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Welcome to 2022-23: A message from CEO Fatih Ay

Dear Harmony Families & Team Members,

Welcome back!

With a new year comes new opportunities and a time for new beginnings. We believe this school year is going to be filled with more opportunities than ever for achievement, exploration, and inspiration for our students and team members across Texas.

This year, Harmony is proud to welcome its largest class ever – roughly 42,000 students – to our 60 campuses. Harmony also experienced its largest batch of new student applicants – more than 50,000 – for this school year. Neither of these accomplishments could have been possible without the support of our Harmony families and staff members sharing the good word about their school with friends, neighbors, and families. For that, we owe you our thanks.

Whether your family is new to Harmony or you’ve been with us for years, Harmony will offer each of our scholars the same high-quality, STEM-focused education filled with opportunities to connect and engage with their schools, teachers, and classmates.

Though it has been only a few days since the first of our schools opened for the 2022-23 school year, already we have some exciting news to share. This week, the Texas Education Agency released its first State Accountability Ratings since the start of the pandemic. We are excited to report that five HPS districts and 23 HPS campuses earned a perfect “A” rating on this key report. Two districts and 32 campuses also received “B” ratings. Collectively, Harmony was the highest scoring major Texas charter school network in terms of the percentage of campuses which scored a “B” or better.

These results come on the heels of some extraordinary spring STAAR test results, which found that statewide not only had most of our students made up any achievement loss caused by the COVID pandemic, but in the majority of our schools, our students actually scored higher than they did pre-pandemic. Despite these successes, the work to help our students fully rebound from the pandemic will continue throughout 2022-23, as we continue to emphasize additional learning acceleration and ongoing emotional well-being support for our students.

Our TEA Ratings and STAAR scores are just a couple of the reasons why we’re so excited to begin another school year, but there are plenty more. In addition to our normal annual programs and initiatives, Harmony will be focusing on several key areas this school year:

 

  • School culture and climates of character will continue to be a primary focus for all of our campuses. The positive results of this ongoing initiative already are plain to see. Systemwide, we have seen a dramatic drop in behavioral incidents at our campuses, as an increase in counselor staffing is helping to better support students before possible issues arise. HPS also is proud to share that in 2021-22, three of our campuses were named National Schools of Character, making a total of seven HPS national winners in the past three years. Thirteen campuses have also been named State Schools of Character. We expect several other campuses to earn these honors this year.

 

  • We will continue to focus on school safety measures and scientific-based health protocols to keep our students and staff safe and focused on achievement. Over the summer, each of our schools conducted additional campus safety training, including security audits of their points of entry. This is in addition to the long-standing security measures already in place, which include yearly safety audits, which exceed the TEA requirement of once every three years. We will continue to work to increase the safety of our school communities, as keeping our students and team members safe is our highest priority.

 

  • For our former students, we will continue to offer a number of assistance programs to ensure their long-term success after HPS. First, the HPS Alumni Career Center will provide ongoing support and services to assist them with career development, job placement, and long-term success. Next, Harmony is extending its postsecondary support services with the new Alumni College Coaching program. The program aims to provide on-college campus coaching, and monthly success workshops to increase Harmony graduates’ enrollment, retention, and more importantly their college completion. It will be piloted at three universities this fall: the University of Houston, University of Houston-Downtown, and North American University. Finally, our College & Career counselors are wrapping up a successful season of “summer melt” intervention to make sure last year’s graduating seniors become this year’s entering college freshmen. Across our system, HPS made personal contact with 94% of our Class of 2022 to make sure they are still enrolled in college, have their financial aid in order, and know when and where to be on Day 1 of college.

 

  • To help prepare our students for the workforce, we will continue to expand our Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Industry-Based Certification (IBC) programs. Harmony currently offers more than 650 career pathways courses in 10 different fields, including Biomedical Science, Engineering, Programming & Software Development, Accounting & Financial Services, and Business Management, among others. In 2021-22, HPS invested more than $19 million in federal funds into these programs, allowing more than 15,000 students to get a jumpstart on the future careers of their dreams.

 

  • Through our Harmony Partners in Education program, we will continue to seek businesses, volunteers, and other community members who can bring resources and opportunities to our schools and students. During 2021-22, Partners in Education matched more than 1,000 partners with school projects across our system.

 

  • For students interested in a career in public service, HPS will continue to expand its rapidly-growing Service Leadership Society, which already is among the largest of any school system in the state. Harmony’s SLS program is dedicated to encouraging civic engagement among our students and exposing them to leadership opportunities within their communities while at the same time, allowing them to interact with elected officials and their staff.

 

  • To continue supporting the continued influx of interest in Harmony, we are continuing to add new campuses and expand others. This school year, HPS debuts two new campuses – Harmony School of Excellence-Katy and Harmony School of Science-San Antonio – as well as four additional major campus expansions. We’re also breaking ground on three others – in El Paso, Fort Worth, and Leander – this school year.

 

As you can see, we all have a lot to look forward to this year.

On behalf of our team members, faculty and staff, I would like to welcome you and your family to the 2022- 2023 school year. We look forward to getting to know your family better this school year and sharing all that Harmony has to offer.

Sincerely,

Fatih Ay
CEO | Harmony Public Schools

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Harmony Public Schools uniform store restocked with new inventory

Due to high demand, many uniform sizes quickly were sold out shortly after we launched our new online uniform store Thursday.

Stock shortage is not expected to be an ongoing issue. Fortunately, our uniform supplier has informed that they have added new inventory and are continuing to work to provide additional color and size choices as quickly as possible.

Shop now to get your uniforms purchases in time for the first day of school and take advantage of these offers:

EARLY SHOPPER SAVINGS
Shop July 21-Aug. 4 to get short sleeve polos for only $13.50 (reg. $15) or long sleeve for only $16.50 (reg. $18).

FREE HOME SHIPPING
Buy two or more items to qualify for free shipping directly to your home using promo code HPSPOLO at checkout.

Two Ways to Shop Your School’s Uniform Store

On Our Site
Click ‘Uniforms’ under the PARENTS tab of your child’s campus website.

Find Your School Website

On FrenchToast
Search for your campus name and city on the ‘Shop By School’ page.

Go to ‘Shop By School’

Frequently Asked Questions

The size and color I want are still out of stock – what can I do?
Our partners at French Toast are working hard to get more colors and sizes in stock as soon as possible. To get an automatic update when your uniform preference is ready to purchase, just enter your email in the ‘Notify Me’ box under the product ‘Out of Stock’ message.

Can my child still wear uniforms that were purchased previously?
Of course! If your child’s uniform is still in good condition, they are welcome to continue wearing uniforms from previous years, even if the campus has updated to a new uniform color scheme.

The free shipping code isn’t working – what’s up?
The free shipping code – HPSPOLO – is for orders of two items are more, so just make sure you have enough items to qualify for free shipping in your cart. If you’re still experiencing issues, please contact Customer Service at https://www.frenchtoast.com/contact-us.

Which uniform color do I need for my child?
When ordering new uniforms and polos, the following are the approved color schemes for each grade level:

The uniform color options don’t look like the ones I see above
– is something wrong?
There might be a minor color variation between the preview image on the French Toast website and the images above, but not by much. If the uniform you’re selecting doesn’t look right, just make sure you have the correct dress code selected from the drop down near the top of your screen.

Why can’t I just order uniforms directly at my campus anymore?
Unfortunately, year-round direct sales of school uniforms can be a complicated and time-consuming process for an individual campus. We’d rather put our team’s talents to use by serving our students. By partnering with an industry-leading school uniform supply company like French Toast, Harmony is able to keep uniform costs down for families while freeing up school staff (and storage space!) to focus on the other needs of our schools.

No returns or exchanges.
Uniforms will no longer be available for purchase at campuses.

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District Safety Meeting

Please join us for the Harmony Public Schools S/W District Safety Meeting on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at 1:00 P.M.

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

 

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Summer Meal Programs provide no-cost, health meals to students

 

Children need nutritious meals to learn, grow and thrive.

The Summer Meal Programs ensures kids have no-cost, health meals this summer and return to school read to learn.

Help us spread the word about this valuable program!

Text FOOD to 304-304 or visit SummerFood.org to find a site.

Los niños necesitan comidas nutritivas para aprender, crecer y prosperar.

Los programas de comidas de verano aseguran que los niños tengan comidas saludables sin costo este verano y regresen a la escuela leyendo para aprender.

¡Ayúdenos a correr la voz acerca de este valioso programa!

Envíe FOOD al 304-304 o visite SummerFood.org para encontrar un sitio.

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Harmony Public Schools Houston South & West Districts Job Fair

Harmony Public Schools Houston South & West Districts Job Fair
 
Wednesday, June 1
Harmony School of Innovation – Sugar Land at 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
13522 W Airport Blvd
Sugar Land, TX 77498
 
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Your family may be eligible for a financial benefit to assist with food purchases for your student.

School Cafe applications now open to establish meal eligibility for PEBT eligible students!

PEBT benefits will soon be available for families whose children have experienced COVID related absences and who qualify for free or reduced price benefits through the National School Lunch Program.  

 

Does my child qualify?

 

Both criteria must be met to qualify for PEBT benefits.

 

#1 A COVID related absence from August – December due to a positive test or exposure that has been verified by the campus.  COVID absences from January  – May will receive benefits in July.

  

#2 Eligible for free or reduced price meals through the National School Lunch Program.  To determine your child’s eligibility, submit an application through www.schoolcafe.com.  Paper applications may also be requested from the school office.  Students attending a CEP campus or who are directly certified automatically meet the eligibility requirement.      

  

The deadline to complete a meal eligibility application is April 6th.  

 

If you have any questions, please contact your school’s Child Nutrition Assistant.

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Public Comment on Federal Grant Applications

In accordance with United States Code (U.S.C.) Annotated, Title 20, Chapter 70, Subchapter VIII, Part C, Section 7846, and Public Law (P.L.) 114-95, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 8306, an entity planning to submit a federal grant application must afford a reasonable opportunity for public comment on the application before it is submitted.

Harmony Public Schools hereby gives notice to the public that it intends to file the following applications and request awarded amounts for federal grant funds with the Texas Education Agency for the school year 2022-23. HPS welcomes comments or questions concerning any of these grants, and requests that any comments or questions be submitted by June 30, 2022 using the form below.

En concordancia con United States Code (U.S.C.) Annotated, Title 20, Chapter 70, Subchapter VIII, Part C, Section 7846, and Public Law (P.L.) 114-95, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 8306, una entidad que planea presentar una solicitud de subvención federal (subsidio) debe brindar una oportunidad razonable para comentarios públicos. Las siguientes son las subvenciones federales que

Harmony Public Schools por la presente notifica al público que tiene la intención de presentar las siguientes solicitudes y solicitar los montos otorgados para fondos de subvenciones federales con la Agencia de Educación de Texas para el año escolar 2022-23. HPS agradece los comentarios o preguntas sobre cualquiera de estas subvenciones y solicita que los comentarios o preguntas se envíen antes del 30 de junio de 2022 mediante este Google form.

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Harmony School of Fine Arts and Technology SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT

Parents,

Please feel free to review the SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT which is available in both English and Spanish.

2021-2022 PFE Parent Compact – English

2021-2022 PFE Parent Compact – Spanish

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District Improvement Plan Meeting

Attention Parents,

You are invited to attend Harmony Public Schools Houston South/West Districts’ 2022-2023 District Improvement Plan Meeting on Friday, April 8, 2022 from 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

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

 

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Comprehensive Needs Assessment Meetings

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.

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https://hpshoustonsouthwestdyslexiaparenttraining.eventbrite.com

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

 

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Harmony Public Schools enrollment and lottery process

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

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

STEP 1

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

STEP 2

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

STEP 3

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

STEP 4

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

STEP 5

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

… and that’s it!

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

#1 – IS THERE ALWAYS A LOTTERY?

Not always, but often.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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!

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School Closure

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

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Harmony Public Schools S/W District Safety Meeting

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

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Substitute teacher pay raises announced at Harmony Public Schools

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.
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