Bellaire Bugle

A Message from the superintendent, Mr. Soto, regarding Harlandale ISD Immigration Procedures

Dear Harlandale ISD Families and Staff,

We want to take this opportunity to emphasize to our parents and staff that the primary mission of Harlandale ISD is to provide a safe and supportive educational environment for all students.

We are aware that recent changes to federal immigration enforcement policies have raised concerns within our community. Specifically, the federal government has revoked a directive that had previously limited enforcement actions near sensitive areas like schools, hospitals and places of worship.

Harlandale ISD values the rich diversity of our community and are determined to foster an inclusive environment for every student who enters our schools. Our focus is on educating all students, regardless of their background or immigration status. We do not collect data or inquire about immigration status, as it is our mission to provide equitable education and support for every student.

Harlandale ISD will continue to follow all local, state and federal laws regarding student information and safety. We do not share student data without a legal request, such as a warrant or subpoena. Harlandale ISD will not share any student information with anyone voluntarily. Our staff, including principals, teachers, front office team, and attendance clerks, adhere to strict procedures regarding the release of students and student information. These procedures include verifying the identity of anyone picking up a student and ensuring proper authorization.

We have always prioritized student safety at the frontlines of our schools and will continue to do so. We encourage parents to keep their emergency contact information updated in the Ascender Parent Portal and to reach out to their respective campus if they have any questions or concerns.

If you need more information or have a specific concern, please submit it HERE. See the FAQ below for more detailed information.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping Harlandale ISD a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for our students and staff.

Sincerely,

Gerardo Soto

Harlandale ISD Superintendent of Schools

Background:

Under the U.S. Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe (1982), all public schools are required by law to provide equal educational opportunities to all students who are eligible to attend the District’s schools, regardless of their immigration status.

FAQ

1. A recent Executive Order removed schools as a “sensitive location” designation, what does this mean?

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees both Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), designated schools as “sensitive locations.” This designation meant that ICE and CBP could not conduct immigration enforcement actions at schools. Earlier this month, the DHS rescinded that designation, thus allowing immigration enforcement activities at schools.

2. What happens if immigration officers ask for my child's school records?

If immigration officers arrive at your child’s campus and request your child’s education records, Harlandale ISD will follow federal law, specifically the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This means the District can only share information under specific circumstances, such as a valid court order or warrant. We will not share your child’s information with immigration officials unless required by law. Each year, we also remind parents about their right to object to the release of certain student information in the student handbook.

Federal law requires the District to provide written notice to parents about their right to object to the release of directory information under FERPA. This notice is included in the student handbook each year.

Harlandale ISD Board Policy FL(LOCAL) designates directory information as follows:

“Directory information for District students has been classified into two separate categories:

1. Items for use only for school-sponsored purposes; and

2. Items for all other purposes.

For school-sponsored purposes, such as District publications and announcements, directory information may include a student’s name, photograph, honors and awards received, grade level, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and the weight and height of members of athletic teams.

The District will not release student directory information for any purpose other than school-sponsored activities, unless required by law. [See FL(LEGAL)].

Therefore, for law enforcement purposes, no student record information is considered directory information.

3. Can immigration officers interview my child at school?

If immigration officers arrive at your child’s campus to speak with your child, they will be treated like any other law enforcement officer. Our staff will confirm their identity, and the principal will attempt to contact the parent or guardian to notify them before the interview. The principal or a designee will ordinarily be present during the questioning or interview.

Harlandale ISD Board Policy GRA(LOCAL) states:

“When law enforcement officers or other lawful authorities request to question or interview a student at school for any purpose other than a child abuse investigation, the following guidelines shall apply:

The principal shall verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and request an explanation of the need to question or interview the student at school.

The principal ordinarily shall make reasonable efforts to notify the student's parent or other person having lawful control of the student. If the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to the notification, the parent shall not be notified.

The principal or a designee ordinarily shall be present during the questioning or interview. If the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to a third party's presence, the interview shall be conducted without that person's presence.”

4. Can immigration officers take my child into custody at school?

According to Harlandale ISD Board Policy GRA(LOCAL), if immigration officers try to take your child into custody, the principal will first confirm the officer’s identity and authority. We will do everything possible to ensure that the correct procedures are followed, which include notifying the Superintendent and parent. If there are any questions about the officer’s authority, we will work with the District's legal team to address the situation.

Harlandale ISD Board Policy GRA(LOCAL) states: “Before a student at school is arrested or taken into custody by a law enforcement officer or other legally authorized person, the principal shall verify the official's identity. To the best of his or her ability, the principal shall verify the official's authority to take custody of the student and then shall deliver over the student. The principal shall immediately notify the Superintendent and ordinarily shall notify the parent or other person having lawful control of the student. If the officer or other authorized person raises what the principal considers to be a valid objection to notifying the parent at that time, the principal shall not notify the parent.”

5. What should schools do if ICE shows up?

If ICE officers arrive at a school, the school staff will verify their identity and ensure they have legal authority to be there. If there are questions regarding the official’s authority, the Principal will work with Central Office and the District’s legal counsel to determine next steps.

ICE or CBP officers may present “warrants” to school officials that initially appear to allow access to students. However, there are two types of warrants: judicial and administrative. If they have a judicial warrant (signed by a judge), school administrators must allow access to the school. If they only have an administrative warrant (signed by an immigration official), they cannot enter a home, school or private space without permission.

Harlandale ISD Immigration Procedures PDF

The HEF drive for 2025 has begun and will end on March 3rd. The district is engaging in a friendly competition with schools on the south and north of Military. We can use your help in competing to win to raise the most money for our graduating seniors wanting to continue their education beyond high school. Below is a community contribution form you can turn in to our campus HEF representative, Ms. Therese Jimenez by March 3rd. We will also have copies available on campus for your convenience.

Please see attached UPDATED PreK Registration Schedule for school year 2025-2026. We have combined SWF with the Fenly Center on Thursday, May 15th, 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

3rd grade winners

1st place Jesus Landeras

2nd place London Wilkes

3rd place Daniela Saucedo

4th grade winners

1st place Ariana Jose

2nd place Zariah Lastres

3rd place Itzel Hernandez

5th grade winners

1st place Anthony Gomez

2nd place Sebastian Gomez

3rd place Jonathan Molina

The 2025 Cultural Arts Fair Cover Design Contest is now open! This year’s theme, "Mosaic of Cultures | Mosaico de Culturas," comes from the creative mind of 1st grade student Bradley Gonzales.

From construction paper mosaics to painted tiles or even photography, there are endless ways to bring this theme to life. Please encourage your students or children to participate. The winning design will be featured on the cover of this year’s Cultural Arts program!

Artwork submissions should be turned in to their campus front office by Tuesday, February 25.

The eSports Club is excited to announce our Valentine's Day/Friendship Candy Grams! Whether you're looking to surprise a friend or show appreciation to a loved one, our candy grams are the perfect gesture. We will be selling these delightful treats in the library before, during, and after school from Friday, January 31st to Thursday, February 13th. Each candy gram will cost $1. To ensure smooth processing, payment is required at the time of purchase. One you place your order, the candy grams will be delivered directly to the individual at school. If you order a candy gram for a family member at home, it will be given to you to take home. Don't miss this sweet opportunity to help our eSports Club and spread joy and friendship this Valentines Day!

Mark your calendars for Harlandale ISD’s 2025 Commencement Ceremonies, and join us as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our graduating seniors!

Commencement Schedule:

Frank Tejeda Academy

• Date: June 3, 2025

• Time: 10:00 AM

• Location: St. Mary’s University

STEM Early College High School

• Date: June 3, 2025

• Time: 2:00 PM

• Location: St. Mary’s University

McCollum High School

• Date: June 4, 2025

• Time: 12:00 PM

• Location: Freeman Coliseum

Harlandale High School

• Date: June 4, 2025

• Time: 6:00 PM

• Location: Freeman Coliseum

Stay tuned for more details! We can’t wait to celebrate this important milestone together.

Click to view our 2025 Commencement Save the Date

TBD

Students with perfect attendance for the entire school year will be entered into a raffle to win a bike! We have a total of six bikes to award so far. All you have to do is show up everyday!

2/2/25: Groundhog Day

2/4/25: Kinder Field Trip to Magic Theater

2/5/25: 100th Day of School

2/5/25: Cafecito at 8:30 AM in the Library

2/5/25: CPERC committee in PLC room at 3:45 PM

2/6/25: Counselor's Appreciation Day

2/6/25: Science Benchmark, 5th Grade

2/7/25: HISD Science Fair

2/10/25: School Holiday/No School

2/11/25: GT Parent Meeting Via Zoom

2/12/25: Board Meeting Workshop at the PDC, 6:15 PM

2/12/25: AVANCE meeting at 2 PM in the cafeteria

2/14/25: End of the fourth six weeks

2/14/25: Snack Exempt Day/Classroom Celebrations

2/15/25: SRO Appreciation Day

2/17/25: No School District Professional Development Day

2/17/25: Board Meeting at Leal MS, 6:15 PM

2/18/25: No School Teacher Planning Day

2/19/25: Start of fifth six weeks/Report Cards

2/20/25: PreK Registration Day at Bellaire, 8:30-3:30 PM

2/20/25: PTA Mtg. in cafeteria, 5:30 PM

2/21/25: Campus Jump Rope for Heart Event

2/26/25: Science District Benchmark

2/26/27: A.C.E. Black History Month Celebration, 4:30-6:30 PM in cafeteria

2/27/25: GT Parent Meeting Via Zoom

2/27/25: Loteria Night 4:30-5:30 PM

2/27/25: Sped. Dept. Parent Training Session via zoom, 6-7:00 PM, topic: Behavior