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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Distance Learning Program Update

Dear Students/Parents,

This week, we are completing the first phase of our distance learning program, the learning packets. Remember to complete your learning packets and return once classes resume. The next phase begins on Monday, March 30, 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.

Below, you will find the 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 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.

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

Activity Estimated Time Platform
SHE 40-45 min Google Classroom
Math 40-45 min. Google Classroom
Science/SS 40-45 min. Google Classroom
Lunch/Break
Independent Reading/Writing Practice 30-40 min MyON, RazKids, No Red Ink,or hard-copy books
Math Lab 30-40 min Dreambox, ALEKS, Math XL
Specials/Electives 30-40 min Google Classroom
Everyday Routines
·        DO THE FIVE  (link)

·        Wash Your Hands  (link)
Physical Activity 30 min.
Bedtime Reading 15-20 min.

To access the Harmony At-Home Learning Program online, click here.

DISTANCE LEARNING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Elementary Schools 
Content Area Learning Platform  Integrated Online Resources  Blended Learning Goals  Useful Information
Pre-K Google Classroom Headsprouts under RazKids N/A Students will work on integrated topics. They can use their Headsprouts accounts under RazKids.
Mathematics (K-2) Google Classroom HMH Think Central, Dreambox or ST Math 20 minutes per day Assignments will be posted in Google Classroom, but students will need to login to their Harmony Portal to access their Go Math Lessons and videos. Learning packets that correlate to the online lessons will also be available for students without the internet.
Mathematics (3-5) Google Classroom ALEKS, Go Math 2 ALEKS topics per day
ELAR (K-2) Google Classroom HMH Ed Online, RazKids, I-Read Daily 45 min

( 30 min Raz Kids; 15 min I-Read)

 Activities will be posted in Google Classroom, but students need to login to their Harmony Portal to access HMH passages, iRead, and Raz-Kids; HMH Passages are also provided in PDF.
SHE (3-5) Google Classroom RazKids,HMH Ed Online, No Red Ink Read 30 mins a day

Write 10 mins a day

 Independent reading and writing will be daily. Students will login and have assignments in HMH, Raz-Kids, NoRedInk (gr 4-5),
Science Google Classroom STEMScopes 15 minutes per day Students may need to first login to Stemscopes for a Stemscopes link to work.
Social Studies Google Classroom Social Studies Weekly Online K-2 (1 topic per week) Activities will be posted in Google Classroom, but students need to login to their Harmony Portal to access Studies Weekly online.
Tech. Applications Google Classroom Learning.com CodeMonkey for EIR campuses Each teacher will assign the assignments and instructional materials through Learning.com for each class
ESL Google Classroom N/A N/A ESL will have sample Google classrooms in grade spans as K-2 and 3-5 prepared according to their language levels as beginner, intermediate and advanced. This will provide them with opportunities to practice their language skills.
Art, Music, PE, Electives Google Classroom Various N/A Activities will be recommended. No assignment or assessment will be given.

 

Spanish Version Below

 

Queridos estudiantes/padres,

Esta semana estamos completando la primera etapa de nuestro programa de enseñanza a distancia, los paquetes de aprendizaje. No se olviden de completar sus paquetes de aprendizaje y devolverlos una vez que se retomen las clases. La siguiente etapa empieza el lunes 30 de marzo 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 my harmanoytx 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, deberan ponerse en contacto con su escula. 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 My Harmony para unirse al aula virtual google classrooms utilizando los códigos brindados por sus profesores. Los profesores utilizarán la plataforma para comunicarse, brindar feedback, 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 feedback. Una vez que los profesores hayan configurado su aula virtual, google classrom, 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.

A continuación, se muestra el plan integral y un ejemplo del programa diario que puede seguir.

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 clasrooms, 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 soporte 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 mientras trabajamos para garantizar que las necesidades de nuestros estudiantes sean atendidas.

EJEMPLO DEL CRONOGRAMA DIARIO

Actividad Duración estimada Plataforma
Lengua y literatura (ELA, por sus siglas en inglés) 40-45 min Google Classroom
Matemática 40-45 min. Google Classroom
Ciencia/Estudios Sociales 40-45 min. Google Classroom
Refrigerio/Pausa
Práctica independiente de Lectura/Escritura 30-40 min MyON, RazKids, No Red Ink, o libros fisicos
Laboratorio de Matemática 30-40 min Dreambox, ALEKS, Math XL
Cursos especiales/Electivos 30-40 min Google Classroom
Actividades diarias
·     Actividad de los 5 pasos/  DO THE FIVE 

·      Lavarse las manos/ Wash Your Hands 
Actividad física 30 min.
Lectura antes de dormir 15-20 min.

Para accede al Programa de Enseñanza Virtual en Casa de Harmony (Harmony At-Home Learning Program), haga click aquí (here).

PLAN INTEGRAL DE APRENDIZAJE A DISTANCIA

Escuelas Primaria (elementary schools)
Área de contenido Plataforma de aprendizaje Recursos digitales integrados Metas del aprendizaje combinado Información útil
Preescolar (Pre-K) Google Classroom Headsprouts en RazKids N/A Los estudiantes van a trabajar en temas integrados. Pueden utilizar sus cuentas Headsprouts en RazKids.
Matemática (K-2) Google Classroom HMH Think Central, Dreambox o ST Math 20 minutos al día Las tareas se publicarán en el aula virtual Google Classroom, pero los estudiantes deberán ingresar a su Portal Harmony para acceder a sus Lecciones y videos Go Math.  Además, para estudiantes sin acceso a internet,  también estarán disponibles paquetes de aprendizaje relacionados con las lecciones virtuales.
Matemática (3-5) Google Classroom ALEKS, Go Math 2 temas ALEKS al día
Arte del Lenguaje y Lectura (ELAR, por sus siglas  en inglés) (K-2) Google Classroom HMH Ed Online, RazKids, I-Read 45 minutos diarios

(30 minutos Raz Kids; 15 minutos I-Read)

 Las actividades se publicarán en el aula virtual, Google Classroom, pero los estudiantes deberán ingresar a su Portal Harmony para acceder a las lecturas de HMH, iRead, y Raz-Kids; las lecturas HMH también estarán disponibles en PDF.
Lengua y literatura

(ELA, por sus siglas en inglés) (3-5)

 Google Classroom RazKids,HMH Ed Online, No Red Ink Leer 30 minutos diarios

Escribir 10 minutos diarios

 Los ejercicios de lectura y escritura independientes se realizarán todos los días. Los estudiantes ingresarán a sus cuentas y encontrarán tareas en HMH, Raz-Kids y NoRedInk (grados 4-5).
Ciencia Google Classroom STEMScopes 15 minutos al día Es posible que primero los estudiantes tengan que ingresar a Stempscopes para que el link de trabajo de Stemscopes funcione.
Estudios Sociales Google Classroom Estudios Sociales

Actividades virtuales todas las semanas

 K-2 (1 tema semanal) Las actividades se publicarán en el aula virtual Google Classroom, pero los estudiantes necesitan ingresar a su Portal Harmony para acceder a las sesiones virtuales de estudio semanal (Studies Weekly).
Aplicaciones Tecnológicas Google Classroom Learning.com CodeMonkey para campuses de Investigación e Innovación Educativa (EIR) Cada profesor asignará las tareas y los materiales de aprendizaje para cada clase mediante Learning.com.
Inglés como Segunda Lengua (ESL por sus siglas en inglés) Google Classroom N/A N/A Los estudiantes con Inglés como Segunda Lengua (ESL en inglés) tendrán aulas virtuales Google Classroom de ejemplo en los grados de K-2 y de 3 a 5 años preparadas según su nivel del idioma ya sea básico, intermedio o avanzado. Esto les dará la oportunidad de practicar sus conocimientos del idioma.
Arte, Música, Educación Física, Electivos Google Classroom Varios N/A Se recomendarán actividades. No se asignarán tareas o evaluaciones.

 

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Meal Pickup Update Announcement

March 24, 2020

Dear Harmony Parents:

Harmony Public Schools will continue to offer free lunch and breakfast pickup for any child under 18 years of age.

Beginning Monday, March 30, 2020, in an effort to minimize our parents’ driving commute, we will begin offering Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunch and breakfast pickup for multiple days of meals. Meals for 7 days will be provided for each car passenger under the age of 18.

Pick up time is slightly modified to be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Pick up location is changed to the HSA-SA campus due to the low number of meals being distributed at our, HSE-SA, campus.

HSE-SA will however, continue distribution of Chromebooks at our campus on Monday 3/30/2020. We will also distribute any needed educational packets from HSE-SA. Only parents who complete the survey requesting a device will be provided one for their family.

REVISED DRIVE-UP LUNCH SCHEDULE:

Day of Week Time Location Notes
Mon 11:00-1:00 Harmony Science Academy 8505 Lakeside Pkwy Pick up Mon/Tue Meals
Wed 11:00-1:00 Harmony Science Academy 8505 Lakeside Pkwy Pick up Wed/Thur Meals
Fri 11:00-1:00 Harmony Science Academy 8505 Lakeside Pkwy Pick up Fri/Sat/Sun Meals

We hope that this change continues to allow for meal pick-up that is convenient and efficient for our families.  We thank you for entrusting your child with Harmony Public Schools, and appreciate that you are doing your part to ensure that your family remains healthy and safe during this time.

ALSO – PLEASE NOTE: There is a shelter-in-place order aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. We want to inform you that school essential operations are exempt from this order. We will continue to have service hours allowing you to drive to our campus and pick up essential items such as curb-side breakfast/lunch, instructional materials (educational packets) and Chromebooks during the hours of 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March 27, 2020. We will keep you updated on any new developments.

 

Best wishes,

Bambi L. Teaff

Principal

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IMPORTANT UPDATE: TEMPORARY CLOSURE

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority at Harmony Public Schools. As new developments continue to unfold regarding the COVID-19 situation, we wanted to provide you an important update regarding the potential impact of the virus on our schools.

While there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported on our campuses or within our school family at this time, out of an abundance of caution we are announcing a temporary closure of all Harmony Public Schools campuses through Monday, April 6. All school activities, field trips, athletics events, and competitions have also been cancelled during this time.

At this time, we are anticipating classes will be able to resume for students on Tuesday, April 7. Staff will return for a work-day on Monday, April 6.

This decision was made after discussions with, and upon the recommendations of, local health officials.  We strongly believe it is the best decision for helping to keep our students, staff, and communities safe at this time.

During this closure, our Harmony team members will continue to work remotely to finalize the details of distance-learning plan to make sure students continue to receive educational services with minimal  interruption.You will receive regular updates how this plan will be implemented.

Additionally, all full-time, non-exempt and exempt employees will continue to be paid according to their normal rate and schedule.

We continue to urge families and team members to stay informed of current Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines related to the prevention of the spreading of viruses, including limiting out of town travel, “social distancing,” and self-quarantine for those who have recently traveled to impacted areas.

We recognize this is a rapidly evolving situation and will continue to aggressively monitor new developments and respond with appropriate actions based on the best interests of our Harmony families and the guidance of local health officials. Throughout this process, we will continue to communicate with you new information as soon as possible. We anticipate further updates no later than the week of March 23-27.

Thank you for your support during these unusual circumstances. With your continued collaboration, together we can provide a healthy learning environment for our students and staff.

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A note for families about Coronavirus & spring break travel

Spring Break is almost here for our students and staff members across the state.  We sincerely hope everyone in our Harmony community has a fun and relaxing break before together we begin the final stretch toward the end of the school year.

We understand that many of you will be traveling this spring break. With concerns about the Coronavirus in the minds of many, we want to share a few tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about staying healthy when traveling, as well as provide more info about a few Harmony policies related to returning to school after visiting certain risk-prone destinations.

Tips for Healthy Travel

In general, the same advice for fighting germs and bacteria  applies when traveling as it does when staying home:

  • Wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer;
  • Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth;
  • Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands;
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
  • When greeting others, consider an alternative to hugs or handshakes, such as an elbow bump.

Additionally, here are a few additional tips related specifically to those traveling:

  • Be aware of your surroundings (including people who are sick) and try to distance yourself as appropriate;
  • Avoid areas that you feel might make your more likely to be exposed;
  • Know how to get reliable local information about any possible changes to the situation;
  • Avoid public transportation, if possible. Confined spaces such as buses, trains, subways, and airplanes may put you at a higher risk of infection;
  • When eating animal-based products, make sure they are thoroughly cooked before eating.

Returning to School After Visiting Risk-Prone Areas

Due to CDC travel guidelines, students and families that have traveled to locations that are marked as a Coronavirus risk by the CDC must have a letter of clearance from their medical provider before returning to campus. Failure to provide a clearance letter will result in the student being dismissed home. Students will have 48 hours to provide proof of doctor’s clearance. Any additional absence will require further documentation from the parents or doctor. For a list of countries with COVID-19 travel advisories, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

Currently these countries include: 

  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Iran
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • South Korea

Additionally, please be aware that families travelling to China’s Hubei province or mainland China may face a mandatory quarantine and be monitored by public health officials. Any health department guidelines should be followed by any affected families and absences will be waived upon return to school with provision of proof of quarantine. 

At Harmony Public Schools, we take the health and safety of our students and staff members seriously. Harmony is closely tracking all new developments regarding the Coronavirus and will continue to share timely, relevant updates, as needed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to your campus health staff. 

We appreciate your help in supporting healthy and happy learning environments for our Harmony community. 

 

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