Harlandale Family,
Can you believe how quickly this school year has flown by? With only five weeks left for students, it’s hard not to look back at all we’ve accomplished this year. We are truly proud of the hard work of our students and staff. Another successful year is a testament to our District’s commitment to learning and growth.
I’d like to begin this week’s newsletter by recognizing one of our very own for his incredible achievement at the Special Olympics of Texas Area 20 Spring Games. Marco Longoria, who was Harlandale ISD's sole representative, competed this past weekend at Steele High School, placing first in the 50-meter run and earning a silver medal in the softball throw. Marco now qualifies for the Special Olympics of Texas Summer Games, where he will go head-to-head with athletes from across the state in May at Heroes Stadium. Congratulations, Marco! The entire Harlandale ISD community is rooting for you!
We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Esmeralda Sevilla, one of our exceptional Dual Language teachers, has been chosen as the San Antonio Area Association for Bilingual Education (SAAABE) Dual Language Teacher of the Year! This prestigious honor recognizes Ms. Sevilla's dedication to fostering bilingual proficiency in her students. She will be formally acknowledged and celebrated during the 2024 SAAABE Conference in early May. Ms. Sevilla's achievement also opens the door for her to compete for the Texas Association for Bilingual Education Bilingual Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, Ms. Sevilla! We are immensely proud of your contributions to our students' education.
Please join me in congratulating two of our students whose artwork was selected to be featured on the next University Health How I Stay Safe calendar! Bellaire Elementary’s Jesus Elian Landeros earned 2nd place in the 4-6 age group and Ava Valdez placed 4th in the 7-8 age group, respectively. Each of their drawings were selected from thousands of student submissions from across San Antonio. The students will be honored during a special award ceremony in May. Congratulations!
Congratulations are also in order for the Adams Elementary Wolfpack basketball team who beat 49 teams and took 1st in a recent Iplay! basketball tournament. Iplay! Is an afterschool program that aims to ignite a love of sports in 3rd-5th grade students, while teaching them life lessons about active living, good nutrition and strong personal character. I’d also like to give a special shoutout to Coach Alonzo for his dedication to the players, as well as the Adams Elementary community for supporting their own.
This is a reminder that Friday, April 26 is a student/staff holiday in observance of Battle of Flowers. We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing long weekend! Happy Fiesta!
I’d like to wrap up this week’s newsletter by thanking our teachers, staff and campuses for always striving to help our students succeed. Testing season will sometimes bring feelings of stress and anxiety. Let's stay focused on finishing strong and supporting one another. We should take pride in the hard work and accomplishments of our entire Harlandale Family. Let's celebrate our successes and continue to strive to preserve the Harlandale Legacy.
Sincerely,
Gerardo Soto
Harlandale ISD Superintendent of Schools