ADVANCEMENT TIMES
3/31/2023
Celebrating Our Seniors: Excellence in College Acceptance and Scholarships!
We are thrilled to announce that 97 percent of our seniors have been accepted into 4-year colleges and universities across the country, including some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. From Harvard to Cornell, NYU, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, UT Austin, Texas A&M, and many more, our students have been offered admission to some of the most highly regarded institutions in the nation.
Not only have our students been accepted to top-tier schools, but many of them have also received scholarships to help them pursue their academic and career goals. These scholarships are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and the outstanding education they have received at our school.
We couldn't be prouder of our seniors and the incredible achievements they have made. Their success is a reflection of their dedication and hard work, as well as the support they have received from their families, teachers, and our school community.
We wish our seniors all the best as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their lives. We have no doubt that they will continue to excel and make us proud.
Congratulations to the class of 2023!
Congratulations to Victor, our exceptional freshman student, on being accepted into The Academies by Harvard Student Agencies!
This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to his hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.
Victor will have the opportunity to learn from Harvard professors and connect with undergraduate mentors in business, coding, government, or pre-med, depending on his chosen program. The Academies offer a week-long immersion that is designed to foster intellectual and pre-professional growth in high school students.
We are proud to have such a talented and motivated student like Victor in our community, and we are confident that he will make the most of this unique opportunity. We wish him the best as he embarks on this exciting journey, and we look forward to hearing about his experiences and achievements in the future.
Once again, congratulations to Victor on his acceptance into The Academies by Harvard Student Agencies. You have made us proud!
Don't Miss Out on Senior Year Essentials – Pay Your Senior Dues Today!
Dear Seniors and Parents,
Senior Dues have been established to help you make the most of your senior year by providing you with all the essentials you need at a lower, discounted price. These essentials include everything from graduation tickets to your senior t-shirt, and even prom.
We understand that paying senior dues in one lump sum can be challenging, which is why we have established a payment plan to provide you with greater flexibility. By paying in installments, you can spread out the cost of senior dues over several months. There are four different payment methods available, including Credit/Debit, Money Order, and RevTrak.
RevTrak is a payment method that allows us to accept credit and debit payments online.
Here are the payment dates and amounts:
- December 15th, 2022: $100.00
- January 15th, 2023: $50.00
- February 15th, 2023: $50.00
- March 15th, 2023: $50.00
- April 15th, 2023: $50.00
If you missed the payments, don't worry, you can still submit them. But don't delay – paying your senior dues is crucial for securing your spot getting your cap and gown, and participating in all the senior events.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to make your senior year even more memorable. These dues cover the following events:
- Graduation (venue/tickets) included
- Cap/gown/diploma cover included
- Senior t-shirt
- Prom
- Senior Week
- Main Event
- Kemah
- Senior Picnic
- Six Flags Senior Night & UTSA Tour
Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
IMPORTANT POLICY REMINDER
Toys on Campus
Campus leaders would like to remind students and parents that toys of any kind should not be brought to campus. Any toys brought to campus will be confiscated and may not be returned. Additionally, any toys that potentially resemble a weapon of any kind – including water guns – are strictly prohibited in all circumstances.
STUDENT MEDICATIONS
We would like to remind parents that any prescription or non-prescription medication required by your child should be administered at home and not brought to campus, if at all possible. If necessary, medication can be administered at school by the school nurse under the following circumstances:
1. Nonprescription medication brought to school must be submitted to school by a parent along with a written request. The medication must also be in the original and properly labeled container.
2. Prescription medications administered during school hours must be prescribed by a physician or advanced nurse practitioner (“ANP”) and filled by a pharmacist licensed in the State of Texas. In accordance with the Texas Board of Nursing Practice Act, the school will not administer medications prescribed or fulfilled in Mexico.
3. Prescription medications must be submitted in a labeled container showing the student’s name, name of the medication, reason the medication is being given, proper dosage amounts, the time the medication must be taken, and the method used to administer the medication. Medications sent in plastic baggies or unlabeled containers will NOT be administered.
4. If the substance is herbal or a dietary supplement, it must be provided by the parent and will be administered only if required by the students IEP or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.
5. Only the amount of medication needed should be delivered to the school, i.e., enough medication to last one day, one week, etc. In cases of prolonged need, send in the amount for a clearly specified period. Extra medication will not be sent home with the student.
6. In certain emergency situations, the school may administer a nonprescription medication to a student, but only in accordance with the guidelines developed by the school’s medical advisor and when the parent has previously provided written consent for emergency treatment.
Changes to daily medications require written instruction from the physician or ANP and written permission from the parent. Parents are responsible for advising the school that a medication has been discontinued.
Asthma and anaphylaxis are life-threatening conditions, and students with those conditions are entitled to possess and self-administer prescription medication while on school property or at school-related events with physicians’ orders.
We are thrilled to announce our Spring AP/End of Course Camp, taking place from April 28-30, 2023, and we only have a limited number of spots!
The event will be held at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, Texas, and will offer a mix of educational and fun activities, including sessions focused on Advanced Placement courses and end-of-course exams offered on our campus, as well as exciting activities like laser tag, zip-lining, and paintball.
The cost of attending the AP Camp is $160, which includes meals, boarding, transportation, and all activities. Payment can be made through RevTrak, with two installments due on Marc 15, 2023, and April 15, 2023, or a full payment of $160. Please note that all payments are non-refundable.
All HSA students are welcome to join the AP Camp, but spots are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your spot, please click here to register.
https://forms.gle/PGoZQyTpwsokFeuT7
If you are under the age of 18, a permission slip is required, and you can download it here.
Please return the completed form to the front office or email it to akaraarslan@harmonytx.org by April 15.
We are excited to spend a fantastic weekend camping and learning with you, so don't hesitate to contact us at akaraarslan@harmonytx.org if you have any questions!
Estamos encantados de anunciar nuestro Campamento AP/Fin de curso de primavera, que tendrá lugar del 28 al 30 de abril de 2023, ¡y solo tenemos un número limitado de lugares!
El evento se llevará a cabo en Camp Cho-Yeh en Livingston, Texas, y ofrecerá una combinación de actividades educativas y divertidas, incluidas sesiones centradas en cursos de colocación avanzada y exámenes de fin de curso ofrecidos en nuestro campus, así como actividades emocionantes. como laser tag, tirolesa y paintball.
El costo de asistir al Campamento AP es de $160, que incluye comidas, hospedaje, transporte y todas las actividades. El pago se puede realizar a través de RevTrak, con vencimiento en dos cuotas el 15 de marzo de 2023 y el 15 de abril de 2023, o un pago total de $160. Tenga en cuenta que todos los pagos no son reembolsables.
Todos los estudiantes de HSA son bienvenidos a unirse al Campamento AP, pero las plazas son limitadas y se asignarán por orden de llegada. Para reservar su lugar, por favor haga clic aquí para registrarse.
https://forms.gle/PGoZQyTpwsokFeuT7
Si es menor de 18 años, se requiere una hoja de permiso y puede descargarla aquí.
Devuelva el formulario completo a la oficina principal o envíelo por correo electrónico a akaraarslan@harmonytx.org antes del 14 de abril.
Estamos emocionados de pasar un fin de semana fantástico acampando y aprendiendo con usted, así que no dude en contactarnos en akaraarslan@harmonytx.org si tiene alguna pregunta.
THE STAAR TEST SCHEDULE!
The official STAAR testing is approaching! And we are excited to see our students put all their practice and preparation for this exam into action.
Please mark your calendars on the following test dates to ensure that your child is present and on time to perform their best. More information is to follow.
SAT School Day : Wednesday, April 12th, 2023
STAAR ELA 1 EOC: Tuesday, April 18th, 2023
STAAR ELA2 EOC: Thursday, April 20th, 2023
STAAR Biology EOC: Tuesday, April 25th, 2023
STAAR US History EOC: Thursday, April 27, 2023
STAAR Algebra 1 EOC: Tuesday, May 5th, 2023
For Students:
- Start studying early and consistently to avoid last-minute cramming.
- Take practice tests to get an idea of what to expect and identify areas that need improvement.
- Get enough rest and sleep before the exam day to be well-rested and focused.
- Eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam to fuel your brain and body.
- Stay calm and focused during the exam and manage your time wisely.
For Parents:
- Encourage your child to start preparing early and consistently.
- Provide a quiet and comfortable study environment at home.
- Help your child manage their time and create a study schedule.
- Ensure that your child gets enough rest and sleep before the exam day.
- Provide a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam and ensure that your child arrives at school on time.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Attention parents and students! FinPath is excited to present Financial Literacy Month, a month-long series of activities aimed at helping you improve your financial habits and take control of your finances.
Throughout April, FinPath will host weekly activities focused on different financial topics. Each week, you'll have the chance to learn about important financial concepts, such as inflation, retirement readiness, credit scores, and debt management. You'll also discover how to build your savings, manage a budget, and so much more.
Not only will you gain valuable knowledge about personal finance, but you'll also have the chance to win big! Multiple chances will be given throughout the month to be entered into the Grand Prize drawing.
Here's what to expect each week:
- Week 1 (4/3-4/7): Inflation - learn about inflation and interest rates, and discover how you can manage the rising costs as it affects your bank account.
- Week 2 (4/10-4/14): Retirement - are you ready for retirement? Join us as we discuss retirement readiness and learn what you need to prep for the future.
- Week 3 (4/17-4/21): Credit & Debt - discover how you can master your credit score and develop good debt management practices.
- Week 4 (4/24-4/28): Building Savings - learn ways you can build your savings, manage a budget, and so much more.
We encourage all parents and students to participate in Financial Literacy Month and take advantage of this opportunity to improve their financial literacy. By developing good financial habits, you can set yourself and your family up for a successful future. Don't miss out!
Our goal isn't to get students to college, but to get them through college ... and on to the exciting futures that await them!
This April, when you donate to the Harmony Alumni Fund you will support our graduates throughout their college careers and beyond!
Your generosity supports that goal by providing scholarships, mentoring services, career counseling & other resources that equip our grads with the support they'll need throughout their journey.
Donate $25, and receive a Harmony soccer ball keychain!
Donate $100, and receive an authentic Harmony soccer ball!
Engage with Creativity and Diversity at the HSA ISTEAM Festival on May 13th!
Join us for an exciting day of innovation and creativity at the HSA ISTEAM festival on May 13th! This event is the perfect opportunity to explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics with hands-on activities, interactive displays, and inspiring demonstrations.
Discover new ideas and projects from our talented students and learn about different cultures as volunteers share their traditional foods and customs. And don't miss out on the outdoor rides and entertainment that will be available for everyone to enjoy.
With over forty stations set up in the gym, you'll have the chance to engage with cutting-edge STEM projects and see firsthand how these fields are shaping our world. This is a can't-miss event for anyone who is curious about science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
So mark your calendars for May 13th and come join us at the HSA ISTEAM festival! We can't wait to see you there.
Cultural immersion for Mexican and Mexican American students!
The Consulate General of Mexico in Houston invites your students to be part of the “Cultural immersion and volunteer program for Mexican and Mexican-American students”. Through this program 100 students from the US and Canada will travel to Mexico for three weeks to participate in educational and cultural activities in Mexico City and travel to Jalisco, Hidalgo, Zacatecas, Michoacán or Oaxaca as volunteers.
The government of Mexico will be offering lodging, local transportation and meals. Flight fares will be partially covered by the Institute for Mexicans Abroad.
Application must be submitted to imehouston@sre.gob.mx no later than April 21, 2023 and should include:
- Applicant can be active students or recently graduated and 21 to 30 years old
- Application form (last page of the pdf attachment)
- Photocopy of valid passport
- Any document that shows their Mexican nationality or origin (Mexican birth certificate, Mexican passport, parents or grandparents Mexican birth certificate)
- School id or school transcript
- Letter of motivation (no more than 500 words)
- Evidence of volunteer of community work
- Proof of vaccination for covid-19
- Proof of health insurance
- Health certificate
Please find the attached document with all requirements.
Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Estimada red de aliados,
Solicitamos su apoyo para compartir con sus estudiantes la siguiente información:
El Consulado General de Mexico en Houston invita a sus estudiantes a ser parte del “Programa de inmersión cultural y voluntariado para jóvenes estudiantes de origen mexicano”. A través de este programa 100 estudiantes de Estados Unidos y Canadá viajarán a México por tres semanas para participar en actividades educativas y culturales y realizar un voluntariado en Jalisco, Hidalgo, Zacatecas, Michoacán o Oaxaca.
El gobierno de México cubrirá los gastos de hospedaje, transporte local y alimentos. El Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior cubrirá parcialmente el pasaje aéreo.
Las solicitudes deberán enviarse a imehouston@sre.gob.mx antes del 21 de abril y deberán incluir:
- Las y los solicitantes deberán ser estudiantes activos o recién graduados entre 21 y 30 años
- Solicitud (incluida en la última página de la convocatoria)
- Copia del pasaporte vigente
- Algún documento oficial que acredite el origen mexicano (ejemplo acta de nacimiento del participante, pasaporte, acta de nacimiento de algún de los padres, abuelos, etc.)
- Copia de la credencial vigente del estudiante que se postula y/o copia de comprobante de estudios
- Carta de postulación en la que exponga sus motivos para participar en el programa con una extensión máxima de 500 palabras
- Comprobante de algún trabajo comunitario que haya realizado
- Comprobante de vacunación contra el COVID 19-SARS-CoV-2
- Seguro de gastos médicos mayores (con cobertura en México)
- Certificado médico de salud que acredite que puede realizar actividades físicas
Se envía en archivo adjunto la convocatoria.
Favor de enviar sus dudas a este correo electrónico.
Exciting Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors and Parents!
Dear Seniors and Parents,
As you begin to plan for your college education, we want to share some exciting scholarship opportunities with you. These scholarships are available to students who meet specific criteria, such as academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership potential. We encourage you to apply for any scholarships that you feel you are qualified for.
Click here for the list of scholarships that you can apply for by clicking on the links provided. Please note that some of these scholarships have deadlines, so be sure to apply in a timely manner.
We wish you all the best as you pursue your college education and hope that these scholarship opportunities can help you achieve your goals.
YEARBOOK'S EARLY BIRD SALE!
Dear Advancement Family,
Firstly, we want to extend our gratitude to those parents who have already sent in their children's baby pictures for the yearbook. If you haven't done so already, please send them in ASAP so that we can include them in the yearbook.
Secondly, our early bird sale for the yearbook is ending on April 15th. If you purchase the yearbook before this date, you will only have to pay $35. After April 15th, the price will increase to $50, so please take advantage of this pre-sale offer and purchase your yearbook soon!
Additionally, parents have the opportunity to purchase a half page of the yearbook for $50 or a full page for $100. If you purchase a senior ad, the price of the yearbook is included. The last day to buy a senior ad is April 1st, 2023.
To make a purchase, please visit Revtrak or the front office. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to send in the details of your senior ad, please feel free to contact Mr. Zaidi directly at tzaidi@harmonytx.org.
Thank you for your attention and support, and we hope to hear from you soon!
Best regards,
The Aggie Homework Helpline (AHH) is an initiative to help provide quality, free online tutoring to PK-12 learners and families. The mission of the AHH is to connect Texas families and school district partners with Aggie tutors and education interns who are committed to improving learning outcomes for PK-12 students.
HOW IT WORKS
On-Demand Tutoring appointments through the AHH can be scheduled between 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. CST Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Central Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
For Spring 2023, Aggie Homework Helpline will operate over eight weeks, from 2/22 (W) – 4/28 (F). No AHH tutoring will be held during Spring Break – 3/13 – 3/17.
HELPLINE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Families will find free resources such as: read-aloud, mini video-taped lessons, guides to skill development, and much more. All of the resources on this site will also support English language learners, learners with special needs, and most of all they are all free. The resources of AHH are created by Aggie education students and faculty. In addition, we’ve found great PK-12 resources around the state and the nation for Texas families.
STATEWIDE & NATIONAL PK-12 RESOURCES
- CDC’s Mental Health Resources for Parents – tips and resources for coping with stress.
- Child Mind – insights, resources and expert advice on common concerns and tips for facing challenges many families share.
- Interdisciplinary STEAM Activities at Home – creative interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, arts, and math lessons to do at home.
- Lead4Ward – School at Home
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – resource on supporting children during coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Sanford Harmony – At Home Toolkit
- The Kid Should See This – Smart Videos
- U.S. Department of Education – Parent Resources – resources for parents to help your child’s education
- Wonderopolis – Fun Q&A
- National PTA – resources and tools for families and teachers who are navigating working, teaching and learning at home
- PBS for Parents – resources for parents to help your child learn and grow
Discover how spending time in the world outside the classroom can help teens do better in school, during the college admissions process and in their adult lives. TeenLife's mission is to connect students, parents and educators with the best experiential learning opportunities for middle- and high-school students.
They are very collaborative and well-connected. They understand the demographic they market to very well and match teens and parents to what we have to offer.
Their team is very supportive, and they want to see you succeed. You won't just be a number. They are very available and want to help your program succeed via their marketing efforts.
Summer Programs: https://issuu.com/teenlife/docs/summer_guide_2023_digital/12
Your Future in Art: Your Future In Arts - TeenLife
Your Future in STEM: Your Future In STEM - TeenLife
SUMMER INTERNSHIP FOR 9TH GRADE STUDENTS!
WHAT? Houston PREP is an intensive mathematics-based pre-college enrichment program, which provides educational enrichment opportunities for high ability middle and high school students.
WHY? Explore and prepare for careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Research projects in mathematics for each summer.
WHO? 7th, 8th, or 9th grade students who are high achieving and are interested in learning about engineering and science professions.
WHEN? June 12 –July 21, 2023, Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE? All program functions, except for field trips are at the University of Houston – Downtown.
HOW CAN I APPLY?
- Complete the application form online beginning January 9, 2023 at: www.uhd.edu/prep
- Deadline to apply: April 2, 2023, ▪Write a 150 word essay on why you wish to attend Houston PREP.
- Submit a copy of your most recent report card.
- Submit two letters of recommendations.
TSI TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE!
Dear HS-Advancement Students,
I hope all is well and you are safe! There will be several testing windows for the TSIA 2.0 at school
on for free of charge for two sections (ELAR and Math) and If you need to take a test for the second time you need to pay (paid lunch students $10 for each subject, free/ reduced lunch students $5 for each test).
Please click on a link provided below and fill out the form to register for the test. After submitting the form, you will be given a voucher ID on testing day to take the test.
The test will start at 08:30 AM and end at 12:30 PM. All students who are going to take the test need to be at the school no later than 08:30 AM. TSI Assessment 2.0 Register Here
Test Dates:
March 25, 2023
April 1, 2023
April 22, 2023
If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Sabido at asabido@harmonytx.org
FREE E SAT PREP TUTORIALS FOR HSA STUDENTS!
Dear HSA Parents and Students,
As you all know that SAT is one of the most important measure which considered for a student’s college admission. To help our students achieve higher in the test and based on student interest Harmony School of Advancement will offer FREE SAT prep tutorials to students on some Saturdays.
If you would like to attend please RSVP below and we will reach out with instructions on how to join.
https://forms.gle/Cmk3o37dqiX4DLD96
NOTE: 10th grade admission is going to be based on space availability.
- I will seek to gain understanding from those who are different from me.
- I will speak out against prejudice and discrimination.
- I will reach out to support those who are targets of hate.
- I believe that one person can make a difference no person can be an "innocent" bystander when it comes to opposing hate.
- I recognize that respecting individual dignity and promoting intergroup harmony are the responsibilities of all students.
The students and staff of Advancement signed a pledge to create an environment that is inclusive and safe for all. The Plages are displayed in the hallways as reminder of our campus commitment to becoming a No Place for Hate School that promotes diversity and acceptance for all individual.
GROW YOUR OWN TEACHER
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 – up to $20,000 in total for six years – for current HPS students and/or HPS graduates to pursue a bachelor's degree that leads to teacher certification.
In addition, GYOT residents will receive professional development from central and district office experts, one-on-one coaching from a highly qualified teacher mentor, and networking opportunities with student colleagues from across Texas. GYOT residents will be ready as an experienced and effective educator to serve our students in the first days of the school.
What Financial Assistance will I receive?
Harmony Public Schools Financial Assistance: If you are Harmony graduate attending a 4-year college or university in Texas, you will be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $20,000 to pay for tuition and fees in six years. ($5,000 per year) In addition, you may work up to 19 hours each week—earning $14 per hour.
What are the eligibility requirements?
In order to be eligible for GYOT, you must have maintained a 2.5 grade point average. Applicants must provide all the requested information above and may go through a rigorous selection process
What will I be teaching?
HPS will consider several factors in deciding what you will be teaching, including your declared major, standardized test scores, personal preference, and availability of positions at the campus level. HPS cannot guarantee specific placements but reasonable efforts will be made to match teaching assignment with your desired preference.
What support can I expect throughout the program?
Our GYOT program managers will provide in-person and online professional development training to help you be successful in our education setting. They will have periodic check-ins throughout the school year to ensure that you are progressing toward your career goals. In addition, you will be paired with a teacher mentor to support you at your local campus. This individual will provide mentoring and feedback to you as you complete the program.
Here is the application link : Careers - Harmony Public Schools (harmonytx.org)
Please contact your counselor for more info.
HPS HOME VISIT PATH PROGRAM
Harmony Public Schools implemented home visits over a decade ago now called the HPS PATH Program. We are proud to announce that all 6 districts and 60 campuses are active participants in the HPS PATH Program.
Home visits are intended to develop a positive and impactful relationship with families. This is an opportunity to get to know you and your child in the comfort of your own home. Time is taken to share your hopes and dreams for your student, academic expectations, and share school resources. Home visits are not parent/teacher conferences. They are meant to “get to know each other” and to build a viable relationship for the academic benefit of your child.
Studies show that this program has increased student achievement and improved parent engagement in schools. It has brought about closer together and created opportunities for better communications between home and school.
We are excited about the HPS PATH Program and look forward to meeting with you and your students. Schedule your home visit, either virtually or in person, with your child’s teacher today!
HSA DRESS CODE!
Hello Wonderful Advancement Parents,
This is a friendly reminder about dress code expectations at HSA.
Please refer to page 22-25 of our Student & Parent Handbook for clarifications on the HPS dress code rules. Student & Parent Handbook
Not allowed: Cargo style pants Yoga pants, joggers, jeggings, leggings, spandex Sagging pants Shorts & Skorts Dresses & Skirts Not allowed: Sandals, mules, Ugs, heels/wedges, boots, Crocs Heelies Not allowed: Hoodies (any clothing with a hood) Hats, caps, bandannas On Fridays, students can wear a college or Advancement related t-shirt with jeans. Shoe guidelines still apply. All backpacks should remain in their lockers unless they have a backpack pass. Dress Code on Spirit Days Garments must be: Free of holes, tears, inappropriate wording, logos, messages or advertising. No shorts, skin tight pants, leggings, dresses, or skirts may be worn. Students may not wear low cut, midriff-baring, or backless blouses. Students may wear jeans, but they cannot be tight pants including jeggings and tights. Clothing items must not depict images of violence.
Please be reminded that if your student comes to school out of dress code compliance, he/she will be kept in the front lobby until you bring them a change of clothes.
Thank you for all you do! Consistency is key!