Hardy Happenings
January 12, 2026
Dear Hardy Families,
I need your help with something important. We are seeing an increase in student tardies, and it is starting to have a real impact on learning. Teachers have to pause instruction to repeat directions and get students caught up, which takes time away from the whole class. It can also make it harder for students to settle in, connect with their classmates, and feel confident starting the day.
School starts at 7:45 a.m. This means students should be in their classrooms, settled, and ready to begin their day at 7:45.
When students arrive after the bell, they miss instruction, and the late start can snowball quickly, especially now that some students also need to travel to Littles Land. For example, if you arrive at 8:00 a.m. and it takes about 10 minutes to walk to class, get to the room, put away backpacks, and get situated, your child may miss close to 25 minutes of instruction. Over five days, that adds up to 125 minutes, which is 2 hours and 5 minutes of instruction each week. Over time, that will start to impact progress.
Our gates open at 7:25 a.m., and we typically have less traffic between 7:25 and 7:35. If you’re able to push alarms up by just 10 to 15 minutes, it can make a big difference in helping your child start the day calmly, confidently, and on time.
Thank you for partnering with us on this. A strong start to the morning sets the tone for the whole day, and being on time is one of the simplest ways we can support students in being successful.
With Gratitude,
Principal Aragon
No School - Monday, January 19
Great Kindness Challenge is coming to Hardy!
The Great Kindness Challenge is January 26 - January 30. The theme this year is “Show us Your Kind” - shining a light on kindness. More information to follow!
Show Appreciation to a Standout Staff Member at Hardy!
We invite you—our students and families—to help us spread the love. If there’s a staff member who has made a positive difference in your school experience, let them know by sending them a LOVE Note. LOVE = Living Our Values Every(day). Your words of appreciation are powerful and lasting.
If your student is home sick, please notify the front office by phone or by completing the REPORT AN ABSENCE form.
🌮 Family Dine Out at Rubio’s — This Wednesday!
Wednesday, Jan 14 | All day
Take a night off from cooking and support Hardy at the same time. Dine in, take out, or order online at Rubio’s (Friars Rd location), and a portion of proceeds will benefit Hardy PTA programs. Easy, affordable, and kid-approved.
Use code DONATE when ordering online– Wednesday only!
Principal Kristy Aragon
Website: hardy.sandiegounified.org
Hardy PTA Website: https://sites.google.com/hardypta.com/pta
Address: 5420 Montezuma Rd, San Diego, CA 92115
Office Hours: 7:15-3:00 PM
Phone: (619) 860-5700
Facebook: Hardy PTA Page
Hardy Instagram: @HardyOwls
Email: karagon@sandi.net
Principal Aragon Instagram: @principal_aragon
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