TASA Mid-winter Conference

I've just returned from the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) conference in Austin. There's a lot taking place in the state, and I would like for you to know about a couple of the items that are on the educational radar. It's important for you to stay abreast of the topics and issues that are being discussed in our state concerning public education.

One of the major issues that's being discussed is the course requirements for HB5. The State Board of Education is discussing these requirements as I write this, and we are supposed to be given final decisions by the 31st. Hopefully, we will receive the requirements at that time and can work to get courses in place and ready to schedule students for 2014-2015. The graduation requirements for students have changed significantly, I believe, for the better. We are now able to allow students to pursue their interests and have more flexibility in meeting the needs of every student.

The other issue that is currently being discussed by those in Austin is the rehearing of the School Finance litigation. Last year, the State's school funding system was declared unconstitutional. The judge in that case called the parties back together to hear the issue again after the 83rd Legislative session. Once the testimony has been heard, the judge will rule on this issue. If successful, it is assumed that the state will appeal the ruling to the Texas Supreme Court. This is an important issue for all schools and school children in Texas. Will the state provide equitable funding for all students regardless of their zip code?

Have a Great 2014!

Welcome to 2014! I'm looking forward to a great year! I wish the best for you and yours as we begin this new year. May you receive the richest of blessings.

With the new year always comes a time to take stock of our lives. We should take a moment to reflect upon the past year and remember both the good and bad. What did we learn from our experiences during the past year? What blessings did we receive, and what hurdles did we have to cross?

As we begin this new year at Harleton ISD, we are working hard to prepare for the changes that will come with the HB5 graduation plan. We will be working closely with the parents and students to keep you informed of the changes that have come about due to this new legislation. I believe it is going to help us provide more opportunities for our students, but it is going to require that we do things a little differently than we have in the past. I don't think we will see radical changes, but we will have more flexibility to meet the individual needs of all students. We will be giving you information as we learn more.

As always, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your children's lives. We look forward to a great 2014!

Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us! My how time flies! Students will be out during the week of Thanksgiving. I hope that you all will be able to spend some quality time with family and loved ones. We have much to be thankful for this year.

Christmas will be here before you know it. Our school will have Early Release on December 19 and December 20. This is to allow for semester exams. Students will then be out of school until January 7.

We appreciate your willingness to share your children with us. It is our honor and privilege to serve our students, and we thank you for allowing us to be a part of their lives. Have a great holiday season!

House Bill 5

The end of the first reporting period has come and gone. We are well into October, and the Holiday season will soon be upon us. My how time flies. We are all so busy, and our children are involved in so many activities. I hope you will be able to find time during the next few months, as we celebrate the holidays, to sit back and relax and spend some quality time with your family, friends, and loved ones.

If you have not heard much about it yet, you will soon hear more and more. I'm referring to a law that was passed during the last legislative session that is entitled HB5. This is the law that reduced the number of End-of-course exams that our high school students are required to take. The bill also established different pathways students can choose that lead to graduation allowing more flexibility to meet students' individual needs. I believe that this law will be good for students. Of course, there will be some bumps along the way as all of the kinks are worked out, but any time we have more local control and the ability to do what is best for the child is the best of scenarios. If you would like to find out more about HB5, the Texas Education Agency has a website that gives information concerning this law. The information can be found at this link:  http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=25769806149

As always, I thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child's life. Thank you for your support.

Progress Reports

The first progress reports will be sent to parents on Friday. Can you believe that it's already time? I appreciate the start that we have had, and I am thankful that we were able to begin school without more challenges. I appreciate your willingness to work with us and your patience as we worked to overcome the electrical issues that we faced at the beginning of school.

There are a lot of activities taking place around the district. Keep in mind that Homecoming is quickly approaching. September 20 will be the Homecoming game and activities. We invite you to join us!

We appreciate that you allow us to be a part of your child's life. It takes all of us working together to provide every child with the opportunity for success. We are thankful for the partnership that we have with our parents and community members. Thank you.

Thanks for a Great Start!

I just want to say "Thank You," to everyone for your patience and understanding as we worked to overcome a last minute set back to the start of school. I believe things went well, and some actually liked having the shortened day for the beginning of school. This allowed the students to meet their teachers and learn about rules and procedures and then take a break to let it all sink in before having a full day of classes.

I'm looking forward to a great year in 2013-2014. I am excited about the possibilities that are ahead of us, and I am excited about the opportunities that await our students. I welcome your help and partnership as we work together to create the premiere district in Texas.

2013-2014 School Year

There's always something thrilling about the days before the start of another school year. I don't know what it is exactly that causes the excitement, but it's there all the same. Maybe it's the thought of all of the new possibilities the year holds or the idea that you are getting a fresh start that does it? Anyway, I always get a rush before the start of the new year. This year is no exception.

I know it's difficult to get the students back into a routine of going to bed at a decent hour and waking up early. We struggle with that at our house, as well. If you start now and ease your children into that routine, it will make it easier when school starts. Also, don't forget to make any changes in your information and make sure the school campus has those changes.

I look forward to a great year in 2013-2014! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child's life.