Harmony School of Excellence: Austin class of 2021 senior Daniel L., has been accepted to The University of Texas at Austin!
Daniel is proud to announce that he will attend The University of Texas at Austin Mechanical Engineering major in the Cockrell School of Engineering this fall.
“I’d like to have a career in engineering and I’d like to thank my family and friends for seeing me through,” said Daniel L.
Congratulations!
We are #HarmonyProud!
Congrats to Mrs. Kemmerling (middle school English teacher) and Mr. Miranda (high school physics and engineering teacher) for winning the HSE teacher of the year!
¡Felicitaciones a la Sra. Kemmerling (maestra de inglés de la escuela secundaria) y al Sr. Miranda (maestro de física e ingeniería de la escuela secundaria) por ganar la maestra de HSE del año!
Harmony Public Schools is excited to announce a new partnership with Texas’ favorite designer jewelry brand Kendra Scott.
As part of the brand’s “Shop for Good” community initiative, Kendra Scott will be donating 20 percent of all sales during a two-day event in May to Harmony’s COVID-19 Gap Fund, which supports teachers and student families struggling with financial uncertainty due to COVID-19.
To participate, simply purchase any item from select Kendra Scott stores from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 4 or online at KendraScott.com anytime May 4 & 5, and have 20% of your purchase automatically donated to the HPS COVID-19 Gap Fund when you use promo code “GIVEBACK-1D9P” at checkout.
To learn more or RSVP in order to receive reminders, visit https://www.HarmonyTX.org/KendraScott.
Participating Texas store locations include (5-7 p.m. May 4 only):
AUSTIN
• The Domain: 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX
• Lamar: 3800 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX
• South Congress: 1701 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX
DFW
• ClearFork: 5217 Marathon Ave, Fort Worth, TX
• Preston Center: 8383 Preston Center, Dallas, TX
• Highland Village: 1500 Cottonwood Creek, Highland Village, TX
• Plano: 5800 Legacy Dr, Plano, TX
EL PASO
• La Villita: 6801 North Mesa Street, El Paso, TX
HOUSTON
• Bay Brook: 700 Baybrook Mall, Friendswood, TX
• City Centre: 806 Town & Country, Houston, TX
• Cypress: 9945 Barker Cypress, Cypress, TX
• Highland Village: 2701 A Drexel Dr Houston, TX
• Katy: 23501 Cinco Ranch, Katy, TX
• Sugar Land: 16535 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX
ODESSA
• Commons at North Park: 2900 Loop 250 Frontage Road, Midland, TX
SAN ANTONIO
• The Quarry: 310 E Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX
• La Cantera: 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX
SHOP ONLINE USING PROMO CODE GIVEBACK-1D9P (May 4 & 5):
https://www.KendraScott.com
About Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott is a leading jewelry brand named for its founder Kendra Scott, a single mom from Texas who created a fashion empire by making and selling jewelry from her home. The brand now has store locations in almost every state and three countries (though their headquarters are still right here in Texas). Their founder is also well known for her frequent appearances as an investor on TV’s “Shark Tank.”
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 School of Excellence –Austin welcomes Jesús Alberto Amaya to their team! Mr. Amaya will serve as the new teacher for Spanish Language and Literature courses, replacing Ms. Angelica Garcia who has been promoted to College and Career Counselor.
Mr. Amaya has been in Spanish education for the last five years. He received his bachelor’s degree with a Spanish major from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2017. He then went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Spanish and Spanish American Literature.
Mr. Amaya is new to Austin from the “country and ranch areas” of Brownsville, Texas. He is excited to live in Austin and experience the city-life.
When Mr. Amaya is not teaching Spanish, he is a writer of short stories in Spanish, where they have been published in literary journals.
“Language and literature is a great passion of mine, and I am eager to transmit my love for language and literature to my students.”
Join us for an Esports Showcase featuring a live stream match against Harmony Science Academy – Pflugerville Varsity Rocket League team and Concordia University Esports team.
This exhibition event will be broadcasted on twitch.tv channel.
Follow the link to watch live – https://www.twitch.tv/ctxesports
This 2020-2021 school year, Mr. Fernando Rojas Andrews, M. Ed., LLM, will be taking on the role of Campus College and Career Success Advisor at Harmony School of Excellence – Austin. He will support the campus college and career success programs’ advancement by maintaining and sustaining a college-going atmosphere by collaborating high school seniors with alumni. Mr. Andrews joins the College and Career team with Mr. Serdar Ozguven, M.Ed., Dean of College and Career, and Mrs. Angelica Garcia, College and Career Counselor. Together, the team will counsel students to fully develop their academic, career, personal, and social abilities.
Mr. Andrews is a graduate of Tecnológico de Monterrey from Monterrey, Mexico, with a Master of Laws degree. He also received his Master in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler. With his nine years in education, seven of them at Harmony Public Schools, Mr. Andrews brings with him a breadth of experience. He has previously served as a Spanish Teacher, Interventionist, Department Head, Curriculum writer, Language Other than English District Head, Leader in Resident, and English as Second Language (ESL) Coordinator.
When Mr. Andrews is not on campus, he is also an Advanced Placement reader for the Texas College Board and has presented for state and national educational conferences. He enjoys chess and cooking with his family.
“I love this position because I have the opportunity to stay in contact with my former students and help them to obtain their educational dreams.”
This spring 2021 semester brings a new role to Mrs. Angelica Garcia as she is promoted to Harmony School of Excellence – Austin College and Career Counselor. She joins the College and Career team with Mr. Serdar Ozguven, M.Ed., Dean of College and Career, and Mr. Fernando Rojas Andrews, M. Ed., LLM, ESL Coordinator / College and Career Counselor.
Mrs. Angelica Garcia has been in education since 2010 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature with a minor in ethnic studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout her 11 years at Harmony Public schools, Mrs. Garcia has served in various roles, including; Advanced Placement Spanish teacher, Student Council advisor, National Honor Society adviser, Ballet Folklorico dance coach, District Language Other than English (LOTE) chair, and District LOTE PLC leader. In 2018, Mrs. Garcia completed the Harmony Aspiring Leaders Academy (HALA) leadership cohort. This cohort-based professional development program prepares potential HPS leaders by expanding participants’ leadership skills repertoire.
“My passion is expanding the access of opportunity to underserved communities. It is my absolute honor to work with students and families as they work towards achieving their post-secondary education goals. I remain committed to ensuring that every scholar realizes their greatest potential.”
When Mrs. Garcia is not on campus, she enjoys lifting weights, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Please use this form if you are interested in joining the Campus Improvement Committee. Meetings will be held Wednesday, March 25th 4:15-5:30 pm and Monday, April 5th 4:15-5:30 pm.
We need your experience and input in making HSE Austin a better place for our students, parents and staff. This team will meet through zoom to create and evaluate plans, policies and, build a more effective school. The ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills, strategies and knowledge to thrive and build a successful life in the 21st century.
A zoom link will be sent to you prior to the meetings.
Utilice este formulario si está interesado en unirse al Comité de Mejorar del Campus. Las reuniones se llevarán a cabo el miércoles, 25 de marzo, a las 4:15 a 5:30 pm y el lunes, 5 de abril, a las 4:15 a 5:30 pm.
Necesitamos su experiencia y aportes para hacer de HSE Austin un lugar mejor para nuestros estudiantes, padres y personal. Este equipo se reunirá por medio del zoom para crear y evaluar planes, políticas y construir una escuela más eficaz. El objetivo final es equipar a los estudiantes con las habilidades, estrategias y conocimientos para prosperar y construir una vida exitosa en el siglo XXI.
Se le enviará un enlace de zoom antes de las reuniones.
Dear HSE Families,
As a friendly reminder, there is no school tomorrow, Friday, March 12th. It is a student holiday, District PD.
Mañana no hay clases 3/12 / Día festivo estudiantil-Distrito PD
Estimadas familias de HSE,
Como recordatorio amistoso, no hay escuela mañana, viernes 12 de marzo. Es un día festivo para estudiantes, Distrito de DP.
Como recordatorio amistoso, no hay escuela mañana, viernes 12 de marzo. Es un día festivo para estudiantes, Distrito de DP.
The purpose of this announcement is to inform our HPS communities about changes to the Student Success Initiative (SSI) promotion/retention and retesting requirements for the 2020–2021 school year. In light of past and anticipated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commissioner of Education has waived grade promotion requirements for students in fifth and eighth grade for the 2020–2021 school year. Notwithstanding anything the contrary in prior policy or procedure, Harmony Public Schools will comply with the Commissioner’s waiver of SSI requirements for this school year.
For additional information, please click on this link to review TEA’s correspondence in regards to the matter: Waiver of the Student Success Initiative (SSI) Promotion Requirements)
Dear HSE Family,
HPS provides a wonderful opportunity for 1-12 grade students during the Spring Break, March 15-19, 2021.
There will be only a $ 10 non-refundable fee per camp.
Register by March 8, 2021! Here is the link:
All campers can attend career and college guidance webinars & interact with industry professionals during the virtual camp.
Please click on the link below for the Camp Course Details:
Contact your campus engagement & support
coordinator for more information!
Estimada familia de HSE:
HPS brinda una oportunidad maravillosa para los estudiantes de los grados 1-12 durante las vacaciones de primavera, del 15 al 19 de marzo de 2021.
Solo habrá una tarifa no reembolsable de $ 10 por campamento.
¡Regístrese antes del 8 de marzo de 2021! Aqui esta el link:
Todos los campistas pueden asistir a seminarios web de orientación profesional y universitaria e interactuar con profesionales de la industria durante el campamento virtual.
Haga clic en el enlace a continuación para ver los detalles del curso del campamento:
Póngase en contacto con la participación y el apoyo de su campus
coordinador para más información!
Dear High School students,
If you haven’t taken or passed the TSI Math, this club is designed to help you. It is every Thursday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. If you would like to sign up please fill out the form below:
Estimados estudiantes de secundaria,
Si no ha tomado o aprobado el TSI Math, este club está diseñado para ayudarlo. Es todos los jueves de 4:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m. Si desea registrarse, complete el siguiente formulario:
Hello Harmony Families,
Your student will be taking the TELPAS assessment, March 10th or March 11th from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm The test will be taken on campus. We will be upholding COVID procedures. Please check your emails for more details and fill out this registration form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNfd_0C7TYAYVCgO0u36QKMVfAjmXonlUoDOL-L9VFBrbwDw/viewform
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Nall at knall@harmony.org or 513-435-2280.
Your Future Begins with Harmony!
Join us for a Virtual Statewide Job Fair March 6th – March 21st
Visit: http://HarmonyTX.org/JobFair21 to Register Today!
As the city warms and clean-up begins, we understand that there is much to do in these upcoming days. For Monday, February 22, and Tuesday, February 23, classes are canceled. Asynchronous learning will continue for February 24-26. No in-person learning will occur next week as our campuses will be closed for repairs and to allow our staff and Harmony families time to recoup.
Although our campuses will be closed, our food distribution days will continue on Monday, February 22, for our Harmony families.
Monday and Wednesday 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Harmony Science Academy – Austin: 930 East Rundberg Lane Austin, Texas 78753
Harmony Science Academy – Pflugerville: 1421 W. Wells Branch Pkwy Suite #200 Pflugerville, Texas 78660
Harmony School of Innovation – Austin: 2124 East St. Elmo Rd. A, Austin, Texas 78744
Harmony School of Endeavor – Austin: 13415 FM 620 N Austin, Texas 78717
Monday pick-up will be for Monday and Tuesday meals. Wednesday pick-up will be for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday meals.
Thank you, and we hope this message finds each of our families safe.
No hay escuela el 22-23 de febrero, clases asincrónicas el 24-26 de febrero.
Como la ciudad se calienta y la limpieza comienza, entendemos que hay mucho hacer en estos días próximos. Para el lunes, 22 de febrero, y el martes, 23 de febrero, se cancelan las clases. El aprendizaje asincrónico seguirá el 24-26 de febrero. Ningún aprendizaje en persona ocurrirá la próxima semana. Las escuelas estarán cerrados por reparaciones y para permitir que nuestro personal y las familias de Harmony tengan tiempo para recuperarse.
Aunque nuestras escuelas estarán cerradas, nuestros días de distribución de comidas continuarán el lunes 22 de febrero, para nuestras familias Harmony.
Lunes y Miércoles 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Harmony Science Academy – Austin: 930 East Rundberg Lane Austin, Texas 78753
Harmony Science Academy – Pflugerville: 1421 W. Wells Branch Pkwy Suite #200 Pflugerville, Texas 78660
Harmony School of Innovation – Austin: 2124 East St. Elmo Rd. A, Austin, Texas 78744
Harmony School of Endeavor – Austin: 13415 FM 620 N Austin, Texas 78717
La recogida del lunes será para comidas de lunes y martes. La recogida del miércoles será para comidas de miércoles, jueves y viernes.
Gracias, y esperamos que este mensaje encuentre a cada una de nuestras familias bien.
Week of February 22 – Curbside Meal Distribution Next Week
As the days become warmer and the sun shines brighter, we hope our communities can have some relief after this week’s historic winter storm crisis. We understand that many families are still without electricity and water, and our staff is working hard to inform all of the available resources in the community.
Beginning Monday, February 22, our food distribution days will continue for our Harmony families.
Monday and Wednesday 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Harmony Science Academy – Austin: 930 East Rundberg Lane Austin, Texas 78753
Harmony Science Academy – Pflugerville: 1421 W. Wells Branch Pkwy Suite #200 Pflugerville, Texas 78660
Harmony School of Innovation – Austin: 2124 East St. Elmo Rd. A, Austin, Texas 78744
Harmony School of Endeavor – Austin: 13415 FM 620 N Austin, Texas 78717
Throughout the weekend, our Harmony staff is working diligently to assess any building damage that may have occurred to our school campuses because of the freezing temperatures and broken pipes. Some campuses currently do not have water or sufficient water pressure. Please bear with HPS staff as they work to evaluate and repair what they can over the weekend to continue learning on campus.
At this time, we do not have an update for the upcoming week as we evaluate the damages. We will continue to communicate to our Harmony families via social media, email, class dojo, and school messenger as soon as a decision has been made. Thank you and stay safe Harmony.
Como los días se hacen más calientes y los brillos del sol más brillantes, esperamos que nuestras comunidades puedan tener algún alivio después de la crisis tormentosa de invierno histórica de esta semana. Entendemos que muchas familias todavía son sin electricidad y agua, y nuestro personal trabaja mucho para informar todos los recursos disponibles en la comunidad.
Comenzando el lunes, 22 de febrero, nuestros días de distribución de la comida seguirán para nuestras familias de Harmony.
Lunes y Miércoles 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Harmony Science Academy – Austin: 930 East Rundberg Lane Austin, Texas 78753
Harmony Science Academy – Pflugerville: 1421 W. Wells Branch Pkwy Suite #200 Pflugerville, Texas 78660
Harmony School of Innovation – Austin: 2124 East St. Elmo Rd. A, Austin, Texas 78744
Harmony School of Endeavor – Austin: 13415 FM 620 N Austin, Texas 78717
Durante este fin de semana, nuestro personal de Harmony está trabajando diligentemente para evaluar cualquier daños en loss edificios que haya ocurrido en nuestras escuelas debido a las temperaturas de congelación y las tuberías rotas. Algunos escuelas no tienen agua ni suficiente presión de agua. Por favor sea paciente con el personal de HPS mientras trabajan para evaluar y reparar lo que pueden durante este fin de semana para continuar aprendiendo en el campus.
En este momento, no tenemos una actualización para la próxima semana. Evaluaremos los daños y continuaremos comunicándonos con nuestras familias en los redes sociales, correo electrónico, class dojo y mensajero escolar tan pronto como se haya tomado una decisión. Gracias y mantente salvos Harmony.
We hope our Harmony families and staff are safe and warm during this unprecedented winter storm. With the current power outage affecting the greater Austin area combined with inclement weather predicted for the rest of the week, HPS Austin campuses will be closed Tuesday, February 16, through Friday, February 19. There will be no in-person or virtual learning for Tuesday, February 16, Wednesday, February 17, Thursday, February 18, and Friday, February 19. Please stay safe and warm during this time.
Classes Cancelled
Tuesday, February 16
Wednesday, February 17
Thursday, February 18
Friday, February 19
Esperamos que nuestras familias Harmony estén seguras durante esta tormenta de invierno. Con el corte de energía que afecta el área de Austin en conjunto con el tiempo inclemente previsto para el resto de la semana, los campus de HPS Austin estarán cerrados desde el martes 16 de febrero hasta el viernes 19 de febrero. No habrá aprendizaje en persona o virtual para el martes, 16 de febrero, miércoles, 17 de febrero, jueves, 18 de febrero y el viernes 19 de febrero. Por favor, manténgase seguro y calientitos durante este tiempo.
Good afternoon all,
Here is the HSE Tiger Talk of the week, please check it out.
https://www.smore.com/9raw8
HPS Austin Zoom into STEM Series Presents Refik Anadol
Join Refik Anadol, a World-Renowned media artist and ULCA Guest Lecturer, as he discusses his passion for creating IMMERSIVE art spaces by INTEGRATING architecture, media arts, and machine TECHNOLOGY.
This event is open to all 9-12 grade students at HSE-Austin, HS-End, and HSA-Pflugerville.
*The counselors have put the zoom link on Schoology.
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.
SAVE-THE-DATE
The HPS Austin Enrollment Lottery will be held on February 19th, 2021.
More details to come!
If you still haven’t applied for the 2021-2022 school year for your child, you still have time!
Apply now!
HOW DOES THE LOTTERY WORK?
If we receive more applications than there are available openings, Harmony will host a ‘blind’ lottery to make sure all applicants have a fair chance to receive a spot. The lottery is conducted by randomized software, supervised by a campus or district leader, and verified by notary public.
If we receive more applications than there are available openings, Harmony will host a ‘blind’ lottery to make sure all applicants have a fair chance to receive a spot. The lottery is conducted by randomized software, supervised by a campus or district leader, and verified by notary public.
SELECTION PROCESS
Q. Are students selected based on a first-come, first-serve process? All eligible applications submitted by the application deadline will be entered into the lottery. Students are selected based on pre-defined, Board-approved criteria (if applicable) such as sibling and staff priorities.
Q. Are students selected based on a first-come, first-serve process? All eligible applications submitted by the application deadline will be entered into the lottery. Students are selected based on pre-defined, Board-approved criteria (if applicable) such as sibling and staff priorities.
Q. How is the lottery conducted? The lottery is conducted in accordance with pre-approved guidelines. The online system generates the list of applicants that are to be awarded seats and an ordered waitlist.
Q. When will parents be notified if they are selected to participate in a program? Parents will receive notification by email if their child has been selected once the lottery has been completed.
Q. What if my child is not selected for the initial lottery process? Once the initial emails have been sent to those students who are accepted, parents must accept the seat and/or participate in a screening process. Once vacancies become available, students in the waiting pool will be offered seats using the selection process.
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.
- Previously: No employer matching contribution.
FREE VISION: Free vision care for employees.
- Previously: Employee-paid supplemental benefit.
FREE DENTAL: Free dental care for employees.
- Previously: Employee-paid supplemental benefit.
INCREASED FREE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY: Free $100,000 life insurance policy for all Exempt employees.
- Previously: Free $20,000 life insurance policy.
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.
We will be holding our Parent/Teacher Conference via Zoom instead on Wednesday, Feb 3rd.
Please contact your child’s teacher(s) if you would like to schedule a meeting.
En su lugar, tendremos nuestra conferencia de padres y maestros a través de Zoom el miércoles 3 de febrero.
Por favor comuníquese con los maestros de su hijo si desea programar una reunión.