Home of Blue Jays
August Newsletter #2
Student Success Starts Here
Being a good student goes beyond earning high grades it means showing respect, responsibility, and kindness every day. Good students come to class prepared, listen attentively, and take part in discussions and activities. They ask questions when they don’t understand, follow classroom rules, and encourage their classmates. By being organized, staying positive, and putting forth their best effort, students create an environment where learning can thrive for everyone.
Dear HLA Parents,
We are excited to share that we are concluding the first week of the 2025–2026 academic year. It has been a smooth and positive transition, and we are grateful for your continued support.
Thank You for Your Support
Participating in our Open House
Ensuring new students attended New Student Orientation Day on Monday
Making sure your children arrive on time and prepared each morning
Last Week at HLA
Students met their teachers and learned about school rules, routines, and classroom procedures.
This week, students began opening their academic accounts:
Elementary Core Subjects – SAVVAS
Middle School:
Math – SAVVAS
ELA – SpringBoard
Biology – McGraw-Hill
Social Studies - McGraw-Hill
6th & 7th Grade Science Labs – FOSS
Teachers have begun granting access to these online platforms. If you need more information, please email your child’s teacher directly.
School Supplies Reminder
If your child has not yet brought their school supplies, please ensure they do so as soon as possible. Having all materials ready supports smooth and effective class time.
HLA Clubs Schedule 📌
Clubs are now in full swing at HLA! Students have joined exciting opportunities ranging from arts, STEM, and languages to leadership and community service. These clubs give students the chance to explore their interests, build new skills, and create lasting friendships outside the classroom. Please remind your children that club changes are no longer allowed until the end of the semester, as consistency helps both students and sponsors achieve their goals. High School Clubs will officially begin next week, and we look forward to seeing our students shine in their passions!
Upcoming in August 📅
August 25 – First Fall NWEA MAP Testing for K–8 in ELA, Math, and Science. The schedule will be shared next week with both students and parents.
Clubs for 2nd to 8th grade started this Wednesday. Club changes are not allowed anymore until the end of the semester. High School Clubs are starting next week.
📝 Exam Prep Tips for the Upcoming Week
Exams are coming up next week, and a little preparation can make a big difference! Here are some ways parents and students can stay calm, confident, and ready:
Create a Study Routine - Set aside consistent times each day to review notes and practice problems. Predictability helps students focus and reduces stress.
Take “No-Phone” Breaks - Encourage children to put away phones, tablets, and other distractions while studying.
Chunk Study Sessions - Break studying into 20–30 minute sessions with short breaks in between. This helps memory and keeps energy high.
Practice Active Recall - Ask your child to summarize what they learned or quiz themselves on key concepts. Repeating information aloud strengthens understanding.
Read Aloud - Reading directions, formulas, or passages out loud can improve comprehension and retention.
Pair Up - Older students can study with a classmate, quizzing each other to reinforce learning.
Organize Materials - Make sure notebooks, textbooks, and supplies are ready so nothing gets lost before the exam.
Prioritize Sleep & Nutrition - A good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast help students stay alert and focused on test day.
With these simple tips, students can feel prepared, confident, and ready to do their best on exams!
Sign-Ups
Student Council – Students received a separate email to sign up. Parents can also access the links below
Athletics Department 🏅
We are proud to announce our Middle School Girls Volleyball Team for the 2025 season! Our student-athletes have been training hard, and we invite the entire Horizon community to support them throughout the season.
🙌 Support Our Team
Come cheer for our girls and show your Horizon spirit! 🎉
Your encouragement builds confidence, pride, and teamwork.
Concessions will be available during home games.
💵 Admission
$3 admission for all home games.
📅 Game Schedule
All home games at HLA Gym
Aug 25, 2025 – 6:30 PM vs. Energized for STEM Academy
Aug 27, 2025 – 5:30 PM vs. Amigos Por Vida
Aug 28, 2025 – 6:00 PM vs. Leadership and Global Studies Academy
Sep 15, 2025 – 5:30 PM vs. Academy of Accelerated Learning Savoy
Sep 22, 2025 – 6:30 PM vs. Energized for STEM Academy
Sep 26, 2025 – 6:30 PM vs. Leadership and Global Studies Academy
Sep 29, 2025 – 5:30 PM vs. Academy of Accelerated Learning Savoy
Oct 15, 2025 – 6:30 PM vs. Amigos Por Vida
👥 Team Roster
Leyla A. • Meryem Sena A. • Zeynep Sumeyra A. • Hafsa Betul B. • Hatice C. • Meral C. • Safiye E. • Ayse Esra E. • Zeynep H. • Serra K. • Azra K. • Akmaral K. • Selma S. • Zehra T. • Hanife T.
Athletic Clubs' Schedule 🏀🏐
🏀 Basketball (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
Elementary: 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM
Middle & High School (Boys & Girls): 4:35 PM – 5:30 PM
This year, both girls’ and boys’ middle school teams will participate in leagues.
🏐 Volleyball
Middle & High School Girls: Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
Elementary (3rd–5th): Fridays, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
If you want to participate Basketball or Volleyball clubs please email to Ms.Hasmeta at academics@myhla.org
Competitions We Aim to Join This Year
We are excited to have our students represent Horizon Leadership Academy in the following competitions this year:
🏐 MS Secondary Girls Volleyball
🏃♀️ MS Secondary Girls Cross Country
🏃 MS Secondary Boys Cross Country
🏀 MS Secondary Girls Basketball
🏀 MS Secondary Boys Basketball
⚽ 4th–6th Boys Soccer
⚽ MS Secondary Boys Soccer
🎽 MS Secondary Track and Field
🎉🎂 HLA Birthday Shout-Outs – August 🎂🎉
We love celebrating everyone at HLA! Wishing our students and staff a very happy birthday this month! 🥳
🎈 Students
Munevver A. – August 2
Ismail K.O. – August 8
Betul E.K. – August 9
Imran R. – August 9
Muhammed N.K. – August 14
Ekrem S.S. – August 16
Taha M.S. – August 17
John A.S.G. – August 22
Bedir M.S. – August 23
Tyla E.D. – August 25
Meral C. – August 25
Handan M.K. – August 26
Salih M. – August 28
Nimet N.A. – August 30
Elijah H. – August 31
🎉 Staff Members
Hatice B. – August 6
Enxhi H. – August 9
Tannon G. – August 9
Dalya A. – August 11
Ramazan Y. – August 15
Sharon T. S. – August 17
🎁Wishing all of our August birthday students and staff a very happy birthday! 🥳🎉
August Lunch Menu 🥗🍎
Dear HLA Parents,
We’re excited to share the August lunch menu! Starting this year, each school lunch will offer two options, and students can choose one of the options. Please note that combining the options is not allowed.
From healthy favorites to fun treats, there’s something for everyone each day. Be sure to check the menu with your child so they know what’s coming up and can plan accordingly.
Tip for Parents: Encourage your children to try something new this month exploring different foods helps build healthy habits and makes lunchtime more fun!