Archive for month: March, 2020

Dear Students/Parents,

This week, we are completing the first phase of our distance learning program, the learning packets. The next phase begins on Monday, March 30, 2020. Students and teachers will go online for a comprehensive digital learning experience that includes elements of independent learning, video-based lessons, and a variety of online software, including Google Classroom.

ACCESS to TECHNOLOGY

Students will sign in to my.harmonytx portal to reach integrated software and google classrooms on chromebooks or other devices. Students without computers or access to the internet at home should contact their school. For further details on accessing technology, you may visit https://www.parent.harmonytx.org/athomelearning and Free Internet access for 60 days.)

GOOGLE CLASSROOM

HPS will utilize Google G-Suite platform to provide learning plans for students. Students will log in to their My Harmony accounts to join the google classrooms by using the codes provided by their teachers. Teachers will use the platform to communicate, provide feedback, and assess the learning progress of their students. Harmony students have already been using blended learning software in their classrooms; software will be integrated into learning plans.

Throughout the next phases, our teachers will be available via email and other digital platforms to provide structure, guidance, and feedback. Once, our teachers set up their google classroom, they will contact you to start the online learning experience. Information regarding grading and high school credits will be shared later.

Please visit, https://harmonytx.org/athome for a comprehensive plan and a sample daily schedule you can follow.

STUDENTS with SPECIAL NEEDS

For students in special education and 504 programs, accommodations and/or modifications will be implemented to the extent appropriate and possible by our teachers in google classrooms (technology may have some limitations).  For students in pullout programs, our special education teachers will create google classrooms, provide resources and support virtually to the extent appropriate and possible (technology may have some limitations). We are still working on a plan regarding provision of speech therapy and related services, ARDs, 504 meetings, and FIEs. For all of these matters, we are following guidelines from the State of Texas and the Department of Education, which is still forthcoming and additional changes may be made as we receive further instruction. Your patience is appreciated as we work to ensure student needs are met.

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Queridos estudiantes/padres,

Esta semana estamos terminando la primera etapa de nuestro programa de enseñanza a distancia, utilizando los paquetes de aprendizaje. La siguienteetapa empieza el lunes 30 de marzo de 2020. Los estudiantes y los profesores
ingresarán a la red para tener una experiencia de aprendizaje en línea que incluye elementos de aprendizaje independiente, lecciones basadas en videos, y una variedad de softwares digitales, incluyendo el aula virtual Google Classroom.

ACCESO A INTERNET
Los estudiantes ingresarán al portal myharmonytx para conectarse al software integrado y la plataforma del aula virtual, google classrooms, desde ordenadores portátiles como chromebooks y otros dispositivos. Los estudiantes que no tengan acceso a una computadora o internet en casa, deberán ponerse en contacto con
su escuela. Para mayor información sobre cómo acceder a internet, ingrese a https://www.parent.harmonytx.org/athomelearning  y Free Internet access for 60 days.)

AULA VIRTUAL GOOGLE CLASSROOM

HPS utilizará la herramienta G-Suite de Google para brindar planes de aprendizaje para los estudiantes. Los estudiantes ingresarán a sus cuentas Myharmony para unirse al aula virtual google classrooms utilizando los códigos brindados por sus profesores. Los profesores utilizarán la plataforma para comunicarse, brindar apoyo, y evaluar el
avance en el aprendizaje de sus estudiantes. Los estudiantes de Harmony ya han utilizado el software de enseñanza combinada en sus aulas; el software será integrado en los planes de aprendizaje.

Durante las siguientes etapas, nuestros profesores estarán disponibles a través del correo electrónico y otras plataformas virtuales para organizar, orientar y ofrecer apoyo. Una vez que los profesores hayan configurado su aula virtual, google classroom, se pondrán en contacto con ustedes para empezar la experiencia de aprendizaje en línea.
Más adelante se brindará información sobre el sistema de calificación y los créditos académicos.

ESTUDIANTES con NECESIDADES ESPECIALES

En el caso de estudiantes de educación especial y programas del plan 504, los profesores implementarán ajustes y/o modificaciones, en la medida que sea posible, en el aula virtual, google classrooms, ya que la tecnología puede tener algunas limitaciones. En el caso de estudiantes en programas especiales, los profesores de educación especial crearán el aula virtual, google classroom, brindarán los recursos y el apoyo virtual necesario, dentro de lo que sea posible, considerando que la tecnología puede tener sus limitaciones. Aún estamos trabajando en un plan sobre servicios de terapia de lenguaje y otros servicios relacionados, Síndrome de Dificultad Respiratoria Aguda (ARD en inglés), reuniones del plan 504, y Evaluaciones Individualizadas Completas (FIE en inglés). En relación a estos temas, estamos siguiendo los lineamientos del Estado de Texas y el Departamento de Educación. Igualmente, se
pueden generar cambios adicionales a medida que recibimos nuevas instrucciones. Agradecemos su coperacion mientras trabajamos para garantizar que las necesidades de nuestros estudiantes sean atendidas.

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority at Harmony Public Schools. As new developments continue to unfold regarding the COVID-19 situation, we wanted to provide you an important update regarding the potential impact of the virus on our schools.

While there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported on our campuses or within our school family at this time, out of an abundance of caution we are announcing a temporary closure of all Harmony Public Schools campuses through Monday, April 6. All school activities, field trips, athletics events, and competitions have also been cancelled during this time.

At this time, we are anticipating classes will be able to resume for students on Tuesday, April 7. Staff will return for a work-day on Monday, April 6.

This decision was made after discussions with, and upon the recommendations of, local health officials.  We strongly believe it is the best decision for helping to keep our students, staff, and communities safe at this time.

During this closure, our Harmony team members will continue to work remotely to finalize the details of distance-learning plan to make sure students continue to receive educational services with minimal  interruption.You will receive regular updates how this plan will be implemented.

Additionally, all full-time, non-exempt and exempt employees will continue to be paid according to their normal rate and schedule.

We continue to urge families and team members to stay informed of current Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines related to the prevention of the spreading of viruses, including limiting out of town travel, “social distancing,” and self-quarantine for those who have recently traveled to impacted areas.

We recognize this is a rapidly evolving situation and will continue to aggressively monitor new developments and respond with appropriate actions based on the best interests of our Harmony families and the guidance of local health officials. Throughout this process, we will continue to communicate with you new information as soon as possible. We anticipate further updates no later than the week of March 23-27.

Thank you for your support during these unusual circumstances. With your continued collaboration, together we can provide a healthy learning environment for our students and staff.

As students return from spring break, we would like to ask the Harmony community for your renewed diligence in helping our schools maintain the best-practices for clean campuses established before break.

That of course includes the normal requests regarding washing hands, covering your mouth when coughing, and staying home when sick. However, we also need your help keeping viruses and germs contained by asking your student to immediately report to their campus health office if their experience any of the following symptoms while at school:

• Suspected fever: Student is flushed, student unusually pale, complaints of body aches/pains student is lethargic or unusually tired, student statements of having had a fever or taken medication at home to make them feel better.
• Respiratory symptoms: Dry cough with or without nasal drainage, difficulty breathing (visibly difficult breathing includes using abdominal muscles to breathe, inability to speak more than a couple of words at a time, flaring nostrils when breathing) or statements of feeling short of breath, chest or lung pain, wheezing or grunting with breathing.

Additionally, families should be aware that any student returning from a travel area on the CDC list of at-risk countries for COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) MUST see their medical provider before returning to campus. Students will have 48 hours to submit a clearance letter from their doctor before returning to campus. After this, student absences will not be excused. A student cannot return until they have clearance from their doctor or have finished quarantine if medically recommended.

With your continued support and collaboration, together we can provide a healthy learning environment for our students and staff.

Thank you.

P.S. … For more information about COVID-19 and our school system’s response, including additional resources for families, visit https://www.HarmonyTX.org/coronavirus.