The Harmony School System Grades Pre-K thru 12

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1 The Harmony School System Grades Pre-K thru 12 Houston - Austin - Dallas - San Antonio - El Paso Fort Worth - Bryan - Beaumont - Lubbock - Waco Excellence & Equity in Science & Education

2 Exemplary Education Exemplary Education Dec 4th 4th is is Harmony Science Acad- High Academic High Academic Standards Standards (S. Tarim, Ph. D. Superintendent) Academy Day in Day Houston in Houston. Since the Since establishment the establishment of HSA, we have of HSA, continually we have striven continually toward maintaining striven the toward maintaining the high The City of of Houston congratulates congratulates and commends high academic and commends academic standards standards that will be that the will cornerstones be the cornerstones for our students for well our into students their professional and personal lives. With the assistance of our supportive parents, the faculty and Harmony Science Academy Academy on this on important this important occa- occasion, and personal lives. With the assistance of our supportive parents, the faculty and staff have well into their professional staff have guided our students beyond all community and state mandated expectations. and sion, extends and extends best best wishes wishes for for continued success. success. The faculty, guided staff and our administrators students beyond at HSA are all caring, community competent, and and state dedicated mandated professionals who The are faculty, willing and staff, capable and of administrators assisting you. We at are HSA doing are our caring, utmost competent, to provide and dedicated profession- expectations. Therefore, I, Bill White, Mayor of the City of Houston, Therefore, I, Bill White, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim December 4, 2004, as Harmony the best possible als who learning are willing climate and for our capable students. of assisting you. We are doing our utmost to provide the best hereby proclaim December 4, 2004, as Harmony Science Academy Day in Houston, Texas. Science Academy Day in Houston, Texas. International possible learning Awardsclimate for our students. (S. Tarim, Ph. D. Superintendent) Bill White, Mayor of the City of Houston Bronze National Medal in The International and International Math Project Competition Awards Kazakhstan 2001 Bill White, Mayor of the City of Houston 2 Honorable Mentions in The International Physics Project Competition Poland HSA students won over 700 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in city and statewide science fair HSA Wins National Recognition Special Award in Computer in The International Conference of Young Scientists 2001 HSA Wins National competitions, and science and math olympiads including: The most successful secondary Honorable Mention in The International Environmental Project Olympiad Turkey 2002 HSA-Houston is one of two Texas Schools and one of Recognition. HSA-Houston is one of two Honorable school Mention award; in The The International Teacher Computer of the Project Year award; Competition and Many Poland 2005 semifinalists projects placed 52 U.S. Schools to receive a National Distinguished Bronze among Medal in the The Best International 400 projects Math Project in US Competition in the Discovery Kazakhstan Channel 2006 Texas Schools and one of 52 U.S. Schools to receive Young Scientist Challenge. School a National Recognition Distinguished Program School Recognition Award in Program Bronze Medal in The International Math Project Competition Kazakhstan 2001 HSA is listed in the 2007 Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) fair competitions, Special and science Award and in Computer math olympiads in The including: International Conference of Young Scientists 2001 National 2 Awards Award. Honorable Mentions in The International Physics Project Competition Poland HSA students won over 500 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in city and statewide science Honor Exemplary Roll Schools District List 3 years in a The most Honorable successful secondary Mention school in The award; International Environmental Project Olympiad Turkey 2002 The Teacher HSA made U.S. News Top Best High Honorable of the Year award; Mention and row! HSA - Houston is one of the few exemplary in The International Computer Project Competition Poland 2005 Many semifinalists projects placed among the Best 400 projects in US in the Discovery Schools high schools list in Texas. in 2007 Bronze Medal in The International Math Project Competition Kazakhstan 2006 Channel Young Scientist Challenge.

3 TAKS 2007 Reading/ELA 100 Writing 100 Soc. Std. 100 Math Science Reading/ELA 95 Writing 80 Soc. Std. HSS Austin RECOGNIZED NA Math 90 Science 83 HSE EXEMPLARY HSA Austin RECOGNIZED Reading/ELA 96 Writing 97 Soc. Std. 99 Math 97 Science 91 HSA-Fort Worth EXEMPLARY Reading/ELA 97 Writing 100 Soc. Std. 100 Math 95 Science 95 HSA-Houston RECOGNIZED Reading/ELA 95 Writing 97 Soc. Std. 98 Math 92 Science 86 HSA-El Paso RECOGNIZED Reading/ELA 97 Writing 86 Soc. Std. 100 Math 94 Science 93 Reading/ELA 95 Writing 94 Soc. Std. 99 Math 93 Science 90 Reading/ELA 94 Writing 90 Soc. Std. HSA-San Antonio EXEMPLARY HSI-Houston RECOGNIZED NA Math 90 Science 80 Reading/ELA 92 Writing 94 Soc. Std. 93 Math 84 Science 75 HSA-Dallas ACA. Acceptable TEXAS/All Students ACA. Acceptable Reading/ELA Writing Soc. Std. Math Science

4 Harmony Presents a Strong School Model Standards-Based Curriculum The Harmony School System provides a core curriculum (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill (TEKS) curriculum) which is enriched, extended, or differentiated to meet the individual learning needs of students. Education in the fine and practical arts, physical education, and language study are valued as integral parts of the instructional program. The curriculum is designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity and develop the critical thinking skills necessary for students to enjoy a full, productive, and satisfying life. Harmony s standards-based learning environment identifies what students will know and be able to do as a result of completing the instructional program and clearly establishes the criterion for subject mastery. The scope and sequence of the curriculum reflects a continuum of offerings that challenge all students. Triad of academically-minded STUDENTS, highly qualified and dedicated TEACHERS, and engaged and supportive PARENTS Relevance: Rigor: Relationships: Courses/projects spark All students have the All students have adult student interest and relate chance to succeed in challenging classes and push them to achieve mentors who know them to today s rapidly changing world All Harmony students will graduate high school ready for college and will enroll in 4-year colleges with the necessary skills to succeed

5 Harmony Presents a Strong School Model 100% graduation rate Students enjoy a variety of electives, AP, Pre-AP, Honor, and dual credit courses. Our students participation in HSA career day, SAT Tutoring, counseling, inventories, and on-line portfolio will help take them to the best universities. Our classes of 2005, 2006, and 2007, the first, second, and third graduating classes of HSA-Houston, are celebrating their 100% graduation rate under the Recommended or Distinguished Plan. M. Okumus, Principal, HSA-Houston Counseling At HSA, students are guided through individual, group, and career counseling to explore themselves and make wise decisions. HSA Career Day allows the students to interact with professionals who share their life-long experience. K. Cornish, English Teacher, HSA-Houston Career & Technology Our students may follow BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY or TRADE and INDUSTRIAL pathways in the Career and Technology Education Program at HSA. Career and Technology Education classes allow them to know more about themselves and professions so that they can make the perfect match. (K. Camuz. M. Sc. Principal, HSA-Austin) AP Program When they graduate, students in the pre-ap/ap program will have taken AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP US History, AP World History, AP Calculus, AP Biology and AP Chemistry. Other Advanced Placement courses such as AP Spanish and AP Statistics will be optional. (A. Erdem, Dean of Academics, HSA-Houston) Distinguished Plan Students in High School are required to take more math, science, and language courses. Every student must graduate with at least the Recommended Plan. Some Seniors are completing more advanced measures in order to graduate under the Distinguished Plan. (Angelina Tran, Rice University, HSA Alumni)

6 Nurturing School Environment Nurturing School Environment HSE Harmony Will Shape Schools the Future Will of Shape Hou-thston s Economy Future of Houston s Economy. For Houston to retain its title of Energy Capital of the World, it For Houston will take the to retain minds of its the title students of Energy here at Capital Harmony of School the World, of Excellence. it will take This the science minds and of technology the students school here provides at Harmony the kind School of education of Excellence. that will shape This the science future of and Houston s economy. Innovative teaching methods and a curriculum technology school provides the kind of education that that includes Junior Engineering and Robotics make learning will shape fun for the teachers future as of well Houston s as students. economy. These students Innovative will be teaching shaping methods Houston s and future. a curriculum And, I applaud that includes the dynamic Junior faculty, Engineering staff, and and administration Robotics make for rising learning to meet fun the for challenges teachers in providing this innovative curriculum. as well as students. These students will be shaping Houston s future. And, I applaud the Engineers Andy Ellis, President, American Association of Drilling Engineers, dynamic faculty, staff, and administration Remarks for at rising the Harmony to meet School the of challenges Excellence Opening in providing Ceremony, this innovative curriculum. Andy Ellis, 2006 President, American Association of Drilling Andy Ellis, President, American Association of Drilling Engineers, Remarks at the Harmony School of Excellence Opening Ceremony We Couldn t Have Chosen We a Better couldn t School have chosen a better school. Two years ago our daughter started HSA and Two years ago our daughter started HSA and we have seen the caring, nurturing, and we have seen the caring, nurturing and dedicated teachers dedicated teachers work hard with the work students. hard with The the environment students. The environment the school the provides school is a safe and healthy for our child s development. provides is a safe The and school healthy provides for our child s an environment development. that fosters academic excellence and The moral school values. provides We an couldn t environment have that chosen fosters a academic better excellence and moral values. We couldn t have chosen a better school. Adrian and Elenita Usher, HSA-Houston Parents school. Adrian and Elenita Usher, HSA-Houston Parents Nurturing School Atmosphere (K. Almus, Principal, HEA-Houston) Nurturing School Atmosphere HSA creates an inviting, safe, and purposeful environment in which students learn Harmony Schools create an inviting, safe, and purposeful environment in which students and maintain a friendly and wholesome atmosphere that encourages creative expression learn and maintain a friendly and wholesome atmosphere that encourages creative expression and a desire for knowledge. The emphasis of the entire instructional program is aimed at and meeting a desire the for individual knowledge. needs The of each emphasis student in of order the entire to allow instructional children to develop program to their is aimed at meeting fullest the individual potential. The needs school of each establishes student an atmosphere in order to in allow which children students develop to develop abilities to their fullest potential. to generate The new school thoughts, establishes to think analytically, atmosphere to draw in logical which conclusions students and develop to express abilities to generate new thoughts thoughts, in written to and think spoken analytically, form. to draw logical conclusions, and to express thoughts in written and spoken form. (K. Almus, Principal, HSE-Houston) Research Experience (Jacek Turski, Ph. D. Professor, HSA-Houston Parent) Alice transferred from a public middle school (gifted program) to Harmony Science Research Academy and Experience has not once regretted it. She found the school to be intellectually challenging. transferred Alice is exceptionally from a public happy with middle the prep school for competitions (gifted program) the school to Harmony offers. She Science is Academy Alice and earnestly has not involved once regretted in Science it. Olympiads, She found Math the Olympiads, school to Math be intellectually Counts, and UIL. challenging. For Alice is these competitions, the teachers offer endless chances and time to study and gain any exceptionally happy with the prep for competitions the school offers. She is earnestly involved needed help. Alice is even happier with her much improved social life. The kids are nicer, in Science Olympiads, Math Olympiads, Math Counts, and UIL. For these competitions, the more mature, and much more accepting than at any other school she has attended. Having teachers more friends offer endless greatly increased chances her and enthusiasm time to study toward and school. gain any needed help. Alice is even happier with her much improved social life. The kids are nicer, more mature, and much more Diverse Learning Opportunities ( T. Eski, PhD, Principal, HSA-Fort Worth) accepting than at any other school she has attended. Having more friends greatly increased HSA provides diverse learning opportunities to challenge our gifted/talented students: her enthusiasm toward school. (Jacek Turski, Ph. D. Professor, HSA-Houston Parent) The School-Wide Enrichment Model (SEM), Special Summer and Saturday Programs, Mentoring, Ability Grouping, Independent Study and Research Projects, and Enhancement Programs for Creativity and Thinking Skills.

7 Building Blocks of Harmony s Success Best Place to Learn The students of Harmony succeed due to the devotion of the teachers and staff. Every instructor makes a personal investment in each child, resulting in the student s enthusiasm of unquenchable desire to learn and become the best they can be. Beth Irwin, Harmony School of Exellence Parent A Model Learning Community Creativity is more than just being different. Harmony School of Excellence has a faculty that transcend accepted educational methods. They help students become scientifically literate, critical thinkers while maintaining a passion for learning. It is a pleasure to be a parent of a student at this school. Parental involvement is not only required but encouraged. The Harmony Triangle of school, parent, and student is model for any learning community. Our family is proud to be a part of the Harmony Charter School System. Kristina Hardwick, HSE Parent Enriched academic environment Harmony Science Academy has given my children an enriched academic environment and structure that has encouraged their growth and maturity. Tim & Kathy Donahue, HSA-Dallas Parents Student Oriented Teaching Individual attention Diagnostic tests Monitor progress over time Requirement of a research project and incentives Enriched Math and Science Curriculum Rigorous and relevant Math and Science classes More Math, Science and electives; Logic Computer Based Math and Science (i.e. Animation); Electronics and Robotics; Aquatic Science; Environmental Science, Astronomy; Introduction to Genetics Emphasis on College Bound Education Partnership with universities Dual Credit Program AP Courses A-college-going atmosphere Incentives for alumni Visits to college campuses Highly Qualified and Dedicated Teachers Rigorous interview process Administrators with solid Math and Science background Teacher specialization in 4th and 5th grades Home visits

8 Extra Curricular Activities Field Trips Dallas, New Orleans, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, and many other beautiful cities in US. We enjoyed a combination of observation, exploration, exposure to natural wonders and cultures. These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that come only at Harmony Science. Students, HSA-Austin Europe Trips Electives & Clubs Animation Aquatic Science Arts and Craft Baseball Football French Home Arts Journalism Soccer Sociology Student Council Theater & 15 days in Europe: Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Turkey. A rewarding once in-a-lifetime experience. Different cultures, natural beauties, and historical places promote learning and provide serious fun. Students, HSA-Dallas Basketball Math Counts Performing Arts Board Games Math League Video Production Cheerleading Movies Volleyball Digital Graphics Multiculturalism Web Mastering Drama Psychology Wrestling Drawing Reading Yearbook Folk Dance Sculpture

9 School of Science AUSTIN Harmony School of Science - Austin TUITION-FREE COLLEGE-PREP SCHOOL Grades K thru 8 Excellence & Equity in Science & Education Stonehollow Dr. Suite 100 Austin, TX, Phone: (512) Fax: (512)

10 Exemplary Performance at HSS - Austin Great Start HSS - Austin is a fantastic institution from many aspects: It is truly a school of choice where parents with similar expectations have found a thriving environment for their children who are consistently challenged in all areas of academia. The student demographics at HSS - Austin provides a culturally rich atmosphere that is reflective of our current society and that provides our children with an opportunity to recognize, value, and respect diversity and cultural differences. The students, each with various interests and backgrounds, are very supportive of their fellow students and their pursuits. The faculty and staff truly look to each student as a person with untold capabilities and greatness. The size and intimacy of the school allow the staff to know each student well, and to encourage new learning and growth opportunities tailored to the individual. Students are able to explore new activities, be it art, music, drama, or clubs in a non-threatening environment. Michelle Adamolekun, HSS - Austin PTO Vice President Collaboration for Success At HSS - Austin, I know my child is in the best hands. The school community is made up of a diverse group of people, coming from different backgrounds and neighborhoods, representing different cultures and philosophies. What we have in common is the goal of a great education for our children. Great teachers prepare the children to reach high academic standards. Great classmates challenge each other to be good students and good citizens. Great administrators support teachers, children, and parents as we all work together. Rebecca Forbes, HSS - Austin Parent Harmony is a unique school. It is a place where teachers not only build relationships with their students, but also with their students families. The teachers at Harmony are extremely enthusiastic and truly enjoy working with their students. All of the teachers have very high expectations that students strive to achieve. HSS is a place where students can reach their academic potential. Ms. Niederman, 3rd grade teacher

11 Exemplary Performance at HSS - Austin HEA HSS - Austin is a State Recognized School. HSS - Austin students performance exceeded State TAKS expectations. HSS - Austin received Gold Performance Acknowledgement in 2007 Commended on Science HSS - Austin Rated Recognized HSS - Austin rated recognized in its first year of operation. Harmony students have also received high percentages of commended performance. 3rd grade Math 18% 4th grade Math 11% 5th grade Math 49% 3rd grade Reading 31% 4th grade Reading 28% 5th grade Reading 25% 4th grade Writing 14% 5th grade Science 34%

12 What Makes HSS - Austin Special Shared Purpose HSS - Austin students experience an academically challenging and supportive learning environment that promotes the realization of their full potential. The community supports the school s mission, instructional goals, and priorities. These shared beliefs guide decision making and shape operational practices. HSS - Austin sets high expectations for students and continuously monitors their progress toward achieving these standards. We Value Diversity Since adolescents thrive in an environment of diversity, we strive to create a diverse learning environment at HSS - Austin. We believe diversity is not only a motivating factor, but is an essential element in a well-rounded education. It serves as a key to success in our diverse American society, institutions of higher learning, and inter-connected global economy. Individual Attention Each and every student at HSS - Austin is to be regarded as a unique, valued and vital member of the school community. Individual attention in the form of one-on-one tutoring, intensive counseling, and individualized goals is the key to motivating our students. Cooperation with area universities is an effective means toward enhancing the effectiveness of our tutoring system. Succesful Technology Integration As HSS - Austin teachers and administrators, we believe that technology should play a vital role to meet the needs of our students. We also believe that technology should appropriately and equitably be integrated into instruction and used by all students and staff as an integral component of school improvement and student success. With this in mind, Harmony has created a website that gives access to all parents and students to check the daily student progress, attendance, discipline records, teacher contact information, child find awareness, and other social activities held through a secure server. The school has also created a database that allows teachers to update student grades, participation, attendance, and many other features. Once the data are entered by a teacher in the classroom, the parents can access it immediately. In addition, each classroom is furnished with a computer, LCD projector, and TV VHS set. With the secure wireless system, the school staff can access the internet from anywhere in the building. Students have been able to take tests online both on campus and at home. Teachers then receive students individual and group performance reports and thus can modify their lesson plans as needed. Parental Involvement Parental involvement is not only required but encouraged. The Harmony Triangle of school, parent, and student is model for any learning community. Our family is proud to be a part of the Harmony Charter School System. Family Math and Science Night

13 What Makes HSS - Austin Special Safe, Small, and Friendly School Environment HSS - Austin creates an inviting, safe, and with students, teachers, and administrators makes it seem that it is one big family. There are many factors that contribute to the Discipline further academic achievement. HSS - Austin Students are required to wear uniforms, be uses a variety of teaching methods to punctual, and show respect to their friends ensure mastery of appropriate skills, ideas, purposeful environment in which students positive atmosphere at HSS - Austin. Closed and teachers. Harassment of other students and knowledge for all students, regard- learn, and maintain a friendly and whole- classrooms for each class and grade level is not tolerated, and children are provided less of race, gender, or socioeconomic some atmosphere that encourages creative allow for student movement and expression with an atmosphere where learning is background. expression and a desire for knowledge. which increase the opportunity for learning. encouraged and not ridiculed by other Home Visits There is a small school atmosphere. The The small campus size gives us a sense of students. Home visits are where HSS - Austin teachers involvement and participation of parents community among the students, faculty, Variety of Teaching go to their students houses. During those and parents. Faculty home visits establish Methods to Close the visits, students, teachers and parents talk a family-student-teacher connection which Achievement Gap about school-related subjects. Home visits serves as a bridge between the school and The school s strong academic program re- help strengthen and fabricate a student- home. Finally, the students, faculty and duces the achievement gaps by eliminating teacher-parent relationship. They allow parents show a dedication to high levels of an important cause: the insufficient mastery teachers to meet their students parents and academic success and achievement. of basic knowledge and skills required for they make the school unique.

14 HSS - Austin Offers Comprehensive After School Programs We beat the odds We beat the odds by offering very comprehensive after school programs consisting of 20 clubs. Mr. Cizmeci, After School Coordinator Music at HSS - Austin HSS- Austin offers a very exciting music program. Music class is offered to each grade level weekly. The main focus of the music program is to teach an appreciation for all types of music through singing, Arts & Crafts Board Games Choir Culture Harmony Players Math Music Office Applications Sports Turkish Class Turkish Folk Dance Web Design playing a variety of rhythm instruments, and performing. In addition to the music classes offered during the school day, Harmony currently offers private piano lessons. Students are also encouraged to audition for our performance troupe, the Harmony Player s. The Harmony Player s perform regularly throughout the school year and put on a musical production in the early spring. Music can instill team work, confidence, and self esteem and, hopefully, provides them with an opportunity to learn and have fun. Amy Ratliff, Music Teacher Drama Guitar Lessons Piano Lessons Science There are so many wonderful activities at Harmony that allow the children to truly get a rich educational experience. These are activities that could not be found at other schools, such as the Turkish dance class. My daughter is involved in this and not only is she learning Turkish dances but she is also learning about the culture in general. This has become one of her favorite activities and the one she truly looks forward to every week. Another activity that is a favorite of my daughters is the Harmony Players. This activity gives the children an opportunity to interact with students of all ages and to learn songs, which they get to perform in many school functions. The school also offers many after school clubs which give the students an opportunity to learn more about subjects they are interested in such as computers, math, science, etc. These after school clubs teach about these subjects in a way that allows the kids to learn in an environment that is fun for them. Shawn Harris, Parent

15 Science Fair & Olympiads Excellence I am the very proud mother of two HSS - Austin students. It is not easy to entrust our precious children to anyone for their academic education. It takes trust, respect, and comfort. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to have my children at a school that values their success, their academic growth, and their potential. It is nice to have a true choice in education that holds high expectations for student achievement beyond any minimal skills test the state requires. Pamela G. Powell, HSS - Austin Parent HSS- Austin is a wonderful school to be at. Not only do students excel in a more advanced curriculum, they are also given life long skills to prepare them to be great citizens of this world. Students here are taught respect, responsibility, and the ability to make good choices. They are given the opportunity to approach learning hands on in subjects such as math and science. Teachers at Harmony strive to meet the needs of every learner. With a strong value of staff, parents, and the children working together, Harmony is able to achieve excellence. The name Harmony says it all! Miss. Lindauer GT Program We have wonderful students. Math League Teams (4th and 5th grade) meet at least once a week. They also work on Math Olympiad, UIL contests. All of the students prepare a science project. These exciting events challenge and inspire our students to increase their overall math, science, and teamwork skills. Salih Aykac, Assistant Principal/Math Teacher HSS- Austin has a higher math and science education than the other schools. We had a wonderful science fair. Teachers help us find project ideas. They are always ready to help us whenever we need their assistance. Teachers meet with us anytime we need help; it doesn t matter if it is evening time or weekend. They are always there for us. Rachana Jadala, 4th grade student

16 Life at HSS - Austin Campus 1st Graders at Recess Moody Gardens Field Trip Food Drive Cinco De Mayo Variety of Activities Teaching Language Arts to fifth-graders gives me a chance to create some really in-depth activities for my students. Each year I coordinate the Spelling Bee, which always becomes a highlight of my year. The staff here put a lot of faith and support in their teachers, and I don t think I ll ever find a better group of kids. Abigail Huey, Language Art Teacher Harmony in the Community Members of the Harmony Family have participated in the following: a food drive for the Capital Area Food Bank, a backpack and school supplies drive for Educare Africa, fundraisers for Breast Cancer, Diabetes, and Multiple Sclerosis research, an Adopt-A-Family program which provides gifts for needy families during the holidays, and more. With the support of students, parents, and staff, HSS - Austin already has plans for future charity causes including fundraisers for St. Jude s Children s Research Hospital, the Austin Children s Shelter, Women for Women International, and many others. These monthly programs not only illustrate the generosity of the Harmony Family, but also give us the opportunity to teach our children how they can truly make a difference in the world with dedication and teamwork! Thanks to everyone who has participated in any of our charity causes. We hope that the students of Harmony will carry on this concept of giving without expecting anything in return as they move forward through their academic, professional, and personal endeavors. E. LaManna, Art Teacher