Superintendent's Newsletter

If there's one thing sports have taught me over the years, it's that you don't build a winning team overnight. It takes trust and a shared belief in what you're working toward. And while the scoreboard may tell you who won the game, it doesn't always tell the full story of the hard work it took to get there.

I think about that often when I visit our campuses. Behind every student achievement or successful event are countless hours of hard work from our teachers, staff, students and families. As we prepare to welcome November, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible work happening throughout Harlandale ISD.

One example of that dedication is our Harlandale and McCollum High School marching bands, which both earned Division I ratings at the UIL Region Marching Contest last weekend, securing their spots at the UIL Area Marching Contest! This accomplishment is a testament to the practice and perseverance our student musicians and band directors have put in throughout the season. Both bands will take the field this Saturday, Oct. 24, at D.W. Rutledge Stadium, with McCollum High School performing at 9:45 a.m. and Harlandale High School at 2:00 p.m. I encourage our Harlandale Legacy to come out and support these talented students as they represent our District at the next level. Best of luck to both bands!

In honor of Veterans Day, we will recognize local and District veterans during a basketball game on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at our Harlandale Multipurpose Center. The ceremony will begin at 5:00 PM on the new court as we pay tribute to those who have served our country. Veterans wishing to participate are asked to complete this form by Monday, Nov. 9, at 2:00 PM, and arrive by 4:45 PM. Thank you for your service, we look forward to honoring you.

We also have several events coming up that I encourage our students and families to take advantage of!

Next Tuesday, Oct. 27, we'll welcome families to our annual District Family Night from 5-7 p.m. at the Harlandale High School Cafeteria. This year's Día de los Muertos-themed celebration will feature a Trunk or Treat, games, crafts, music and plenty of activities for the whole family. Families will also have the opportunity to learn more about our after-school programs and connect with community partners. Don't forget to wear your costumes and bring a bag for all your treats!

Rounding out the week is our JWC Makerspace's 4th Annual Community Night on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5-7 p.m. at the Jewel Wietzel Makerspace. From virtual reality and robotics to gaming, simulations and our new immersive SAWS Hydrocore experience, there will be something for all ages to enjoy! This free event is a great opportunity for families to explore the innovative experiences available at our Makerspace, meet our industry partners and see firsthand how we're bringing hands-on learning opportunities to our students and community.I hope to see many of you at these upcoming events as we continue to celebrate all that Harlandale ISD has to offer!

As we head into November, we're gearing up for one of my favorite traditions of the year: Frontier Bowl Spirit Week! The festivities will kick off on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with our annual Special Olympics Frontier Bowl at 10:00 a.m. at Harlandale Memorial Stadium. Our student-athletes will take the field for a morning of friendly competition, and I encourage everyone to come out and cheer them on!

Whether it's on the field, in the classroom or throughout our campuses, the foundation of a winning team remains the same: teamwork and a shared commitment to success. I'm proud to see those qualities reflected in our students, staff and families every day. Together, we continue to build on the legacy that makes Harlandale ISD so special. Have a wonderful weekend, and I hope to see you at our upcoming events!