Hawk Pride News

Dear Harby Parents and Guardians,

As we step into the first week of November, our campus is buzzing with energy and focus. Students are settling into routines, and teachers are diving into engaging lessons that challenge and inspire. With the end of the semester approaching, this is a great time for students to stay on top of assignments and seek support when needed. We encourage families to check grades regularly and reach out to teachers with any questions. Let’s keep the momentum going as we head into the final stretch of the fall semester!

We truly appreciate your continued support and partnership. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in your child’s success, and we’re grateful to work alongside you this school year.

Sincerely,

Araceli Altamirano

Assistant Principal L-Z

This past Saturday, 10 talented Harby choir students had the honor of performing with the All-Region Choir. We are incredibly proud of these students for their hard work, dedication, and for representing Harby with excellence and pride! Bravo to each of them on this outstanding achievement!

Monday - No events

Tuesday - Veterans Day

Wednesday - LOTE Test (selected students)

Thursday - Soccer: boys at home, girls @ Jackie D. Caffey JH; Ignite Club

Friday - No events

Saturday - Academic UIL

Click HERE for more PTO information

Link to register English: https://forms.gle/wUCigdxPm9a8gSZJ8

Link to register Spanish: https://forms.gle/z9XcqFB9mdNvdTin8

A Magical Holiday Classic- Now Sensory Friendly!

Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker 🩰

Houston Ballet is offering a sensory-friendly performance of Stanton Welch's The Nutcracker on November 28 at 1:00 PM at The Wortham Theater. This adapted show is designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families, providing a relaxed and inclusive environment.

Features include:

• Quiet areas for breaks
• Interactive activity stations
• Trained volunteers throughout the theater
• Clear signage and maps for easy navigation

A Social Narrative is available to help attendees understand what to expect, with a video version coming soon. For tickets or accessibility requests, contact Houston Ballet’s Ticketing Services at 713.227.2787 or ticketsonline@houstonballet.org.

First Pathways is a great free resource for parents looking for simple, engaging ways to support their child’s development through play!

First Pathways provides fun, interactive activities designed to help children build strong brain connections from birth to age 8. The activities use common household items, so they’re easy to do at home, in the car, or anywhere you have a few minutes to play together.

How It Works:

• Choose your child’s age group
• Spin the activity wheel to get a new game idea
• Watch short videos that show other families playing the same activities
• Learn how each activity strengthens important brain pathways

Provides quick, easy ideas for playful learning, including options for children with diverse learning needs, such as those who were born prematurely or have neurological differences.

Check it out at www.firstpathwaysgame.com and have fun exploring new ways to play and learn together! 🎉

Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s new to your family. This quick guide explains the basics, your child’s rights, and important protections in the process. Remember, the school must get your permission before evaluating your child, and choosing special education services is always your decision. Click here to learn more.

Alvin ISD is exploring the possibility of offering new language courses, including American Sign Language (ASL), at the high school level. Your input will help us understand the interests and needs of our families. This survey takes less than 2 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your help!

Click the link or use the QR Code to share your feedback → Future World Language Options – Community Interest Survey

Communities In Schools (CIS) at GW Harby Junior High provides supportive services not only to students, but also to their families. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

CIS offers services that meet real needs and create real opportunities, including:

• Supportive Guidance
• Academic Support
• Enrichment Activities
• Health & Human Services
• Parent and Family Engagement
• College & Career Readiness

We also host lunch groups that focus on topics such as social skills, encouragement, self-esteem, and peer interaction in a safe and supportive space.

If you would like to enroll your student in CIS, please visit the link provided and complete the parental consent form.

If your student is already enrolled, follow this link, please log in to your Skyward Parent Portal, go to the Forms section, and complete the Counseling Opt-In Form by selecting "Yes." This form is now required under House Bill 12 in order for us to continue providing services. If you have any trouble accessing or completing the form, let us know, and we’ll send a hard copy home with your student.

Thank you to those who have already completed the form! Once we receive all forms, we’ll be able to restart our lunch groups and other CIS activities.

CIS Fundraiser Is Underway!

Our annual Communities In Schools fundraiser has officially begun and runs through December 10, 2025. This fundraiser helps us raise campus-wide funds to support CIS programming and events that benefit all students at Harby JH.

This year’s exciting prizes include:

• 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR (winner may keep the truck, receive a check for its value, or use it toward another vehicle — CIS covers tax, title, and license!)
• 2025 VCart F4 F-Series 4-Seater Cart
• Louis Vuitton Pochette Felicie Purse
• $1,500 Visa Gift Card
• $1,000 Amazon Gift Card

To donate and participate, please click the link.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and campus community!

Johnnie La Quay

Site Coordinator

jlaquay@alvinisd.net or jblaquay@cistxjv.org.

Parents, check out the workshops Alvin ISD is offering to support you and your students’ success!

Available in English & Spanish – don’t miss out!

We are excited to share that Harby Jr High has grown on the TEA Accountability scale from a C in 2024 to a B in 2025! Additionally, we received a Distinction for being in the Top 25% of school for Comparative Academic Growth! We are proud of our students, we are proud of our teachers, and we are appreciative of all the supportive parents & guardians! We are looking forward to continuing this success through effective first instruction, formative assessments, and proactive plans to address deficits. Let's Go, Hawks!

Lock in your student's yearbook now by pre-ordering. Yearbooks are $40 and there are options for personalization and signing packages. Click the link to select your choice.