-
HPS Child Find Policy
It is the policy of Harmony Public Schools to ensure that All children with disabilities enrolled in the charter school or who contact the charter school regarding enrollment, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated; and A practical method is developed and implemented to determine which children are currently receiving needed special education and related services. These requirements apply to: Highly mobile children with disabilities (such as migrant and homeless children); and Children who are suspected of being a child with a disability under 34 CFR 300.7 and in need of special education, even though they are advancing from grade to grade.
Child find FAQ.
Child Find brochure (EN | ES)
Section 504 Child Find Notice
-
Non-discrimination Statement as Part of the School's Admission Policy
It is the policy of HPS not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability in its programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, please contact Section 504/ADA Coordinator at (713) 343-3333 located at 9321 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S. Houston, TX 77099.
-
Non-discrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs
HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS offers support to school district for career and technical education programs in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications; Business Management and Administration; Education and Training; Finance; Government and Public Administration; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security; Manufacturing; Marketing; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics. Admission to these programs is based on enrollment in HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS secondary schools.
It is the policy of HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its CTE programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
It is the policy of HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and CTE programs.
For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, CHARLES LAMBERT, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator, IHSAN KARA, at 9321 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S. Houston, TX 77099, Phone: (713) 343-3333.
-
Aviso de No discriminación en los Programas de Educación Profesional y Técnica
Las Escuelas Públicas Harmony ofrecen programas vocacionales en Agricultura, Alimentación y Recursos Naturales; Arquitectura y Construcción; Artes, Tecnología de Audio / Video y Comunicaciones; Administración de Negocios y Administración; Educación y Entrenamiento; Finanzas; Gobierno y Administración Pública; Ciencias de la salud; Hospitalidad y Turismo; Recursos Humanos; Tecnología de la Información; Derecho; Seguridad Pública, Correccionales y Seguridad; Manufactura; Mercadeo; Ciencias, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas; Transporte, Distribución y Logística. La admisión a estos programas se basa en el número de estudiantes de secundaria registrados en las Escuelas Públicas Harmony.
Es norma de las Escuelas Públicas Harmony no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, en sus programas, servicios o actividades de CTE, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.
Es norma de las Escuelas Públicas Harmony no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento o edad, en sus procedimientos de empleo, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, la ley de Discriminación por Edad, de 1975, según enmienda, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.
Las Escuelas Públicas Harmony tomarán las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y CTE.
Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos para quejas, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Título IX, CHARLES LAMBERT, y/o el Coordinador de la Sección 504, IHSAN KARA, a la siguiente dirección: 9321 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S. Houston, TX 77099, Teléfono: (713) 343-3333.
-
Website Accessibility
Harmony Public Schools (“Harmony”) is committed to making the information on its website accessible to individuals with disabilities in compliance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader, eye tracking device, voice recognition software, etc.) and have difficulty accessing information on the Harmony website, please contact HPS Webmaster by email at accessibility@harmonytx.org . Please include the following when communicating with Harmony regarding accessibility issues:
A description of your accessibility concern.
The format in which you prefer to receive the materials.
The web page address of the requested material(s).
The best way to contact you (email address or phone number, or both).Harmony will make appropriate accommodations to facilitate access to any website content.
Complaints regarding website accessibility may be filed by members of the community through the Public Complaint process outlined in Board Policy PG-1.12 (Public Complaints). Additionally, students and parents may file a complaint regarding website accessibility through the Student and Parent Complaint/Grievances process outlined in Board Policy PG-3.30.
Please note that some pages on the Harmony website contain links to third-party sites, which are not within Harmony’s control. If you notify Harmony of problems with accessing a third-party site that is necessary to participate in one of Harmony’s programs or activities, we will make the material or information available in an accessible format.
Translate
-
HPS Child Find Policy
It is the policy of Harmony Public Schools to ensure that All children with disabilities enrolled in the charter school or who contact the charter school regarding enrollment, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated; and A practical method is developed and implemented to determine which children are currently receiving needed special education and related services. These requirements apply to: Highly mobile children with disabilities (such as migrant and homeless children); and Children who are suspected of being a child with a disability under 34 CFR 300.7 and in need of special education, even though they are advancing from grade to grade.
Child find FAQ.
Child Find brochure (EN | ES)
Section 504 Child Find Notice
-
Non-discrimination Statement as Part of the School's Admission Policy
It is the policy of HPS not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability in its programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, please contact Section 504/ADA Coordinator at (713) 343-3333 located at 9321 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S. Houston, TX 77099.
-
Non-discrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs
HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS offers support to school district for career and technical education programs in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications; Business Management and Administration; Education and Training; Finance; Government and Public Administration; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security; Manufacturing; Marketing; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics. Admission to these programs is based on enrollment in HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS secondary schools. It is the policy of HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its CTE programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. It is the policy of HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and CTE programs. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, CHARLES LAMBERT, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator, IPEK TORUN, at 9321 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S. Houston, TX 77099, Phone: (713) 343-3333.
-
Aviso de No discriminación en los Programas de Educación Profesional y Técnica
Notificación Pública de No-discriminación en Programas de Educación Profesional y Técnica Las Escuelas Públicas Harmony ofrecen programas vocacionales en Agricultura, Alimentación y Recursos Naturales; Arquitectura y Construcción; Artes, Tecnología de Audio / Video y Comunicaciones; Administración de Negocios y Administración; Educación y Entrenamiento; Finanzas; Gobierno y Administración Pública; Ciencias de la salud; Hospitalidad y Turismo; Recursos Humanos; Tecnología de la Información; Derecho; Seguridad Pública, Correccionales y Seguridad; Manufactura; Mercadeo; Ciencias, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas; Transporte, Distribución y Logística. La admisión a estos programas se basa en el número de estudiantes de secundaria registrados en las Escuelas Públicas Harmony.
Es norma de las Escuelas Públicas Harmony no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, en sus programas, servicios o actividades de CTE, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.
Es norma de las Escuelas Públicas Harmony no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento o edad, en sus procedimientos de empleo, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, la ley de Discriminación por Edad, de 1975, según enmienda, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.
Las Escuelas Públicas Harmony tomarán las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y CTE.
Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos para quejas, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Título IX, CHARLES LAMBERT, y/o el Coordinador de la Sección 504, IPEK TORUN, a la siguiente dirección: 9321 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S. Houston, TX 77099, Teléfono: (713) 343-3333
-
Media & Public Relations
For media requests, please send an email to media@harmonytx.org with details of the request.
For more information, please visit our Media & Public Relations page.
-
Website Accessibility
Harmony Public Schools (“Harmony”) is committed to making the information on its website accessible to individuals with disabilities in compliance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader, eye tracking device, voice recognition software, etc.) and have difficulty accessing information on the Harmony website, please contact HPS Webmaster by email at accessibility@harmonytx.org . Please include the following when communicating with Harmony regarding accessibility issues:
A description of your accessibility concern.
The format in which you prefer to receive the materials.
The web page address of the requested material(s).
The best way to contact you (email address or phone number, or both).Harmony will make appropriate accommodations to facilitate access to any website content.
Complaints regarding website accessibility may be submitted through the Public Complaint process outlined in Board Policy PG-1.12 (Public Complaints).
Please note that some pages on the Harmony website contain links to third-party sites, which are not within Harmony’s control. If you notify Harmony of problems with accessing a third-party site that is necessary to participate in one of Harmony’s programs or activities, we will make the material or information available in an accessible format.
-
Report Bullying
If you are experiencing a problem with bullying at Harmony, or have other discipline-related concerns regarding one of our schools, please fill out the form at the link below for the Dean of Students.
-
HPS Child Find Policy
It is the policy of the Harmony Public Schools to ensure that
- All children with disabilities enrolled in the charter school regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated; and
- A practical method is developed and implemented to determine which children are currently receiving needed special education and related services.
These requirements apply to:
- Homeless children;
- Children who are wards of the state;
- Highly mobile children (including migrant children); and
- Children who are suspected of being in need of special education but who are advancing from grade to grade.
20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(3)(A); 34 CFR 300.111(a)(1)(i), (c).
-
Title IX
As required by Title IX, Harmony Public Schools does not (and is required not to) discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities. This non-discrimination requirement applies to admission to and employment with Harmony Public Schools. Inquiries into issues related to Title IX may be referred to Harmony’s Title IX Coordinator(s) (identified below), to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education, or both.
Title IX training presentation link
Harmony’s Title IX Coordinators:
Students/student matters:
Charles Lambert
Director of Internal Investigations
HPS Central Office
clambert@harmonytx.org
713-343-3333 x1104 Employee and applicant matters
Kelly Ann Hebeler
Director of Employee Relations
HPS Central Office
khebeler@harmonytx.org -
Non-discrimination Statement as Part of the School's Admission Policy
It is the policy of HPS not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability in its programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, please contact Section 504/ADA Coordinator at (713) 343-3333 located at 9321 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S. Houston, TX 77099.
-
Non-discrimination Statement in Career and Technical Education Programs
HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS offers support to school district for career and technical education programs in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications; Business Management and Administration; Education and Training; Finance; Government and Public Administration; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security; Manufacturing; Marketing; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics. Admission to these programs is based on enrollment in HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS secondary schools.
It is the policy of HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its CTE programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
It is the policy of HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and CTE programs.
For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, CHARLES LAMBERT, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator, IHSAN KARA, at 9321 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S. Houston, TX 77099, Phone: (713) 343-3333.
-
Aviso de No discriminación en los Programas de Educación Profesional y
Técnica
Las Escuelas Públicas Harmony ofrecen programas vocacionales en Agricultura, Alimentación y Recursos Naturales; Arquitectura y Construcción; Artes, Tecnología de Audio / Video y Comunicaciones; Administración de Negocios y Administración; Educación y Entrenamiento; Finanzas; Gobierno y Administración Pública; Ciencias de la salud; Hospitalidad y Turismo; Recursos Humanos; Tecnología de la Información; Derecho; Seguridad Pública, Correccionales y Seguridad; Manufactura; Mercadeo; Ciencias, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas; Transporte, Distribución y Logística. La admisión a estos programas se basa en el número de estudiantes de secundaria registrados en las Escuelas Públicas Harmony.
Es norma de las Escuelas Públicas Harmony no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, en sus programas, servicios o actividades de CTE, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.
Es norma de las Escuelas Públicas Harmony no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento o edad, en sus procedimientos de empleo, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, la ley de Discriminación por Edad, de 1975, según enmienda, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.
Las Escuelas Públicas Harmony tomarán las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y CTE.
Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos para quejas, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Título IX, CHARLES LAMBERT, y/o el Coordinador de la Sección 504, IHSAN KARA, a la siguiente dirección: 9321 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S. Houston, TX 77099, Teléfono: (713) 343-3333.
-
TX Transition and Employment Guide
The Texas Transition and Employment Guide provides youth, young adults, parents and professionals with secondary transition resources to facilitate a young person’s progress towards post-secondary goals to education, employment, and community living.
Please choose a version to display the guide:
— English
— Spanish
Bilingual 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 read the job description, or apply online.
LOTTERY (02/24/2021)
Houston South District Lottery Date and Location
Thank you for your application to Harmony Public Schools. We are pleased that you and your family are interested in joining our community for the 2021-2022 school year.
We are reaching out to inform you that we will hold our Houston South District lottery for available seats on the date and location listed below.
Due to the pandemic, we will hold a virtual lottery this year. As such, please be aware of the below important items about the lottery and registration process:
Lottery winners will be posted at the lottery location itself and at each respective campus after the lottery is held. Winners will also receive an automated phone call from the campus of the next steps for registration within 24 hours of the lottery itself. At such time, you will have two business days to log in to your Smart Choice account where you submitted your application to Accept or Decline placement in the system.
Registration for all campuses will begin on March 1, 2021. From this date, you have 10 business days to submit all required documentation. A list of required documents and step by step instructions are available on our school website and from our Front Office team.
We wish you luck in the upcoming lottery and are here to assist you with this process in any way possible.
Lottery Information
Update for Week of February 21 – 27
Weather Update
Update: All Harmony schools & the District Office in Houston and Beaumont will remain closed on Fri, 2/19. There will be no virtual or in-person instruction, and employees will not report to work.
Lottery
Lottery has been postponed to February 24 @ 10 A.M.
Weather Update
WEATHER UPDATE
All Harmony campuses & the District Office will be closed on Wednesday, 2/17 & Thursday, 2/18.
There will be no virtual or in-person instruction and staff will not report to work.
A decision for Friday will be made on Thursday.
Tentative plan for Friday 2/19 – students will have asynchronous virtual learning and staff will work from home.
Weather Update
Due to the inclement weather forecast & the potential for hazardous road conditions, Harmony Public Schools Houston South/West District campuses will be closed on Tuesday, February 16. All staff will work from home. All students will participate in asynchronous virtual learning.
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 Dismissal
Teacher/Parent Conferences
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.
District Safety Meeting – February 9
Harmony Public Schools South/West District will host its next District Safety Meeting on Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Zoom Link Here
TELPAS
Dear HSA-SL Parents and Students:
Each year, English Learners (ELs) are required to be assessed through TELPAS.
Prior to the TELPAS Test, we will be conducting a MANDATORY MOCK TELPAS.
MOCK TELPAS (TELPAS Practice Test and Test Training)
Test Date: Saturday, January 30, 2021
Location: Virtual
Test Time, Test Proctor, and Zoom Link have been emailed to all eligible parents and students. Please make sure to read the entire email and attached letter that was sent to you.
Your test proctor will be contacting you to confirm your test time and give you further testing instructions.
Testing will include technology training, and reading, speaking and listening assessment. The TELPAS Test does not affect academic grading. It is merely a test to determine language proficiency and/or EXIT from the ESL Program.
Please make sure that your student is logged in, from home, at their designated test time and ensure that they complete their test on their own.
Thank you for helping us prepare your students to be as successful as possible on their upcoming state assessments. Please note, the TELPAS Test is a TEA Mandated State Assessment and is mandatory for any student who is identified as LEP/ESL in Skyward.
If you have any questions, please contact our ESL Coordinator, Mrs. Davison at jdavison@harmonytx.org .
Dissemination of the Federal Report Card
1/26/21
Dear Parent:
Harmony Science Academy Sugar Land is sharing this information about the district and your child’s campus with you as part of its obligations under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA).
Federal Report Cards for the state, the district, and each of the district’s campuses are now available on the district’s website at this link: https://www.harmonytx.org/about or are also available on the Texas Education Agency’s website at https://tea.texas.gov/Finance_and_Grants/Grants/Federal_Report_Card/.
Please click HERE to see more information.
Saturday Tutorials
Gifted and Talented
Winter MAP Test
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 Spirit Week
Last Day for After School Clubs
Dear Parents,
Tomorrow is our last day for after school clubs. After school clubs will resume the second semester.
District Safety Meeting December 8
Harmony Public Schools South/West District will host its next District Safety Meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.
Zoom Link Here
District Parent and Family Engagement Policy
English Policy 4-West District PFE Policy 11-2-2020 (101862) (Spanish Policy)-HPS West District PFE Policy 11-2-2020 (101862).. (1)
PFE Meeting
You are Cordially Invited to Attend
Houston West
District Title I Parent and Family Engagement Meeting
Monday, November 2, 2020
Time: 5:00PM – 5:30 PM
Virtual online Meeting
Please: RSVP
Goal/Purpose: Review, evaluate and update/develop Written Parent and Family
Engagement (PFE) Policy and the School-Parent Compact
Agenda Items:
III. Jointly develop PFE Policy and Compact for current year
2020 FALL- WEST District PFE Meeting Parent Invitation- (1)
La junta será virtual.
Por favor confirmen su asistencia por medio del link para que se les envíe invitación a Zoom.
I. Presentación del programa Título I
II. Revisar y evaluar la política de PFE del año pasado y el acuerdo entre la escuela y los padres.
III. Juntos desarrollaremos la política de PFE y acuerdo para este año.
HPS Houston SW District Safety Meeting
Zoom Meeting Link
Student Drop-Off
Dear parents,
We have noticed an increase in students coming to school after 8:30 am, leaving little time for students to get ready for class. Therefore, starting tomorrow October 14th, our drop-off time will take place from 7:30 am – 8:00 am. All students arriving on campus after 8:00 am will be marked tardy.
Sincerely,
Harmony Science Academy – Sugar Land Administration, Faculty & Staff
School Cafe
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.
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.
NEHS 2020-2021 Application
The National Elementary Honor Society will be accepting applications from September 29- October 6. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Please click on the link below to access the form.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OekcKICGf68IXXj6YqYiGbHw20oze1mN/view?usp=sharing
Weather Update
Inclement Weather
Dear Parents,
Due to the threat of inclement weather conditions from Tropical Storm #Beta, our campus is closed for today.
There is no In-Person instruction on campus.
Online instruction will continue for all students.
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, October 5, 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
11 Novels
4 Fiction
4 Nonfiction
1 Poetry
2 Student Choice
Grade 9-12
12 Novels
4 Fiction
4 Nonfiction
1 Poetry
3 Student Choice
Share your favorite reads on social media by tagging Harmony and using the hashtag #HarmonyReads.
School Parent Compact 2020-2021
Dear Parents,
Please click on the link below to access the School-Parent Compact 2020-2021
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dMB8Y9rtunERkEu7Lo7e_U7sy6gfG3gE/view?usp=sharing
Campus Política de Participación de los Padres
Estimados padres,
Haga click en el siguiente enlace para tener acceso al “Campus Política de Participación de los Padres”.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1erqLJk9tDX7PWoYsbncJF5jcw1O5fFh7/view?usp=sharing
Recordings for Virtual Coffee with Mrs. Merchant
Dear Parents,
If you were not able to join us for “Virtual Coffee with Mrs. Merchant”, click on the link below to access the meeting recordings.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15O4PexTCAmLUMlvfUUML7qXRTYQZaMck?usp=sharing
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
Virtual Coffee with Mrs. Merchant
Meal Distribution
Dear parents,
Please click on the link below to access the information in regard to HSA-SL meal distribution.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mNm9r43TvMKQTYer8gfdEY3uO7ZpBfKw/view?usp=sharing
A Message from Principal Merchant
Dear parents,
Please click on the link below to access the message sent by our Principal Merchant.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dw3jUmZPbSFRN645b4CwhU6ag1YeOAea/view?usp=sharing
Message from the Principal
Welcome Back!
First Day of School – Monday, August 17, 2020
Harmony Science Academy- Sugar Land is preparing for a great start to the new year, as we kick off our virtual 2020-2021 school year! Please read this message carefully, as it includes important technology information, including online resources and as well as other helpful reminders.
First Day Success: Are you ready for the new school year? What should you do in the first minute of the first day of school? Prepare yourself and be sure to watch the Back to School for Students and Parents video:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vSPBZplLcYQKg8HYjsmG4xNC8XjDec9QxjO4BvoGUta21Hbid5DsIre4L8Gw2PkCP8mWZemTfJw7WGQ/pub?start=true&loop=true&delayms=3000&slide=id.g43b4920ab6_0_0
Attendance
Whether online or in-person, daily attendance in school is a strong indicator of future success and is a requirement. It is important to ensure your child’s daily participation in each class. Harmony Public Schools is beginning the 2020-2021 School year in remote learning through synchronous (online) and asynchronous (offline) instruction. All students are expected to attend daily synchronous class sessions and demonstrate daily progress in asynchronous activities through Schoology, such as completion of assignments and communication to/from the teacher-related coursework.
Grab and Go Meals
Grab and Go Meals continue for the 2020-2021 school year. Beginning on August 17, meals will only be available to Harmony Science Academy- Sugar Land students. Parents may pick up meals between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Students do not need to be in the car, but the parent must provide student ID or proof of student registration in the school. Meals will only be provided to students who are enrolled at that school. If you have children enrolled in multiple Harmony schools, you will need to visit each campus to pick up meals.
Just as if meals were served on-site, all students will be charged for meals according to their eligibility for free, reduced, or paid. For students of paid eligibility, breakfast cost $1.75 and lunch is $3.30. For students of reduced price eligibility, breakfast cost $0.30 and lunch is $0.40.
Parents are strongly encouraged to submit an application for free or reduced-price meals by going to www.schoolcafe.com and setting up a parent account. Paper applications may also be picked up from the school on meal distribution days. Once a student is approved for free or reduced-price meals, they will remain that eligibility for the rest of the school year and the first 30 days of the next. Parents are encouraged to reapply whenever there is a loss of income or new participation in SNAP/TANF.
Communication Reminders
Please be sure to stay connected to Harmony Science Academy- Sugar Land and Harmony Public Schools through its various channels.
District Website – https://harmonytx.org/
HSA-SL Website – https://hsasl.harmonytx.org/
Social media – Facebook
Wednesday Mail: Coming soon!
You can communicate with your student’s teacher directly via email
As we prepare for the first day of instruction on Monday, August 17, we encourage parents to visit the HPS Playbook (https://harmonytx.org/playbook) for information and resources regarding the start of the 2020-2021 school year.
We wish all of our Harmony Science Academy- Sugar Land community a great weekend! See you all Monday!
Have a great school year,
Afreen Merchant
HSA-SL Principal
Chromebook Distribution
Dear Sugar Land Academy Parents and Guardians,
Please be informed that your presence is required at the times listed below even if you haven’t requested a Chromebook or purchased school supplies online. All of our students will be given out instructional materials on their designated day and time.
Please see the schedule below:
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.”
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.
School Supply Lists
Dear Parents/Guardians,
School supplies may be ordered through EPI by clicking here and entering our school code: HAR223. Be sure you are choosing supplies for the grade level your student will be in during the 2020-2021 school year. Orders may be made now through June 14, 2020. Late orders start June 16th – July 3rd with a price increase. A list of each grade level school supplies is also available on the school website.
Here is the school supply list for each grade.
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
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.
Academic Calendar 2020-2021
Dear Parents,
Please click on the link below to access our Academic Calendar 2020-2021.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10pOs9LojyQA3YCqr6_LPilsBwaYKKA9c?fbclid=IwAR1hl1N3qtIOC4fEcz6vcUvnk55mGc3KbWi8KBLQx6ONwkATS-wJyRXiTDM
HMA Parent Information
Dear Future 5th Grade Parents,
We are excited to announce that, Harmony Mathematics Academy (HMA), is continuing at Harmony Science Academy – Sugar Land in 2020-2021 academic year for the students in the Gifted and Talented program and High achievers among rising 5th graders. This opportunity is intended to challenge our students through content acceleration and advancement, especially in Mathematics. We are planning to extend the program all the way up to 12th grade over the years.
The HMA program is for students who would like to excel in Mathematics at a fast pace. In order to ensure the success in this challenging program students will be selected based on their skills and achievements in Mathematics. Student selection criteria will include NWEA MAP scores, previous year`s STAAR performance, teacher recommendation, and student interest. Students selected to participate in the program will be placed in one section as a cohort for an advanced curriculum beyond the grade level expectations.
The completion of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the HMA program due to the selection criteria. Only those students who meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate a strong desire along with good work ethics to participate in the HMA program will be accepted.
Interested students and parents must fill out the application form meeting campus deadline, July 10th 2020. This application form becomes an agreement and also ensures that both the student and parents understand program requirements. Below you will find program details.
Selection criteria
Program success and student performance
Besides the selection criteria, other program components will be considered to ensure student success in the program. Other program components include the following.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Sultan Chandler – schandler@harmonytx.org
Rasim Damirov – rdamirov@harmonytx.org
We will be hosting a parent information session on July 29th 2020 (Details of this session is TBA). We look forward to seeing you.
Enthusiastically,
Afreen Merchant – Principal
Harmony Science Academy – Sugar Land
Please click the link below to print the application form.
HSA Sugar Land HMA 2020-2021 Application Form