Superintendent's Newsletter

Can you believe we’re nearly a month into the 2026-2027 school year? It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming everyone back, and now classrooms are in full swing, extracurricular activities are underway and our campuses are settling into the rhythm of another school year.

There’s an African proverb I’ve been thinking about lately: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

It’s a simple message, but one that says a lot about the work we do in public education. Every person has a role in the success of our students, and when our teachers, staff, families and community partners work together, we’re able to create opportunities for our students that would not be possible on our own.

Our Makerspace is also giving middle school students an opportunity to take their learning even farther this fall through New Worlds Await You. This free, NASA-commissioned Space-STEM program challenges students to explore what it takes to live and work on the Moon. Through engineering and hands-on activities, students will tackle real-world space exploration challenges and design their own lunar habitat models. I look forward to seeing the creativity and problem-solving our students bring to a challenge that is truly out of this world!

We’re also introducing something brand new for some of our youngest students. This year, Harlandale ISD is launching its first 4th and 5th Grade Cybersecurity Competition Team. Throughout the fall, students will build skills in cryptography, web security, digital forensics and open-source intelligence before putting their knowledge to the test in competitions. Opportunities like this allow our students to discover new interests at an early age and begin building skills that could one day lead them to careers in some of today’s fastest-growing fields.

Our students are also making their mark outside the classroom. McCollum High School Volleyball has already had plenty to celebrate this season, including winning the SWISD Volleyball Tournament. Arianna Sanchez was named tournament MVP, while Nyah Perez and Aubrielle Cano earned All-Tournament honors. The program also recently celebrated two major individual milestones, with Coach Valerie Vieyra earning her 200th career win and Nyah recording her 500th career kill. Congratulations to our student-athletes, coaches and everyone who continues to support the McCollum Volleyball program!

Our Harlandale High School students are also getting active and preparing for competition through the Partners in PE Program. Our Special Education Department recently partnered with Harlandale High School Athletics for a trip to Main Event, where students practiced their bowling skills as they prepare for the citywide Special Olympics bowling competition this December. Beyond preparing for competition, the program gives students an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their skills and connect with their peers. I’m proud to see our students and staff working together and supporting one another both in and outside the classroom.

With Labor Day this weekend, I also want to take a moment to recognize our employees and the work you put in every day for our students and families. Thank you for the time, care and dedication you bring to Harlandale ISD and for continuing to make our District the Pride of the Southside.

We have a lot of this school year still ahead of us, and I know there will be many more achievements to celebrate and opportunities to continue moving Harlandale ISD forward. We won’t get there because of any one person, campus or department. We’ll get there the way Harlandale ISD always has: together.

Remember: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Let’s keep going far, Harlandale ISD.