The Husky Herald

August 10, 2026 / Robert S. Hyer Elementary School

Dear Hyer Parents,

We can’t wait to welcome you back from summer break and begin another year of learning and making memories at Hyer Harbor!

As the Hyer staff returns to campus tomorrow, we are eager to prepare for the arrival of our Huskies next week. Teachers will be decorating their classrooms, creating lesson plans and learning about new curriculum resources as well as about the students in their class. It is always exciting to feel the energy within the building as our staff counts down the days to reconnecting with returning students and welcoming our newest huskies.

The next edition of the Husky Herald will include detailed instructions for accessing your child’s class placement and teacher assignment via Skyward. The placements will be available electronically in Skyward beginning Monday, August 17th at 3:00 PM. Meet the Teacher is on August 17th from 4:00-5:00 PM. and the first day of school on August 19th. The school will open at 7:30 AM on Wednesday, August 19.

On the first three days of school, teachers will greet their students in their classrooms beginning at 7:30 AM. You are welcome to walk your students to class these days without checking in at the office.

Beginning Monday, August 24th, students arriving between 7:30 and 7:45 AM will go to the gym until dismissed to go to their classrooms at 7:45 AM. We encourage you to let your children build their confidence and independence by allowing them to come into the building on their own starting Monday. We will have staff members stationed around the building to direct students, or walk with them, if needed, to their classrooms.

There is so much energy and excitement in welcoming our students to a new school year. The teachers and staff have invested countless hours throughout the summer to prepare for the arrival of our students and a year anchored in traditions, as we sail together towards the future. Thank you for being our partner in encouraging each and every student, family and staff member at Hyer as we navigate a year like no other. I am sincerely grateful for each of our families and the way you all care for our people and school.

Humbly,

Debbie

Debbie Burt, Principal

CHARTING OUR COURSE

Coming Up…

June 29 – August 28: Family Underwriting Campaign
July 30 – August 07: Back-to-School Sign Up (BSSU)
August 10: New Families Orientation at 8:30 AM at Hyer
August 12–13: HPA Incoming Kindergarten Tours of Hyer at 9:00 AM
August 17: Class Lists Posted at 3:00 PM; Meet the Teacher 4:00–5:00 PM
August 19: First Day of School (School begins at 7:55 AM)
August 19: Kindergarten Parent Coffee 8:15–9:15 AM
August 28: New Families Coffee (Pre-K–4th Grade) 9:00–10:00 AM; Family Underwriting Campaign Ends

IMPORTANT BACK TO SCHOOL INFORMATION!

Reminder: School hours for the 2026-27 school year

Parents, friendly reminder of the school hours for the 2026- 27 school year:

Preschool and grades K-4

Doors open at 7:30 a.m.
School hours are from 7:55 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

CLASS LISTS & MEET THE TEACHER!

Monday, August 17th

3:00 PM Class Lists Available through Skyward

4:00 Meet the Teacher for Preschool - Fourth

Wednesday, August 19th

7:55 AM-3:15 PM First Day of School

Doors Open at 7:30 AM

*Teachers will distribute carpool tags during Meet the Teacher*

Thank you to our First Day of School Sponsor:

NEW FAMILY ORIENTATION TODAY!

We are so excited to welcome you to Hyer Harbor! Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or joining the Hyer family for the very first time, we’re excited to welcome you aboard! Come meet other new families, learn the ropes, and discover the traditions, opportunities, and community that make Hyer such a special place.

Join Us for New Families Orientation

Monday, August 10, 2026

8:30 AM

Hyer Cafeteria

Parents Only

If this is your first year at Hyer, whether your child is entering Pre-K through 4th Grade, this orientation is for you!

This parents-only event is designed to help you feel right at home before the first day of school. You’ll hear from our principal, school leadership, PTA representatives, and Dad’s Club while learning about Hyer’s traditions, important dates, volunteer opportunities, and everything you need to know for a smooth start to the school year.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, connect with other new families, and get acquainted with the people and programs that make our school community so special.

We can’t wait to welcome you aboard and begin an incredible year together!

Questions? Please contact Newcomers Chair, Abbi Slagel.

ORIENTATION AGENDA

NEW FAMILIES COFFEE INFORMATION

Kinder Parent Coffee Questions? Please email Courtney Wood

Pre-K, 1st - 4th Grade Parent Coffee Questions? Please email Abbi Slagel

PRACTICE GETTING TO SCHOOL SAFELY!

Several Hyer crossing guards have generously volunteered their time to make sure our Huskies feel ready to bike or walk to school next week! Larry “Have a Great Day!” Williams, the guard at Caruth and Tulane, Ruben Young, at Caruth and Pickwick, and Ruben Davila, at Colgate and Pickwick, and Jewel Jones, at Colgate and Tulane, will be at their posts from 3:30-5:00 PM on Monday, August 17th. Stop by during Meet the Teacher to practice crossing safely, or just to say hi!

IMPORTANT SECURITY REMINDERS

Hyer takes pride in the security procedures we have in place to keep all our Huskies, staff, students, and families safe. While these processes may at times be inconvenient, please know that the intent is to ensure the safest school experience possible for Everyone.

At 7:55 AM, staff members will sweep the building and ask all visitors to either exit or sign-in at the front office.
Volunteers who have been through a background check with the district and have permanent badges will scan their badges in the office both upon arrival and when they leave. Printed badges will have a barcode on them for easy scanning for all volunteers and visitors.
When in the building for a parent meeting or to volunteer, guests must go through the office to check out and exit through the front doors. Parents/guests are asked to enter and exit only through the office during the school day. This helps us monitor who is in the building while students and staff are present.
We have a video door system so that the front office can communicate with visitors prior to letting them in the office. You may be asked to provide your name and the purpose of your visit before being allowed entry into the office.
Doors CANNOT be propped open for any reason. Doors must be attended by an adult when open for an extended period of time while items are being brought into or out of the building.

We will continue to require anyone entering the building from 7:55 AM until dismissal to check-in with the front office and wear a Visitors Badge, and will continue to have a police officer on campus throughout the day.

Although some of these procedures may slightly delay entry and departure to/from the building, they are necessary to provide a safe and secure environment for ALL of our Hyer Huskies. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work together to ensure the safest environment possible during the school day.

BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR VOLUNTEERS

To volunteer at our HP campuses, please complete the following Google Form so we can conduct a background check:

BACKGROUND CHECK

HPISD PROOF OF RESIDENCY DUE AUGUST 19th

Don't forget to submit your proof of residency to the district by August 19!

You can find detailed instructions regarding submission HERE!

The direct link to the form may be found HERE!

LATE BACK TO SCHOOL SIGN UP ENDS AUGUST 28TH

Back-to-school sign up is now closed. If you did not complete BSSU for your student(s), you may register during Late Back-to-School Sign Up, which is available through August 28th, by completing Hyer's Late BSSU Form and submitting payment online. Click HERE to access the Hyer late BSSU Form and payment method under the Parents tab on the Hyer PTA website.

SUPPORT HYER'S 2026-2027

FAMILY UNDERWRITING CAMPAIGN!

All aboard! Our 2026–2027 Hyer Harbor Family Underwriting Campaign underway!

As many of you know, more than 70% of HPISD’s property tax revenue is recaptured by the state each year, leaving our district with a $7–8 million funding gap. The generosity of our Hyer families is what allows us to bridge that gap and continue providing the exceptional education and community our kids deserve.

This year, our goal is $800,000 to sustain the critical, ongoing needs of our school - things like staffing, programs, and everyday operations. Any funds raised beyond this will go directly toward special initiatives like curriculum enhancements, classroom tools, and campus upgrades.

Giving levels include:

Admiral’s Circle — $10,000

Captain’s Table — $7,500

Mariner’s Club — $5,000

The Helmsman — $2,500

Harborview — $1,250

Voyager — $500

Seafarer — $300

Each level comes with meaningful recognition and benefits — from exclusive swag bags and auction tickets to Deluxe Carnival wristbands and a Hyer Harbor yard sign & so much more. View more details by clicking here.

No matter the amount, your gift makes a difference. We are so grateful to be anchored in this community with you. Giving is open through August 28th.

Click HERE to donate!

Contact our Family Underwriting Chair, Kim Holly with any questions.

FAMILY UNDERWRITING

ROOM PARENT INTEREST FORMS

Are you interested in volunteering as your student's Room Parent?

Please contact Olivia Howe, Room Parent Chair, if you are interested or have any questions.

Please email request by August 21st! You can also sign up during BSSU.

HYER CAFETERIA NEWS

Thank you to all the amazing volunteers who have stepped up to help in our Cafeteria this year! We are so excited to see all of you in the Hyer Café this fall! If you have not signed up, we still have spots for you! Please email Leigh Young ASAP to find a shift this school year.

THANK YOU to those who have already signed up, and please email HERE if you are still looking for a shift! We need you, and we appreciate you more than we can say! Thank you!

Questions

Questions may be directed to Christine Bolger, Cafeteria Finance Chair, Leigh Young , Cafeteria Volunteer Chair, or Lorena Escobedo, Cafeteria Manager.

Lunch Visits Begin September 8

To help all students adjust to lunchtime routines and build confidence and independence, we kindly ask that parents and guardians wait to come to school for lunch visits until after September 8.

If your child’s birthday falls before September 8, you're welcome to join them for a special birthday lunch!

When visiting for lunch, please note that we ask students not to invite friends to join them and their guest. This helps prevent any feelings of exclusion and allows you to enjoy meaningful one-on-one time with your child.

Thank you for helping us create a welcoming, supportive environment for all our students!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

As we gear up for an incredible year at Hyer Harbor, we want to give a big shoutout and THANK YOU to our generous corporate sponsors who have supported Hyer at the $7,500+ level! We are so appreciative of your incredible generosity, support, and commitment to our sweet school!

PRE-ORDERED SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP AT MEET THE TEACHER!

Visit the Hyer Husky Online Store Today!

Or check us out on Instagram @hyer_elementary

SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS THIS SCHOOL YEAR WITH BALLOONS FROM FLOAT!

Celebrate a new school year with personalized balloons from Float Balloon Bar! Float will donate a portion of all sales from now through August 16th back to Hyer. Order large balloons with tassels and personalization ($65) and discounted delivery fee of $15, to celebrate your Huskies' first day back at school! Be sure to mention Hyer in your order.

Click HERE to order!

NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD

JOIN THE HPA TO WELCOME INCOMING KINDER!

Click HERE to register!

A few BIG Husky High Fives to some amazing people who have been working so hard behind the scenes!

🖐️ Rachel Timmens! Our amazing BSSU Chair! Thank you for answering phones, fielding questions, and helping our families navigate all things BSSU. You have been such a huge help getting everyone across the finish line!

🖐️ Catherine McGuire for continuing to bring in our incredible corporate sponsors! Thank you for all the time and energy you’ve put into making these partnerships happen for Hyer!

🖐️ Kim Holly for ALL things Family Underwriting! So much work goes into this behind the scenes, and we are so grateful for everything you continue to do for our donors!

🖐️ Erin Davis & Laura Davis for sharing your talents and helping with all of our design work! Our sponsor banners are going to look GREAT thanks to you two!

🖐️ Lauren Feccia, our Husky Herald hero! You’re constantly working behind the scenes, navigating information from so many different chairs and making sure our Hyer families stay well informed. Thank you for keeping us all on track week after week!

🖐️ Amanda Robertson, WOW There will never be enough Husky High Fives for all that you do! Always lending a helping hand, keeping us organized and working smarter, and truly my right hand through all of it. I simply could not do this without you! What a blessing you are! 💛

HIGH FIVES ALL AROUND! 🐾🖐️💛!