

Tiger Mail Issue #23
February 3rd - February 7th
HSI-Garland's MISSION STATEMENT
We prepare each student for college, career, and life by providing a safe, productive, and collaborative atmosphere, focusing on the student's emotional wellbeing through a quality, learner-centered educational program with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. (STEM).
Rated #1 in the City of Garland
State School of Character Designation
National School of Character Designation
Best Middle Schools in America
Advanced Placement Award
CORE Values
π£ Current Campus News π£
Parents/Guardians School Climate Survey
Parents received an email invitation with a survey link on
January 14th, 2025
Alternatively, they can access the survey via school websites, social media pages, or harmonytx.org.
Survey link: Parent/Guardian Survey
February is SENIOR Month
We are excited to announce that February is Senior Month promotion from Positive Promotions! Deals on Senior items can be viewed in the image provided. FREE Shipping on all items purchased!
Spring Harmony Theater Club
Students may now begin signing up for the Harmony Theater Club that will begin this Spring! Any interested students and parents may reach out to the Theater Leader: Patty Driver @ kidswhorockdallas@gmail.com
Sign up Here! https://rem.ax/TheaterClubHSI
All practices will be held at the HSA-Gym and snacks will be provided.
Schedule of Practices & Shows:
- March 21: 1:15pm-4:30pm (Practice)
- March 28: 1:15pm-4:30pm (Practice)
- April 4th: 1:15pm-4:30pm (Practice)
- April 11th: 1:15pm-4:30pm (Practice)
- April 25th: 1:30-4:30pm (Practice)
- May 2nd: 1:30-4:30pm (Practice)
- May 2nd: 5:00-6:00pm (Pizza Party)
- May 2nd: 6:00pm (Performance)
STAAR Interim Testing
STAAR Interim Testing for students will occur between February 11th and February 21st.
The following schedule is a tentative schedule of the exams:
February 11th: 7/8 RLA & ENGLISH I (9th)
February 12th: 7/8 MATH & ALGEBRA I (8th/9th)
February 13th: 8 SCIENCE, BIOLOGY (9th), ENGLISH II (10th)
February 19th: 8 SS & US HISTORY (11th)
TSI CAMPUS TESTING
The TSI Assessment for College Readiness will be administered to High School students in January upon return from the Winter Break. The TSIA2 Assessment measures a student's readiness for college courses and dual credit enrollment. This assessment is not a pass/fail and will not impact their Academics. In order to gain college ready status, students simply need to gain a qualifying score or higher. Students also have multiple attempts to gain a qualifying score.
Prior to completing the TSIA2 assessment, students should complete the Pre-Assessment Activity to become familiar with the assessment. To learn more about the TSIA2 assessment, open this document to find more guidance.
More attempts may be made in completing the assessment on specified Saturdays. Click this link to sign up for Saturday testing.
Practice SAT for Juniors
Juniors will be administered a Practice SAT exam on Wednesday, February 26th to provide them with an experience in testing on the Bluebook application used by the CollegeBoard organization and answering SAT Practice questions.
Juniors will want to ensure they have a fully charged chromebook and their individual charger prior to arriving to school on this day.
TELPAS Testing
The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) is an English language proficiency assessment aligned to the Texas English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS). This assessment is designed to assess the progress that emergent bilingual (EB) students make in learning the English language. TELPAS fulfills ESSA requirements for assessing EB students in kindergarten through grade 12 in four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
TELPAS Testing for students will occur between February 24th and March 14th.
The following schedule is a tentative schedule of the exams:
February 25th: 7th/8th Reading & Writing
February 27th: 9th/10th Reading & Writing
February 28th: 11th/12th Reading & Writing
March 4th: 7th Listening & speaking
March 5th: 8th Listening & speaking
March 6th: 9th Listening & speaking
March 7th: 10th Listening & speaking
March 11th: 11th/12th Listening & speaking
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
Harmony North Texas is participating in Battle of the Books this school year! For more information on Battle of the Books, check out their website or the video below. Additionally, more information will be coming!
SENIOR CAP & GOWN ORDERS + Other Attire
Dear Senior Parent/Guardian,
Jostens was here today to visit with your senior about their 2025 graduation cap & gown and other senior year items. We thought you would appreciate having a copy of what was handed out during their assembly.
Click (HERE) to be taken directly to HSI-Garland's homepage at Jostens.
HARMONY ON THE HILL
Dear Harmony Advocates,
In a few months we will gather together at the Texas State Capitol in Austin to show our support for Harmony Public Schools at the bi-annual "Harmony on the Hill" event. This gathering provides an important opportunity for Harmony Advocates to share with lawmakers and their staff about the important ways that Harmony Public Schools are serving students all across Texas a high-quality STEM and character-based education.
As a leading voice for Harmony, we want you involved! Below are the details. Please respond with your interest in attending; space is limited. Register today!
HARMONY ON THE HILL 2025
- Who: Harmony Advocates -- Parents & Alumni
- When: Thursday, February 13, 2025
- Where: Texas State Capitol - Austin, Texas
- What: A full day of meetings at the Texas state capitol in Austin. You'll meet with lawmakers and their staff to share your story and why Harmony Public Schools matter to your family!
Limited transportation options are available. Meetings will take place between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM and there will be a break for lunch. Upon registering for this event, additional information will be provided. Please email Claudia Kongamnach (Ckongamnach@harmonytx.org) with questions or to confirm your participation.
Harmony Grow Your Own Teacher (GYOT) Program
Harmony Grow Your Own Teacher (GYOT) program is still accepting applications. Application deadline is the first Friday of April (4/5/2024)
Harmony Public School's Grow Your Own Teacher Program (GYOT) is an innovative fellowship developed to prepare HPS's future educators and leaders. GYOT program provides a competitive financial opportunity β up to $20,000 in total for six years β for current HPS students and/or HPS graduates to pursue a bachelor's degree that leads to teacher certification.
Visit the GYOT official website to learn more about program details and benefits.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1caWF7wWJBpCPemA-Fui8Wue03rYEtfpt/view
Learn More At: https://www.harmonytx.org/directory/grow-your-own-teacher
UT-Dallas Computer Science K-12 Outreach
The UTD Computer Science Outreach page (k12.utdallas.edu/events) now consolidates all upcoming events, including free enrichment sessions for AP CS, which continue on Saturdays from 10am-12pm starting January 25, 2025.
No registration is required for these sessions, and recordings will be available.
A $25 annual or $15 for 5-month subscription is needed for the Codio platform used for AP CS Java.
Other events include a free coding series from Feb 8-April 12, 2025, featuring sessions on MIT Scratch, Alice & JavaScript, p5.js, Python, and coding contests. There's also a presentation titled "Step into the Future of Coding" on Feb 1, 2025, for 5th graders and up, and the 2nd Annual Quantum Computing Conference on Feb 22, 2025. The Spring 2025 Battle of the Brains Coding Contest for high school students is scheduled for April 12, 2025. Summer 2025 coding camps, workshops, and research labs are also planned, with registration for camps still pending.
SPORTS FACILITY ENTRY FEES
HSI-Garland Home Field:
Premier Park: 11115 Elam Rd, Balch Springs, TX 75180
NO ADMISSION FEES
Harmony Referral Rewards Program
π Join Our Referral Rewards Program! π
Help us grow our Harmony Family and earn rewards along the way! ππ
π₯ Refer your family and friends to our school and enjoy special perks as a thank-you for sharing the Harmony experience.
π’ Spread the word & start earning today-->https://harmonytx.tfaforms.net/20
HSI-Garland Fundraising with Mabel's Labels
HSI-Garland has started fundraising for next school year, but you can start this summer! Mabel's Labels is the leading provider of name labels for the stuff kids lose! Get the best prices on custom name stickers today. Free shipping on all orders. Simply follow the instructions in the image.
Click the image to view a larger version.
HSI-Garland Fundraising with Kroger
The Kroger Family of Companies is committed to community engagement, positive social impact and charitable giving at the national and local levels. Every community is unique, but our common goal is to partner with the neighborhoods we serve and help the people there live healthier lives.
One of the ways in which we do this is through our Kroger Community Rewards program. This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your Card to an organization, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Shopperβs Card. This step can be done in your account profile on the Kroger application.
MORNING/DROP OFF Driveline Tips
- In the AM Drop-Off students in the left-lane in the mornings.
- Use the White Lanes (2)
- β¬οΈ Right Lane in the morning is for through traffic only.
- Please Do Not drop off students in the Left Lane.
- At 8:00am, Drop-Off students at the front doors using the left lane.
- The right lane is still a β¬οΈ through lane only.
Click the Drive Line image for a larger view!
AFTERNOON/PICK UP Driveline Tips
Click the Drive Line image for a larger view!
DRIVELINE SAFETY REMINDERS
- SPEED LIMIT: 10MPH
- No PARKING or LEAVING an UNATTENDED VEHICLE in a Fire Lane. Please find a parking spot.
- Remind student(s) to use cross-walks at all times. πΈ
- Be cautious of students entering and exiting vehicles.
- π Use blinkers at all times when maneuvering in the drive line.
- π Use hazards to signal your stoppage on the curb for Drop-Off or Pick-Up.
- Fill all available space in front of your vehicle when cars vacate the line.
- π΅Texas House Bill 347: Prohibits the use of cell phones while driving on school property during reduced speed time zones in order to improve pedestrian safety. The ban applies to any school property where a school crossing zone is present. The only exceptions to the law are when the vehicle is stopped, the driver is using a hands-free device, or if the individual is in the process of making an emergency call or operating an emergency vehicle.
- ONLY Drop-off and Pick-up at the rear of the building.
- Please DO NOT drop-off students on/from Firewheel Parkway.
π¨π»βπ« Counselor's Corner π¨π»βπ«
π« Students Attendance Information π«
Student Sign Out Cut Off Time
Reminder: When signing out students, please do so before 3:10pm.
Early Departure for Student Drivers
All students who drive to school and require an early departure must have their parents confirm the departure through both a phone call and an email. This requirement is non-negotiable, and we expect full compliance. To ensure your child's timely and safe departure, follow the steps below:
- Call the school office at 469.814.0059 to report your child's early departure.
- Send an email to mroman@harmonytx.org, rquiroz@harmonytx.org, alucas@harmonytx.org, & ccastillo@harmonytx.org with the subject line ""Early Departure Confirmation,"" containing the following details:
- Student's Full Name
- Date of Early Departure
- Reason for Early Departure
- Expected Time of Departure
Failure to adhere to this mandatory procedure may result in delays or complications. Your immediate cooperation in this matter is crucial for the efficient and secure management of early student departures.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Keep Your Child On Track in Middle and High School:
π±οΈ Click the image to learn more -->
Campus Tardy Policy
Attendance Reminder
Harmony Public Schools looks forward to educating your children during the 2023-2024 school year. We have prepared this letter to inform you of Harmonyβs policies and procedures as they relate to your studentsβ attendance and academic success. Click on the image to read more.
Attendance Matters
π Campus Medical Information π
Schools across the state are seeing an increase in illness-related absences following severe winter weather earlier in January, and we need your help in preventing the spread of germs.
Please take a moment to review these important preventive measures with your child:
- Handwashing: Encourage frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom.
- Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Teach children to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow.
- Stay Home When Sick: If your child has a fever (100 degrees F or higher), vomiting, or other flu-like symptoms, they should stay home until they are fever-free and vomit-free for 24 hours without use of symptom suppressant medication.
- Healthy Habits: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and stays hydrated to help boost their immune system.
If a student feels unwell while at school, they must visit the Health Aide before being sent home to ensure proper care is provided. If the student needs to go home due to illness, the Health Aide will contact the parent or guardian directly.
Please note that any attempts to sign a student out due to illness without first seeing the Health Aide will result in the absence being marked as unexcused. Absences of three or more consecutive days due to illness require a note from a healthcare provider to be considered excused.
We appreciate your partnership in keeping our schools safe and healthy. If your child experiences prolonged illness or flu-like symptoms, please notify the school.
FLU Guide for Parents - English
February Health Reminders
Feeling Sick?
Health Notice to Parents
Medical Absences
These measures will contribute to a healthier and more productive learning environment for our students.
- If your student is feeling sick while at school, it is mandatory for them to visit the Health Aide before they can be sent home to ensure that any necessary care is provided promptly. If it is necessary to send the student home due to illness, the health aide will notify the parent/guardian.
- Any attempts to sign-out due to illness without the attention of the health aide will result in an unexcused absence.
- Absences exceeding three or more days due to illness, require a note from a healthcare provider in order for the absences to be excused.
- Students are expected to be present for a minimum of 90% of each class to receive credit for their education.
Student Immunizations
Immunizations: All proof of shots need to be ON FILE to avoid exclusion from classroom placement
PARENTS REMAINDER
Medications: If your child requires medication to be given during the school day please have the medication administration form fill out and turn in to Health Aide.
All action plans β food/insect allergies, asthma, diabetes, seizures, etc. must be signed by a physician. If your childβs health in any way changes during the year, please let us know. This also provides us with the information on how to reach you if your child becomes ill or injured.
Cecilia Castillo
Health Aide | HSI Garland
(469) 2174-0059 ccastillo@harmonytx.org
Lead in Drinking Water Test Results and Action Plan
Please view this document for results of water testing on a plan of action.
π₯ Student Nutrition Information π§π»βπ³
Benefits of Breakfast
Breakfast Makes a Difference
Celebrate Good Nutrition
π² HPS Meal Charges π²
Please review the information regarding meal charges for the school year.
Special Dietary Accommodations Form
At Harmony School of Innovation Garland, we provide our students with healthy and nutritious school meals to support their growth. A reasonable dietary accommodation for children who have special dietary needs such as Vegetarian meal, Halal friendly meal, Lactose free milk or Soy Milk may be made in accordance with program regulations when the accommodation is requested and is at the discretion of the district.
- Please fill out and provide this form to your childβs school if special dietary accommodations are requested. Students must have the Special Dietary Accommodation form signed by their parent/guardian in order to receive meal accommodations.
- If you have any questions, please contact the Child Nutrition Assistant, Ms. Lucas at alucas@harmonytx.org
Plant Parts We Eat!
Check out this graphic of the parts of plants that we eat!
SODEXO Application
Our new catering company, has an application where the Breakfast and Lunch Menu along with all nutrition information will be displayed.
Application Name: SoHappy App
- search HNT and then pick your school (Harmony School of Innovation-Garland)
π° Ongoing Yearly News π°
Happy at Harmony?
Spread the word and help us reach our goal of 50 positive reviews in 2023-24!
Corra la voz y ayudenos a alcanzar nuestra meta de 50 positivo resenas en 2023-24!
Harmony Parent of the Year Award
The time of year has come for the Harmony Public Schools Parent of The Year (POY) 2024-25 program kickoff. This is an excellent opportunity to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of our parents to our school community. We encourage you to nominate a parent of your choice, or yourself, if you see them as meeting the criteria and deserving of the award. Please review the flyer for more information about the program and criteria for nominations. Nomination deadline is in March of 2025!
Parent Referral Rewards!
Get rewards when you refer someone to Harmony!
Sign up for our referral program http://bit.ly/Refer-a-family
β’ Look for your confirmation email from the Harmony Recruitment team including the link to redeem
β’ Encourage a friend, neighbor, or family member to submit an application and earn rewards for each application submitted!
β’ Redeem your rewards using the link provided in the confirmation email
Grow You Own Teacher (GYOT) Program
Harmony Public Schools proudly announces the GYOT Program! Click the image to view the full flyer.
Interested students can visit the website to learn more by clicking this link --> GYOT Application Link
Harmony College Leaders (HCL) Program
Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistant Program
Interested in becoming a teacher? Please read more about two different programs available:
- Harmony Public School's Grow Your Own Teacher Program (GYOT) is an innovative fellowship developed to prepare HPS's future educators and leaders. Our program provides a competitive financial opportunity β up to $20,000 for four years β for current HPS students and/or HPS graduates to pursue a bachelor's degree that leads to teacher certification. In addition, GYOT participants will receive professional development from central office experts, one-on-one coaching from a highly qualified teacher mentor, and networking opportunities with student colleagues from across Texas. Participants will earn teacher's certification before returning to serve as an HPS classroom teacher.
- The purpose of the Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program (TFTLRAP) is to recruit and retain certified classroom teachers in fields and communities that have a shortage of teachers in Texas. Click the link for more details.
Types of Financial Aid - State and Federal Grants and Scholarships
State and Federal Grants and Scholarships provide financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Some grants and scholarships require the student to maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) or take certain courses. Most grants are awarded on the basis of financial need.
Please see visit the College for All Texans website for a list of State and Federal Grants and Scholarship programs available to students at Texas colleges and universities.
See your assigned counselor for more information.
Campus Safety Letter
A letter about the campus being a Safe School Zone. Click the image to read more.
Community Reporting System
A system used to report suspicious ongoings in our community. Click the image to read more.
Safe Gun Storage Letter
A letter to parents about Safe Gun Storage at home. Click the image to read more.