Harlandale Family,
The first month into 2024 is nearing its end and I trust these first few weeks into the new semester have been brimming with the energy and excitement of fresh beginnings. Remember the goals we set for ourselves, for our students and for our district. You are the engine driving this journey. Be the champion who cheers for progress, the mentor who lights the path forward. A kind word, a helping hand, a moment of encouragement – these are the ripples that turn classrooms into communities, where learning not only thrives, but soars.
This week, we traveled to Gillette Elementary to surprise 3rd grade student Aryanna Bustillo Palacios to inform her that her submission,"The Roots of our Heritage | Las Raíces de Nuestra Herencia," had been selected as the 2024 Cultural Arts Fair theme! By exploring "The Roots of our Heritage," Aryanna reminds us that understanding our past strengthens our present, offering a vibrant tapestry of traditions and stories that shape who we are. This also means that the 2024 Cultural Arts Fair Cover Design Contest is now open. We ask that you please encourage your students and children to take part in the contest and their artwork will not only be featured on this year's program, but they will join Aryanna with the privilege of being on the first float of the Cultural Arts Parade!
I want to recognize Adams Elementary student Kylinn Tovar, whose artwork was selected for the Youth Art Month Spring Exhibition. Her artwork will be exhibited at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in March, and will also be featured on their website. Kylinn, who was the only student at Harlandale ISD selected for this honor, created the piece "Infinite Rainbow Maze" with watercolor and ink. What a beautiful piece it is! Congratulations, Kylinn and best of luck as you represent our district at the awards ceremony this March.
I’d like to give a shoutout to the Trinity Youth Scholars at McCollum High School for being featured on the latest Trinity Leadership Forum magazine, a publication from the Trinity University Center for Educational Leadership. Their inspiring stories and dedication to academic excellence showcase the remarkable talent within our district. You can read about them in the online edition here.
Congratulations are in order for Harlandale High School JROTC instructor Jose Tijerina, who recently retired from the United States Army and crossed another momentous milestone: becoming a first-generation college graduate from University of Texas at El Paso! For years, he has been a beacon of inspiration for our students, both in the classroom as a dedicated JROTC instructor, motivating them to explore their ambitions. He now stands as a living testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless potential that lies within each of us. Your accomplishments not only inspire our students, but remind us all that dedication and dreams can pave the way to incredible achievements. We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter!
Remember, Harlandale Family; every action and choice holds the power to shape not just a day, but a semester, a year or a lifetime. I hope each of you is having a great start to the new semester. Let’s work together to meet our goals and resolutions, and continue making Harlandale ISD a legacy worth being a part of.
Sincerely,
Gerardo Soto
Harlandale ISD Superintendent of Schools