Attention Parents,

You are invited to attend Harmony Public Schools Houston South/West Districts’ Comprehensive Needs Assessment meetings for the 2022-2023 District Improvement Plan on Friday, March 11 & March 25 from 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Please RSVP by filling out this form to receive a Zoom link.

Click here to see what menus for the month of March.

Harmony Public Schools Houston South & West Districts are hosting an in-person event to assist parents in helping their children who are dyslexic or struggling with reading. Parents will receive information and engage in hands-on activities during this workshop.

Please register by March 7 to ensure adequate seating:
https://hpshoustonsouthwestdyslexiaparenttraining.eventbrite.com

 

Please be advised that due to the three day weekend, tutorials for Saturday, February 19th are canceled! Enjoy your long weekend!

The STAAR interim assessment is a free optional online tool for school districts and open‐enrollment charter schools. The tool provides actionable data to help educators improve instruction and help predict student performance on the actual STAAR.  

STAAR Interim testing will be on February 23-25 for our campus. Please see the schedule below:

We will be practicing actual STAAR testing during  STAAR Interim/Practice.  It is important that you make sure your child;

  • Eat a good breakfast before testing.
  • Is PRESENT for testingIt is important for your child NOT to be absent during the week of testing if possible. 
  • Is ON TIME (Testing will start at 8:00)

    PS: On the testing days the campus will be closed to all visitors

If you have further questions regarding STAAR INTERIM  testing, feel free to reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher or Mustafa Dursun at mdursun@harmonytx.org. Thank you,

Estimados padres/tutores de Katy Academy,

 

La evaluación provisional STAAR es una herramienta en línea opcional y gratuita para los distritos escolares y las escuelas chárter de inscripción abierta. La herramienta proporciona datos procesables para ayudar a los educadores a mejorar la instrucción y ayudar a predecir el rendimiento de los estudiantes en el STAAR real.

 

Las pruebas provisionales de STAAR serán del 23 al 23 de febrero para nuestro campus. Por favor vea el horario a continuación:

Estaremos practicando las pruebas STAAR reales durante el STAAR Interino/Práctica. Es importante que se asegure de que su hijo;

  • Tome un buen desayuno antes de la prueba.
  • Este PRESENTE para la prueba. Es importante que su hijo NO esté ausente durante la semana de la prueba si es posible.
  • Este A TIEMPO (las pruebas comenzarán a las 8:00)

PD: En los días de prueba el campus estará cerrado a todos los visitantes

Si tiene más preguntas sobre las pruebas STAAR INTERIM, no dude en comunicarse con el maestro de aula de su hijo o con Mustafa Dursun en mdursun@harmonytx.org. Gracias

Click here to see information and the schedule for our TELPAS testing.

Each school year, thousands of families submit their application to become a part of Harmony Public Schools.

Here’s how we select applicants for enrollment each year to make sure each applicant has an equal opportunity to become our next high-achieving Harmony scholar.

STEP 1

Each January, we ask current families to let us know if they’ll be coming back to Harmony next year. This is called “Re-Enrollment.”

STEP 2

Based on the number of students returning next year and the number of classes in each grade level, we determine how many open spots we will have for new students.

STEP 3

Meanwhile, new families are submitting their applications during our annual Open Enrollment season, which runs from November 1 through February 10 each year.

STEP 4

After February 10, if the number of new applicants is greater than the number of available spots we have, Harmony holds a “blind lottery” to make sure all applicants have a fair opportunity to be seated.

STEP 5

Families of students selected for enrollment are notified. Those not selected are put on a “waitlist” and contacted as soon as a spot opens up.

… and that’s it!

Here are some answers to our applicants’ most frequently asked questions.

#1 – IS THERE ALWAYS A LOTTERY?

Not always, but often.

Whether a lottery is needed is determined by the number of spots available at each grade level and the number of eligible applicants interested in them.

#2 – I WAS SELECTED FOR ENROLLMENT –
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NEXT?

Most importantly, we need you to officially accept the spot (a link will be provided on the acceptance letter). Then, between now and next fall, you’ll need to officially register your child and provide a few documents verifying their identity and home address.

After that, we’ll see you on the first day of school!

(Note: If you were accepted by more than one campus, please register at your preferred campus and decline the invitation of any others. This will allow us to offer those spots to another prospective Harmony family.)

#3 – I WAS PLACED ON A WAITLIST –
IS THERE ANY CHANCE I WILL GET TO ATTEND?

Absolutely – so don’t give up hope! Students initially placed on a waitlist are given the opportunity to enroll all the time at Harmony, often for one of the following reasons:

  • A student who was initially selected in the lottery didn’t completion registration by the deadline.
  • A student who was initially selected in the lottery moved away.
  • A student was selected by two schools in the lottery, but of course could only register at one.
  • We added an an extra class at the grade level for which you applied.
  • One of our nearby campuses had an opening,
    and reached out to see if you were interested in attending there.

More Questions?

Reach out to us on Let’s Talk to let us know how we can help!

We will be having our field day on Thursday, March 10th. Students are requested to purchase a field day shirt to wear on this day along with any Friday after field day. Click here to access the form. Please fill out and submit payment to the front office by Friday, February 11th.

Due to the forecast inclement weather and the potential of hazardous road conditions, Harmony Public Schools will be closed on Friday, February 4. Schools and district facilities are scheduled to reopen on Monday, February 7.

Please stay safe and warm!

Debido a las inclemencias meteorológicas previstas y la probabilidad de condiciones peligrosas en las carreteras locales, las Escuelas Públicas Harmony y las instalaciones del distrito estarán cerradas el viernes 4 de febrero y reanudarán el lunes 7 de febrero.

Por favor manténgase, seguro

Please join us for the Harmony Public Schools S/W District Safety Meeting on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 2:00 P.M.

Zoom Link: https://harmonytx.zoom.us/j/81807156107?pwd=eEhHNG50aDJuMFNlQm9rRTBDS0J0QT09

Due to the expected icy weather conditions today, we are canceling all after school clubs and tutorials. School will be dismissed at the regular time today. Please be aware that Elite After School Program will NOT be on site today.

Our Step it Up fundraiser has officially started! Click here to see more information on how to win cool prizes to go along with our “Day of Awesomeness!”

After giving across-the-board pay raises to full-time teachers and campus staff earlier this school year, Harmony Public Schools will now be giving pay raises to all levels of substitute teachers.
The daily rate increase goes into effect February 14. The increase was approved unanimously by the Harmony Public Schools Board of Directors on January 29. Under the rate increase, substitute teachers will earn an extra $20-30 per day on top of the already-competitive Harmony rate.
For a teacher only working a few days per week, the increase will mean a few hundred dollars each month on top of the compensation they already earn. For certified teachers and long-term substitutes, the rate increase could mean up to $600 per month in increased pay (see chart above for rates for each position).
“Each day, substitute teachers are making a major impact on our schools by keeping our students on-track and learning when their regular teachers are unable to attend school,” Harmony CEO Fatih Ay said. “These professionals are important members of our school community, and we want to show our thanks.”
Harmony currently has substitute teaching opportunities at all of its campuses statewide.
Earlier this school year, Harmony also announced $4,000-$7,500 in additional annual compensation for teachers and other school staff.
The increase was the third occasion in the past two school years in which Harmony announced a major improvement to employee compensation and benefits.
In January 2021, Harmony announced a sweeping upgrade of its employer-paid benefits that provided free vision and dental plans to all full-time employees, introduced matching retirement plan contributions for 403(b) and (457(b) participants, and increased life insurance payouts from $20,000 to $100,000.
In Summer 2019, Harmony also announced statewide base pay increases for employees ranging from $3,500-$5,000, as well as additional stipends for teachers working in hard-to-staff subjects.
Harmony 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 2022-2023 school year for both students and team members.
About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are 58 high performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools and our 58 campuses across Texas, please visit: www.harmonytx.org, and follow us on Twitter at @HarmonyEdu and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarmonyTexas.

Harmony Public Schools is committed to providing your child with the best possible education. To do that, we need to hear from them and you about our district, our schools, and the education we provide. That’s why we’re asking students and parents to take our School Culture Survey.

 

The survey asks for feedback on student support, academic preparation, safety and behavior, school leadership, and family involvement. The results will help us determine our strengths, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop responsive action plans.

 

The survey is open until February 28, 2022. Students in grades 2-12 will have an opportunity to take the survey at school. Although they will use their student ID to access the survey, their responses will be strictly confidential. We also want to hear from you as well! Please access the parent survey here: https://survey.k12insight.com/r/21-22-HPS-SchoolQualitySurvey-Parents

 

We’re partnering with independent research and communications firm K12 Insight to administer the survey and compile the results. No one from the district or our school will know how you or your child responds.

 

With you and your child’s candid feedback, I’m confident we can shape the right futures for the district and our schools. Thank you for being a part of the Harmony Public Schools family.

 

Sincerely, Ali Malik

Principal, HSA-Katy Elementary School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please be advised that there is NO SCHOOL this Friday, February 4th due to parent/teacher conferences. If you wish to have a conference, please reach out to your student’s teacher.

Click here to see the 2021 Federal Report Card by the Texas Education Agency.

In accordance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented students, Harmony Public Schools will begin taking referrals for all interested students in grades K-12 for Gifted and Talented (G/T) screening.
Anyone interested in the educational welfare of these students may nominate them for assessment. Students in grades 1 & up who were tested in Fall 2021 are not eligible to test in Spring 2022. Referral forms are available at the front office and on the school’s website (see below).
The referral forms must be returned or emailed to the front office by January 31, 2022. 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.
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.
Los formularios de referencia deben devolverse a la oficina de la escuela antes del lunes 31 de enero del 2022.
Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de selección e identificación, los padres pueden comunicarse con el entrenador / maestro de GT de la escuela.

Click here to see what’s happening in this week’s edition of Wednesday Mail.

Please be advised that backpacks will not be needed tomorrow, December 17th. Lunch kits will be allowed.

Some of our third grade students completed a project about our Solar System. Here are a few of their projects.

“Solar System” by Ade

“All About Space” by Teni

Solar System by Akif & Seniha

 

Is your 3rd through 5th grade student looking for a fun camp to participate in over winter break? If so, here’s your chance! For more information, click on the following links below.
utd.link/wbc1 (Dec 20-23)
utd.link/wbc2 (Dec 27-30)

Click here to see what’s happening in this week’s edition of Wednesday Mail.

Re-Enrollment for current Harmony families who plan to return next school year is January 4-28, 2022.

Re-Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year for Harmony families begins soon.

During this time of year each January, we ask families to complete a simple, online Re-Enrollment process, letting us know they’ll be joining us for another great year of learning and fun next school year, which starts in August 2022.

This simple step allows us to make sure each current student’s spot at Harmony is reserved for the following school year, and assess how many new student seats we have available for other applicants.

Re-Enrollment at Harmony Public Schools runs January 4-28, 2022. Look for more details in your email inbox, via Skyward, or on our Facebook page soon.

In the meantime, check out these 6 things families need to know about Re-Enrollment at Harmony Public Schools.

#1 – When is Re-Enrollment season?

For the 2022-2023 school year, re-enrollment will be January 4-28, 2022.

#2 – How do I apply for Re-Enrollment?

The preferred method for re-enrollment is through the student’s online Skyward account. (A link to Skyward can be found at the top of your campus homepage or you can simply click here.). Parents without internet and/or Skyward access may also request a paper re-enrollment option from their child’s campus.

#3 – What is the difference between Re-Enrollment and Open Enrollment?

Re-enrollment is intended for current Harmony students planning to stay at their current campus the following school year, or who will naturally feed upward to a new campus (e. from elementary to nearby middle school). Open Enrollment is for new students, or current students who wish to change Harmony campuses for personal reasons (ex. transferring to a campus closer to home).

#4 – If a student plans to stay at the same school next year, are they automatically guaranteed re-enrollment if they complete the re-enrollment process before the deadline?

Yes, so long as their family completes the re-enrollment process.

#5 – What happens if a parent does not submit their re-enrollment information before the deadline?

If a parent misses the deadline to complete the re-enrollment process, then the student will lose his/her reserved space for next school year and must apply during Open Enrollment, held November 1-February 10 each school year. To apply, visit www.HarmonyTX.org/Apply.

#6 – What does a Harmony parent need to do if they would like to stay with Harmony, but transfer to a different campus for the next school year?

If a parent would like to change Harmony campuses for the following school year, they must submit an application for the desired school at www.HarmonyTX.org/Apply.

Due to STAAR Interim testing, our Advancial Deposit Day will now be Tuesday, December 14th. Thank you for your understanding!

Click here to see what’s happening in this week’s edition of Wednesday Mail.

Please be advised that we will be having closed campus Tuesday, December 7th through Thursday, December 9th due to STAAR Interim.

Please make sure your student is fully rested, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives to school on time!

 

If your student is struggling in a subject, or just has a question about tonight’s homework assignment, Harmony Public Schools has a solution.

Harmony is proud to now offer free tutoring 24/7 with TutorMe.

Through TutorMe, students in Grades 3-12 have free, 24/7 online access to verified experts in more than 300 fields.

Check out the video below to learn more, or look for the TutorMe option inside Clever in your family’s MyHarmony Portal account.

Click here to see what’s happening in this week’s edition of Wednesday Mail.