Harlandale Family,
Can you believe we’ve reached the start of the holiday season? We know the hustle and bustle of the fall semester can be taxing. We hope you use this Thanksgiving break as an opportunity to relax, refresh and spend quality time with your loved ones. We’re in the homestretch, Harlandale Family. Let's make the most of this time of gratitude.
I’d like to begin this week’s newsletter by extending my heartfelt appreciation to a couple of our social workers who recently spearheaded a Mental Health First Aid training session for bus monitors. This initiative aimed to empower our bus monitors with the knowledge and skills to identify signs of mental health challenges among students. Our social workers recognized the crucial role bus monitors play in the lives of our students and proactively introduced this early intervention public education program. Thank you for all you do for our students
I am thrilled to announce the launch of a new Mariachi Violin Club at Bellaire Elementary! This unique program is open to students in grades 3-5 who are interested in learning to play the violin in a mariachi setting. The aim is to equip students with a solid foundation in violin playing and mariachi music, so they can continue to participate in mariachi programs in middle and high school. I can’t wait to see these young musicians evolve and I look forward to seeing them perform at our high school auditoriums one day!
The highly anticipated 60th annual Harlandale ISD Frontier Bowl took place recently and I think we can all agree what an incredible game that was! Our Harlandale Indians and McCollum Cowboys faced off at the Harlandale Memorial Stadium in front of thousands. It was a night of traditions, memories and ultimately, bragging rights for the Harlandale Indians who took that night’s win 48-21. Thank you to everyone who made our longstanding tradition of the Frontier Bowl one to remember.
Speaking of football, I am excited to announce that Harlandale High School’s Coach Albert Torres has been nominated for Dave Campbell’s Texas Football San Antonio Inspirational Coach of the Year Award! This award is given to a coach who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and inspiration in the San Antonio community. Coach Torres is a pillar of strength for the Harlandale High School football program and is known for his ability to bring out the best in his players. Voting is open now through Friday, December 8 at midnight. Way to represent our district at the state level Coach Torres! Vote for him here.
As the holiday season approaches, the Harlandale Police Department is excited to host its annual toy drive in their effort to bring joy to the lives of our students. They are accepting new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages from now until November 24. To participate, please drop off your donations at the Harlandale Police Department or email julian.cavazos2@myhisd.net and xavier.rodriguez7@myhisd for more information or assistance. Your contribution, no matter how small, will have a profound impact on our students’ lives. Thank you for your unwavering support and generosity!
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, let us extend our compassion to those in need, and embrace the spirit of unity that Thanksgiving embodies. May this be a time of introspection, reflection and heartfelt appreciation.
On behalf of our Harlandale School Board, we hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving break! Thank you all for being part of the Harlandale Legacy.
Sincerely,
Gerardo Soto
Harlandale ISD Superintendent of Schools