The Weekly Update #4

Vision

Hartley PK-8 will cultivate a student-centered culture where every scholar experiences academic achievement, develops durable life skills, and is prepared to contribute positively to their community and future.

Mission

Coach Wally Hartley PK-8 creates a culture where academic excellence, personal growth, and meaningful relationships empower every scholar to achieve success

Value Statement

We believe in working together with purpose, integrity, and collective responsibility to achieve our goals. We hold high expectations for every scholar and make data-informed decisions that support academic achievement, student well-being, and continuous growth.

Welcome back, Hurricane Families!

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful and much-deserved Fall Break! I hope this time provided an opportunity to rest, recharge, and create special memories with family and loved ones. We are excited to welcome our scholars back as we begin the second nine-week grading period, which will take us through the end of December.

As we enter this next chapter of the school year, we remain committed to providing every scholar with meaningful learning experiences, opportunities for growth, and a safe, supportive environment where they feel valued and inspired to succeed. These next several weeks will be filled with learning, celebrations, and opportunities to strengthen the connections that make our Hurricane community so special.

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our families for your continued trust, commitment, and partnership. Your involvement in your child's education makes a tremendous difference. Whether you are ensuring your child arrives at school on time, encouraging learning at home, communicating with teachers, or participating in campus activities, please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed. Together, we are building a school community where every scholar has the opportunity to thrive.

As we move forward, I encourage you to stay connected, celebrate your child's progress, and continue working alongside us to make this a successful school year. Our commitment remains strong: One School. All Scholars. Every Opportunity.

Thank you for being an essential part of our Hartley family. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together during this second nine weeks!

With Hurricane Pride,

Dr. Elisa Aranda
Proud Principal
Coach Wally Hartley PK 8

To help your child start each day successfully, please be mindful of our school schedule. The first bell rings at 7:40 a.m., and instruction begins promptly at 7:45 a.m. Students are dismissed at 3:00 p.m., and Early Release dismissal is at 11:35 a.m. We kindly ask that all students be picked up promptly at dismissal unless they are participating in a school-sponsored activity such as athletics, the after-school program, or Open Gym.

THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SIDE OF THE SCHOOL OPENS AT 7:20. WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT DROP OFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS BEFORE 7:20.

For the safety and security of all students, those who are not participating in a supervised school activity may not remain on campus after dismissal. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and orderly environment for all of our Hurricanes!

Hurricane Families, did you know that Texas law requires students to attend at least 90% of their school days or class periods to receive credit or a final grade?

EPISD's 90% Attendance Rule is in effect for the 2026–2027 school year. Here's what families need to know:

• Elementary (PK–5): Missing more than 17 days during a typical school year may affect a student's ability to earn credit or a final grade.

• Middle School (6–8): Attendance is tracked by individual class period. Missing the same class more than 8 times in the fall or 9 times in the spring can result in loss of credit.

• Excessive Absences: Students with excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, are at risk of losing credit or not receiving a final grade, even if they have passing grades in their classes. Certain absences are exempt under state law.

• Monitor Attendance: Families are encouraged to check attendance regularly through the EPISD Parent Portal and communicate with the school regarding absences.

Every absence matters! Missing school means missing valuable instruction, and excessive absences can have serious academic consequences.

We need your partnership in ensuring that our Hurricanes are at school, on time, and ready to learn every day!

Together, let's make attendance a priority and give every scholar the opportunity to succeed! 🌪️

Attendance Matters!

Being at school every day is one of the most important factors in your child's academic success. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Texas law requires students to attend at least 90% of the school days or class periods in order to receive course credit or a final grade.

For elementary students, missing more than 17 days during the school year may impact promotion or receiving a final grade. In middle school, attendance is tracked by each class period, and excessive absences in the same class may result in loss of course credit.

Reporting an Absence

If your child is absent, please email hartley_notes@episd.org and include:

• Student's full name
• Student ID number
• Date of absence
• Parent or guardian's name
• Parent or guardian's phone number
• Reason for the absence
• Any doctor's note, appointment verification, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)

We encourage families to schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible and to ensure students arrive at school on time each day.

For additional information about attendance requirements and the Texas 90% Rule, please visit the EPISD Attendance webpage.

Every day counts. Thank you for partnering with Hartley PK-8 to support your child's success!

Dress code expectations are enforced daily. Daily reminders to students out of dress code will be given. Please check your student's attire before they leave home to ensure they are in proper dress code. ALL STUDENTS must adhere to the dress code. There are no exceptions to the dress code, unless approved by the EPISD Board.

Parents are responsible for ensuring that students arrive at school in compliance with the campus dress code. Although EPISD permits navy and gray uniforms, Hartley's official school colors are purple, gold (yellow), and white. Families are strongly encouraged to purchase and wear these colors to represent our school with pride.

Students who are out of dress code may be required to change into appropriate attire before returning to class. Your cooperation is essential in helping us maintain a positive, safe, and distraction-free learning environment for all scholars.

The safety of our scholars is our highest priority, and we need the cooperation of every family to ensure a safe and orderly morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up process.

Double parking, forming double lines, and dropping students off from a second lane are strictly prohibited. These actions force children to walk between vehicles and through moving traffic, creating serious and unnecessary safety risks.

We understand that mornings and afternoons can be busy. However, convenience must never come at the expense of student safety. All drivers are expected to follow designated traffic patterns, remain in the appropriate lanes, and demonstrate patience and courtesy toward other families and staff members directing traffic.

Please remember that traffic procedures are in place to protect ALL students. We ask every family to do their part by following these expectations consistently, even when traffic is heavy or delays occur.

Thank you for your cooperation, understanding, and commitment to keeping our Hurricanes safe. Student safety is everyone's responsibility, and we must work together to ensure it remains our top priority.

📚THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR BOOKFAIR A HUGE SUCCESS!

A HUGE thank you to all of our amazing students, parents, families, and staff who helped make our Book Fair such an incredible success! ❤️

It was wonderful to see so much excitement throughout the week as our students explored new books, found new favorites, and shared their love of reading. Seeing their smiling faces and enthusiasm made this Book Fair extra special!

Your support and participation truly made this event a success, and we are so grateful to everyone who stopped by, made a purchase, or helped spread the word.

We couldn’t have done it without our amazing school community! 🌟

Thank you again for supporting our library and encouraging a love of reading in our students. We had such a fantastic Book Fair and are already looking forward to doing it all again soon!

📖❤️ Until the next Book Fair… happy reading!

*Classes are held every Monday when school is in session in the Hartley library.*

Do you love to draw, paint, or get creative? The Hartley Middle School Art Club is the perfect place to let your imagination shine! 🌟

Join us every Wednesday in Room 216 to explore your artistic talents, express yourself, and connect with fellow artists!

🖍️ Interested in joining? Stop by Room 216 to pick up a parent permission slip.

Unleash your creativity and let your Hurricane talent shine! 💜💛

On testing days, please ensure your scholar is well-rested and eats a healthy breakfast at home or at school.

Oct 27

Interim Testing 3-5 Reading

Oct 28

Interim Testing 3-5 Math

On testing days, please ensure your scholar is well-rested and eats a healthy breakfast at home or at school.

Oct 20

Interim Testing 6-7 RLA and 8th math

Oct 21

Interim Testing 6-7 Math 8th RLA

Oct 23

7th grade to planetarium - 8:30 and 11:30 AM

Oct 26

7th grade to planetarium - 8:30 and 11:30 AM

Oct 28

Middle School Band/Orchestra/Choir Performance @5PM

Oct. 26 Mandatory parent meeting for volleyball tryouts

Oct 15

A and AB Honor roll for Middle School

Oct 16

A and AB Honor Roll Celebration for Elementary

Oct 21

Science Fair Workshop for Parents @ 4:30 PM

Oct 23

7th grade to planetarium @8:30 and 11:30

DeafED To Mesilla Valley Farm Field Trip

Oct 24

A day in the life of a Soldier-Ft. Bliss

Oct 26

7th grade to planetarium @8:30 and 11:30

Turn drugs away: Turn you uniform inside out

Oct 27

Follow the leaders, not drugs: Dress like a teacher

Oct 28

Carry anything but bad choices: anything but a backpack day

Fall Picture Makeup Day

Middle School Band/Orchestra/Choir @5PM

Oct 29

Give drugs the boot: Wear your boots and hat with your uniform

Oct 30

PBIS Celebration- Halloween Craft or games

Trunk or Treat @4:30-7

Say Boo to Drugs, Dress up in Costume (school appropriate)

Hurricane Palooza

Since the beginning of school, students have received daily reminders about wearing their student ID. Going forward, students who do not have their ID will receive consequences and will not be permitted to attend open gym in the morning or afternoon, and they will have to stay in the cafeteria after lunch. Please help us reinforce this expectation at home by reminding your scholar to bring and wear their ID every day. Thank you for your support!

For the convenience of our military families, the Ft. Bliss back gate at Hartley PK-8 is open during designated times to provide easier access for student drop-off and pick-up.

Regular School Days

• Morning: 7:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m.
• Afternoon: 2:40 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Early Release Days

• Morning: 7:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m.
• Afternoon: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Morning Drop-Off Procedures

The Ft. Bliss back gate is open only to allow parents and guardians to enter for student drop-off. After entering through the gate, all visitors must proceed directly to the designated student drop-off zones at the front of the school. Parents and guardians may not enter the school building or walk onto campus through the back gate or any other gates.

Anyone who needs to enter the school for any reason must go to the administration building, proceed to the front office, and check in through the Raptor Visitor Management System before entering the school premises.

Important Reminder: For the safety and security of our students and staff, every person entering through the Ft. Bliss back gate must present a valid photo ID. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

Please plan your arrival and departure around the scheduled gate hours, as the gate will remain closed outside of the times listed above. We appreciate your cooperation in following these procedures to help us maintain a safe, secure, and orderly campus for all of our Hurricanes.

Thank you to our Ft. Bliss partners for supporting our military-connected students and families!

Important Update: One School, One Front Office! 💜💛

Hurricane Families, we are just nine weeks away from transitioning to one unified front office! Beginning in January 2027, the Administration Building (middle school side) will serve as the only front office for all Hartley PK–8 families and visitors.

As we prepare for this transition, we strongly encourage all families to begin using the Administration Building front office now for all school business, including student late check-in and early check-out, attendance matters, enrollment, meetings, and general assistance.

Important: Elementary morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up procedures will NOT change! Families will continue to use the designated elementary drop-off and pick-up areas as usual. Only front office services are being consolidated.

Our goal is to provide more efficient, consistent, and centralized services while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all our families.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we make this important transition. We appreciate your partnership as we continue building One School. All Scholars. Every Opportunity.

Never miss an important update! The EPISD App is the easiest way to stay connected with Hartley PK-8, your child's teachers, and El Paso ISD.

With the EPISD App, you can:

• Receive important school and district announcements
• Communicate securely with your child's teachers through Rooms
• Access classroom resources and materials
• Stay informed about upcoming events and reminders

We encourage all Hartley families to download the EPISD App and enable notifications so you never miss important information from our school.

The App Central webpage also provides step-by-step instructions for setting up Rooms, the district's communication platform, so you can communicate directly with your scholar's teachers throughout the school year.

For more information, download instructions, and help setting up Rooms, please visit: https://www.episd.org/page/app-central