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.

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

Note: This document is intended as a simplified version of our “Harmony Public Schools Back to School Playbook.” For further information or clarification on any topic, please refer to the Playbook.

 

When is the first day of school?

The first day of school for all Harmony campuses is Monday, August 17. It will be held online-only.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 the Harmony “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.” Among the new measures are:

  • 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.

 

How do I inform my campus that I would like to continue learning from home or return to campus to learn once campuses re-open?

Parents will be sent a survey in Skyward the first week of school asking them to inform the campus of their choice.

 

Once campuses reopen, how do I switch between online and on-campus learning later in the school, if needed?

Parents should notify their campuses in advance through Skyward of their decisions to change learning environments. Failure to notify campuses could result in a student to be marked as absent.

 

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.” Students needing to learn outside this timeframe can choose to learn independently. This is called “asynchronous learning.”

 

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 will my child need to complete their schoolwork from home? 

At-home learners will need consistent access to a computer and the internet (see next question for more information). Headphones, especially noise-canceling headphones, may be helpful for online learning, but are not required. 

 

Do I still need to buy school supplies from the campus school supply list?

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.

 

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.”

 

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:

  • 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.

 

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).

  1. 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.

Readmittance will be granted when the following has been completed:
  1. 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

  2. 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. 

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:

  • Student’s camera must be on during class time.
  • Student should maintain school-appropriate behavior.
  • Student should be dressed appropriately. (shirt, school shirt, jeans or khakis are OK).
  • Only the student may be visible (no friends or siblings).
  • Student’s microphone should be off unless instructed by a teacher (this prevents background noise).
  • Students are expected to interact through the Zoom chat function.
  • Students must show up on time.
  • Students must use appropriate and respectful language at all times.
  • Students are asked to use tools such as “raising your hand” (available in Zoom) and the chat feature if you have a question or want to answer a question.
  • Student should remove distractions, such as going where there’s less background noise and turning off your phone.
  • Student should use headphones, if possible, for increased privacy and better speaker and microphone quality.
  • Students should have all required materials for class (books, paper, markers, etc..) nearby before the session begins.
  • Students should be prepared to be called on to answer a question or participate in a discussion or activity at any time.

 

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.”

 

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.

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.

HARMONY SCHOOL START PLAN for 2020-'21

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:

  • 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.

  1. 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.

Readmittance will be granted when the following has been completed:
  1. 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

  2. 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:

  • 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.

 

 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.

Harmony Public Schools is encouraging our families to take a few moments to complete the 2020 U.S. Census online, by phone, or mail.

The 2020 Census is a count of everyone who lives in the United States and its territories. The 2020 Census questionnaire asks a few simple questions like the age, sex, and the number of people living in your home.  Individual responses are confidential and cannot be used against you by any court or government agency.

When it comes to schools, the 2020 Census will determine funding for special education, teacher training, technology, school lunch assistance, Head Start and after-school programs. The census will also help determine funding for other important programs for families, such as maternal and child health programs, and housing, heating and food assistance.

People should count all children who live in their homes, including newborns and others too young for school. That’s important because responses to the census help schools plan for the resources they will need when the new generation of children is ready for school.

To begin, click here or call one of the numbers below, or look for the Census form in your mail.

CENSUS BY PHONE:

  • English: 844-330-2020
  • Spanish: 844-468-2020
  • Chinese (Mandarin): 844-391-2020
  • Chinese (Cantonese): 844-398-2020
  • Vietnamese: 844-461-2020
  • Korean: 844-392-2020
  • Russian: 844-417-2020
  • Arabic: 844-416-2020
  • Tagalog: 844-478-2020
  • Polish: 844-479-2020
  • French: 844-494-2020
  • Haitian Creole: 844-477-2020
  • Portuguese: 844-474-2020
  • Japanese: 844-460-2020
  • English (for Puerto Rico residents): 844-418-2020
  • Spanish (for Puerto Rico residents): 844-426-2020
  • TDD (Telephone Display Device): 844-467-2020

Dear Harmony Families & Team Members,

For the past 20 years, Harmony Public Schools has established an educational model built strongly on the foundations of science-based learning and responsible citizenship in our communities.

Currently, all available science from community health experts continues to tell us that the best way to be responsible members of our communities is to have our students and staff remain at home.

This is why we have determined that it is in the best interest of our students, team members, and communities to discontinue in-person schooling at our campuses and administrative offices statewide until further notice.

While these facilities remain closed, instruction and learning at Harmony schools will continue. Our classes are operating online through our established digital learning tools, taking advantage of many of the technology tools and blended learning methods already practiced in Harmony’s  physical classrooms. Because our teachers and school leaders will remain available to guide our students each school day, we anticipate instructional continuity during these unusual and difficult times. To request access to a Chromebook and/or for questions regarding internet access, please contact your child’s campus.

(For more information on our at-home learning program, visit HarmonyTX.org/AtHome . To request access to a Chromebook or internet access, contact your child’s campus.)

We will also continue to offer free meal services to children in our communities, as local and state safety guidelines allow.

We thank you for your support and understanding in making this critical decision. We also are profoundly grateful for the extreme determination and Harmony pride shown by both our students and team members these past several weeks. Time and again you have proven why Harmony Public Schools is an institution where excellence is the standard.

We will continue to provide timely updates as new, relevant information comes available, and inform you immediately if our campuses reopen prior to the end of the school year.

Thank you and be well,

 

Fatih Ay

CEO | Harmony Public Schools

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority at Harmony Public Schools. As new developments continue to unfold regarding the COVID-19 situation, we wanted to provide you an important update regarding the potential impact of the virus on our schools.

While there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported on our campuses or within our school family at this time, out of an abundance of caution we are announcing a temporary closure of all Harmony Public Schools campuses through Monday, April 6. All school activities, field trips, athletics events, and competitions have also been cancelled during this time.

At this time, we are anticipating classes will be able to resume for students on Tuesday, April 7. Staff will return for a work-day on Monday, April 6.

This decision was made after discussions with, and upon the recommendations of, local health officials.  We strongly believe it is the best decision for helping to keep our students, staff, and communities safe at this time.

During this closure, our Harmony team members will continue to work remotely to finalize the details of distance-learning plan to make sure students continue to receive educational services with minimal  interruption.You will receive regular updates how this plan will be implemented.

Additionally, all full-time, non-exempt and exempt employees will continue to be paid according to their normal rate and schedule.

We continue to urge families and team members to stay informed of current Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines related to the prevention of the spreading of viruses, including limiting out of town travel, “social distancing,” and self-quarantine for those who have recently traveled to impacted areas.

We recognize this is a rapidly evolving situation and will continue to aggressively monitor new developments and respond with appropriate actions based on the best interests of our Harmony families and the guidance of local health officials. Throughout this process, we will continue to communicate with you new information as soon as possible. We anticipate further updates no later than the week of March 23-27.

Thank you for your support during these unusual circumstances. With your continued collaboration, together we can provide a healthy learning environment for our students and staff.

As students return from spring break, we would like to ask the Harmony community for your renewed diligence in helping our schools maintain the best-practices for clean campuses established before break.

That of course includes the normal requests regarding washing hands, covering your mouth when coughing, and staying home when sick. However, we also need your help keeping viruses and germs contained by asking your student to immediately report to their campus health office if their experience any of the following symptoms while at school:

  • Suspected fever: Student is flushed, student unusually pale, complaints of body aches/pains student is lethargic or unusually tired, student statements of having had a fever or taken medication at home to make them feel better.
  • Respiratory symptoms: Dry cough with or without nasal drainage, difficulty breathing (visibly difficult breathing includes using abdominal muscles to breathe, inability to speak more than a couple of words at a time, flaring nostrils when breathing) or statements of feeling short of breath, chest or lung pain, wheezing or grunting with breathing.

Additionally, families should be aware that any student returning from a travel area on the CDC list of at-risk countries for COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) MUST see their medical provider before returning to campus. Students will have 48 hours to submit a clearance letter from their doctor before returning to campus. After this, student absences will not be excused. A student cannot return until they have clearance from their doctor or have finished quarantine if medically recommended.

With your continued support and collaboration, together we can provide a healthy learning environment for our students and staff.

Thank you.

P.S. … For more information about COVID-19 and our school system’s response, including additional resources for families, visit https://www.HarmonyTX.org/coronavirus.

 

As students return from spring break, we would like to ask the Harmony community for your renewed diligence in helping our schools maintain the best-practices for clean campuses established before break.

That of course includes the normal requests regarding washing hands, covering your mouth when coughing, and staying home when sick. However, we also need your help keeping viruses and germs contained by asking your student to immediately report to their campus health office if their experience any of the following symptoms while at school:

  • Suspected fever: Student is flushed, student unusually pale, complaints of body aches/pains student is lethargic or unusually tired, student statements of having had a fever or taken medication at home to make them feel better.
  • Respiratory symptoms: Dry cough with or without nasal drainage, difficulty breathing (visibly difficult breathing includes using abdominal muscles to breathe, inability to speak more than a couple of words at a time, flaring nostrils when breathing) or statements of feeling short of breath, chest or lung pain, wheezing or grunting with breathing.

Additionally, families should be aware that any student returning from a travel are on the CDC list of at-risk countries fro COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) MUST see their medical provider before returning to campus. Students will have 48 hours to submit a clearance letter from their doctor before returning to campus. After this, student absences will not be excused. A student cannot return until they have clearance from their doctor or have finished quarantine if medically recommended.

With your continued support and collaboration, together we can provide a healthy learning environment for our students and staff.

Thank you.

P.S. … For more information about COVID-19 and our school system’s response, including additional resources for families, visit https://www.HarmonyTX.org/coronavirus.

 

Spring Break is almost here for our students and staff members across the state.  We sincerely hope everyone in our Harmony community has a fun and relaxing break before together we begin the final stretch toward the end of the school year.

We understand that many of you will be traveling this spring break. With concerns about the Coronavirus in the minds of many, we want to share a few tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about staying healthy when traveling, as well as provide more info about a few Harmony policies related to returning to school after visiting certain risk-prone destinations.

Tips for Healthy Travel

In general, the same advice for fighting germs and bacteria  applies when traveling as it does when staying home:

  • Wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer;
  • Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth;
  • Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands;
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
  • When greeting others, consider an alternative to hugs or handshakes, such as an elbow bump.

Additionally, here are a few additional tips related specifically to those traveling:

  • Be aware of your surroundings (including people who are sick) and try to distance yourself as appropriate;
  • Avoid areas that you feel might make your more likely to be exposed;
  • Know how to get reliable local information about any possible changes to the situation;
  • Avoid public transportation, if possible. Confined spaces such as buses, trains, subways, and airplanes may put you at a higher risk of infection;
  • When eating animal-based products, make sure they are thoroughly cooked before eating.

Returning to School After Visiting Risk-Prone Areas

Due to CDC travel guidelines, students and families that have traveled to locations that are marked as a Coronavirus risk by the CDC must have a letter of clearance from their medical provider before returning to campus. Failure to provide a clearance letter will result in the student being dismissed home. Students will have 48 hours to provide proof of doctor’s clearance. Any additional absence will require further documentation from the parents or doctor. For a list of countries with COVID-19 travel advisories, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

Currently these countries include: 

  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Iran
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • South Korea

Additionally, please be aware that families travelling to China’s Hubei province or mainland China may face a mandatory quarantine and be monitored by public health officials. Any health department guidelines should be followed by any affected families and absences will be waived upon return to school with provision of proof of quarantine. 

At Harmony Public Schools, we take the health and safety of our students and staff members seriously. Harmony is closely tracking all new developments regarding the Coronavirus and will continue to share timely, relevant updates, as needed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to your campus health staff. 

We appreciate your help in supporting healthy and happy learning environments for our Harmony community. 

 

Harmony Reading Challenge 'Read Learn, and Explore' is March 2-May 1, 2020.

This spring, Harmony is challenging our students to participate in a friendly reading competition across classrooms and other campuses.

Beginning March 3, students are challenged to read books and advance through pre-determined advancement levels in order to earn rewards at each stage.

With Spring Break coming up, we urge parents to help encourage their children to take advantage of this time to read books they are excited about.

You can find challenges for each grade level by clicking the link to our Spring Reading Challenge PDF below.

HPS Spring Reading Challenge

Newsletter

The deadline for application for open enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year at Harmony Public Schools is almost here. If you are a current Harmony family that would like to change campuses next year, or would like to apply to become a first-time Harmony student in 2020-2021 here’s s everything you need to know about how to apply for next year.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Every child isn’t the same. So why should every school be?

Harmony Public Schools believes each student can achieve their own unique, full potential through a caring and collaborative academic environment that emphasizes personalized learning and innovative instructional methods.

WHAT MAKES HARMONY DIFFERENT

Engaging Education: Our project-based learning engages critical thinking skills and makes learning fun with hands-on activities that educate and excite.

Skills for Tomorrow: Our curriculum has been recognized by the TEA & others for providing students the STEM skills they need for the in-demand jobs of the future.

College Ready: Harmony has a 100% college acceptance rate, and almost two-thirds of our students are the first in their families ever to attend college.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does Harmony Public Schools charge tuition to attend?

Absolutely not. Harmony is a tuition-free, Texas public charter school. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to attend a high-quality public school that fits their individual needs regardless of income. 

Who is eligible to attend Harmony Public Schools?

All children residing in a Harmony school’s geographic boundary who meet registration requirements are eligible to attend. Unlike most other schools, though, Harmony’s geographic boundaries are much wider and generally include the entire community in which the school resides, meaning that all students in the area – regardless of neighborhood or family income level – have the same opportunity to attend a high-quality Harmony school.

What documents do I need to apply?

No documents are needed just to apply. However, if your child is selected for enrollment during the lottery process, you will need to provide a few basic documents that verify your child’s identity and home address.

I have a child in Harmony already, and would like to enroll their sibling for the first time. Do I still need to apply?

Yes. Siblings of current Harmony students still need to apply, but are given priority status if a campus lottery is needed.

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

February 10

Open Enrollment for 2020-2021 Application Deadline

February 11-25

Campus Lotteries Held (if needed)

Apply Now!

 

Harmony Public Schools is now accepting applications for Open Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year. Harmony Public Schools is now accepting applications for Open Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year.

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 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 2019 are not eligible to test in Spring 2020. 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 referral forms must be returned to the front office by Friday, February 7, 2020. 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. 

 

GATE (Educación para estudiantes dotados/talentosos) 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 2019 no son elegibles para la prueba en la primavera de 2020. Los formularios de referencia están disponibles en la oficina y en el sitio web de la escuela.

Forma de nominación

 

Los formularios de referencia deben devolverse a la oficina de la escuela antes del viernes 7 de febrero del 2020.

Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de selección e identificación, los padres pueden comunicarse con el entrenador / maestro de GT de la escuela.

Re-Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year for Harmony families has begun!

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 2020.

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 6-24, 2020. Look for more details in your email inbox, via Skyward, or on our Facebook page. 

Need more info? Here are the full details:

 

#1

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 be advancing to a nearby “feeder” campus (ex. moving from elementary school to middle school). Open Enrollment is for new students, or current students who wish to change Harmony campuses for other reasons (ex. transferring to a campus closer to home).

#2

When is Re-Enrollment season?

For the 2020-2021 school year, re-enrollment will be January 6-24, 2020.

#3

In what form will parents need to 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 should contact the school registrar’s office for additional assistance.

 #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 (Nov. 1, 2019 through Feb. 10, 2020) at 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 HarmonyTX.org/Apply.

 

 

 

Attention students and parents!

Remember that December 19 is early release, the school will end at 12:15 pm. See the full schedule for December 19 below.

7-8 Grade Lunch                10:35- 10:55

9 Grade Lunch                   11:00 – 11:20

10-12 Grade Lunch            11:25 – 11:45

No early release after 11:55.

Please make arrangements to pick up your child on time. Thank you!

Harmony Public Schools Re-Enrollment for 2020-2021 is January 6-24

Re-Enrollment for the 2020-2021 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 2020.

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 6-24, 2020. 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

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. Open Enrollment is for new students, or current students who wish to change Harmony campuses (ex. moving from elementary to middle school, transferring to a campus closer to home).

#2

When is Re-Enrollment season?

For the 2020-2021 school year, re-enrollment will be January 6-24, 2020.

#3

In what form will parents need to 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.

 #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 (Nov. 1, 2019 through Feb. 10, 2020) at 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 HarmonyTX.org/Apply.

Stude

On National STEM Day, educators across America celebrated the exciting opportunities made possible by science, technology, engineering, and math studies. Charter schools have been major contributors to making STEM education more widely available to students in every neighborhood and from every background.

One charter school network that’s leading the charge: Harmony Public Schools.

Harmony Public Schools was founded with a mission—to encourage students in underserved communities to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. There’s a well-known gap in STEM education with African American, Hispanic, and low-income students taking AP science courses and majoring in sciences in college at much lower rates than White, Asian, and wealthier students. But Harmony’s founders and educators—many of whom hold advanced degrees in science and engineering fields—knew that these disparities were about access, not ability, so they leveraged the charter school model to build a different kind of school.

Based in Houston, Harmony places a heavy emphasis on STEM through its award-winning PreK-12 curriculum and helps students gain critical job skills and hands-on experience for the future. At Harmony campuses, it’s not unusual to see 2nd graders using a 3D printer to code and print their own toys or high schoolers creating 3D-printed prosthetic limbs for families in need. The end result is remarkable—58 percent of Harmony alumni choose STEM majors in college, more than double the national and Texas averages.

By exposing students to cutting-edge technology and hands-on experiences, Harmony is leveling the playing field for underrepresented groups and giving students the support they need to find their passion. Khalid, a Harmony School of Excellence alum, credited his school with helping him to discover his love of engineering and inspiring him to positively influence his community.

In addition, teachers like Theresa Gray (who was just awarded Teacher of the Year by the Texas Charter Schools Association) are given the flexibility to offer classes on Entrepreneurship and Social Media Marketing in order to prepare students for a 21st century workforce.

This dedication to personalized learning and innovative teaching approaches has paid off. Harmony has a 98 percent graduation rate, and 100 percent of those graduating seniors are accepted to college, a feat that is made even more impressive by the fact that 64 percent of Harmony alumni are the first in their family to attend college.

Harmony Public Schools have received glowing ratings from the Texas Education Agency. In 2019, the agency awarded five out of seven Harmony networks an overall “A” rating for their academics and gave all seven networks “A” ratings for financial accountability. National media have noticed, too. This year, all 23 Harmony high schools were on U.S. News & World Report’s list of best high schools.

Harmony’s CEO, Fatih Ay, says, “A solid foundation in STEM allows our students to better understand the world around them and connects them with the future careers and opportunities that can make that world a better place. That’s why STEM is at the heart of Harmony’s academic model.” Harmony schools are proving that no student should have their horizons limited by low expectations or lack of access to world-class teaching. By inspiring students to pursue some of the most innovative work in the world, Harmony is showing students that nothing is beyond their reach. 

This article was written by Starlee Coleman, CEO of the Texas Charter Schools Association. It originally appeared in a blog post for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

Apply Now for Open Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year at https://www.HarmonyTX.org

La inscripción abierta para el año escolar 2020-2021 en las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony ha comenzado. Aquí encontrará todo lo que necesita saber para solicitar el próximo año.

Familias de las Escuelas Públicas actuales de Harmony Estudiantes que desean permanecer en el campus actual el próximo año

Espere a que llegue su formulario de reinscripción al comienzo del segundo semestre, luego envíelo entre el 6 y el 24 de enero para informarnos que volverá en 2020-2021

Familias de las Escuelas Públicas actuales de Harmony Estudiantes con la intención de mudarse de campus el próximo año

Visite HarmonyTX.org/Aplicar del 1 de noviembre al 1 de febrero. 10 para solicitar la inscripción en su nuevo campus de Harmony.

Familias de estudiantes potenciales de escuelas públicas de New Harmony

Visite HarmonyTX.org/Aplicar del 1 de noviembre al 1 de febrero. 10 para obtener más información sobre Harmony y solicitar la inscripción abierta.

LO QUE CREEMOS

No todos los niños son iguales. Entonces, ¿por qué debería ser cada escuela?

Las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony creen que cada estudiante puede lograr su propio potencial único y pleno a través de un entorno académico solidario y colaborativo que enfatiza el aprendizaje personalizado y los métodos de enseñanza innovadores.

QUE HACE DIFERENTE LA ARMONÍA

Educación atractiva: nuestro aprendizaje basado en proyectos involucra habilidades de pensamiento crítico y hace que el aprendizaje sea divertido con actividades prácticas que educan y entusiasman.

Habilidades para el mañana: Nuestro plan de estudios ha sido reconocido por TEA y otros por proporcionar a los estudiantes las habilidades STEM que necesitan para los trabajos demandados del futuro.

Preparado para la universidad: Harmony tiene una tasa de aceptación universitaria del 100%, y casi dos tercios de nuestros estudiantes son los primeros en sus familias en asistir a la universidad.

PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES

¿Las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony cobran matrícula para asistir?

Absolutamente no. Harmony es una escuela chárter pública gratuita de Texas. Creemos que cada estudiante merece la oportunidad de asistir a una escuela pública de alta calidad que se adapte a sus necesidades individuales, independientemente de sus ingresos.

¿Quién es elegible para asistir a las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony?

Todos los niños que residen en el límite geográfico de una escuela Harmony que cumplen con los requisitos de registro son elegibles para asistir. Sin embargo, a diferencia de la mayoría de las otras escuelas, los límites geográficos de Harmony son mucho más amplios y generalmente incluyen a toda la comunidad en la que reside la escuela, lo que significa que todos los estudiantes en el área, independientemente del nivel de ingresos del vecindario o la familia, tienen la misma oportunidad de asistir a un escuela de armonía de calidad.

¿Qué documentos necesito para solicitar?

No se necesitan documentos solo para aplicar. Sin embargo, si su hijo es seleccionado para la inscripción durante el proceso de lotería, deberá proporcionar algunos documentos básicos que verifiquen la identidad y el domicilio de su hijo.

Ya tengo un hijo en Harmony y me gustaría inscribir a su hermano por primera vez. ¿Todavía necesito solicitar?

Sí. Los hermanos de los estudiantes actuales de Harmony aún deben presentar una solicitud, pero se les da prioridad si se necesita una lotería en el campus.

 

FECHAS PARA RECORDAR

01 de noviembre

La inscripción abierta para 2020-2021 comienza para nuevos estudiantes

6-24 de enero

Período de reinscripción para estudiantes actuales

10 de febrero

Inscripción abierta para la fecha límite de solicitud 2020-2021

11-25 de febrero

Loterías del campus (si es necesario)

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 click here to apply online.

Open enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year at Harmony Public Schools has begun. Here’s everything you need to know to apply for next year.

Families of Current Harmony Public Schools Students Intending to Stay at Current Campus Next Year

Wait for your re-enrollment form to arrive at the start of the second semester, then submit it between January 6-24 to let us know you’ll be coming back in 2020-2021

Families of Current Harmony Public Schools Students Intending to Move Campuses Next Year

Visit HarmonyTX.org/Apply from Nov. 1-Feb. 10 to apply for enrollment to your new intended Harmony campus.

Families of Potential New Harmony Public Schools Students

Visit HarmonyTX.org/Apply from Nov. 1-Feb. 10 to learn more about Harmony and apply for open enrollment.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Every child isn’t the same. So why should every school be?

Harmony Public Schools believes each student can achieve their own unique, full potential through a caring and collaborative academic environment that emphasizes personalized learning and innovative instructional methods.

WHAT MAKES HARMONY DIFFERENT

Engaging Education: Our project-based learning engages critical thinking skills and makes learning fun with hands-on activities that educate and excite.

Skills for Tomorrow: Our curriculum has been recognized by the TEA & others for providing students the STEM skills they need for the in-demand jobs of the future.

College Ready: Harmony has a 100% college acceptance rate, and almost two-thirds of our students are the first in their families ever to attend college.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does Harmony Public Schools charge tuition to attend?

Absolutely not. Harmony is a tuition-free, Texas public charter school. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to attend a high-quality public school that fits their individual needs regardless of income. 

Who is eligible to attend Harmony Public Schools?

All children residing in a Harmony school’s geographic boundary who meet registration requirements are eligible to attend. Unlike most other schools, though, Harmony’s geographic boundaries are much wider and generally include the entire community in which the school resides, meaning that all students in the area – regardless of neighborhood or family income level – have the same opportunity to attend a high-quality Harmony school.

What documents do I need to apply?

No documents are needed just to apply. However, if your child is selected for enrollment during the lottery process, you will need to provide a few basic documents that verify your child’s identity and home address.

I have a child in Harmony already, and would like to enroll their sibling for the first time. Do I still need to apply?

Yes. Siblings of current Harmony students still need to apply, but are given priority status if a campus lottery is needed.

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

November 1

Open Enrollment for 2020-2021 Begins for New Students

January 6-24

Re-Enrollment Period for Current Students

February 10

Open Enrollment for 2020-2021 Application Deadline

February 11-25

Campus Lotteries Held (if needed)

Apply Now!

 

Open En

Open enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year at Harmony Public Schools has begun. Here’s everything you need to know to apply for next year.

Families of Current Harmony Public Schools Students Intending to Stay at Current Campus Next Year

Wait for your re-enrollment form to arrive at the start of the second semester, then submit it between January 6-24 to let us know you’ll be coming back in 2020-2021

Families of Current Harmony Public Schools Students Intending to Move Campuses Next Year

Visit HarmonyTX.org/Apply from Nov. 1-Feb. 10 to apply for enrollment to your new intended Harmony campus.

Families of Potential New Harmony Public Schools Students

Visit HarmonyTX.org/Apply from Nov. 1-Feb. 10 to learn more about Harmony and apply for open enrollment.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Every child isn’t the same. So why should every school be?

Harmony Public Schools believes each student can achieve their own unique, full potential through a caring and collaborative academic environment that emphasizes personalized learning and innovative instructional methods.

WHAT MAKES HARMONY DIFFERENT

Engaging Education: Our project-based learning engages critical thinking skills and makes learning fun with hands-on activities that educate and excite.

Skills for Tomorrow: Our curriculum has been recognized by the TEA & others for providing students the STEM skills they need for the in-demand jobs of the future.

College Ready: Harmony has a 100% college acceptance rate, and almost two-thirds of our students are the first in their families ever to attend college.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does Harmony Public Schools charge tuition to attend?

Absolutely not. Harmony is a tuition-free, Texas public charter school. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to attend a high-quality public school that fits their individual needs regardless of income. 

Who is eligible to attend Harmony Public Schools?

All children residing in a Harmony school’s geographic boundary who meet registration requirements are eligible to attend. Unlike most other schools, though, Harmony’s geographic boundaries are much wider and generally include the entire community in which the school resides, meaning that all students in the area – regardless of neighborhood or family income level – have the same opportunity to attend a high-quality Harmony school.

What documents do I need to apply?

No documents are needed just to apply. However, if your child is selected for enrollment during the lottery process, you will need to provide a few basic documents that verify your child’s identity and home address.

I have a child in Harmony already, and would like to enroll their sibling for the first time. Do I still need to apply?

Yes. Siblings of current Harmony students still need to apply, but are given priority status if a campus lottery is needed.

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

November 1

Open Enrollment for 2020-2021 Begins for New Students

January 6-24

Re-Enrollment Period for Current Students

February 10

Open Enrollment for 2020-2021 Application Deadline

February 11-25

Campus Lotteries Held (if needed)

Apply Now!

 

Open En

https://www.smore.com/xqfrm

Dear Parents, Teachers and Staff,
In accordance with the 40 CFR Part 763 (enacted by Congress in 1986) of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). Section 763.93 pertaining to the Asbestos in School Identification and Notification Rule, Harmony Science Academy –Euless hereby notifies all parties of the Asbestos Management Plan availability.

The Asbestos Management Plan is available for review at the administrative office during regular campus operating hours.

We would like to inform you that there are currently no asbestos-containing building materials at our campus.

For additional information about AHERA or any specific questions regarding the Asbestos
Management Plan, you may contact the campus operations manager, Ms. Lauren Morris at
Lmorris@harmonytx.org.

Notification

Dear 10th, 11th and 12th graders,

NHS applications are due on Monday, September 9th. Please the application here.