Home of the Blue Jays
April Newsletter 2026
Dear HLA Families
Spring is here, and with it comes a season full of growth, celebration, and exciting opportunities for our students! April is packed with events, activities, and important updates as we continue building a strong, vibrant school community.
π
Important Dates
- April 3 - No School (Good Friday)
- April 10β12 - NextGen Games 2026 (Houston Youth Sports Festival)
- April 18 - Multicultural Festival
- April 18-19 - Owylpia International Competition
- April 23: PSAT Testing
- April 25 - AVANT language test (signed up students)
- April 27-May 1 - Scholastic Book Fair
- April 27-May 1 - Healthy Eating week
π Big Event of the Month: NextGen Games 2026
Weβre proud to host the NextGen Games 2026 β Houston Youth Sports Festival in partnership with Bright Choice Foundation.
π April 10β12, 2026
π 9301 W Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX
π₯ Age Groups:
3rdβ5th | Middle School | High School | Young Adult | Adult
π Competitions Include:
Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Dodgeball, Pickleball, Track
Chess, Table Tennis, Foosball, Mancala
Talent Show, Trivia, Art, Master Chef, Eating Contests
πͺ Festival Fun:
Opening Ceremony
Live Music & Comedy
Food Vendors & Family Activities
π Registration: NextGen Games 2026 Registration Form
π After-School Programs Are Backπ
Spring break is over. Fun is over. Structure returns.
Basketball and Volleyball programs are continuing right where they left off.
Students get to stay active, build teamwork, and burn energy somewhere other than your living room.
π Summer Geometry Course
For students who like getting ahead instead of procrastinating.
π
June 8 β June 26
β° 9:00 AM β 1:00 PM
π HLA Campus
β Full-year Geometry credit in 3 weeks
β McGraw-Hill curriculum
π° Cost:
- FREE (for returning HLA students & rising 9th graders staying enrolled)
- $400 (non-HLA students)
ποΈ Deadlines:
- Sign-up: May 8
- Sign Up Due date: June 3rd
- Payment: due date June 4
π Register here: https://forms.gle/WxyfkbtphAaXThG49
Note: This form must be filled out by:
All current HLA students selected Geometry during high school course selection for the summer.
Any other students interested in registering for the summer course
Please donβt hesitate to reach out if you have any questions with Ms.Hasmeta at academics@myhla.org
π£ 2026β2027 HLA Admissions Open
Families are encouraged to complete the enrollment process for the 2026β2027 academic year and secure placement for the upcoming school year. We welcome both returning students and new applicants as we prepare for another year of academic excellence and leadership development.
All admissions steps, requirements, and application details can be found here:
π https://www.horizonleadershipacademy.org/admissions/application-steps
For additional questions or personalized guidance, please contact our Admissions Office:
π 832-543-8008
π§ admissions@myhla.org
π School Supplies Program (Starts April 15)
Because every year parents say βIβll do it laterββ¦ and then panic in August.
π Order school supplies April 15 β June 28 (ship directly to school)
After June β home delivery only
π‘ Bonus:
Every purchase = 1 meal donated through Feed My Starving Children
So congratulations, youβre being productive and charitable at the same time.
π» Typing Competition
Our students from elementary, middle, and high school recently participated in an exciting school-wide typing competition that highlighted both speed and accuracy. The competition began at the classroom level, where all students had the opportunity to test their skills. The top three students from each class advanced to the final round, competing within their grade-level categories for top honors.
Students delivered impressive performances, with the highest scores reaching 91.2 net WPM in Middle/High School and 32.55 net WPM in Elementary.
π Middle/High School Winners:
π₯ Gold β Ali Sami K. (9A) β 91.2 WPM
π₯ Silver β Isa H. (9A) β 75.56 WPM
π₯ Bronze β Salih E. (8A) β 66.75 WPM
π Elementary School Winners:
π₯ Gold β Adil Y. (5A) β 32.55 WPM
π₯ Silver β Elif Y. (5A) β 30.4 WPM
π₯ Bronze β Sara K. (5A) β 26.46 WPM
We are incredibly proud of all students who participated and showcased their growing digital skills.
HLA Alumni Dinner Night
We are excited to invite our alumni to a special Alumni Dinner on April 11 from 6:00β8:00 PM in the Horizon Leadership Academy Conference Room. This evening is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former classmates, share memories, and celebrate the strong community that continues beyond graduation. We look forward to welcoming our alumni back for an elegant and meaningful gathering filled with conversation, connection, and lasting friendships. RSVP is required, and we encourage all alumni to join us for this memorable evening.
π Scholastic Book Fair
Get ready for books, posters, and at least one βI really need thisβ moment.
We are excited to host our Scholastic Book Fair from April 27β30! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore a wide selection of books, discover new interests, and build a love for reading. From popular series to engaging educational materials, there is something for every reader. We encourage all students and families to participate and support this exciting event that helps grow our schoolβs reading culture.
π§ Owlypia Competition Coming Soon
We are excited to share that Horizon Leadership Academy will be hosting the Owlypia Texas Local Round on April 18β19, 2026!
Owlypia is an international academic competition that encourages students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in a fun and engaging environment. Open to students from 3rd grade and above, participants will work in small teams, explore their chosen subject areas, and take on exciting academic challenges.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to build confidence, showcase their talents, and represent HLA on a global platform. Registration is available through the QR code on the event flyer, and additional resources will be shared to help students prepare.
Upcoming Field Trips
We have two exciting field trips in April designed to inspire our students and give them valuable exposure to college life.
On April 4, our 11th grade students will visit Texas A&M University for an engaging and informative college tour. Students will explore the campus, learn about academic programs, and experience the vibrant university environment firsthand. They will also meet with current college students, gaining valuable insights into college life, expectations, and opportunities. The day will conclude with a visit to downtown, making it both educational and memorable.
On April 7 at 9:00 AM, our 8th grade students will visit Rice University. This trip will provide students with an early introduction to a college campus, helping them begin thinking about their future academic journeys in an inspiring and meaningful way.
HLA Students Shine on the Global Stage!
Big things are happening at HLA - and this time, itβs global. Every single HLA team that entered the qualifier round of the Genius International Olympiad has advanced to the final international round. Not one, not twoβ¦ all of them. That kind of sweep doesnβt happen by accident. Itβs the result of serious talent, long hours, and students who clearly didnβt settle for βgood enough.β
The Genius Olympiad is one of the worldβs most competitive high school events, bringing together students from across the globe to present original work in areas like computer science, speech, and the arts. Making it to finals means standing out on an international level, and our students did exactly that.
Representing HLA are Isa H., Ismail G., and Ismet G. in Computer Science, Hatice Zehra T. in Speech, and Ilknur K. in Short Movie - each bringing creativity and innovation that earned them a place among top global finalists.
Behind the scenes, Ms. Kleaβs guidance played a key role in helping these projects come to life.
Now, all eyes turn to the final round. And if this first stage is any indication, HLA isnβt just participating -weβre competing to win. π
π HLA Library Updates & Guidelines
Dear Students,
Our library is officially up and running, and itβs quickly becoming one of the best places on campus to explore, relax, and discover new stories. Whether you already have a book in mind or just want to browse, youβre welcome to visit during our open hours: mornings (7:40β8:55 a.m.), lunch and recess, and after school (3:40β4:00 p.m.).
You can request a book in advance for next-day pickup or stop by and check one out with Ms. Aytan, using the tablets available if needed.
To keep the space enjoyable for everyone, please remember a few simple expectations: only 7 students at a time, no food or drinks, and a quiet environment for reading and focus.
Books should be returned on time (late returns incur a $5 daily fee), handled with care, and placed back properly. Students are responsible for any lost or damaged books and should choose materials appropriate for their grade level.
We encourage you to take advantage of this space, build great reading habits, and make the library part of your daily routine.
For any questions, please contact library@myhla.org.
π
Athletics Update β Strong Start to the Month!
Our Elementary and Middle School Boys Soccer teams have qualified for the playoffs!
Their hard work, discipline, and teamwork throughout the season have brought them to this moment.
π Semifinals are up next!
π Games start next weekβ¦
Wishing our teams the best of luck, letβs keep it going!
Letβs go HLA! β½
π April Birthdays at HLA
We are excited to celebrate the students and staff members who have birthdays this month! Wishing each of you a year filled with happiness, growth, and success.
π Student Birthdays
- April 5 β Canan E. (6A)
- April 10 β Erkhan S. (8C)
- April 13 β Azra K. (6A)
- April 21 β Salih M. (K)
- April 30 β Berrin R. (4A)
π Staff Birthdays
- April 8 β Ridvan Y.
- April 12 β Mustafa K.
- April 30 β Jaime L. (Security)
π Message from Administration
We are incredibly proud of our studentsβ growth and achievements. Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and support. Together, we are building a future full of success and opportunity.
Follow us on social media
Follow our high school studentsβ 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
Youtube: @horizonleadershipacademy
