Congratulations to our 2022 Teacher of the Year Ms. Deirdre Johnson

Teacher of the Year 2021-2022

Ms. Deirdre Johnson, Harmony School of Technology

My name is Deirdre Johnson, and I am blessed and honored to be selected as Teacher of the Year of Harmony School of Technology (HSOT). I am a mother of four wonderful children, Whitney, Bayley, Dillon, and Micah. Blue, the family’s dog, is a new addition to the family. I am from Dallas, Texas, and moved to Houston after graduating from the University of Houston in 1995 (with a Bachelor of Business Administration). I also have the following degrees, a Master of Education and a Master of Public Administration.

I currently serve on the Parent Association Board at The Kinkaid School and one of the advisors of HSOT’s Student Council. I volunteer with the Greater Houston Track Club and The Stafford Cobras Youth Football League yearly. I have worked with children since 2002. I taught Math, English, and Science at the JJAEP for nine years, served as a Juvenile Probation Officer for six years, and previously served in the role of a Discipline Support Staff at Harmony for four years. My new role this year as an eighth-grade English teacher has been very rewarding. I value teaching my students and learning from them. I enjoy caring about my students’ academic and social needs beyond the classroom. My rapport with my students and their families has contributed to my success at HSOT. I am forever grateful for all of my accomplishments thus far.

Sincerely,

Ms. Johnson

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PARENTS AND STUDENTS: TELL US YOUR OPINION ABOUT OUR AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

PARENTS AND STUDENTS: TELL US YOUR OPINION ABOUT OUR AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

Harmony Public Schools aspires to improve constantly to offer the best possible opportunities for growth and development to our students and families.

**HN Parent Survey – Please fill out the following survey so we can know where your interests lie and how we can best serve you.”

https://forms.gle/Eh4LBy24bqmEamyW9

“Harmony Public Schools wants you to have an enjoyable and educational after school experience. Please give your opinions and ideas about our after-school clubs and activities.”

**HN Student Survey –https://forms.gle/X6yyVztRNyMK7P8F

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Your family may be eligible for a financial benefit to assist with food purchases for your student.

School Cafe applications now open to establish meal eligibility for PEBT eligible students!

PEBT benefits will soon be available for families whose children have experienced COVID related absences and who qualify for free or reduced price benefits through the National School Lunch Program.  

 

Does my child qualify?

 

Both criteria must be met to qualify for PEBT benefits.

 

#1 A COVID related absence from August – December due to a positive test or exposure that has been verified by the campus.  COVID absences from January  – May will receive benefits in July.

  

#2 Eligible for free or reduced price meals through the National School Lunch Program.  To determine your child’s eligibility, submit an application through www.schoolcafe.com.  Paper applications may also be requested from the school office.  Students attending a CEP campus or who are directly certified automatically meet the eligibility requirement.      

  

The deadline to complete a meal eligibility application is April 6th.  

 

If you have any questions, please contact your school’s Child Nutrition Assistant.

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INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL/SCIENCE FAIR/ GT SHOWCASE

Dear Harmony Families & Friends,

The Harmony School of Technology is delighted to present the 2022 International Festival! We invite you to taste regional foods, be entertained by music and performances from around the globe, and enjoy the carnival games, face painting, henna tattoo, Joust, Hamster Balls, Hungry hungry Hippos, Mechanical Bull, Rock Wall, Jump and slide, and more. We hope this will be a grand event, with students, teachers, and families for our school. Please come and bring friends and family!

If your family wants to join these countries or host another country, please email aysetas@harmonytx.org

  • Science Fair/GT Showcase, The International Festival will begin at 10:00 and last until 2:00.
  • IFEST BOOTH SIGN UP FORM
  • IFEST BOOTH SIGN UP ONLINE FORM
  • IFEST VENDOR FORM

You and your family are all invited.

I hope to see you there!

Thank you

 

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Technology Spring Break Attendance Letter

Mar 9, 2022

Dear Families,

As we prepare to take a short break from school for Spring Break, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who makes it possible for students to come to school every day, on time, and ready to learn.

We thank:

● Our students and families for making daily attendance a priority. This habit of attendance will help them do well in the classroom.

● Our wonderful teachers pour their energy into making each classroom an exciting place for exploration and knowledge.

● Our support staff and community volunteers who provide extra hands and attention for our children’s needs.

We appreciate each one of you so much. We look forward to seeing you after spring break. Our campus will close from March 14-18, 2022. We will reopen Monday, March 21st at 7:00 a.m.

We know it is tempting to extend your vacation by a few days on either side of spring break. Please make sure that your child is at school every day, right up until spring break starts. Our teachers will be teaching, and our students will be learning.

Sincerely,

Mr. Topcu

Campus Principal

 

9 de Marzo de 2022

Queridas familias,

Mientras nos preparamos para tomar un breve descanso de la escuela durante las vacaciones

de primavera, queremos expresar nuestro agradecimiento a todos los que hacen posible

que el mayor número de estudiantes vengan a la escuela todos los días, a tiempo, listos para aprender. Agradecemos:

● Nuestros estudiantes y familias hacen de la asistencia diaria una prioridad ya que saben que el hábito de asistencia les ayudará a tener un buen desempeño en el salón de clases y eventualmente en el trabajo.

● Nuestros maravillosos maestros ponen su energía en hacer de cada salón de clases un lugar emocionante para la exploración y el conocimiento  para que los niños no quieran perderse el aprendizaje.

● Nuestro personal de apoyo y voluntarios de la comunidad brindan ayuda y la atención adicional que necesitan nuestros niños. Apreciamos mucho a cada uno de ustedes. Esperamos verlos después de las vacaciones de primavera. Recuerden que la escuela estará cerrada la semana del 14-18 de marzo del 2022, y reabre el lunes, 21 de marzo a las 7:00a.m.

Sabemos que es tentador extender sus vacaciones por unos días antes o después de la época festiva. Por lo tanto, asegúrese que su hijo venga a la escuela todos los días hasta que las vacaciones inicien. Nuestros maestros enseñarán y nuestros estudiantes aprenderán. Pero es difícil enseñar y aprender cuando muchos estudiantes están ausentes.

Sinceramente,

Mr. Topcu

Principal

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Public Comment on Federal Grant Applications

In accordance with United States Code (U.S.C.) Annotated, Title 20, Chapter 70, Subchapter VIII, Part C, Section 7846, and Public Law (P.L.) 114-95, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 8306, an entity planning to submit a federal grant application must afford a reasonable opportunity for public comment on the application before it is submitted.

Harmony Public Schools hereby gives notice to the public that it intends to file the following applications and request awarded amounts for federal grant funds with the Texas Education Agency for the school year 2022-23. HPS welcomes comments or questions concerning any of these grants, and requests that any comments or questions be submitted by June 30, 2022 using the form below.

En concordancia con United States Code (U.S.C.) Annotated, Title 20, Chapter 70, Subchapter VIII, Part C, Section 7846, and Public Law (P.L.) 114-95, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 8306, una entidad que planea presentar una solicitud de subvención federal (subsidio) debe brindar una oportunidad razonable para comentarios públicos. Las siguientes son las subvenciones federales que

Harmony Public Schools por la presente notifica al público que tiene la intención de presentar las siguientes solicitudes y solicitar los montos otorgados para fondos de subvenciones federales con la Agencia de Educación de Texas para el año escolar 2022-23. HPS agradece los comentarios o preguntas sobre cualquiera de estas subvenciones y solicita que los comentarios o preguntas se envíen antes del 30 de junio de 2022 mediante este Google form.

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Harmony Public Schools enrollment and lottery process

Each school year, thousands of families submit their application to become a part of Harmony Public Schools.

Here’s how we select applicants for enrollment each year to make sure each applicant has an equal opportunity to become our next high-achieving Harmony scholar.

STEP 1

Each January, we ask current families to let us know if they’ll be coming back to Harmony next year. This is called “Re-Enrollment.”

STEP 2

Based on the number of students returning next year and the number of classes in each grade level, we determine how many open spots we will have for new students.

STEP 3

Meanwhile, new families are submitting their applications during our annual Open Enrollment season, which runs from November 1 through February 10 each year.

STEP 4

After February 10, if the number of new applicants is greater than the number of available spots we have, Harmony holds a “blind lottery” to make sure all applicants have a fair opportunity to be seated.

STEP 5

Families of students selected for enrollment are notified. Those not selected are put on a “waitlist” and contacted as soon as a spot opens up.

… and that’s it!

Here are some answers to our applicants’ most frequently asked questions.

#1 – IS THERE ALWAYS A LOTTERY?

Not always, but often.

Whether a lottery is needed is determined by the number of spots available at each grade level and the number of eligible applicants interested in them.

#2 – I WAS SELECTED FOR ENROLLMENT –
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NEXT?

Most importantly, we need you to officially accept the spot (a link will be provided on the acceptance letter). Then, between now and next fall, you’ll need to officially register your child and provide a few documents verifying their identity and home address.

After that, we’ll see you on the first day of school!

(Note: If you were accepted by more than one campus, please register at your preferred campus and decline the invitation of any others. This will allow us to offer those spots to another prospective Harmony family.)

#3 – I WAS PLACED ON A WAITLIST –
IS THERE ANY CHANCE I WILL GET TO ATTEND?

Absolutely – so don’t give up hope! Students initially placed on a waitlist are given the opportunity to enroll all the time at Harmony, often for one of the following reasons:

  • A student who was initially selected in the lottery didn’t completion registration by the deadline.
  • A student who was initially selected in the lottery moved away.
  • A student was selected by two schools in the lottery, but of course could only register at one.
  • We added an an extra class at the grade level for which you applied.
  • One of our nearby campuses had an opening,
    and reached out to see if you were interested in attending there.

More Questions?

Reach out to us on Let’s Talk to let us know how we can help!

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Weather Update 2/3

Due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions, all Harmony Houston North campuses and facilities are closed on Friday, February 4, 2022.

Estimados padres, estudiantes y personal de HST: Debido a las inclemencias del tiempo y las condiciones peligrosas de las carreteras, todos los campus e instalaciones de Harmony Houston North estarán cerrados el viernes 4 de febrero de 2022. Manténgase seguro y cálido

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Weather Update

Harmony Houston North schools will be open on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. However, all after school activities and events are canceled (after school care should be open)

We will monitor the weather conditions and forecast closely on Feb. 3 and make a decision during the day about any changes for Friday, Feb 4th.

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Substitute teacher pay raises announced at Harmony Public Schools

After giving across-the-board pay raises to full-time teachers and campus staff earlier this school year, Harmony Public Schools will now be giving pay raises to all levels of substitute teachers.
The daily rate increase goes into effect February 14. The increase was approved unanimously by the Harmony Public Schools Board of Directors on January 29. Under the rate increase, substitute teachers will earn an extra $20-30 per day on top of the already-competitive Harmony rate.
For a teacher only working a few days per week, the increase will mean a few hundred dollars each month on top of the compensation they already earn. For certified teachers and long-term substitutes, the rate increase could mean up to $600 per month in increased pay (see chart above for rates for each position).
“Each day, substitute teachers are making a major impact on our schools by keeping our students on-track and learning when their regular teachers are unable to attend school,” Harmony CEO Fatih Ay said. “These professionals are important members of our school community, and we want to show our thanks.”
Harmony currently has substitute teaching opportunities at all of its campuses statewide.
Earlier this school year, Harmony also announced $4,000-$7,500 in additional annual compensation for teachers and other school staff.
The increase was the third occasion in the past two school years in which Harmony announced a major improvement to employee compensation and benefits.
In January 2021, Harmony announced a sweeping upgrade of its employer-paid benefits that provided free vision and dental plans to all full-time employees, introduced matching retirement plan contributions for 403(b) and (457(b) participants, and increased life insurance payouts from $20,000 to $100,000.
In Summer 2019, Harmony also announced statewide base pay increases for employees ranging from $3,500-$5,000, as well as additional stipends for teachers working in hard-to-staff subjects.
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 2022-2023 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.
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PARENTS INVITATION FOR CNA MEETING

PARENTS INVITATION FOR CNA MEETING

Dear HST Parents,

Each year, Harmony School of Technology administrators, teachers, parents, and students meet together in a series of meetings to discuss and provide feedback about the areas of strengths and areas of improvement in our school. 

 Harmony School of Technology invites parents to join the Campus Improvement Team(School Support Team) and contribute to these meetings so that we can work together to improve our school. 

Our Campus Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 02, 2022, at 3:00 pm. You will be directed to the meeting rooms by the front office. 

 

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SCHOOL JACKETS ARE HERE!

SCHOOL JACKETS ARE HERE!

Our school jackets are in and for sale for $20. All Sizes are available for purchase with Credit Card, Check, or Money Order (NO CASH). Get yours today! Sample jackets are available at the front office for reference. All sales are final, with no return and exchange. 

You can pay online on our website:

1)Hover over the Parents tab

2)Click on Uniforms and Activity Fees (Revtrak)

 3)   https://harmonytx.revtrak 

4) Click on Uniforms

5) Select your jacket size

Once you order online, please print out your receipt and pick up your jacket at the front office. 

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Re-enroll before Jan. 28, 2022

Dear Parent / Guardian,

Re-Enrollment for Fall 2022 is ending soon. All current Harmony School of Technology students(including 8th Grades) don’t miss out. Enroll before Jan. 28, 2022. Should you have questions or need assistance, please contact the school’s registrar at (281)444-1555 or via email at ycaldera@harmonytx.org.

Thank you,

Harmony School of Technology Administration

http://www.harmonytx.org/ReEnroll2022

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Harmony Science & Engineering Fair (H-SEF)

Harmony Science & Engineering Fair (H-SEF) is an annual science fair that brings together middle and high school students across the Harmony network who have engaged in advanced research projects all year long. Majority of H-SEF finalists are award winners in their regional science fairs within their local communities. H-SEF aims to promote STEM through advanced research among secondary students and increase their interest and motivation to pursue STEM careers. 

H-SEF 2022 will be in person at the Harmony Public Schools Central Office in Houston and it is open to all Harmony middle and high school students.  

Below you will find H-SEF rules and guidelines along with the event timeline.

H-SEF 2022 Information

H-SEF RULES & GUIDELINES

H-SEF 2022 Registration Link

H-SEF 2022 (In Person)

January 2022 – H-SEF announcement and flyers shared with HPS schools

January 17, 2022 – Application process begins

March 4, 2022 – Student registration deadline.

March  7-31 2022 – Review process begins and Pre-qualification decisions made

March  28 2022 – April 1 2022 – Qualification Emails sent to students

April 23, 2022 –H-SEF 2022 Judging and Award Ceremony (In Person)

For questions reach out to your campus science fair coordinator or principal.

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2021 School Federal Report Card

1/12/2022

Dear Harmony School of Technology Parent:

Harmony School of Technology is sharing this information about the district and your child’s campus with you as part of its obligations under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA).

Federal Report Cards for the state, the district, and each of the district’s campuses are now available on the school’s website at this link: or are also available on the Texas Education Agency’s website

Information on these report cards includes: READ MORE…

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Student Holiday/District PD

Friday, Jan 14th will be a Student Holiday and Staff Professional Development Day. Enjoy your long weekend!

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No School on Monday, January 17th, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, Jan 17th, there will be no school observing Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. Celebrated each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. The school reopens and classes resume on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

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HST Spring 2022 After School Clubs

Dear HST Parents and Students,

Are you interested in participating in an after-school club?

Technology clubs and organizations are a great way to meet new friends and to create greater Technology! Harmony School of Technology staff members hosts several student clubs!

If you see a club listed you are interested in, please visit or email the club sponsor for more information about the club.

For administrative support regarding clubs, please email aysetas@harmonytx.org.

To register for the Spring Semester After School Clubs you need to go to the school website. There, under the parent tab, you will see REVTRAK. You need to complete all of your club payments through REVTRAK.

Students can join only one club with the waiver form, and when these forms are filled out, students must provide all the necessary proof. The after-school club committee will meet and go through all waiver forms for their approval.

As soon as you complete your club selection form and make your payments, you will be able to be attending your weekly club meetings.

ALL Clubs are from 3:30 pm-5 pm unless otherwise specified! Students need to be picked up by 5 pm.

Please note, if new clubs become available, we will inform parents and students at that time.

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PBA (Positive Behavior Award) System

Dear Parents and Students,

As we have done in the past, students have the opportunity to earn positive behavior points. Students can earn positive behavior points by showing respect, responsibility, readiness to learn, and achievement. Examples may include completing assignments and turning them in on time, having all material ready, participating in class, and following classroom rules.

You may access students’ PBA (Positive Behavior) points by using Skyward.

  • Click on PBA (Positive Behavior) icon found in the bottom row on the right side to see how many points the student has earned.
  • Use the catalog and order form along with your PBA points to purchase the items that you would like that are found in the school newsletter. You may place your order at any time during the school year.
  • You may spend all or some of your points at any time, or you may choose to save them. It is your choice.

PBA Order Form

PBA Catalog

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Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) announcement

In accordance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented students, Harmony Public Schools will begin taking referrals for all interested students in grades K-12 for Gifted and Talented (G/T) screening.
Anyone interested in the educational welfare of these students may nominate them for assessment. Students in grades 1 & up who were tested in Fall 2021 are not eligible to test in Spring 2022. Referral forms are available at the front office and on the school’s website (see below).
The referral forms must be returned or emailed to the front office by January 31, 2022. The Spring GT testing window is set by the campus in February or March. Campuses may elect to use NWEA MAP scores as a prescreening criterion for GT Testing.
For more information about the screening and identification process, parents may contact the school’s GT Coach/teacher.
—
De acuerdo con el Plan Estatal de Texas para la Educación de Estudiantes Dotados / Talentosos, Harmony Public Schools comenzará a tomar referencias para todos los estudiantes interesados en los grados K-12 para la evaluación de estudiantes dotados y talentosos.
Cualquier persona interesada en el bienestar educativo de estos estudiantes puede nominarlos para dicha evaluación. Los estudiantes en los grados 2 y superiores que fueron evaluados en el otoño de 2020 no son elegibles para la prueba en la primavera de 2021. Los formularios de referencia están disponibles en la oficina y en el sitio web de la escuela.
Los formularios de referencia deben devolverse a la oficina de la escuela antes del lunes 31 de enero del 2022.
Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de selección e identificación, los padres pueden comunicarse con el entrenador / maestro de GT de la escuela.
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Re-Enroll Now!

Secure Your Child’s Future!
 
Re-Enrollment for 2022-23 School Year Begins January 4, 2022
 
Skip the lottery process by re-enrolling your current Harmony student
again for 2022-2023 to guarantee their spot for the next school year.
 
Be on the lookout for emails for those registered with a Skyward
account, so you can be sure to secure your child’s future with
Harmony Public Schools.
 
For any questions, please reach out to the registrar’s
office at your Harmony Campus.
 
Visit HarmonyTX.org/ReEnrollNow to complete
the re-enrollment process today!
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Winter Break Letter

Dear Families,

During this time off from school from December 20, 2021, to January 3, 2022, for Winter break, we want to express our gratitude for everyone who has helped keep our students safe, healthy, connected, and learning. We thank:

● Our students and families who are persevering through hard times.

● Our teachers who have gone above and beyond to help make school a welcoming place where students can learn.

● Our administrators who have pulled double duty and filled in for their colleagues.

● Our many, many healers and helpers – the support staff and community volunteers who provide the extra hands and attention our children need.

May these days off be restful and healing.

● We look forward to seeing you again when school resumes on January 4, 2022.

● If traveling out of the country, please check the travel advisories for re-entry criteria.

● As long as your child is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers.

Thank you for partnering with us to help your child learn, thrive, and succeed.

 

Sincerely,

Mr.Topcu

Principal

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Re-enrollment is January 4-28 for 2022-23 at Harmony Public Schools

Re-Enrollment for current Harmony families who plan to return next school year is January 4-28, 2022.

Re-Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year for Harmony families begins soon.

During this time of year each January, we ask families to complete a simple, online Re-Enrollment process, letting us know they’ll be joining us for another great year of learning and fun next school year, which starts in August 2022.

This simple step allows us to make sure each current student’s spot at Harmony is reserved for the following school year, and assess how many new student seats we have available for other applicants.

Re-Enrollment at Harmony Public Schools runs January 4-28, 2022. Look for more details in your email inbox, via Skyward, or on our Facebook page soon.

In the meantime, check out these 6 things families need to know about Re-Enrollment at Harmony Public Schools.

#1 – When is Re-Enrollment season?

For the 2022-2023 school year, re-enrollment will be January 4-28, 2022.

#2 – How do I apply for Re-Enrollment?

The preferred method for re-enrollment is through the student’s online Skyward account. (A link to Skyward can be found at the top of your campus homepage or you can simply click here.). Parents without internet and/or Skyward access may also request a paper re-enrollment option from their child’s campus.

#3 – What is the difference between Re-Enrollment and Open Enrollment?

Re-enrollment is intended for current Harmony students planning to stay at their current campus the following school year, or who will naturally feed upward to a new campus (e. from elementary to nearby middle school). Open Enrollment is for new students, or current students who wish to change Harmony campuses for personal reasons (ex. transferring to a campus closer to home).

#4 – If a student plans to stay at the same school next year, are they automatically guaranteed re-enrollment if they complete the re-enrollment process before the deadline?

Yes, so long as their family completes the re-enrollment process.

#5 – What happens if a parent does not submit their re-enrollment information before the deadline?

If a parent misses the deadline to complete the re-enrollment process, then the student will lose his/her reserved space for next school year and must apply during Open Enrollment, held November 1-February 10 each school year. To apply, visit www.HarmonyTX.org/Apply.

#6 – What does a Harmony parent need to do if they would like to stay with Harmony, but transfer to a different campus for the next school year?

If a parent would like to change Harmony campuses for the following school year, they must submit an application for the desired school at www.HarmonyTX.org/Apply.

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Free Breakfast

Free Breakfast Flyer_HSTechnology

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Thanksgiving Break-No School Nov 22-26

Harmony School of Technology will be closed Nov. 22-26 for Thanksgiving Break. HST wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. The school will resume for students and staff on Monday, Nov. 29.

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