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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.

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HARMONY SCIENCE ACADEMY AWARDED 2020 PROMISING PRACTICE BY CHARACTER.ORG

We are excited to announce that our school has been selected by Character.org as a 2020 Promising Practice.  Character.org has certified 246 Promising Practices in schools and organizations across the country that foster character development in children and teens that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens.

“We are extremely proud to recognize the schools and organizations that have developed and
implemented a Promising Practice” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org. “Each
of these programs and initiatives have demonstrated significant impact and strongly align with
the principles that help schools and organizations cultivate a culture of character.”

Character.org will honor each 2020 Promising Practice recipient (schools and organizations) at
its National Forum in Washington, D.C., to be held March 3-5, 2021

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Harmony Public Schools honored with National “Above and Beyond” Award

Harmony Public Schools has been honored with the National “Above and Beyond” Award for service to students and the community during this pandemic.

As part of efforts to celebrate National Charter Schools Week (NCSW), today, Harmony Public Schools joins a select group of 10 schools you may not have heard about from across America being recognized by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (National Alliance) as Above and Beyond Award honorees. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harmony Public Schools assessed the needs of students, their families, and the community, and quickly mobilized. The Above and Beyond Award was earned by schools that took the extra step to serve not only their own students, but also the broader community—during the coronavirus pandemic, despite all the challenges that came with transitioning to online learning.

Specifically, staff at Harmony Public Schools in Texas are producing face shields and medical supplies for local health-care workers and first responders on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.

The school gave the team carte blanche to manufacture protective medical gear and equipment. Within a couple days, 100 Harmony staff members volunteered and got trained about how to make face shields using 3-D printers and they’ve since donated more than 3000 face shields in coordination with county and health officials across the state of Texas. Each face shield takes roughly five hours to manufacture and costs around $1 to make.

Additionally, Harmony Public Schools staff members have served more than 350,000 meals to children in their communities.

“When schools nationwide transitioned to distance learning, it became clear to us that charter schools were setting a model for the rest of the nation on what it looked like to step up and care for their communities in the face of a global pandemic,” said Nina Rees, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “There are many public schools that served their students well in the face of COVID-19, but the exceptional work of our Above and Beyond Award winners embodies compassion and caring for people outside their school community who also needed help. Their work is a model of servant leadership for the rest of the nation,” she added.

National Charter School week celebrates charter school achievements May 10- May 16.  For information on the national charter school movement, please visit the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools website at www.publiccharters.org.

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Graduation Announcement

Harmony Public Schools has made the decision to host this year’s commencement ceremony virtually, due to the growing COVID-19 pandemic, orders from the local government, and recommendations from public health officials.   
We would like to thank you, our Harmony family, for all you are doing to help keep your student focused on their academic achievement during these unique circumstances. We often talk about the importance of a collaborative culture between teachers, school leaders, students, and families. Throughout this crisis, you have continually shown what it’s like for a school system and its families to work as true partners in education. We’re glad you’re a part of our team!
 
We will continue to update you as specific dates, times, and other details for the virtual graduation ceremony become available.
 
Wishing you and your family the best,
 
Harmony Public Schools-El Paso

 

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Harmony Science Academy Ranked #1 High School in El Paso

U.S. News & World Report has named the Harmony Science Academy among its top high schools in America and the #1 high school in El Paso, in its highly-anticipated annual rankings of U.S. public schools.
In determining its top schools, U.S. News & World Report looks at a variety of factors, including college readiness (30%), math and reading proficiency (20%), math and reading performance (20%), under-served student performance (10%), and college curriculum breadth (10%).
Harmony Science Academy – El Paso is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school providing a high-quality education for students in grades 6th – 12th. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning,  and college readiness. The system has a 98 percent graduation rate for its high school seniors, and 100 percent college acceptance rate among its graduating seniors.
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Classes to remain online-only through end of school year

Dear Harmony Families and Team Members,
Earlier today, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that all Texas school campuses will remain closed through the remainder of the current school year.
Accordingly, Harmony Public Schools will remain online-only. During this time, we will continue to provide free meal services, as well as chromebook access to those students who need them.
Information about ongoing coursework, grading procedures, end-of-year advancement, student counseling services, and documentation and resources for families with special education needs can continue to be found at HarmonyTX.org/AtHome. We will share more information about graduation for seniors as more information becomes available, and as the Texas Education Agency continues to offer its guidance.
Thank you.
Harmony Public Schools
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Need to talk we are here

Healthy Minds

Dear Harmony Families,
During this time of uncertainty we want you to know that we are still here for your student. If your student is experiencing anxiety or feels that they need someone to talk to, our counselors are available to help.
To learn more about the support your Harmony counselors can provide, schedule a teleconference with a counselor, or learn more about other support resources in your community, please visit the Healthy Minds section of your campus website (look for it under the Parents menu), or visit HarmonyTX.org/HealthyMinds. (Please note: Permission for Counseling can only be granted by a parent/guardian.)
We look forward to continuing to serve your student and their unique, individual needs.
Thank you.
Harmony Public Schools
*If you have an urgent need, you can call the COVID-19 mental health hotline supported by your local Education Service Center for assistance at 833-986-1919.
**If you have a medical emergency please call 911.
——————————————————————————————————————————–
Estimadas familias,
Durante estos momentos de incertidumbre queremos que sepa que seguimos aquí para continuar ayudando a sus estudiantes. Si su estudiante está experimentando ansiedad o siente que necesita hablar con alguien, nuestros consejeros están disponibles para ayudarlos.
Si desea saber más sobre la ayuda que puede recibir de su consejero Harmony, programe una teleconferencia con un consejero, o infórmese más sobre otros recursos de asistencia en su comunidad, ingresando a la sección Heathy Minds (Mentes Saludables) en el sitio web del campus (la sección se encuentra debajo de la opción Parents (Padres)), o ingrese a HarmonyTX.org/HealthyMinds. (Aclaración: por favor tenga en cuenta que los únicos autorizados para otorgar el Permiso para recibir Servicios de Consejería son los padres de familia o tutores).
Esperamos continuar atendiendo a sus estudiantes y sus necesidades individuales y específicas.
Gracias
Escuelas Públicas Harmony
*Si tiene una solicitud urgente, puede solicitar asistencia al 833-986-1919, línea directa de salud mental COVID-19, respaldada por su Centro de Servicio Educativos local.
**Si tiene una emergencia médica, llame al 911.
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Parent’s Guide to Google Classroom

Dear Parent/Guardians,

Starting Monday, April 6 we will move into phase II of distance learning; digital learning. Our dedicated teachers are ready to start the digital learning journey with you. Chromebooks have been distributed and Google Classrooms have been created to engage our students in continuing their academic excellence.
For your convenience, we have created a helpful video to guide you with Google Classroom. For English please visit https://bit.ly/34akJb9 or for Spanish please visit https://bit.ly/3dQv0xz

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Grab & Go Meal Service Update

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Harmony Public Schools will continue to provide breakfast and lunch for pick up by parents at designated locations throughout the district.  The Texas Department of Agriculture no longer provides funding for Saturday and Sunday meals, so these meals will not be available, beginning the week of Monday April 6th.

Meals will continue to be served “drive-up” style and will be distributed curbside at designated locations on the following days.

Harmony School of Excellence – El Paso

Monday and Thursday

11:00 am -12:00 pm

 

Parents now have the option of picking up meals for their children without them being present in the vehicle.  One meal bag will be issued for each child 18 and under.  However, eligibility must still be verified.  There are three options when picking up meals:

  1. If children are present in the vehicle, no additional documentation is required.
  2. If a parent/guardian requests meals for children enrolled in Harmony Public Schools (not present in the vehicle), no additional documentation is needed since we already have record of eligibility by enrollment.
  3. If a parent/guardian requests meals for children not enrolled in Harmony Public Schools, they must present one of the following documents at the time of pick up.
  • Official letter/email/electronic school application from school listing children enrolled.
  • Individual student report cards
  • Attendance record from parent portal of the school website, printed or electronic, that includes the children names
  • Birth certificate for children not in school
  • Student ID cards

If you have any questions, please contact us.

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Harmony Text Services

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Your family counts! Be sure to complete the 2020 U.S. Census

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
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Invitation to join the annual DIP meeting April 8th

District Improvement Plan Virtual Meeting

DEAR PARENTS:

You are Cordially Invited to Attend the HPS – EL Paso

2020-2021 District – CNA/DIP Meeting 

(District Improvement Plan)

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

District Office – Virtual Meeting using Zoom

Please sign-up to attend in order to receive the Zoom invite at:

https://forms.gle/oPM5xDT1HMFVkWcQ7

 

Goal/Purpose:  Review the current D-CNA in order to finalize 2020-2021 D-CNA/DIP

 

Agenda Items:

  • Purpose of D-CNA
  • Review Campus/District Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA)
  • Areas for Improvement and Priority of Needs
  • Review previous year’s DIP Goals
  • Revise Goals, Objectives and Strategies for the 2020-2021 DIP
  • 2020-2021 DIP Budget
  • Comments, Q&A

 

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Harmony at Home Distance Learning

Harmony at Home Distance Learning Plan

Dear Students/Parents,

This week, we are completing the first phase of our distance learning program, the learning packets. The next phase begins on Monday, April 6, 2020. Students and teachers will go online for a comprehensive digital learning experience that includes elements of independent learning, video-based lessons, and a variety of online software, including Google Classroom.

ACCESS to TECHNOLOGY

Students will sign in to my.harmonytx portal to reach integrated software and google classrooms on chromebooks or other devices. Students without computers or access to the internet at home should contact their school. For further details on accessing technology, you may visit https://www.parent.harmonytx.org/athomelearning and Free Internet access for 60 days.)

 

GOOGLE CLASSROOM

HPS will utilize Google G-Suite platform to provide learning plans for students. Students will log in to their My Harmony accounts to join the google classrooms by using the codes provided by their teachers. Teachers will use the platform to communicate, provide feedback, and assess the learning progress of their students. Harmony students have already been using blended learning software in their classrooms; software will be integrated into learning plans.

Throughout the next phases, our teachers will be available via email and other digital platforms to provide structure, guidance, and feedback. Once, our teachers set up their google classroom, they will contact you to start the online learning experience. Information regarding grading and high school credits will be shared later.

Please visit, https://harmonytx.org/athome for a comprehensive plan and a sample daily schedule you can follow.

STUDENTS with SPECIAL NEEDS

For students in special education and 504 programs, accommodations and/or modifications will be implemented to the extent appropriate and possible by our teachers in google classrooms (technology may have some limitations).  For students in pullout programs, our special education teachers will create google classrooms, provide resources and support virtually to the extent appropriate and possible (technology may have some limitations). We are still working on a plan regarding provision of speech therapy and related services, ARDs, 504 meetings, and FIEs. For all of these matters, we are following guidelines from the State of Texas and the Department of Education, which is still forthcoming and additional changes may be made as we receive further instruction. Your patience is appreciated as we work to ensure student needs are met.

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Queridos estudiantes/padres,

Esta semana estamos terminando la primera etapa de nuestro programa de enseñanza a distancia, utilizando los paquetes de aprendizaje. La siguienteetapa empieza el lunes 6 de abril de 2020. Los estudiantes y los profesores
ingresarán a la red para tener una experiencia de aprendizaje en línea que incluye elementos de aprendizaje independiente, lecciones basadas en videos, y una variedad de softwares digitales, incluyendo el aula virtual Google Classroom.

ACCESO A INTERNET
Los estudiantes ingresarán al portal myharmonytx para conectarse al software integrado y la plataforma del aula virtual, google classrooms, desde ordenadores portátiles como chromebooks y otros dispositivos. Los estudiantes que no tengan acceso a una computadora o internet en casa, deberán ponerse en contacto con
su escuela. Para mayor información sobre cómo acceder a internet, ingrese a https://www.parent.harmonytx.org/athomelearning  y Free Internet access for 60 days.)

AULA VIRTUAL GOOGLE CLASSROOM

HPS utilizará la herramienta G-Suite de Google para brindar planes de aprendizaje para los estudiantes. Los estudiantes ingresarán a sus cuentas Myharmony para unirse al aula virtual google classrooms utilizando los códigos brindados por sus profesores. Los profesores utilizarán la plataforma para comunicarse, brindar apoyo, y evaluar el
avance en el aprendizaje de sus estudiantes. Los estudiantes de Harmony ya han utilizado el software de enseñanza combinada en sus aulas; el software será integrado en los planes de aprendizaje.

Durante las siguientes etapas, nuestros profesores estarán disponibles a través del correo electrónico y otras plataformas virtuales para organizar, orientar y ofrecer apoyo. Una vez que los profesores hayan configurado su aula virtual, google classroom, se pondrán en contacto con ustedes para empezar la experiencia de aprendizaje en línea.
Más adelante se brindará información sobre el sistema de calificación y los créditos académicos.

ESTUDIANTES con NECESIDADES ESPECIALES

En el caso de estudiantes de educación especial y programas del plan 504, los profesores implementarán ajustes y/o modificaciones, en la medida que sea posible, en el aula virtual, google classrooms, ya que la tecnología puede tener algunas limitaciones. En el caso de estudiantes en programas especiales, los profesores de educación especial crearán el aula virtual, google classroom, brindarán los recursos y el apoyo virtual necesario, dentro de lo que sea posible, considerando que la tecnología puede tener sus limitaciones. Aún estamos trabajando en un plan sobre servicios de terapia de lenguaje y otros servicios relacionados, Síndrome de Dificultad Respiratoria Aguda (ARD en inglés), reuniones del plan 504, y Evaluaciones Individualizadas Completas (FIE en inglés). En relación a estos temas, estamos siguiendo los lineamientos del Estado de Texas y el Departamento de Educación. Igualmente, se
pueden generar cambios adicionales a medida que recibimos nuevas instrucciones. Agradecemos su coperacion mientras trabajamos para garantizar que las necesidades de nuestros estudiantes sean atendidas.

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Letter from our CEO: Classes remain online-only until further notice

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

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Grab and go meal service

Grab & Go Meal Service UPDATE

UPDATE TO OUR “GRAB-&-GO” MEAL SERVICE:

Now that our schools are closed through at least April 6 and our communities are being asked to “stay home, work safe,” Harmony is making an adjustment to our meal service pick-up options.

Beginning this Monday, March 30, we will offer twice-a-week meal pickup—on Monday & Thursdays—in which families can pick up meals for an entire week. Monday’s pickup will be for lunch and breakfast Mon-Wed and Thursday’s pickup will be for lunch and breakfast for the remainder of the week (to include the weekend).

Meals will continue to be served from 11am – 12 pm drive-up style next door at Harmony School of Excellence and will be available for all car passengers under age 18, regardless of enrollment status.

We look forward to continuing to serve you, and stay well!

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