-2022 school year only, parents or guardians have the right to opt for their child:
When determining whether these options may be right for your student, here are some things which may be helpful to consider:
According to the new law, parents or guardians are required to notify the district in writing (letter or email to school principal) if they elect for their child to retake a grade level or course.
By law, if a district disagrees, the district must convene a retention committee and meet with the parent or guardian to discuss the proposed retention.
After the parent/ guardian has participated in the retention committee meeting, the parent or guardian will decide if the student will be retained.
For more information or to request retention for your student, please contact your campus administration.
Thank you.
Additional information is available at: https://tea.texas.gov/repeatgrade and https://tea.texas.gov/restartkinder
HASA: Harmony After School Academy HSI-Brownsville 2021-2022
Awesome Wildcats,
Please choose the clubs/programs you want to get in for the 2021-2022 school year. Please make your selections based on club days that do not have a scheduling conflict. Selecting clubs and athletics on this survey does not guarantee that you will be in those clubs. Complete your application from this link by August 20th, Friday 4:00 pm.
HASA hour is from 4:10 PM till 5:00 PM.
Athletes, do not miss your tryouts!
CRLP on Tuesday!
Public Comment on Federal Grant Applications
Public Comment on Federal Grant Applications
In accordance with United States Code (U.S.C.) Annotated, Title 20, Chapter 70, Subchapter VIII, Part C, Section 7846, and Public Law (P.L.) 114-95, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 8306, an entity planning to submit a federal grant application must afford a reasonable opportunity for public comment on the application before it is submitted.
Harmony Public Schools hereby gives notice to the public that it intends to file the following applications and request awarded amounts for federal grant funds with the Texas Education Agency for the school year 2021-22. HPS welcomes comments or questions concerning any of these grants and requests that any comments or questions be submitted by Aug 30, 2021, using the form below.
Public Input Survey
HPS Federal Grant Applications Overview
An important COVID-19 update from Harmony Public Schools CEO Fatih Ay
The following is a message from Harmony Public Schools CEO Fatih Ay.
Dear Harmony Families,
Like many of you, we at Harmony Public Schools are greatly concerned by the rise in COVID-19 cases attributed to the Delta variant.
At Harmony, we are working diligently to keep our schools safe and provide families the tools they need to keep their child protected from COVID-19.
Today, we would like to share with you several important updates regarding Harmony’s COVID-19 policy and procedures.
First, we would like to announce that we will be offering a TEA-approved “remote conferencing” option that will allow students a limited ability to attend classes from home if they are sick, have been exposed to COVID-19, or in a COVID-19 high-risk group.
Per TEA requirement, the total amount of time for remote instruction may not exceed more than 20 instructional days for the entire 2021-22 school year. In order to be eligible, students must meet one of the criteria below:
Next, we would like to share an update regarding contact tracing and reporting of potential COVID-19 cases on campus.
Although it is not required for schools to conduct contract tracing and inform parents if someone in their child’s class had tested positive for COVID-19, we believe families have the right to know what is happening at their child’s school. That’s why we will continue to implement the following measures.
We will:
Finally, we understand that a full remote learning option is something some of our families are highly interested in. Currently, state leaders in the Texas Legislature are convening in Austin to vote on whether they will allow districts to offer full virtual learning.
We don’t yet know what the decision of the Texas Legislature will be, or how long it may take to reach that decision.
What we do know is that an option for virtual learning is an important issue to our Harmony families across the state. That’s why, despite the challenges schools across Texas have faced in offering virtual learning this fall, we are fully prepared to quickly move to a virtual option for those families interested, should state leaders approve this option.
We will continue to keep you updated as new developments occur.
Thank you for your support and collaboration throughout this process, and for being a part of our Harmony family.
Sincerely,
Fatih Ay | CEO, Harmony Public Schools
Monthly Menu
Message on uniform inventory
Dear Parents and Guardians,
With much regret we would like to inform you that we have run out of stock in some of our uniform shirts for middle and high school, as well as for fleece sweaters. We are working on placing an order and we will send out a notice once they are received. In the meanwhile, scholars may wear the following:
Uniform shirts:
Middle school students (6-8) may wear a plain red polo style shirt
High school students (9-12) may wear a plain royal blue polo shirt
Cardigan sweater (all students):
*Navy blue, red, or black. NO hoodies or pullovers allowed.
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Queridos padres y guardianes,
Con mucho pesar nos gustaría informarles que nos hemos quedado sin existencias en algunas de nuestras camisetas de uniforme para la secundaria y preparatoria, igual con los suéteres. Estamos trabajando para realizar un pedido y le enviaremos un aviso una vez que lo recibamos. Mientras tanto, los estudiantes pueden usar lo siguiente:
Camisas de uniforme:
Los estudiantes de secundaria (6-8) pueden usar una camisa estilo polo roja
Los estudiantes de preparatoria (9-12) pueden usar una camisa polo azul real
Suéter tipo cárdigan (todos los estudiantes):
* Azul marino, rojo o negro. NO se permiten sudaderas, suéter con gorro ni jerseys
Meet the Teacher
Please mark your calendars for Meet the Teacher on Monday, August 9th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Student class schedules will be available for pick up on this day as well. We hope to see you here.
New Dismissal Bell schedule
July 27, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians,
On June 3, 2021, the Texas Education Agency informed the districts that a funding waiver for remote learning will not be an option. This means that HSI-Brownsville will not be able to offer virtual school this fall. All HSI-Brownsville students will attend classes in person starting on Tuesday, August 10th. Our campus 2021-2022 Academic Calendar is available at the following link: https://bit.ly/hsicalendar
In addition to that, there will be a major change to our bell schedule on Fridays when HSI-Brownsville will begin dismissal at 2:43 pm. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Schedule
* After school care will continue until 5:15 pm. You can apply for after-school care during the orientation.
***Friday Schedule***
You will notice in the schedule above that we are starting school at 8:15 am. The biggest change is our Friday schedule in which all students will be dismissed early. Early dismissal will occur every Friday of the school year. You will need to make arrangements to ensure your child is dropped off and picked up on time during our new start and end times. We appreciate your cooperation.
Sincerely,
HSI Admin Team
FAQ: Back to School 2021-22 at Harmony Public Schools
The following is a list of questions commonly asked by parents and students about the start of the 2021-22 school year at Harmony Public Schools.
For more information, visit https://www.HarmonyTX.org/playbook.
Harmony Public Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Harmony Public Schools offer virtual learning this year?
A: No. Harmony will return to face to face instruction at all campuses for the 21-22 school year as mandated by the Texas Education Agency. We are excited to have our students back in the classroom and will continue to support their social, emotional, and academic growth.
Q: What will on-campus instruction look like for this year?
A: Just as before the pandemic, students will attend in-person learning according to the academic calendar. This calendar can be found on your campus website. Teachers will provide in-person learning, which includes hands-on activities, small group projects and intervention, station rotations, teacher one-on-one support, etc.
Q: What COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place for students and teachers?
A: Face masks are optional for both students and Harmony team members, but are strongly recommended. Physical distancing may be maintained to the extent possible. Hand sanitizer will be provided, and students will be encouraged to practice frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, and physical distancing. Teachers will sanitize high-touch areas in the classroom when necessary. Because the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving, we may update protocols as the situation dictates.
Q: My child struggled with virtual learning, and I am concerned they are academically behind. How will Harmony help my child regain academic progress?
A: We understand that some students struggled last year. Our educational teams are here to diagnose learning loss and provide an intervention plan to address it. This will include regular Response to Intervention (RTI) system implementation, after school tutoring, small group instruction, Saturday school, and summer school options.
Q: My child excelled with virtual learning last year. Will they be academically challenged this year?
A: Yes! We will continue to provide rigorous instruction with differentiated options for students including emphasis on college and career readiness.
Q: Will extracurricular activities resume this year?
A: Yes! We anticipate all extracurricular activities to resume for students, including academic clubs, athletics, fine arts, UIL, competitions, etc. Check the Clubs page of your campus website throughout the year for new clubs and extracurriculars.
Q: After a year out of the classroom, how will students and staff be supported in transitioning back to a social setting?
A: Harmony will provide mental health support to our students and staff during and after the back to school transition period. Each campus will utilize a Behavioral Counselor and implement support systems to ensure all students and staff receive the help they need.
Q: Where can I apply for free or reduced price meals?
A: All students eat FREE this year at all schools! Your child will automatically receive their free meal(s) each day in your campus cafeteria. You may, however, still be asked to complete a Free & Reduced Meal eligibility form once the school year starts, as this plays a crucial role in determining the amount of federal and state funding your child’s school may receive.
Q: What safety protocols will be in place during breakfast and lunch?
A: Cafeteria teams will continue to clean and sanitize dining areas. Physical distancing will be maintained to the extent possible. Students will sanitize their hands before and after eating, and will not be allowed to share food or utensils. Harmony will maintain adult supervision in the cafeteria to reinforce mealtime safety measures.
Q: Will water fountains be available for students?
A: Students will have access to touchless water fountains and are encouraged to bring their own reusable clear water bottles to use throughout the day. Water bottles should be taken home daily to be cleaned.
Q: What if my child displays symptoms of COVID-19 while at school?
A: The teacher will immediately call the Health Aide, who will pick up the student from the classroom and place the student in isolation to minimize interaction. The school Health Aide will communicate with the parent/guardian, and the student will be sent home. The student may not return to school until clearance is given by the school Health Aide. Additional guidance on the criteria that must be met prior to the student’s return to school is located in the Harmony Public Schools Back to School Playbook, 2021-2022.
Q: Should I notify the school if my child tested positive for COVID-19 or was in close contact with someone who tested positive?
A: Yes, families will self-report within 48 hours to the Health Aide if their child(ren) tested positive for COVID-19 or if they believe the child(ren) has been in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Q: How will I be notified if my child is exposed to COVID-19 at school?
A: If classroom exposure occurs, families will be notified via letter home, call, or school messaging services and the classroom will be sanitized.
Q: May I visit my child’s school?
A: Harmony always welcomes visitors to campuses and district offices, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic we will implement some limitations to minimize risk. Visitors will check in through the front office security system, and we will continue utilization of temperature checks. All visitors should complete a self-check before entering a school building, and visitors with COVID symptoms should NOT enter school buildings or offices.
2021 Summer Reading and Writing Assignments
Parents and scholars, please see the link below for all the incoming 6th-12th grade summer reading and writing assignments.
2021 Summer Reading Assignments
2021-2022 Academic Calendar
Please see our most updated District Academic Calendar by clicking on the link below.
2021-2022 Brownsville Calendar One-Pager
2021-2022 School Supply Lists
Please find all of our Middle and High school supply lists by clicking on the link below.
2021-2022 HSI-B School Supply Lists
Harmony Public Schools announces compensation increases for all teachers, team members
The Harmony Public Schools Executive Board unanimously approved a systemwide compensation increase for its 4,000+ teachers and team members across Texas.
Harmony teachers and other education professionals will receive between $4,000-$7,500 per year in additional compensation beginning the 2021-22 school year for a total annual system investment of roughly $15 million.
“The obstacles our schools have overcome the past two years have shown the profound impact that highly-qualified, highly-dedicated teachers can have on positive student outcomes,” Harmony CEO Fatih Ay said. “Opportunities like this are just one way we are showing our appreciation for all that our team members have contributed the past two years and for all the hard work still to come.”
The compensation increase comes in two parts:
A $2,000-$5,500 base pay increase for teachers and education professionals. The exact amount varies by community based on local market pay scales (see chart below).
A $2,000 across-the-board “Acceleration Stipend” for all teachers and professional employees.
All non-exempt (i.e. hourly) employees also will receive a raise of at least $1/hour, with some employees receiving $2/hour or more increases depending on position and location. With these increases, no full-time hourly worker in the Harmony system will earn less than $15/hour.
The increase was the third occasion in the past two school years in which Harmony announced a major improvement to employee compensation and benefits.
In January 2021, Harmony announced a sweeping upgrade of its employer-paid benefits that provided free vision and dental plans to all full-time employees, introduced matching retirement plan contributions for 403(b) and (457(b) participants, and increased life insurance payouts from $20,000 to $100,000.
In Summer 2019, Harmony also announced statewide base pay increases for employees ranging from $3,500-$5,000, as well as additional stipends for teachers working in hard-to-staff subjects.
Harmony also was selected by the Texas Education Agency in 2020 among its first round of Teacher Incentive Allotment recipients, which provided annual bonuses for a select group of high-performing educators.
“Our teachers are always looking for new ways to invest in their students, so it’s important to Harmony as a school system to always find new opportunities to invest in our teachers,” Ay said. “Whether its compensation or benefits increases like these, or professional development opportunities that help team members grow their personal skillset or advance their careers, we believe that an investment in our people is among the best investments we can make.”
Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with campuses serving PreK-Grade 12 students in 23 cities across the state, including Greater Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont, and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness.
Harmony Public Schools is currently accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year for both students and team members.
About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are 58 high performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 58 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.
Harmony families may qualify for financial benefits for summer food through P-EBT program
This letter is for families with:
• Children who are certified for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
• Children who attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or Provision 2 (P2) school that offers free meals to all students.*
• Children born after Aug. 1, 2014, in families who received SNAP benefits for at least one month between October 2020 and June 2021.
*Contact your child’s school if you have questions about the school’s participation in these programs.
If you do not meet at least one of the requirements listed above, your child is not eligible for the P-EBT benefits described below.
Enrolled students (up to 21 years of age) in families that temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals for the 2020–2021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to receive Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT). P-EBT benefits can be used to buy food from any retailer that accepts the Lone Star Card.
The application for P-EBT will open June 2, 2021. Go to yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/PEBT to apply.
The application link is case-sensitive. The deadline to apply is Aug. 13, 2021.
Who Needs to Apply?
A parent/guardian must apply if eligible child is:
o Enrolled in K-12 and NOT part of a family who received SNAP benefits for at least one
month between August 2020 and June 2021.
o Born on or before Aug. 1, 2014, and is part of a family who received SNAP benefits for the first time during the 2020–2021 school year in May or June 2021.
• A parent/guardian does not have to apply if eligible child is:
o Born on or before Aug. 1, 2014, and is part of a family who received SNAP benefits for at least one month between August 2020 and April 2021.
o Born after Aug. 1, 2014, and is part of a family who received SNAP benefits for at least one month between October 2020 and June 2021.
For more information about eligibility, applying and getting your P-EBT benefits, visit hhs.texas.gov/pebt, or call the P-EBT Call Center at 833-442-1255, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–6
p.m. Central time.
Esta carta es para las familias con:
• Niños que están aprobados para recibir comidas gratuitas o a precio reducido a través del Programa Nacional de Almuerzos Escolares (NSLP).
• Niños que asisten a una escuela beneficiaria de la Cláusula de Elegibilidad Comunitaria (CEP) o a una escuela de la Cláusula 2 (P2) que ofrece comidas gratuitas a todos los estudiantes.*
• Niños nacidos después del 1 de agosto de 2014 en familias que recibieron beneficios de SNAP durante al menos un mes entre octubre de 2020 y junio de 2021.
*Comuníquese con la escuela de su hijo si tiene preguntas sobre la participación de la escuela en estos programas.
Si usted no cumple con al menos uno de los requisitos mencionados anteriormente, su hijo no puede recibir los beneficios de P-EBT descritos a continuación.
Estimado padre o tutor,
Los estudiantes matriculados (hasta los 21 años de edad) de familias que perdieron temporalmente el acceso a las comidas escolares gratuitas o de precio reducido para el año escolar 2020-2021 debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 podrían reunir los requisitos para recibir la Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios durante la Pandemia (P-EBT). Los beneficios de P-EBT pueden usarse para comprar alimentos en cualquier tienda que acepte la tarjeta Lone Star.
La presentación de solicitudes para P-EBT se abrirá el 2 de junio de 2021. Visite yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/PEBT (en inglés) para presentar la solicitud. El enlace para la solicitud distingue entre mayúsculas y minúsculas. La fecha límite para presentar la solicitud es el 13 de agosto de 2021.
¿Quién debe presentar la solicitud?
Un padre o tutor deberá presentar la solicitud si el niño que reúne los requisitos:
o Está matriculado en K-12 y NO pertenece a una familia que recibió beneficios de SNAP durante al menos un mes entre agosto de 2020 y junio de 2021.
o Nació el 1 de agosto de 2014 o antes y pertenece a una familia que recibió beneficios de SNAP por primera vez durante el año escolar 2020-2021 en mayo o junio de 2021.
• Un padre o tutor no tiene que presentar la solicitud si el niño que reúne los requisitos:
o Nació el 1 de agosto de 2014 o antes y pertenece a una familia que recibió beneficios de SNAP durante al menos un mes entre agosto de 2020 y abril de 2021.
o Nació después del 1 de agosto de 2014 y pertenece a una familia que recibió beneficios de SNAP durante al menos un mes entre octubre de 2020 y junio de 2021.
Para más información sobre los requisitos, la presentación de la solicitud y cómo recibir sus beneficios de P-EBT, visite hhs.texas.gov/es/pebt, o llame al Centro de llamadas de P-EBT al 833-442-1255, de lunes a viernes, de 8 a.m. a 6 p.m. hora del centro.
Kendra Scott to donate 20 percent of jewelry sales to Harmony Public Schools ‘COVID-19 Gap Fund’
Harmony Public Schools is excited to announce a new partnership with Texas’ favorite designer jewelry brand Kendra Scott.
As part of the brand’s “Shop for Good” community initiative, Kendra Scott will be donating 20 percent of all sales during a two-day event in May to Harmony’s COVID-19 Gap Fund, which supports teachers and student families struggling with financial uncertainty due to COVID-19.
To participate, simply purchase any item from select Kendra Scott stores from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 4 or online at KendraScott.com anytime May 4 & 5, and have 20% of your purchase automatically donated to the HPS COVID-19 Gap Fund when you use promo code “GIVEBACK-1D9P” at checkout.
To learn more or RSVP in order to receive reminders, visit https://www.HarmonyTX.org/KendraScott.
Participating Texas store locations include (5-7 p.m. May 4 only):
AUSTIN
• The Domain: 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX
• Lamar: 3800 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX
• South Congress: 1701 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX
DFW
• ClearFork: 5217 Marathon Ave, Fort Worth, TX
• Preston Center: 8383 Preston Center, Dallas, TX
• Highland Village: 1500 Cottonwood Creek, Highland Village, TX
• Plano: 5800 Legacy Dr, Plano, TX
EL PASO
• La Villita: 6801 North Mesa Street, El Paso, TX
HOUSTON
• Bay Brook: 700 Baybrook Mall, Friendswood, TX
• City Centre: 806 Town & Country, Houston, TX
• Cypress: 9945 Barker Cypress, Cypress, TX
• Highland Village: 2701 A Drexel Dr Houston, TX
• Katy: 23501 Cinco Ranch, Katy, TX
• Sugar Land: 16535 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX
ODESSA
• Commons at North Park: 2900 Loop 250 Frontage Road, Midland, TX
SAN ANTONIO
• The Quarry: 310 E Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX
• La Cantera: 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX
SHOP ONLINE USING PROMO CODE GIVEBACK-1D9P (May 4 & 5):
https://www.KendraScott.com
About Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott is a leading jewelry brand named for its founder Kendra Scott, a single mom from Texas who created a fashion empire by making and selling jewelry from her home. The brand now has store locations in almost every state and three countries (though their headquarters are still right here in Texas). Their founder is also well known for her frequent appearances as an investor on TV’s “Shark Tank.”
About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are 58 high performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 58 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.
Join us for Math Madness Awareness Week
We invite all students to participate in Math Madness as each day of the week will have a different activity. Please share your everyday project pictures with your teachers or you may email them to gbetancourt@harmonytx.org. We can’t wait to see the skills and creativity in our Wildcat scholars!
Waiver of the Student Success Initiative (SSI) Promotion Requirements
The purpose of this announcement is to inform our HPS communities about changes to the Student Success Initiative (SSI) promotion/retention and retesting requirements for the 2020–2021 school year. In light of past and anticipated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commissioner of Education has waived grade promotion requirements for students in fifth and eighth grade for the 2020–2021 school year. Notwithstanding anything the contrary in prior policy or procedure, Harmony Public Schools will comply with the Commissioner’s waiver of SSI requirements for this school year.
For additional information, please click on this link to review TEA’s correspondence in regards to the matter: Waiver of the Student Success Initiative (SSI) Promotion Requirements)
Rescheduled Title 1 Parent Meeting-March 4, 2021
Hello Harmony families,
We had to reschedule our previous Title 1 meeting for this Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. We hope that you can join us for this great session. Please click on this link,
https://harmonytx.zoom.us/j/81663010651 to join us.
We look forward to seeing you!
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Hola familias de Harmony,
Tuvimos que reprogramar nuestra reunión anterior de Título 1 para este jueves 4 de marzo de 2021 a las 5:00 p.m. Esperamos que pueda acompañarnos en esta gran sesión. Haga clic en este enlace, https://harmonytx.zoom.us/j/81663010651 para unirse a nosotros.
¡Esperamos verte!
11th Grade Parent Meeting-March 3, 2021
Dear 11th grade parents and scholars,
Please join us for this important and informative meeting via Zoom. Meeting link will be emailed to all parents and scholars. If you have any questions, please contact our 11th grade counselor, Ms. C. Guajardo by email at claudia.guajardo@harmonytx.org.
Parent Title 1 Meeting
Please join us for our annual Title 1 meeting today at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom, the link is found below. If you have any questions in regards to this meeting please contact Mr. Javier Flores at javier.flores@harmonytx.org
https://harmonytx.zoom.us/j/86478557540
Charro Days Dress Up Week
We welcome all of our Wildcats to dress up this week to celebrate our annual Charro Days week. This week would usually be filled with many fun activities throughout the city but due to our current pandemic they have been cancelled. Let’s dust off some of our costumes and show our pride. Please email pictures to Ms. Betancourt, gbetancourt@harmonytx.org.
School Enrollment Lottery
The school enrollment lottery has been moved to Tuesday, February 23rd at 1:00 p.m. All San Antonio district applicants will receive an access code via email. If you are not able to attend this session or have any questions in regards to this lottery event or enrollment, please contact our campus student recruiter, Ms. Monica Delgado at monica.delgado@harmonytx.org.
Enrollment Lottery: Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 1 p.m.
Parent/Teacher Conference Sign Up Links
Parents and Guardians,
we will be having our Parent/Teacher conferences on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Please click on the links below to register with your child’s teachers. If for any reason a specific time slot you need is not available, please email the specific teacher to set up a separate conference. For any questions, please contact our campus office at 956-544-1348.
Padres y tutores,
tendremos nuestras conferencias de padres y maestros el viernes 19 de febrero de 2021 de 3: 00-5: 00 p.m. Haga clic en los enlaces a continuación para registrarse con los maestros de su hijo. Si por alguna razón un horario específico que necesita no está disponible, envíe un correo electrónico al maestro específico para programar una conferencia por separado. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con la oficina de nuestra escuela al 956-544-1348.
We’re Hiring!
Harmony Public Schools is recruiting talented, compassionate bilingual teachers dedicated to helping every student succeed. Harmony offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a commitment to excellence in the classroom.
Interested applicants may apply online by clicking here.
Early College High School Program
Harmony Public Schools employees receive major benefits upgrade
Teachers and other staff members of Harmony Public Schools will receive a major upgrade to their employer-paid benefits package after the Harmony Public Schools Executive Board unanimously approved a sweeping new benefits expansion.
The package will go into effect later this spring with the start of Harmony’s annual benefits enrollment period, and includes new employer-paid benefits related to health care, retirement, and life insurance.
“The past year, the world has seen the true value of our teachers and team members in a way they never have before,” Harmony Public Schools CEO Fatih Ay said. “These professionals who take such good care of our students deserve to know that they are being taken care of, as well – both their immediate needs and their long-term needs. So we are excited to be able to offer them an additional set of benefits that saves them money on their health care costs each month, while also helping them prepare for their retirement down the road.”
The new benefits include:
MATCHING RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS: Exempt employees can receive 100% matching contribution to employee 403(b) and/or 457(b) plan, up to $1,500 annually depending on tenure of service. This is in addition to employee’s TRS Retirement System Benefits.
FREE VISION: Free vision care for employees.
FREE DENTAL: Free dental care for employees.
INCREASED FREE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY: Free $100,000 life insurance policy for all Exempt employees.
The package amounts to a roughly $2.4 million estimated increase in annual expenditure on employer-paid benefits for the Texas-based school system. However, Harmony Public Schools CEO Fatih Ay said the investment was worth it because of the positive impact on employee quality of life, work-life balance, and workplace satisfaction.
“The investments with the best returns are always the investment made in people,” Ay said. “We’ll continue to make these kinds of investments on behalf of our employees as often as we can.”
The expansion was the fourth major announcement related to employee benefits made by Harmony in the past year. The school system also announced two employee bonuses last year, as well as a promise to continue independently offering the now-expired federal COVID-19 leave benefits for impacted employees.
For a full list of Harmony Public Schools employer-paid and supplemental benefits, please visit https://www.harmonytx.org/benefits.
Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with campuses serving PreK-Grade 12 students in 23 cities across the state, including Greater Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont, and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness.
Harmony Public Schools is currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year for both students and team members.
About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are 58 high performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 58 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.
PLTW Pathway Informative Sessions for 8th graders
Zoom Meeting Link: https://harmonytx.zoom.us/j/84653309348
Re-Enrollment Assistance Drive-Thru
Dear Wildcat Parents,
There is still time to fill out your child’s re enrollment application. If you are in need of assistance, no need to worry, we are here to help. Please come by our campus, Saturday, January 16, 2021 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. We will have staff members ready to help you complete and submit the application. Please be sure to bring the proof of residence that will need to be uploaded.
We will also be assisting with any chromebook issues your child may be experiencing. Please make sure to bring the chromebook and device charger.
**There will be no need to get off your vehicle, this is a drive-thru process. Everyone will remain in the vehicle and everyone must wear a face covering.**
If you have any questions, please contact our student recruiter, Ms. Monica Delgado at (956) 544-1348 or by email at monica.delgado@harmonytx.org.
Re-enrollment drive thru Poster
8th Grade Transition Night
Dear Parents and Scholars,
Our counseling department will be hosting a virtual meeting with future 9th graders to discuss some important topics such as:
*Transition to High School, *Graduation Plans, *Career Pathways, and much, much more.
For any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Mosri at (956) 544-1348 ext. 408 or by email at fmosri@harmonytx.org.
Please join our Zoom meeting by clicking the link below:
https://harmonytx.zoom.us/j/84653309348
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Announcement!
In accordance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented students, Harmony Public Schools will begin taking referrals for all interested students in grades K-12 for Gifted and Talented (G/T) screening.
Anyone interested in the educational welfare of these students may nominate them for assessment. Students in grades 2 & up who were tested in Fall 2020 are not eligible to test in Spring 2021. Referral forms are available at the front office and on the school’s website.
Referral Form (English): Parent GT Referral Form in English
Referral Form (Spanish): Parent GT Referral Form in Spanish
The referral forms must be returned to the front office by Monday, February 8, 2021. The Spring GT testing window is set by the campus in February or March. Campuses may elect to use NWEA MAP scores as a prescreening criterion for GT Testing.
For more information about the screening and identification process, parents may contact the school’s GT Coach/teacher.
Educación para estudiantes dotados/talentosos (GATE) Anuncio
De acuerdo con el Plan Estatal de Texas para la Educación de Estudiantes Dotados / Talentosos, Harmony Public Schools comenzará a tomar referencias para todos los estudiantes interesados en los grados K-12 para la evaluación de estudiantes dotados y talentosos.
Cualquier persona interesada en el bienestar educativo de estos estudiantes puede nominarlos para dicha evaluación. Los estudiantes en los grados 2 y superiores que fueron evaluados en el otoño de 2020 no son elegibles para la prueba en la primavera de 2021. Los formularios de referencia están disponibles en la oficina y en el sitio web de la escuela.
Forma de nominación: Parent GT Referral Form in Spanish
Los formularios de referencia deben devolverse a la oficina de la escuela antes del lunes 8 de febrero del 2021.
Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de selección e identificación, los padres pueden comunicarse con el entrenador / maestro de GT de la escuela.
Harmony extends expired federal COVID-19 benefits for all employees
On the first school day after important federal workplace safeguards expired for millions of Americans, Harmony Public Schools’ Executive Board voted to independently provide the much-needed benefits to its 4,000+ employees.
The benefits previously were part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), a federal program which provided American workers a number of workplace safeguards related to COVID-19. Primarily, the benefits included up to 10 Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) days if an employee was unable to work due to COVID-19 diagnosis, symptoms, possible exposure, or required quarantine for themselves, a family member, or child care provider.
Those federal benefits expired December 31, 2020. However, The Harmony Public Schools’ Executive Board voted at an emergency meeting Monday night, January 4, to independently extend the same benefits to employees throughout the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.
“The Harmony board felt this action was not only an important thing to do, but the right thing to do for our staff and their families,” Harmony CEO Fatih Ay said in a letter to employees Tuesday. “By offering these benefits, our team members can know that their jobs and livelihoods will not be impacted if they need to seek treatment for COVID-19 or stay home with possible symptoms. Additionally, our student families also can know that Harmony is doing all it can to take care of the team members who take care of their students, and reduce potential COVID-19 exposure on campus.”
On the first school day after important federal workplace safeguards expired for millions of Americans, Harmony Public Schools’ Executive Board voted to independently provide the much-needed benefits to its 4,000+ employees.
Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with campuses serving PreK-12 students in 23 cities across the state, including Greater Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont, and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness.
The school system has committed to offering both in-person and remote learning options for students throughout the 2020-2021 school year, and is now accepting applications for new students for the 2021-22 school year.
About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are 58 high performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 58 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.
2019–20 School Report Card
Holiday Meal Distribution on December 18th and 28th
Meals will be distributed on December 18th and 28th, each distribution date will provide 5 days worth of meals. All meals are available for children 18 years of age or younger.
*while supplies last*
Title III ESL Virtual Meeting
Character-Trunk or Treat Drive-Thru Parade
Red Ribbon Spirit Week
At Harmony we pledge to be drug free. Join us as we celebrate being ‘Drug Free” with our spirit week from October 26-October 30, 2020. Each day is a unique dress up day, we hope to see everyone participate. Please upload your pictures on our Facebook page or they can be emailed to Ms. Betancourt at gbetancourt@harmonytx.org.
Bully Prevention Spirit Week
U.S. Department of Education awards Harmony $27.8 million grant
(TEXAS) – On the eve of National Principals Month, the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $27.8 million Teacher and School Leader Incentive grant to Harmony Public Schools to train, equip, and retain top-level school leaders at its campuses across the state.
This project will strengthen and evolve Harmony’s existing Human Capital Management System, developed through a previous Department of Education grant project (Teacher Incentive Fund, 2016), to more explicitly focus on strengthening instructional leadership by better positioning and supporting current and rising principals and instructional leadership teams to excel and remain in their roles—especially in high-need schools. Harmony has 50 schools designated as high-needs throughout the state.
The project design draws on proven research showing that strong instructional leadership improves educator effectiveness, which, in turn, accelerates growth in student outcomes.
“Great schools require great leadership,” said Harmony CEO Fatih Ay. “That’s why one of our highest priorities at Harmony Public Schools is to equip our principals and other school leaders with the tools they need to build cultures of achievement, character, and community at their campuses.”
Harmony was one of only 13 school systems in the country to receive the DOE grant and the largest of three Texas recipients.
“Great teachers deserve to be treated as the professionals they are and to be compensated accordingly,” U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in a statement Wednesday, September 1. “All too often, though, they lack access to relevant professional development courses and are compensated on a step-scale ladder that treats them like cogs in a machine instead of as individuals with unique talents and interests. We’ve challenged today’s awardees to rethink all of that, and they have risen to the challenge.”
The new funding brings the total amount awarded to Harmony by the Department of Education within the past few years to $92.5 million.
“Great principals and school leaders, given their unique talents and devotion to their teachers and students, should receive the support they need to continue to be successful,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education for Elementary and Secondary Education Frank Brogan. “Under the Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program, the U.S. Department of Education provides assistance to school districts that are rethinking how to strengthen instructional leadership to make sure principals and leadership teams are well equipped to support their teachers and students. I look forward to seeing how the grant funds are utilized by Harmony Public Schools.”
Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with campuses serving PreK-Grade 12 students in 23 cities across the state, including Greater Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont, and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness. In 2020, Harmony hadall 23 high school campuses named among the Best High Schools in America by U.S. News and World Report, 13 named to the Best STEM High Schools in America by Newsweek, and earned two National School of Character recognitions from Character.org.
Harmony Public Schools is currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year for both students and team members.
About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are 58 high performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 58 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.
Harmony Public Schools hosts HPS Reading Challenge
Reading skills are foundational to educational success for all students.
Encouraging students to read more improves their skills and promotes a love of reading they can continue throughout their educational years and into adulthood.
That’s why Harmony Public Schools is hosting a fall Reading Challenge for all students in all campuses.
Join your classmates from across your campus and across the state from Monday, September 21, 2020 though Sunday, January 3, 2021 as together we show our love for reading and discover new and exciting ideas, authors, and stories through our favorite books.
Along the way, we’ll recognize our top readers and campuses each month, share favorite book picks, and ask for your reviews on some of your favorite reads.
The reading challenges by grade are:
Kindergarten – Grade 2
20 Books
Grade 3-5
10 Novels
3 Fiction
3 Nonfiction
1 Poetry
3 Student Choice
Grade 6-8
12 Novels
4 Fiction
4 Nonfiction
1 Poetry
3 Student Choice
Grade 9-12
14 Novels
5 Fiction
4 Nonfiction
1 Poetry
4 Student Choice
Share your favorite reads on social media by tagging Harmony and using the hashtag #HarmonyReads.
Virtual Home Visits
Dear HSI-B Families:
Have you been contacted about having a Virtual Home Visit? We would really love to visit you and your family. If you have not already been contacted and would like to schedule a visit, please reach out to your student’s classroom teacher so that we can make this happen!
The purpose of the home visit program is to build relationships between the school and the home, informing parents of student specific classroom information, as well as various programs and school events that are available. Teachers are making home visits in order to better meet the needs of students and the family. By working together, a relationship through which dreams, expectations, and tools regarding the child’s academic success can be shared.
Thank you and we look forward to meeting with you soon.
Parent/Teacher Conference Sign Up Closed
Parents and Guardians, we have closed the sign up forms for today’s parent teacher conference. If you would like to schedule a meeting, please send an email to your child’s teacher. Thank you
Labor Day-No Virtual Classes
Dear Parents and Guardians,
There will be no virtual classes on Monday, September 7, 2020 in observance of Labor Day. All class sessions will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. We hope you have a safe and restful 3-day weekend.
Queridos padres y guardianes,
No habrá clases virtuales el lunes 7 de septiembre de 2020 en observancia del Día del Trabajo. Todas las sesiones de clase se reanudarán el martes 8 de septiembre de 2020. Esperamos que tenga un fin de semana de 3 días seguro y tranquilo.
GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) Announcement!
In accordance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented students, Harmony Public Schools will begin taking referrals for kindergarten and newly- enrolled students in grades 1-12 for gifted and talented screening. Anyone interested in the educational welfare of these students may refer them for assessment. Referral forms are available on the school’s website. Read more
August 2020 ESL Newsletter
In Need of Headphones, We can Help!
Videos: Meet the Teacher-All Grade Levels
Dear Parents and Scholars,
if for some reason or another you were not able to login into our Meet the Teacher meeting session, you may go back and view them by clicking on the proper gradel level link below.
Thank you.
Estimados padres y académicos,
Si por alguna razón u otra no pudo iniciar sesión en nuestra sesión de reunión Meet the Teacher (conozca al maestro), puede regresar y verlos haciendo clic en el enlace de nivel de grado correspondiente a continuación.
Gracias.
6th Grade Meet the Teacher
7th Grade Meet the Teacher
8th Grade Meet the Teacher
9th Grade Meet the Teacher
10th Grade Meet the Teacher
11/12 Grade Meet the Teacher
Video: Back to School Town Hall Meeting-Aug. 5, 2020
Dear parents,
below you will find the link to our back to school town hall meeting that took place on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 just in case you missed it or were unable to login.
Queridos padres,
A continuación, encontrará el enlace a nuestra reunión del ayuntamiento de regreso a la escuela que tuvo lugar el miércoles 5 de agosto de 2020 en caso de que se lo perdiera o no pudiera iniciar sesión.
Town Hall video link
Video: Virtual Orientation-Aug. 13, 2020
Dear parents,
below you will find the link to our virtual orientation that took place on Thursday, August 13, 2020 just in case you missed it or were unable to login.
Queridos padres,
A continuación encontrará el enlace a nuestra orientación virtual que tomó lugar el jueves 13 de agosto de 2020 en caso de que se lo haya perdido o no puedo iniciar sesión.
Virtual Orientation link
Last days for Chromebook pick-up
Dear HSI-B family,
If for some reason you were not able to pick-up your child’s Chromebook and consumables, we have good news, we have two extra days for you to come on by.
Estimada familia de HSI-B,
Si por alguna razón no pudo recoger el Chromebook y los consumibles de su hijo/a, tenemos buenas noticias, tenemos dos días adicionales para que venga.
Meet the Teacher
Dear HSI-B family,
all meeting links will be emailed the day before the meetings take place. You may want to check your Spam folder. We ask that you please register your email in your Skyward account.
Queridos familiares de HSI-B ,
Todos los enlaces de las reuniones se enviarán por correo electrónico el día anterior a las reuniones. Por favor de checar su carpeta de Spam para comprobar que no le llego ahi . Le pedimos que registre su correo electrónico en su cuenta de Skyward.
Virtual Orientation
School Cafe Lunch Application
Dear HSI-B Parents and guardians,
The 2020 – 2021 lunch application is now available on School Cafe for completion. You may visit www.schoolcafe.com to apply online with last years credentials. For any questions or concerns you may contact Ms. Roman at croman@harmonytx.org or by telephone at 956-544-1348.
Thank you,
HSI – Brownsville
Estimados padres y tutores de HSI-B,
La solicitud de lonche para el año escolar de 2020 – 2021 está disponible en School Cafe para completar. Puede visitar www.schoolcafe.com para solicitar en línea con las credenciales del año pasado. Para cualquier pregunta o inquietud, puede comunicarse con la Sra. Roman a croman@harmonytx.org o por telefono al 956-544-1348.
Gracias,
HSI – Brownsville
Updated Academic Calendar
Dear Harmony Families,
we’d like to share our most updated academic calendar.
Estimadas familias de Harmony:
Nos gustaría compartir nuestro calendario académico más actualizado.
Harmony Public Schools Reopening FAQ: Operations & Health
Note: This document is intended as a simplified version of our Harmony Public Schools “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.” For further information or clarification on any topic, please refer to the Playbook.
When will campuses re-open?
As of August 1, 2020, campuses are scheduled to open Tuesday, September 8 for in-person learning to those students who wish to attend in person. Families may also elect to continue learning in a virtual setting from home.
Could the campus reopening date change?
Possibly. Harmony Public Schools is closely following guidance from the Texas Education Agency, public health officials, and others in determining when to reopen our campuses. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our students, team members, and communities while preserving academic continuity for our learners.
What safety measures will be in place when campuses open?
Harmony is instituting a wide variety of health protocols, which are described in detail in “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.” Among the new measures are:
How often will the campus and/or my student’s work station be cleaned and disinfected.
At the end of the day, custodial services will clean and sanitize all desk surfaces including seat, chair back, desk, any dividers if available with soap and water or all-purpose cleaning agents and sanitizers that meet state and local food safety regulations. Staff, including teachers, may also perform more frequent cleanings throughout the day, as needed.
What happens if a child or staff member attending school on-campus tests positive for COVID-19, is exposed to someone who is positive, or displays symptoms of COVID-19?
If the person is on-campus, they will be immediately removed from the classroom setting. For students, parents will be notified immediately and required to pick up their child within one hour. For staff members, employees will be asked to leave the campus immediately.
Before returning to campus, the student or staff members must self-quarantine until the following criteria are met:
If physically able, the student can continue classwork from home using HPS online learning system.
For more information on quarantine measures, including requirements for specific scenarios, see the “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.”
Can parents their child at school during the school day?
Harmony is asking parents to limit visits to campus only to necessary appointments which cannot be done through virtual meetings. Harmony requests that all in-person visits be scheduled in advance. All visitors who enter the building will be required to wear a face covering and those who proceed beyond the reception area (pre-arranged and approved appointments) will follow campus guidelines for visitors.
How do I purchase uniforms for the new school year?
Uniforms can be ordered online using the Revtrak online ordering site listed on your campus website. Uniforms will be available to pick up once campuses reopen. Campuses will remain flexible with the enforcement of uniform policies until families are given an appropriate amount of time to order and pick up uniforms. Students will not be required to wear uniforms for online learning.
Will drop-off and pick-up change?
Yes. Both drop-off and pick-up times will be staggered to limit potential cross-exposure among persons.
What will lunchtime and breakfast look like?
Lunch will be served in the classrooms, however breakfast may be served either in the classrooms or in the cafeteria based on the number of students attending in-person. If eating in the cafeteria, students will be socially distanced.
Before and after meals or snacks all students and staff will also be able to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.
Can I eat lunch with my child on campus?
At this time, due to COVID-19, parents and visitors will not be permitted to visit students during mealtimes.
Can I bring lunch to my child on campus?
Parents bringing food during the school day is prohibited. Students who forget their lunch will be provided a school meal.
Harmony Public Schools Reopening FAQ: Operations & Health
Note: This document is intended as a simplified version of our Harmony Public Schools “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.” For further information or clarification on any topic, please refer to the Playbook.
When will campuses re-open?
As of August 1, 2020, campuses are scheduled to open Tuesday, September 8 for in-person learning to those students who wish to attend in person. Families may also elect to continue learning in a virtual setting from home.
Could the campus reopening date change?
Possibly. Harmony Public Schools is closely following guidance from the Texas Education Agency, public health officials, and others in determining when to reopen our campuses. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our students, team members, and communities while preserving academic continuity for our learners.
What safety measures will be in place when campuses open?
Harmony is instituting a wide variety of health protocols, which are described in detail in “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.” Among the new measures are:
How often will the campus and/or my student’s work station be cleaned and disinfected.
At the end of the day, custodial services will clean and sanitize all desk surfaces including seat, chair back, desk, any dividers if available with soap and water or all-purpose cleaning agents and sanitizers that meet state and local food safety regulations. Staff, including teachers, may also perform more frequent cleanings throughout the day, as needed.
What happens if a child or staff member attending school on-campus tests positive for COVID-19, is exposed to someone who is positive, or displays symptoms of COVID-19?
Anyone displaying the signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should follow below self-quarantine policy:
Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with Positive Testing
The following criteria must be met in FULL:
at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
at least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with Negative Testing or MD Note
If an individual has symptoms of COVID-19 and wants to return to campus before completing the above stay at home period, the following criteria must be met in FULL:
Either obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis OR obtain a negative COVID-19 test AND
at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications).
Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with No Testing and No U.S. Based Medical Provider’s Note
The following criteria must be met in FULL:
at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
at least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Proof of negative COVID tests or U.S. based medical provider’s alternative diagnosis delivered to campus health staff or registrar if no health staff is available OR
when all three of the following criteria are met:
At least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
The individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
At least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
For more information on quarantine measures, including requirements for specific scenarios, see the “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.”
Can parents visit their child at school during the school day?
Harmony is asking parents to limit visits to campus only to necessary appointments which cannot be done through virtual meetings. Harmony requests that all in-person visits be scheduled in advance. All visitors who enter the building will be required to wear a face covering and those who proceed beyond the reception area (pre-arranged and approved appointments) will follow campus guidelines for visitors.
How do I purchase uniforms for the new school year?
Uniforms can be ordered online using the Revtrak online ordering site listed on your campus website. Uniforms will be available to pick up once campuses reopen. Campuses will remain flexible with the enforcement of uniform policies until families are given an appropriate amount of time to order and pick up uniforms. Students will not be required to wear uniforms for online learning.
Will drop-off and pick-up change?
Yes. Both drop-off and pick-up times will be staggered to limit potential cross-exposure among persons.
What will lunchtime and breakfast look like?
Lunch will be served in the classrooms, however breakfast may be served either in the classrooms or in the cafeteria based on the number of students attending in-person. If eating in the cafeteria, students will be socially distanced.
Before and after meals or snacks all students and staff will also be able to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.
Can I eat lunch with my child on campus?
At this time, due to COVID-19, parents and visitors will not be permitted to visit students during mealtimes.
Can I bring lunch to my child on campus?
Parents bringing food during the school day is prohibited. Students who forget their lunch will be provided a school meal.
Harmony Public Schools Reopening FAQ: Academics
Note: This document is intended as a simplified version of our Harmony Public Schools “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.” For further information or clarification on any topic, please refer to the Playbook.
What do I need to learn from home?
Students will need access to a computer device and the internet to complete schoolwork from home. Students without consistent access to either may receive them from their Harmony campus. Campuses will begin distributing them via drive-through pick-ups starting the first week of August. Additionally, students may find that headphones, especially noise-canceling headphones, are helpful for online learning, however they are not required.
Will I need to shop for school supplies?
Yes. All students regardless of learning location (i.e. home or campus) will be completing assignments alongside their peers using the supplies listed by their campus.
Is anything different about online learning this year?
Yes, quite a bit. Harmony has upgraded its online learning by switching to a new system called Schoology. Through Schoology, students will be able to interact and engage with their teachers and peers in real-time throughout the school day to provide and more advanced and enriching school experience. Families will also have full access to grades, progress reports, assignments, classroom learning materials, calendars, and more from within the Schoology platform, providing a simple one-stop-shop for all things related to their student’s learning experience. Students and families will receive more instruction on accessing and logging into Schoology as classes begin.
Will online learners be taught differently than on-campus learners?
No. All students will be taught using the same material and at the same pace by the same Harmony teacher. In most cases, online learners will be taught simultaneously alongside their on-campus peers, unless the student is taking part in asynchronous learning (i.e independent learning outside normal school hours).
How will grades be calculated?
Grades will be counted on the traditional 0-100 scale. The “pass/fail” grading system that was implemented out of necessity during the Spring 2020 semester will not be used.
What hours of the day will online classes be taught?
Your campus will announce the specific schedule for your student, but generally speaking, classes will be taught online in real-time by their teachers during normal school hours (instructional minutes may vary by grade, according to Texas Education Agency requirements). This is called “synchronous learning.” A sample schedule can be found in the Harmony “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.” Students needing to learn outside this timeframe can choose to learn independently. This is called “asynchronous learning.”
What rules or expectations are there for online learners?
Synchronous online learners will be asked to comply with the following rules:
How will absences and attendance be counted for online learning?
Students who are logged in and learning alongside their teacher and classmates during normal school hours (synchronous learning) will be counted in attendance when they lo in to learn.
Student who learn independently through self-guided instruction (asynchronous learning) will be counted in attendance when they meet daily learning benchmarks and/or turn in daily assignments by no later than 11:59 p.m. on the given schoolday.
What happens if my child doesn’t have a computer to do their schoolwork on while learning from home?
Harmony will supply a computer device and/or internet access for the purpose of completing schoolwork to any student that does not have consistent access at home. These will be provided beginning the first week of August and distributed by drive-through pickups at your nearby Harmony campus.
Will my child have to wear a Harmony uniform for online learning?
Students may choose to wear a uniform if they would like to when learning online, however they are not required to. Instead, they are required to follow the dress code guidelines set forth for “Free Dress Days” set forth in the Student & Parent Handbook. This states:
“Garments must be free of holes, tears, inappropriate wording, logos, messages or advertising. No short, skin tight, or legging dresses, or skirts may be worn. All dresses must have sleeves. Students may not wear low cut, midriff-baring, or backless blouses. Students may wear jeans, but they cannot be tight pants including jeggings, tights or skinny style pants. Clothing items must not depict images of violence.”
Summer Meal Distributions Extended through August
Town Hall Meeting
We will holding our first town hall meeting of the year on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. At this meeting we will be providing updates, important school information and answer any questions that you have. We will send an email with the meeting link to the email address registered with Skyward to join the meeting.
To assure that we get to answer all of our parents’ questions, we are asking that you please fill out the following survey to input your questions:
Parent questions
We greatly appreciate all your support during these hard times.
***********************************************************************
Celebraremos nuestra primera reunión del año del ayuntamiento el miércoles 5 de agosto de 2020 a las 5:00 p.m. En esta reunión proporcionaremos actualizaciones, información importante de la escuela y responderemos cualquier pregunta que tenga. Enviaremos un correo electrónico con el enlace de la reunión a la dirección de correo electrónico registrada en Skyward para unirse a la reunión.
Para asegurar que podamos responder a todas las preguntas de nuestros padres, le pedimos que complete la siguiente encuesta para ingresar sus preguntas:
Preguntas de padres
Apreciamos mucho todo su apoyo durante estos tiempos difíciles.
Virtual School Supply List
Please see our school supply list below, this list will be for the duration of our virtual learning. This supply list will be for all grade levels.
Consulte nuestra lista de útiles escolares a continuación, esta lista será para la duración de nuestro aprendizaje virtual. Esta lista de suministros será para todos los niveles de grado.
Instructional Material Pick-up Schedule
This is the schedule for the distribution of the necessary instructional materials such as Chromebook, charger, textbooks and workbooks that our scholars will need for the school year.
*****This will be a drive-through procedure, following the drop-off/pick-up flow around the cafeteria.*****
****Everyone must wear a face mask****
***If a scholar has their own electronic device such as a Chromebook, PC, or a laptop, it is not mandatory to pick one up.***
**No fees will be collected.**
*Students will not need to be present but we do require one parent or guardian to pick up the materials as a signature will be needed.*
Este es el horario para la distribución de los materiales de instrucción necesarios como Chromebook, cargador, libros de texto y libros de trabajo que nuestros alumnos necesitarán para el año escolar.
***** Este será un procedimiento de tránsito, siguiendo la ruta de regreso y salida alrededor de la cafetería
**** Todos deben usar una máscara facial ****
*** Si un estudiante tiene su propio dispositivo electrónico, como un Chromebook, una PC o una computadora portátil, no es obligatorio recoger uno. ***
** No se cobrarán tarifas. **
* Los estudiantes no necesitarán estar presentes, pero sí requerimos que un padre o tutor recoge los materiales, ya que se necesitará una firma. *
Need a computer for virtual learning? Harmony can help
Families have enough to concentrate on these days without having to worry if their child has the tools they need to complete their schoolwork.
If your child doesn’t have consistent access to a computer device or the internet to complete schoolwork during virtual learning, Harmony Public Schools is here to help.
Beginning the first week of August, Harmony campuses across the state will be offering drive-by technology pickup days where families can pick up free computer devices and internet access solutions (ex. WiFi hot spot) for students to use to complete virtual learning during the 2020-2021 school year.
Last spring, about 4,000 Harmony students took advantage of our device-lending program, or about 1-in-every-8 students.
Through these devices, students and families will be able to access Harmony’s new learning management program Schoology. Through Schoology, students will be able to interact with both teachers and peers in a more in-depth, interactive learning experience that includes both live and on-demand classes, academic tutoring, interventions services, parent-teacher conferencing, and even extracurricular activities.
Families will also have full access to grading, assignments, schedules, progress reports, and messaging with Schoology, placing all a family’s educational tools in one easy-to-use program.
Best of all, when the time to return to campus comes, the student’s Schoology account will follow them back to campus, easing the transition for students, families, and teachers.
To find out when your campus will host its technology pickup day, follow them on Facebook.
To learn more about Harmony’s 2020-2021 reopening plan, visit https://www.HarmonyTX.org/ReOpening.
Announcement of school re-opening plan for Harmony Public Schools
At Harmony Public Schools, our top priorities are the health and safety of our students and staff, as well as the academic and developmental growth of our scholars.
In response to the continued spread of COVID-19 in the communities which we proudly serve, Harmony Public Schools is announcing the following revised plan for the start of the 2020-21 school year.
THE BASICS
Students at all HPS campuses statewide will start the academic year on Monday, August 17 in an online-only setting. Classes will continue online-only until at least Tuesday, September 8. During these three weeks, you will receive a survey asking your family to choose the option of either continuing classes online only, or returning to campus for in-person learning after Labor Day, if possible. Harmony will announce no later than the first week of September whether there is a need to extend online-only learning further, or if families who have opted for on-campus learning may return for in-person instruction. Students who opted for at-home learning will continue to learn remotely throughout the remainder of the school year, unless they notify their campus of a change request through Skyward.
All HPS staff will continue to work remotely while campuses are closed, unless a specific and essential job function requires their presence on campus or at an administrative office.
REASON FOR CHANGE
The primary purpose of these changes is to provide a safe educational environment for both our students and staff members, as well as to comply with local ordinances in many of our Harmony communities which specifically prohibit in-person schooling until after Labor Day.
SUPERIOR NEW ONLINE LEARNING SYSTEM, FEATURING ENHANCED STUDENT ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Accelerating your child’s education – even when learning from home – is one of our core missions. That’s why we’ve spent the summer completely revamping our online learning system to create a more interactive learning environment that’s easier to use for families, better connects students to their teachers and classmates, and – most importantly – promotes academic growth even while our campuses are closed.
With our new Schoology learning management system, students attending classes online will experience a robust academic experience with more one-to-one engagement with teachers through live classroom sessions, regular online office hours, as well as academic tutorial sessions, and intervention services for students who need them.
Students also will enjoy options for at-home, online extracurricular activities — including club activities, and both e-sports and academic competitions — that will allow them to stay connected with their classmates online, even if they can’t be together in person.
Parents will have full access to instructional materials, assignments, grading, calendars, student progress updates, and parent messaging in one simple platform.
Best of all, when it’s time for your student to return to campus, the Schoology system will follow them seamlessly back to campus, making the transition easier for both your student and your family.
Harmony teachers have spent their summers learning the intricacies of Schoology and will be prepared to incorporate it into their learning beginning on the first day of class.
STUDENTS NEEDING COMPUTER DEVICE OR INTERNET ACCESS
For the purpose of completing schoolwork, Harmony Public Schools will provide computer devices and/or internet access by request to those students without access at home. Each campus will have a drive-by pickup option for computer and WiFi access in early August. For more information, please contact your Harmony campus.
MEAL SERVICES
Free meal services will continue to be provided beginning the first day of school. Please contact your campus or follow them on Facebook to learn more about meal pickup dates, times, and locations.
ATTENDANCE FOR AT-HOME LEARNERS
A daily digital attendance record will be taken for all students learning from home, according to Texas Education Agency guidelines and requirements. Those at-home learners not in attendance will be marked “Absent,” as they would if learning on campus.
ENHANCED ON-CAMPUS SAFETY PROTOCOLS
To make sure our on-campus learning experience is as safe as possible for HPS students and staff members, Harmony will institute a broad spectrum of campus safety protocols once on-campus instruction resumes. Some of the new safety protocols include:
HANDLING OF COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
Whether screened at school or self-screened at home, the following conditions are considered symptomatic of COVID-19 by the Centers for Disease Control and could lead to a required leave from campus:
RETURNING TO CAMPUS AFTER COVID DIAGNOSIS OR SYMPTOMS
Anyone displaying the signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should follow below self-quarantine policy:
Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with Positive Testing
The following criteria must be met in FULL:
at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
at least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with Negative Testing or MD Note
If an individual has symptoms of COVID-19 and wants to return to campus before completing the above stay at home period, the following criteria must be met in FULL:
Either obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis OR obtain a negative COVID-19 test AND
at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications).
Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with No Testing and No U.S. Based Medical Provider’s Note
The following criteria must be met in FULL:
at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
at least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Proof of negative COVID tests or U.S. based medical provider’s alternative diagnosis delivered to campus health staff or registrar if no health staff is available OR
when all three of the following criteria are met:
At least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
The individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
At least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
FAMILIES NEEDING ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE
We look forward to partnering with your family this school year to help your child continue to grow academically. We understand that any adjustments to the normal school environment or calendar may create unexpected challenges for some families. If you would like to discuss specific needs for your student or family that are not addressed above, please contact your local Harmony campus or contact us via our Let’s Talk online platform.
AVISO DE CAMBIO EN EL PLAN DE REAPERTURA DE LAS ESCUELAS PÚBLICAS DE HARMONY
En las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony, nuestras prioridades son la salud y la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y nuestro personal, así como el crecimiento académico y de desarrollo de nuestros estudiantes.
En respuesta a la continua propagación del COVID-19 en las comunidades a las que orgullosamente servimos, las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony anuncian el siguiente plan revisado para el inicio del año escolar 2020-21.
ASPECTOS BÁSICOS
Los estudiantes de todos los campus de HPS en todo el estado comenzarán el año académico el lunes 17 de agosto en un entorno solo en línea. Las clases continuarán solo en línea hasta al menos el martes, 8 de septiembre. Durante estas tres semanas, usted recibirá una encuesta en la que se le pedirá a su familia que elija la opción de continuar las clases solo en línea o regresar al campus para el aprendizaje presencial después del Día del Trabajo, si fuese posible. Harmony anunciará, a más tardar en la primera semana de septiembre, si es necesario extender más el aprendizaje solo en línea, o si las familias que han optado por el aprendizaje en el campus pueden regresar para la instrucción presencial. Los estudiantes que optaron por el aprendizaje en casa continuarán aprendiendo a distancia durante el resto del año escolar, a menos que notifiquen a su campus una solicitud de cambio a través de Skyward.
Todo el personal de HPS continuará trabajando a distancia mientras los campus estén cerrados, a menos que una función de trabajo específica y esencial requiera su presencia en el campus o en una oficina administrativa.
MOTIVO DEL CAMBIO
El propósito principal de estos cambios es proporcionar un entorno educativo seguro tanto para nuestros estudiantes como para los miembros del personal, así como para cumplir con las ordenanzas locales en muchas de nuestras comunidades de Harmony que prohíben específicamente la escolarización presencial hasta después del Día del Trabajo.
NUEVO SISTEMA SUPERIOR DE APRENDIZAJE EN LÍNEA, CON MEJORES OPORTUNIDADES DE PARTICIPACIÓN DE LOS ESTUDIANTES Y ACTIVIDADES EXTRACURRICULARES
Acelerar la educación de su hijo, incluso cuando aprende en casa, es una de nuestras misiones principales. Por eso hemos pasado el verano renovando completamente nuestro sistema de aprendizaje en línea para crear un entorno de aprendizaje más interactivo que sea más fácil de usar para las familias, que conecte mejor a los estudiantes con sus maestros y compañeros de clase y, lo que es más importante, que promueva el crecimiento académico incluso cuando nuestros campus estén cerrados.
Con nuestro nuevo sistema de gestión del aprendizaje Schoology, los estudiantes que asistan a clases en línea experimentarán una sólida experiencia académica con un mayor compromiso individual con los maestros a través de sesiones de clase en vivo, horarios de oficina regulares en línea, así como sesiones de tutoría académica y servicios de intervención para los estudiantes que los necesiten.
Los estudiantes también disfrutarán de opciones de actividades extracurriculares en línea en casa -incluyendo actividades de club y competiciones académicas y de deportes electrónicos- que les permitirán estar conectados con sus compañeros de clase en línea, incluso si no pueden estar juntos en persona.
Los padres tendrán acceso completo a los materiales de instrucción, tareas, calificaciones, calendarios, actualizaciones del progreso de los estudiantes y mensajes para los padres en una plataforma sencilla.
Lo mejor de todo es que cuando sea el momento de que su estudiante regrese al campus, el sistema Schoology lo seguirá de forma constante de regreso al campus, haciendo la transición más fácil tanto para su estudiante como para su familia.
Los maestros de Harmony han pasado sus veranos aprendiendo las complejidades de Schoology y estarán preparados para incorporarlo a su aprendizaje a partir del primer día de clase.
ESTUDIANTES QUE NECESITAN COMPUTADORA O ACCESO A INTERNET
Con el fin de completar las tareas escolares, las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony proporcionarán computadoras y/o acceso a Internet, previa solicitud, a aquellos estudiantes que no tengan acceso en su casa. Para solicitar un dispositivo o acceso a Internet, comuníquese con su campus de Harmony.
SERVICIOS DE COMIDA
Se seguirán ofreciendo servicios de comida gratuitos desde el primer día de clases. Comuníquese con su campus o sígalos en Facebook para obtener más información sobre las fechas, horarios y lugares de retiro de las comidas.
ASISTENCIA PARA LOS ESTUDIANTES EN CASA
Se llevará un registro digital de asistencia diaria para todos los estudiantes que aprendan desde casa, de acuerdo con las directrices y los requisitos de la Agencia de Educación de Texas. Aquellos estudiantes en casa que no asistan serán marcados como “Ausentes”, como si estuvieran aprendiendo en el campus.
PROTOCOLOS DE SEGURIDAD MEJORADOS EN EL CAMPUS
Para asegurarnos de que nuestra experiencia de aprendizaje en el campus sea lo más segura posible para los estudiantes y miembros del personal de HPS, Harmony instituirá un amplio espectro de protocolos de seguridad en el campus una vez que se retome la instrucción en el campus. Algunos de los nuevos protocolos de seguridad incluyen:
MANEJO DE LOS SÍNTOMAS DE COVID-19
Ya sea que se examinen en la escuela o que se autoexaminen en casa, los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades consideran que las siguientes condiciones son sintomáticas de COVID-19 y podrían implicar un abandono obligatorio del campus:
REGRESO AL CAMPUS DESPUÉS DE UN DIAGNÓSTICO O SÍNTOMAS DE COVID
Después de un diagnóstico de COVID-19 o de la aparición de síntomas, los estudiantes y el personal deben estar sin síntomas durante al menos 72 horas antes de regresar al campus, incluyendo una temperatura de menos de 100 grados sin el uso de medicamentos antifebriles. Aquellos diagnosticados con COVID-19 también deben tener una nota del médico que permita el regreso.
FAMILIAS QUE NECESITAN APOYO EXTRA
Esperamos asociarnos con su familia este año escolar para ayudar a su hijo a seguir creciendo académicamente. Entendemos que cualquier ajuste en el entorno o calendario escolar normal puede crear desafíos inesperados para algunas familias. Si desea hablar sobre las necesidades específicas de su estudiante o familia que no se han tratado anteriormente, comuníquese con su campus local de Harmony o comuníquese con nosotros a través de nuestra plataforma en línea Let’s Talk.
Harmony Public Schools to allow each family to choose to return to school or continue at-home learning for 2020-21 school year
Harmony Public Schools will allow each family to choose whether to continue learning from home or return to campus for in-person learning for the 2020-2021 school year, based on each family’s unique needs. Families can also switch between the two as local COVID-19 conditions or family situation changes.
The flexible learning plan was announced by Harmony CEO Fatih Ay in a letter to families.
“The best choice for Harmony in 2020-2021 is the choice that’s best for your family,” Fatih said. “While this flexible plan may be an uncommon approach, we firmly believe it is the right approach for families during these uncommon times.”
Families that choose at-home learning will have access to the same rigorous, academic environment that they have come to expect from their neighborhood Harmony campus, taught by teachers trained for educating and engaging students in a virtual environment.
Families who choose to send their students for in-person learning will find a safe and organized learning environment that they can feel comfortable sending their child to each day. This includes enhanced health and sanitary protocols, as well as possible adjustments to daily routines to help keep all of our students and team members as safe as possible.
All students will continue to receive the same full academic and support services from their teachers, counselors, and school leaders that they would receive on-campus, including our English-language learners and students receiving Special Education services.
Helping to keep families connected regardless of their learning location is Harmony’s new, all-in-one learning management system Schoology. Through Schoology, students and families will have full access to instructional materials, assignments, grading, calendars, and parent messaging in one platform that follows them seamlessly from at-home to in-person learning and back, if needed.
Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with campuses serving PreK-Grade 12 students in 23 cities across the state, including Greater Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont, and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness.
Harmony Public Schools is currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year for both students and team members.
About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are 58 high performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 58 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.
2020-2021 Academic School Calendar
Summer Camps at UT Dallas
Dear Parents and Scholars,
It is with great excitement that we invite you to join Online Summer Coding Camp with The University of Texas at Dallas.
This full online coding camp is designated for Harmony high school students ONLY. We are accepting rising 9th grade students too.
Camp registration and payment will be handled by UT Dallas.
There are several options to choose from, please see the image below:
For detailed information about each camp and registration please visit UT Dallas Harmony Summer Camps 2020 at https://sites.google.com/view/utd-harmony-sc2020.
We look forward to seeing our high school scholars in our summer camp.
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Estimados padres y eruditos,
Con gran entusiasmo, lo invitamos a unirse al Campamento de codificación de verano en línea con la Universidad de Texas en Dallas.
Este campamento completo de codificación en línea está designado SOLO para estudiantes de secundaria de Harmony. También estamos aceptando estudiantes de noveno grado en ascenso.
La inscripción y el pago del campamento serán manejados por UT Dallas.
Hay varias opciones para elegir, vea la imagen a continuación:
Para obtener información detallada sobre cada campamento y registro, visite UT Dallas Harmony Summer Camps 2020 en https://sites.google.com/view/utd-harmony-sc2020.
Esperamos ver a nuestros estudiantes de secundaria en nuestro campamento de verano.
Summer Reading Assignments
Dear Students and Parents:
In preparation for the 2020-2021 school year, teachers at Harmony School of Innovation – Brownsville has prepared summer assignments designed to keep students engaged in the practices of critical thinking, reading, and writing while also giving them a preview of the types of assignments and works that will be explored in the coming school year.
Have a great summer!
Summer Reading Assignments
Summer Athletics
Virtual Award Ceremonies
Hello parents and guardians, we would like to share with you the following award video links. We hope you enjoy them.
We want to congratulate each one of our scholars for all their efforts, hard work and completing the 2019-2020 school year.
And to you, our parents for your unconditional support even through this ongoing pandemic and virtual learning, we made it.
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Hola padres y tutores, nos gustaría compartir con ustedes los siguientes enlaces de videos de las ceremonias de premios virtuales. Esperamos que disfrute de ellos.
Queremos felicitar a cada uno de nuestros académicos por todos sus esfuerzos, trabajo duro y completar el año escolar 2019-2020.
Y para ustedes, nuestros padres, por su apoyo incondicional incluso a través de esta pandemia continua y aprendizaje virtual, lo logramos.
6th Grade Awards Ceremony
7th Grade Awards Ceremony
8th Grade Awards Ceremony