

Superintendent's Newsletter

Harlandale Legacy,
It's amazing how quickly the fall semester has flown by, and now the holiday season is already here! As we approach Thanksgiving break, please take this time to recharge, cherish moments with your loved ones, and reflect on the many reasons to be grateful this year. Let’s carry this spirit of gratitude into the new year. I know that together, we can finish this semester strong.
November Mobile Food Pantry
As we reflect on gratitude, I'm especially appreciative of our students, staff and community partners who made this month's food pantry the success that it was. It was an incredible day of teamwork and generosity, with 725 households receiving about 37,659 pounds of food. We’re also proud to recognize the hardworking student volunteers from Harlandale and McCollum High Schools. Your energy and commitment exemplify the true spirit of the Harlandale Legacy, and we couldn’t be prouder of the impact you made in our community!
ASPIRE Classroom of the Month
Please join me in celebrating Vestal Elementary Librarian Micaela Berry for being named Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s ASPIRE Classroom of the Month! Selected from seven Bexar County school districts, her dedication to fostering a love of reading through her Book Club program earned her this prestigious recognition. 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. Berry on this special achievement!
Harlandale ISD Debuts New LED Lights
It was a historic evening for our Harlandale ISD recently as our middle school softball and baseball teams played their first-ever night games under brand-new LED lights at both McCollum and Harlandale High School. Thanks to the unwavering support of our Harlandale School Board and community, these state-of-the-art lights provide an incredible opportunity for our middle school teams to practice and compete in a well-lit, professional environment. The season kicked off with a ceremonial first pitch by School Board Trustees, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead. These enhancements not only elevate our facilities but also demonstrate our District's commitment to supporting student-athletes. Here’s to a bright season under the lights!
Harlandale Heritage Week
This week, we proudly kicked off Harlandale Heritage Week and offered every 4th-grade student a unique opportunity to explore our District's historic roots. Students spent the week visiting the San Antonio Missions, Texas' only UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Missions San José and Espada. Through guided tours and hands-on activities, they learned about their significance in Texas history and Harlandale ISD's origins at the Mission San José Granary in 1888. This memorable experience fosters pride in our local heritage while honoring our District's Legacy. To make it even more special, each 4th-grader received a free park pass, which gives their family access to any national park in the country for an entire year!
Harlandale High School JROTC Building Dedication
This Veterans Day, Harlandale ISD honored the memory of one of our own, U.S. Army Private First Class Milton A. Lee, who heroically gave his life during the Vietnam War. In a special ceremony, we dedicated and renamed the Harlandale High School JROTC building to the Milton A. Lee JROTC Building, ensuring his courage and sacrifice are never forgotten. This dedication stands as a lasting tribute to his legacy, reminding all who pass by of his bravery and selfless service. We are proud to honor his memory and share his inspiring story with future generations.
Wrapping Up
As Thanksgiving approaches, let us take a moment to reflect on the many blessings in our lives and share kindness with those around us. This season reminds us of the importance of gratitude, unity and giving back to our community.
We wish you a safe and joyous Thanksgiving break filled with meaningful moments and cherished time with loved ones. Thank you for being an essential part of the Harlandale Legacy.
What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving?
Sincerely,
Gerardo Soto
Harlandale ISD Superintendent of Schools