Harlandale Family,
It looks like the weather is starting to warm up, just like the excitement for the months ahead! With spring in full swing, we're gearing up for a busy time at Harlandale ISD. From the Cultural Arts Fair next weekend to Graduation Season in May, there’s a lot to be enthusiastic about across the District we call home.
To our students testing these next few weeks: We know you're prepared, and your determination will shine through in these important assessments. Stay focused, believe in yourselves and trust the knowledge you've gained. I'd also like to recognize our incredible teachers. Your tireless efforts preparing our students deserve immense recognition. Thank you for working to equip our students with the tools they need to excel.
I recently traveled to McCollum High School to surprise Audrey Escareno with the news that she won the 2024 Cultural Arts Fair Program Cover Contest. Audrey’s creative artwork did a fantastic job celebrating the culture, people and history of Harlandale ISD. This year we celebrate the "Roots of Our Heritage, Las Raíces de Nuestra Herencia," a theme that was created by Gillette Elementary student Aryanna Bustillo Palacios. Be sure to join us at this year’s Cultural Arts Fair at Mission Marquee Plaza on Saturday, April 13. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
Please join me in congratulating the McCollum High School Theatre for being selected as one of only 10 winners nationwide in the Concord Theatricals' A Chorus Line Licensing Competition. The national competition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic musical,
A Chorus Line, and the 80th birthday of its late composer, Marvin Hamlisch. The competition aimed to bring the magic of A Chorus Line to under-resourced schools across the country. McCollum High School’s thespians were chosen to receive a free three-performance licensing package for the Teen Edition of A Chorus Line, along with all the necessary rental materials. This exciting win not only allows them to stage a high-caliber production, but also brings national recognition to their dedication and artistic spirit. I for one, could not be more excited to see it on our stage!
I’d like to highlight STEM Early College High School's Mariah Fernandez for being named the Texas Boys & Girls Club’s 2024 Texas Youth of the Year. Mariah has been part of the Young Achievers program with Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio for five years. She enjoys constructing architectural LEGO sets and diamond art pieces that helped inspire her to pursue an architecture degree at Texas Tech University. Her goal is to develop environmentally sustainable housing solutions for low-income families and safe spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness. Mariah will now represent all Texas Boys & Girls Clubs youth at the regional level this summer. We're incredibly honored to be part of Mariah's journey, and I have no doubt she'll continue to inspire us all.
I'd like to give a shoutout to our very own Danielle Grant Stanfield for presenting at this year's National AfterSchool Association (NAA) Convention in Dallas. She Co-Presented with the Texas Education Agency's Statewide Director and the Director of Out of School Time. Danielle’s participation not only garnered positive attention for our District, but also underscored her pivotal role as a catalyst for positive change in our ACE/LEAP after-school programs at Harlandale ISD. Well done, Danielle!
As we keep pushing through, let's celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students and staff. Let's use our energy to propel us toward a strong finish. Every effort, big or small, contributes to another successful semester. Together, we can make these final weeks count!
Sincerely,
Gerardo Soto
Harlandale ISD Superintendent of Schools