Harmony at Home Distance Learning

Harmony at Home Distance Learning Plan

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, April 6, 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 6 de abril 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.

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Letter from our CEO: Classes remain online-only until further notice

Dear Harmony Families & Team Members,

For the past 20 years, Harmony Public Schools has established an educational model built strongly on the foundations of science-based learning and responsible citizenship in our communities.

Currently, all available science from community health experts continues to tell us that the best way to be responsible members of our communities is to have our students and staff remain at home.

This is why we have determined that it is in the best interest of our students, team members, and communities to discontinue in-person schooling at our campuses and administrative offices statewide until further notice.

While these facilities remain closed, instruction and learning at Harmony schools will continue. Our classes are operating online through our established digital learning tools, taking advantage of many of the technology tools and blended learning methods already practiced in Harmony’s  physical classrooms. Because our teachers and school leaders will remain available to guide our students each school day, we anticipate instructional continuity during these unusual and difficult times. To request access to a Chromebook and/or for questions regarding internet access, please contact your child’s campus.

(For more information on our at-home learning program, visit HarmonyTX.org/AtHome . To request access to a Chromebook or internet access, contact your child’s campus.)

We will also continue to offer free meal services to children in our communities, as local and state safety guidelines allow.

We thank you for your support and understanding in making this critical decision. We also are profoundly grateful for the extreme determination and Harmony pride shown by both our students and team members these past several weeks. Time and again you have proven why Harmony Public Schools is an institution where excellence is the standard.

We will continue to provide timely updates as new, relevant information comes available, and inform you immediately if our campuses reopen prior to the end of the school year.

Thank you and be well,

 

Fatih Ay

CEO | Harmony Public Schools

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Grab and Go meal service update

Grab & Go Meal Service – UPDATE

UPDATE TO OUR “GRAB-&-GO” MEAL SERVICE:

Now that our schools are closed through at least April 6, Harmony is making an adjustment to our meal service pick-up options.

Beginning this Monday, March 30, we will offer pickup three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), in which families can pick up meals for an entire week. Monday’s pickup will be for lunch and breakfast Mon-Tues, Wednesday pickup will be for Wed-Thurs, and Fridays pickup will be for lunch and breakfast for the remainder of the week (to include the weekend).

Meals will continue to be served from 11:30am – 12:30 pm drive-up style and will be available for all car passengers under age 18, regardless of enrollment status.

We look forward to continuing to serve you, and stay well!

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Chromebook

Chromebook Survey

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In order to continue to meet the academic needs of our students, we are gathering information about their ability to continue learning at home using online materials and/or a virtual classroom in the event of an extended school closure. Please complete the following survey to help us understand the availability of the internet and devices in your home by March 27, 2020.  This will allow us to determine what supports we can provide our students to support continued learning at home.

Link: HSA Lubbock -Technology Survey Form

Thank you,

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IMPORTANT UPDATE: TEMPORARY CLOSURE

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.

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LUNCH & BREAKFAST PICK-UP

Our schools may be closed, but our meal services for students are still open for business.

Harmony Public Schools is committed to meeting the food and nutritional requirements of every child in our communities while our campus is in closure for the COVID-19 outbreak. Each weekday, we will offer free lunch and breakfast pickup options for any child — regardless of enrollment status — in need of a nutritious meal.

Meals will be served drive-up style and will be available for all car passengers under age 18, regardless of enrollment status.

Starting March 23, the curbside meal will be available to pick up between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.

During this time, we will provide a sack lunch for the day, as well as a sack breakfast for the following morning.

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LEARNING PACKETS FOR CONTINUED LEARNING AT HOME

Dear Students and Parents,

Harmony Public Schools campuses are closed until April 3rd.

Our goal is to maximize learning during this time and keep our students engaged. Our curriculum directors have prepared two-week self-study modules for our students. Students are asked to complete the work and submit to their teachers when they return to campus.

Harmony Science Academy Lubbock will have Learning Packets available for parent pick-up from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Tuesday, March 24th, in the front of the school. If you are wanting to print the packets out on your own, please use the links below.

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A note for families about Coronavirus & spring break travel

Spring Break is almost here for our students and staff members across the state.  We sincerely hope everyone in our Harmony community has a fun and relaxing break before together we begin the final stretch toward the end of the school year.

We understand that many of you will be traveling this spring break. With concerns about the Coronavirus in the minds of many, we want to share a few tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about staying healthy when traveling, as well as provide more info about a few Harmony policies related to returning to school after visiting certain risk-prone destinations.

Tips for Healthy Travel

In general, the same advice for fighting germs and bacteria  applies when traveling as it does when staying home:

  • Wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer;
  • Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth;
  • Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands;
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
  • When greeting others, consider an alternative to hugs or handshakes, such as an elbow bump.

Additionally, here are a few additional tips related specifically to those traveling:

  • Be aware of your surroundings (including people who are sick) and try to distance yourself as appropriate;
  • Avoid areas that you feel might make your more likely to be exposed;
  • Know how to get reliable local information about any possible changes to the situation;
  • Avoid public transportation, if possible. Confined spaces such as buses, trains, subways, and airplanes may put you at a higher risk of infection;
  • When eating animal-based products, make sure they are thoroughly cooked before eating.

Returning to School After Visiting Risk-Prone Areas

Due to CDC travel guidelines, students and families that have traveled to locations that are marked as a Coronavirus risk by the CDC must have a letter of clearance from their medical provider before returning to campus. Failure to provide a clearance letter will result in the student being dismissed home. Students will have 48 hours to provide proof of doctor’s clearance. Any additional absence will require further documentation from the parents or doctor. For a list of countries with COVID-19 travel advisories, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

Currently these countries include: 

  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Iran
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • South Korea

Additionally, please be aware that families travelling to China’s Hubei province or mainland China may face a mandatory quarantine and be monitored by public health officials. Any health department guidelines should be followed by any affected families and absences will be waived upon return to school with provision of proof of quarantine. 

At Harmony Public Schools, we take the health and safety of our students and staff members seriously. Harmony is closely tracking all new developments regarding the Coronavirus and will continue to share timely, relevant updates, as needed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to your campus health staff. 

We appreciate your help in supporting healthy and happy learning environments for our Harmony community. 

 

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