Home of the Blue Jays

Dear HLA Families,

A new quarter brings a fresh opportunity to celebrate how far our Blue Jays have come-and think about what comes next! As October continues, we’re looking ahead to friendly competition, conversations about healthy choices, and a celebration of favorite books. Here’s a look at our October highlights and what your family can look forward to over the next two weeks.

Great schools grow through the dedication of people who care deeply about their students. This October, in honor of National Principals Month, we’re recognizing Principal David M. Kaya for his leadership and commitment to Horizon Leadership Academy. Thank you, Principal Kaya, for supporting our teachers, partnering with families, and helping our Blue Jays learn and grow. We invite students, parents, and staff to share a note of appreciation or a favorite memory with him this month. A few thoughtful words can make a meaningful thank-you!

Check out learning in action at HLA!

Student engagement and enrichment is at the heart of everything we do!

Our Blue Jays Are Headed to the Playoffs! 🏐

Congratulations to our girls’ volleyball team on earning a spot in the playoffs! After a win on October 8, our Blue Jays fell to Harmony Katy on October 15, but their season continues with more opportunities ahead. We’re proud of our student-athletes for their hard work and commitment to the team. Playoff game dates are October 21, October 23, and October 27, with the regional game scheduled for October 31. Join us in cheering on our players and coaches as they prepare for postseason competition. Go Blue Jays!

HLA families came together on October 16 for a fun evening watching Toy Story 5, enjoying treats, and spending time with our school community. Our PTO sold snacks to make the evening a little sweeter, while our Student Council held its first fundraiser with hot chocolate, salep, coffee, mango cups with Tajín, and s’mores. Proceeds from the Student Council’s table will support the Candy Cane Lane donation drive for Texas Children’s Hospital, helping purchase gifts and comfort items for children and mothers spending the holiday season in the hospital. Thank you to our PTO, Student Council, and every family who joined us and supported our students’ efforts to give back. It was a lovely way to enjoy time together while supporting a meaningful cause!

Our teachers were learning, too! During October’s Professional Development Day, HLA staff joined Riaz Counseling for a session on restorative conversations and de-escalation. Our team explored five steps—Ask, Acknowledge, Redirect, Empower, and Reconnect—and practiced language to help students feel heard, navigate difficult emotions, and move forward after challenging moments. These strategies support our ongoing work to create classrooms where students feel respected, supported, and ready to learn. A sincere thank-you to Dr. Manahil Riaz, Mr. McCoy Rasco, and Alexis Medrano for sharing their expertise and helping us strengthen the relationships at the heart of our school community.

On Monday, October 19, HLA staff and students wore pink to raise breast cancer awareness and show support for those affected by the disease. This simple gesture carried a heartfelt message of hope and solidarity with individuals and families in our community and beyond. Thank you to our staff and students for coming together to show that care and compassion extend beyond the classroom.

The elementary dodgeball tournament is scheduled for Monday through Friday, October 19–23. Let’s encourage our Blue Jays to play fairly, support their teammates, and show respect for every participant. Please check school and teacher messages for participation details.

Get ready for four days of school spirit with a meaningful message! From October 26–29, HLA will celebrate Red Ribbon Week, encouraging students to make healthy choices, support one another, and look forward to a bright, drug-free future. On Monday, students will wear red and receive a red ribbon bracelet at arrival. Tuesday is Jersey or Team Shirt Day, when students can sign the drug-free pledge and add a red ribbon to our pledge wall. On Wednesday, Twin Day, students can coordinate outfits with a friend and enjoy positive affirmations and mindfulness coloring during lunch. We’ll finish on Thursday with bright neon colors and Friendship Card Day, creating kind messages for friends, classmates, or teachers. Families can join in at home by talking about positive friendships, making safe choices, and turning to a trusted adult when help is needed. We look forward to a week filled with kindness, connection, and Blue Jay spirit!

A favorite story can spark a whole new adventure! On October 30, HLA students will bring book characters to life for our traditional Book Character Day, celebrating reading, imagination, and creativity. The celebration will include a Book Character Parade and a Storybook Sweet Stroll, where students will receive candy while showing off their book-inspired costumes.

For Pre-K-5th grade, homeroom teachers will share five books for students to choose from. Middle and high school students will receive their book selections and character guidance from their ELA teachers. If your child would like to choose a character from another book, please obtain the teacher’s approval before preparing the costume.

Costumes should be school-appropriate, comfortable, and non-scary. Face masks, weapons, and props or accessories that could hurt someone are not allowed. Simple, creative DIY costumes are welcome! Have fun exploring character ideas together-we can’t wait to see our Blue Jays step into the stories they love!

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1! Remember to set your clocks back one hour before heading to bed on Saturday night, and check any household clocks that don’t update automatically. Keeping bedtime routines consistent can help children adjust to the time change and feel ready for the school week ahead.

With the second quarter now underway, let’s keep encouraging our Blue Jays to stay curious and take pride in their effort. Ask your child to share something that surprised them in class, a challenge they worked through, or a moment when they helped someone. These conversations offer a glimpse into their school day and remind them that learning is about more than grades. If questions or concerns come up, connect with your child’s teacher-we’re here to support their progress together.

Join us in wishing a happy birthday to our October Blue Jays! In Pre-K, we’re celebrating Hiranur M. (October 3) and Davut G. (October 13). Our Kindergarten birthday stars are Aaron D. (October 9) and Olivia J. (October 31).

Birthday cheers also go to Kieran J. in 1A (October 27), Etka K. in 2A (October 20), Austin B. in 3A (October 16), and Adam A. in 5A (October 6)!

In our upper grades, we’re celebrating Kaan B. (October 9), Ozlem K. (October 14), and Ihsan A. (October 18) in 7A; Beyza A. in 8B (October 8); and Zeyd B. (October 14) and Abdurrakhman A. (October 25) in 10A. A special birthday wish goes to staff member Seher D. (October 14), too!

To everyone celebrating this month, we hope your birthday brings smiles, laughter, and time with the people you love. Happy birthday from your HLA family!

Please check ParentSquare and teacher messages regularly for event instructions and updates. Keep these calendars handy:

• HLA Academic Calendar
• HLA Events Calendar

Thank you, HLA families, for the encouragement and care you bring to our school community. We look forward to the learning, teamwork, and shared experiences ahead!

Go Blue Jays!
Horizon Leadership Academy

Follow our high school students’ creative videos on Instagram: @hla.bluejays

Check out our official TikTok for fun highlights and student life: @horizonleadershipacademy

Facebook: @horizonleadershipacademytx

X: @hla_houston

Instagram: @horizonleadership.academy

Tiktok: @horizonleadershipacademy

Youtube: @horizonleadershipacademy

Thank you, HLA families, for being part of our school community and supporting our Blue Jays each day. From celebrating their accomplishments to helping them through challenges, your encouragement matters. We look forward to sharing the learning, creativity, and school spirit these next two weeks will bring. Please stay connected through ParentSquare, and reach out whenever you have questions. Let’s make the rest of October a wonderful time to learn and grow together. Go Blue Jays!