Dear Harmony Staff, Students, Families and Community:

The school year has only just began, and we already have incredible news to share! We are proud to announce that 24 students from our secondary district have been recognized by the College Board's National Recognition Program, which awards academic honors to high-performing, underrepresented students.

Harmony students from the following schools have earned this distinguished recognition:

• Harmony Science Academy-Dallas High
• Harmony Science Academy-Euless
• Harmony School of Excellence-Dallas
• Harmony School of Innovation-Dallas
• Harmony School of Innovation-Fort Worth
• Harmony School of Innovation-Garland
• Harmony School of Innovation-Waco

This recognition celebrates the exceptional academic achievements of our African American, Hispanic, and first-generation students who met the rigorous criteria for the National Recognition Programs. It's an outstanding accomplishment, and I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to our students, their parents and guardians, and the entire school community. Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Many congratulations also go out to the more than 100 high school teachers from our Secondary District who will be earning bonus incentives from the Texas Education Agency this fall as part of the TEA's Teacher Incentive Allotment program.

In May, teachers learned which distinctions they may have earned: Master, Exemplary, or Recognized. In Harmony's North Texas Secondary District, a total of 29 teachers earned Master, 46 earned Exemplary, and 29 earned Recognized designations. These teachers will now receive a substantial increase in salary, with potential bonuses ranging up to nearly $24,000, depending on their designation level and campus demographics.

We also hope to have some great news to share with you regarding the TEA Accountability ratings. As you may be aware, the TEA has been blocked from releasing the 2024 ratings, but we are looking at releasing our projected, unofficial ratings as early as next week. So be sure to stay tuned!

As the school year fully gets underway, I am inspired by the dedication and passion demonstrated by everyone in our school community. Together, we have laid a strong foundation for a year filled with learning and growth. And I look forward to celebrating many more achievements as the year progresses.

I look forward to continuing to work together to make this a fantastic year for our students!

Harun Karan

Area Superintendent | Secondary

Harmony Public Schools-North Texas

Dallas/Fort Worth Academic Calendar

Waco Academic Calendar

Harmony Reaches Record Enrollment - Seats Still Available!

Harmony Public Schools campuses across Texas began the 2024-25 school setting a record for enrollment for the free, statewide public charter school.

Roughly 45,000 students enrolled at Harmony for the first day of school, an increase from roughly 42,000 one year ago. The record-breaking increase is attributed to several factors, including the opening of new campuses in Fort Worth, Midland, Katy and Beaumont; as well as an enhanced focus on family engagement and retention; and continued academic success.

On the 2023 spring STAAR test, Harmony scholars scored above the state average for student achievement in every grade level and subject tested. Harmony also concluded the 2023-24 school year by receiving 12 additional National School of Character honors.

All of Harmony's high schools were also included in U.S. News & World Report's rankings of America's Top High Schools in 2023-24.

In even better news, we still have seats available! So be sure to tell your family and friends not to wait to become part of an award-winning school system that is making positive impacts all across the state of Texas! Just visit www.HarmonyTX.org/apply.

Harmony's Financial Accountability Earns

Straight As

All seven Harmony Public Schools districts received “Superior” A+ scores from the Texas Educational Agency on the agency’s annual FIRST financial accountability ratings. Harmony's North Texas district, which includes the Dallas, Fort Worth and Waco areas, scored a 96.

Created by the 77th Texas Legislature in 2001, the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) is designed to encourage public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.

To ensure effective, efficient and ethical use of all public funds entrusted to it, Harmony practices a number of financial safeguards as part of its regular operations. Among these are regular independent financial audits from third-party accounting firms and regular participation in its purchasing process from the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO).

In January 2024, Harmony became the first Texas charter school to earn TASBO’s prestigious Award of Excellence in Financial Management. Harmony was also the first public charter to win TASBO’s Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations. Read more here.

Harmony Extracurriculars & Clubs Now Underway

As we embrace another exciting school year, don't forget to explore all the many extracurricular options for clubs and activities our campuses offer.

Afterschool programs offer a unique opportunity for our students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. Whether your child is interested in drones, robotics, sports, arts, academics, or community service, there is something for everyone!

To learn more about the clubs available and how to register, please visit our website or contact the school office. Your support in encouraging your child to participate can make a significant difference in their school experience.

Harmony Home Visits Program

All new (and current) Harmony families are strongly encouraged to take part of Harmony's Home Visit program. Home Visits are just one of the many ways school staff supports students and families through the educational process.

Harmony teachers visit more than 7,000 homes each year to answer any questions families might have, often helping parents work through confusion about required academics, the college application process, and even to provide student resources.

Home visits also have positive effects on student’s learning, and social and emotional improvement.

Benefits for students include:

• Students whose parents agree to home visits, have better behavior and conduct,
• Improved academic performance, student attendance.
• A better ease at learning, and trust of their teacher,
• Forms a higher level of respect for teachers, themselves and others.

Benefits for parents include:

• Parents are secure knowing that teachers genuinely care for the welfare of their children.
• Creates a trusting bond between the teacher and parent.
• Parents feel confident that their child’s future is in the hands of teachers who go beyond the call of duty to guarantee each student’s prosperity.
• Allows parents to become a part of the school environment.

So if you haven't yet taken advantage of this program, get a Home Visit scheduled today! Just reach out to your child's campus or visit Harmony Home Visits to get started. Together, we make collaborative learning possible! 

Dallas County Looking for Student Election Workers

Dallas County Elections Department is looking for Student Election Workers for the upcoming November 5th General and Joint Election.  Student Election Workers help to ensure that Dallas County voters have a smooth and efficient Election Day.

By participating in this initiative, Harmony students will have the opportunity to contribute to their community, develop essential organizational and teamwork skills, and gain a deeper understanding of our electoral system.

Key Details about the Student Election Worker Role:

• Student election workers will assist with various tasks such as checking in voters, ballot distribution, and ensuring voters have a great voting experience on Election Day. Paid training will be provided to ensure that everyone is well-prepared for their responsibilities.
• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th and we ask for a commitment of a maximum of 15 hours.
• This opportunity is paid at $18.24/hour. In addition to the professional development opportunity, student election workers will receive 19 service hours for participating in this civic duty.

The application for this opportunity can be found here. The deadline to apply is Monday, September 23. If you have any questions about this opportunity, reach out to Dallas County at (214)-819-6332 or via email at studentelectionworker@dallascounty.org.

Alumni Opportunity! Only 10 Spots Available for Success Leadership Network

The Success Leadership Network is a new fellowship for HPS alumni who are seeking networking, leadership and advocacy skills. 

Fellows will explore social issues, inequities, passions and purpose. Work to create an action plan, take action locally and finally celebrate their experience and outcomes. Program content will detail types of advocacy actions and learn best-practices directly from advocacy professionals and community leaders/influencers. 

Fellows will dive into civic engagement as we mobilize a new generation of voices through voter registration events around DFW/North Texas. 

By joining the Success Leadership Network you will:

• Help shape the future by ensuring voices like yours are heard this election season.
• Learn how to use your power as an advocate through specialized training from experts.
• Connect with other HPS Alumni from across the state.

Each fellow will receive a $1,000 stipend upon completion of this four month program. (**Hybrid program: Virtual speakers and discussion with most advocacy actions done in person.) 

APPLY HERE! Application deadline is Sept. 10.

First Day of School

We loved seeing all the "First Day of School" pictures you shared with us! It's always a joy to see the smiles, excitement, and anticipation on our students' faces as they embark on a new school year. These cherished moments not only highlight the beginning of the school year, but also remind us of the wonderful community we are building together. We are truly looking forward to a fantastic year filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences for all our students.

Senior Breakfast at HSI-Dallas

HSI-Dallas Class of 2025 recently joined together for the school's traditional Senior Breakfast. Students met over a warm breakfast and shared their future plans with peers and administration. The seniors also had the chance to meet the school's new principal, Dr. Fidan, who joined in the discussions about their futures. A special highlight of the event was celebrating two seniors who have been with Harmony Public Schools since kindergarten. We are so proud of all our seniors and excited to see the amazing things they will accomplish!

Annual "Senior Sunrise" Events Help Kick Off School Year

HSI-Fort Worth and HSE-Dallas also kicked off the school year celebrating the Class of 2025 with their annual "Senior Sunrise" events. Seniors from each school came together to watch the sunrise, eat breakfast, and share memories and future plans. Here's to a year full of unforgettable memories and achieving great things!

HSA-Dallas High Hosts Student Club Fair

HSA-Dallas High recently hosted their annual Student Club Fair to showcase the more than 40 afterschool clubs, activities and sports the school offers. Afterschool programs offer a unique opportunity for our students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. Some additional advantages these programs can include enhanced social skills, academic support, personal growth and creativity and innovation. So make sure your student gets involved today!

HSI-Waco Investigates Bio-Medical Mystery

HSI-Waco's 9th-grade Principles of Biomedical Sciences class started off their year with a bang, or in this case, a bump to the head. Students are investigating a mock crime scene in their classroom all semester in which they must solve the death of Anna Garcia using techniques such as fingerprinting, blood typing, hair analysis, gel electrophoresis and DNA, social media tracking, urinalysis, histology and more.

The biomedical lab offers a fun and dynamic environment for hands-on learning and exploration. Through practical experience, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while gaining insights into real-world applications of biomedical science.

Best of luck to our student sleuths!

HSA-Euless Kicks Off Year with Home Visit Drive

Staff from HSA-Euless kicked off the school year by making connections through meaningful home visits intended to develop a positive and impactful relationship with families. Time is taken to share the hopes and dreams for your student, academic expectations, and 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 student outside of school hours. It has brought teachers and families closer together and created opportunities for better communication between home and school.

Feel free to reach out to your campus admin to get a home visit scheduled today!

Harun Karan

HPS NTX Secondary District Superintendent

Mehmet Basoglu

HPS NTX Asst. Superintendent of Programs

Dan

Bell

HPS NTX Asst. Superintendent of Operations

Mucahit Turel

HPS NTX Asst. Superintendent of College & Career