Superintendent's Newsletter

Harlandale Legacy,

With just two weeks until Spring Break, it's hard to believe how quickly this school year is flying by. As we approach the spring season, it's a perfect time to remember that this part of the year symbolizes more than just changing weather—it's about growth and opportunity. Spring offers a chance to reflect on the progress we've made while looking ahead with optimism for all that's still to come.

Harlandale ISD Awarded $1.52 Million TEA LASO Grant

I’m excited to share that Harlandale ISD has been awarded $1.52 million through the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) LASO Cycle 3 Grant! This funding will support our efforts to strengthen teaching and learning across the district, including programs like Strong Foundations, Instructional Leadership, and School Improvement PLC Supports. We’re excited to implement this funding to benefit our students and educators.

NCAA's Read to the Final Four Sweet 16

A big shoutout to Gillette Elementary for advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA's Read to the Final Four program! The final four schools will be invited to the NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest in April, with the winning class receiving a $5,000 library makeover. We’re incredibly proud of Gillette Elementary for making it this far, and will keep cheering them on as they push toward the championship!

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio Youth of the Year

Congratulations to Rebecca De La Rosa from STEM Early College High School for being named the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio Youth of the Year! This well-deserved honor reflects her dedication, leadership and hard work. Rebecca was recently honored alongside three other finalists at the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio Youth of the Year Gala. We’re incredibly proud of the impact these students are making in and out of the classroom. Rebecca will now compete for the Texas Youth of the Year title in Austin this March. Best of luck, Rebecca—Your Harlandale Community is rooting for you!

Harlandale ISD Bus Driver of the Year

I’m excited to recognize Mr. Johnny Rodriguez as the 2024-2025 Harlandale ISD Bus Driver of the Year! A proud Harlandale alumnus, Mr. Rodriguez goes above and beyond as both a skilled school bus operator and one of our Class A CDL trailer drivers. His positive attitude, along with his strong connections with students, parents and colleagues, make him an invaluable part of our District. Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez, for exemplifying what it means to be part of the Harlandale Legacy!

ASPIRE Classroom of the Month

Please join me in celebrating Gillette Elementary teacher Mrs. Erica Hernandez-Cruz for being named Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s ASPIRE Classroom of the Month! The ASPIRE Classroom of the Month initiative celebrates outstanding elementary and middle school educators who go above and beyond to bring higher education opportunities to their students. Any Harlandale ISD staff member or teacher can submit a nomination here. Join us again in congratulating Mrs. Erica Hernandez-Cruz on this special achievement.

TEA Expands Harlandale ISD’s Teacher Incentive Allotment Designations

The Texas Education Agency has once again approved Harlandale ISD’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) designations, recognizing 73 of our high-performing educators this year! Harlandale ISD now has more than 200 teachers recognized through the TIA program, a milestone that speaks to the passion and impact of our classroom teachers. Congratulations to all Harlandale ISD teachers who earned this well-deserved recognition!

CTE Month

As we wrap up CTE Month, we're proud to celebrate the Career and Technical Education programs that prepare our students for success. From electrical and welding to cybersecurity, dental, programming, barbering, HVAC, and plumbing, our students are gaining hands-on experience in high-demand fields. It’s been inspiring to showcase their hard work, and we invite our community to learn more by visiting our website and checking out the highlights on social media!

Wrapping Up

I want to thank our students, staff, parents and community for your continued support. We accomplish so much by working together, and I’m confident we’ll keep that momentum going through the rest of the year. Let’s stay focused and keep working to ensure every student has the chance to succeed.

Sincerely,

Gerardo Soto

Harlandale ISD Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Newsletter

Harlandale Legacy, Harlandale Legacy,

Harlandale ISD Awarded $1.52 Million TEA LASO Grant Harlandale ISD Awarded $1.52 Million TEA LASO Grant

NCAA's Read to the Final Four Sweet 16 NCAA's Read to the Final Four Sweet 16

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio Youth of the Year Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio Youth of the Year

Harlandale ISD Bus Driver of the Year Harlandale ISD Bus Driver of the Year

ASPIRE Classroom of the Month ASPIRE Classroom of the Month

TEA Expands Harlandale ISD’s Teacher Incentive Allotment Designations TEA Expands Harlandale ISD’s Teacher Incentive Allotment Designations

CTE Month CTE Month

Wrapping Up Wrapping Up