We Are HCISD Brochure

A QUAL

EDUCA

GROUNDED ON STR

LITY

ATION

RONG CHARACTER

Contents

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Letter from Superintendent

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HCISD at a Glance

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Strategic Plan

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Elementary Experience

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Secondary Experience

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Academies

(PREK-3 THROUGH GRADE 5) (GRADES 6 THROUGH 12)

We Are HCISD

Superintendent

Letter from

Welcome to Harlingen CISD – a system of world-class schools committed to ensuring every child graduates college, career, and community ready.

Our students are positively impacted on a daily basis by passionate and certified educators who provide exceptional educational experiences. With open arms, our district welcomes all children who wish to be part of our HCISD family!

Thank you to our Harlingen community for continually supporting our school system. United in our efforts, we will continue to make great strides and see monumental advancements in student success.

Dr. Alicia Noyola, Superintendent

A Quality Education Grounded on Strong Character

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HCISD at a

GLANCE ABOVE THE STATE IN EVERY INDICATOR

$24.5 MILLION IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON AWARD

30 CAMPUSES & OPEN ENROLLMENT

Total earned by the 2020 Graduating class

Recognized for high achievement in student success

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We Are HCISD

Awarded for superior financial management practices

VISION HCISD will become a system of world-class schools where students develop the knowledge, skills, and learning habits that prepare them for college and career success in the 21st century.

30 HCISD CAMPUSES Open to all students

ELEMENTARY

Austin Elementary an International Baccalaureate World School Ben Milam Elementary Dual Language Academy Bonham Elementary Bowie Elementary Crockett Elementary Dishman Elementary Blue Ribbon School Jefferson Elementary Lamar Elementary Dual Language Academy Lee Means Elementary Fine Arts Academy Long Elementary Rodriguez Elementary Powered by Discovery Education - a STEM curriculum Sam Houston Elementary an International Baccalaureate World School Stuart Place Elementary Travis Elementary Powered by Discovery Education - a STEM curriculum Treasure Hills Elementary Wilson Elementary Dual Language Academy Zavala Elementary an Apple Distinguished School

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Coakley Middle School Gutierrez Middle School of Arts & Sciences Memorial Middle School STEM² Preparatory Academy Vela Middle School Powered by Discovery Education - a STEM curriculum Vernon Middle School World Languages Academy

At HCISD, we move the needle forward every day.

HIGH SCHOOLS

Harlingen High School Harlingen High School South UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School Harlingen School of Health Professions Dr. Cano Freshman Academy KEYS Academy A Quality Education Grounded on Strong Character

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We Are HCISD

The HCISD Strategic Plan, Transforming Learning for Global Achievement, works as a tool for school district leadership to plan the expansion and success of HCISD. Actions of the district focus on the plan, ensuring transforming learning for global achievement.

GOAL I

Create a transformed school district that ensures high quality instruction and individualized learning, resulting in maximum achievement for all students.

GOAL II

Attract, develop, and retain highly effective educators and provide the tools they need to maximize all students’ successes.

GOAL III

Improve the learning experience by using data that measures all students’ weaknesses and strengths in order to address their curricular needs.

GOAL IV

Develop an individualized learning plan for all students that will assess results at specific intervals to ensure post-secondary and career readiness is achieved.

GOAL V

Increase the efficiency of communication between teachers, parents and students to achieve the district’s goal of meeting all students’ educational needs.

For more information on how these goals are being achieved, visit www.hcisd.org/strategicplan.

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SEAL Program

All second-grade students learn how to swim in our district’s aquatic facility. HCISD is committed to providing water safety education in a loving, fun, and positively reinforced environment through the Safely Educating Aquatic Learners (SEAL) program.

THE ELEMENTARY

EXPERIENCE Pre-K3 through 5th grade

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We Are HCISD

Pre-K3 with Headstart

Our unique partnership with Headstart NINOS, Inc. allows us to educate students as young as 3-years-old! Engaging parents as partners every step of the way, our services help our youngest learners children succeed in school.

Modernized Learning Spaces

Full-Day Pre-K

Our full-day model for Pre-K4 prepares children to do their best in their education by nurturing and fostering a lifelong desire to learn. This available for all students at our 17 elementary schools.

Because of our commitment to early childhood literacy, HCISD’s Kinder Readiness rate is 34 percent above the state average.

Robotics

HCISD offers a highly interactive robotics program at every campus. This program allows for developing skills and interests in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. Two teams have advanced to the World Championships.

All elementary classrooms have modernized furniture and technology. Our learning spaces help students focus on creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Tennis and First Tee Program

GROW Gardening

Little Innovators

Chess

All HCISD third-grade students have the opportunity to learn how to play golf and tennis. Along with the great exercise these sports provide, students develop valuable skills of responsibility, discipline, perseverance, problem-solving, and mental strength.

Under the guidance of their teachers, fifth-grade students design and develop ideas and concepts before a panel of Harlingen business professionals.

HCISD fourth-grade students are learning the fundamentals of nutrition and health.

Throughout the year, these students learn how to garden and grow their very own fresh vegetables.

Research shows that children who play chess can score higher on standardized testing and have a more highly developed visual memory. At HCISD, students can begin learning the fundamentals of chess as early as Pre-K.

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International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools

Dual Language Academies

HCISD’s Dual Language Academy is based on a bilingual education model where English and native Spanish speaking students work together and learn in two languages. By the end of the fifth grade, enrolled students will be academically at grade level and equally proficient in English and Spanish. This program is offered at Lamar, Lee Means, Ben Milam, and Wilson Elementary.

Apple Distinguished School

Blue Ribbon School

HCISD is proud to have Dishman Elementary represent Harlingen CISD as a Blue Ribbon School. This recognition is considered one of the highest in the country, as it reflects the committment to excellence by the students, families, and staff.

Zavala Elementary is proud to be only one of ten schools in the state of Texas to earn this designation. Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use technology to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

College Readiness

By planting the seed at an early age, HCISD helps students envision a bright, successful future and creates a mindset that anyone can go to college.

Sensory Rooms

HCISD’s sensory rooms serve as therapeutic spaces for children. The rooms allow students to use their energy in a calming environment.

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We Are HCISD

Austin Elementary and Sam Houston are International Baccalaureate World Schools. The campuses offer a multilingual approach and rigorous curriculum focused on developing active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others.

STEM Academies

Rodriguez and Travis Elementary are STEM Academies that offer students interactive learning experiences.

Powered by a partnership with Discovery Education, students are introduced to a science, technology, engineering, and math curriculum at the elementary level.

Dyslexia Services

Five to 10 percent of our nation’s children are dyslexic. HCISD tests students early to identify their learning needs and provides services to them throughout their educational journey.

Lee Means Fine Arts Academy

Embedded in the unique and vertically aligned curriculum, students attending this campus explore their creative talent through opportunities in dance, music, visual arts, and theater. Fine Arts Academy learners also have access to after-school enrichment opportunities free of charge.

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Harlingen School of Health Professions (Grades 8-12)

Harlingen offers students proximity to several leaders in the healthcare industry. From dentist offices to hospitals, our students spend part of their days in real healthcare facilities working with patients, help with medical surgeries, procedures, and truly gain an authentic learning experience. HCISD partners with UTRGV to identify talented students in their junior year to place them on a UTRGV School of Medicine path.

THE SECONDARY

EXPERIENCE 6th grade through 12th grade

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We Are HCISD

Gutierrez Middle School of Arts and Sciences (Grades 6-8)

Students are inspired to identify their passions in the areas of art and science. Students can apply to three science pathways: Integrated Sciences, Math and Science combination, and Project Lead the Way. Students interested in the Arts can begin taking classes in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Dance, Graphic Arts, Piano, and Guitar.

World Languages Academy at Vernon Middle School (Grades 6-8)

In small learning communities, students have the opportunity to study Spanish, Mandarin, French, and American Sign Language. Vernon Middle School World Languages Academy is a natural progression for students in the district’s Dual Language Academies to continue their language studies into their secondary school years.

STEM² Preparatory Academy (Grades 6-8)

The school features a small learning environment that incorporates 1:1 technology. Through interactive learning experiences, students explore science, technology, engineering, math, and biomedical sciences. This campus is powered by our Discover Education partnership.

UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School (Grades 9-12)

UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School students can graduate high school with two years of college credit from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Students can concentrate on earning their basics or focus on engineering, computer science, or teaching degree paths.

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Harlingen Performing Arts Conservatory

The Harlingen Performing Arts Center has been transformed into an artistic space for 9th through 12th-grade students. The conservatory offers classes in four professional pathways: dance, musical theatre, technical theatre, and theater. Productions are showcased to the community throughout the year.

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We Are HCISD

Transition Academy

This custom-built educational facility focuses on preparing students with special needs for life after high school. This facility will equip students with life and employability skills in a real-world environment. Students will spend half of the day at the house learning and developing skills and the other half at a job site through our employer program.

HCISD Testing Center

HCISD students no longer have to wait and travel to out of town testing sites to take college entrance and certification exams. Our HCISD Testing Center ensures students have direct access to becoming certified in careers of their choice.

Athletics

Playing sports at any level can be a vital part of the school experience and have an immense and lasting impact on a student’s life. As our coaches train competitive athletes, they teach students skills they will carry well beyond the sports arena. Athletic opportunities at HCISD include baseball, basketball, volleyball, cross country, football, powerlifting, golf, tennis, track, softball, soccer, swimming and diving, water polo.

Music

Harlingen CISD has been named a NAMM Foundation Best Communities for Music Education for three years in a row.

In HCISD, we are committed to outstanding achievement to provide music access and education to all students. Band, orchestra, and choir are offered at the middle school and high school level.

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Earn College Credit

HCISD partners with Texas Southmost College and Texas State Technical College to provide college credit courses to Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South students. By participating in our Dual Enrollment Program, students save money and become prepared for collegelevel courses.

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We Are HCISD

Community Service

Giving back to our Harlingen-area community is part of everyday student life in HCISD. Students earn service hours for assisting with local non-profits, beautification projects, and mentorship opportunities. In addition to community service being valuable for college applications, it’s an essential part of personal growth.

Character Education

Implemented at all middle school and high school campuses, Character Strong is building a positive school community in HCISD. The program helps educators infuse character and social-emotional learning into the daily fabric of every classroom and campus settings. HCISD has also adopted 2-Words, a program teaching students in athletics integrity, discipline, and humility.

AP Courses

The Advanced Placement Program allows students to earn college credit while still in high school. Students are allowed to take AP exams in May of each school year. It has been shown that students master in-depth content at the college level courses more easily after completing AP courses in high school.

College Board Partnership

Through our partnership with College Board, we are able to provide additional resources aimed at improving college readiness for students.

After Cano Freshman Academy was selected from over 1,000 schools world-wide to participate in a pilot program, we’ve now been able to expand opportunities to all middle school and high school campuses.

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Business Academy

The Business Academy educates and prepare students for business management professions.

As students learn about responsibilities, roles, and business-related career paths, they are exposed to authentic learning experiences through competitions and practicum courses.

EAccounting/Financial Services EBusiness Management ECosmetology ECulinary Arts EEntrepreneurship EMarketing/Sales

HCISD

ACADEMIES 37 Certification Opportunities

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We Are HCISD

Apprenticeship Academy

Automotive Academy

This academy aims to inspire students to explore careers in architecture, construction, electrical, HVAC, masonry, plumbing, or welding. Students intern with local business and receive on-site training, enhancing their skills to become workforce ready and earn certifications

HCISD offers certification opportunities for students seeking careers within the automotive services industry. With the addition of Diesel Equipment Technology, students have access to a state of the art facility, recently upgraded through a Texas Workforce Commission grant.

ECarpentry EElectrical EHVAC EMasonry EPlumbing EWelding

EAutomotive Services ECollision Repair EDiesel Technology

Firefighter Academy

Working side by side with the Harlingen Fire Department, students in the Firefighter Academy will earn 468 hours of credit towards two certifications while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

EFirefighter

Media Arts and Communications Academy

Pre-Engineering Academy

EGraphic Design ETelevision Production

EEngineeringERenewable Energy ERobotics

Students in the Media Arts and Communications Academy are exposed to experiences that help shape their passion for potential careers in the industry. Students explore videography, graphic design, and printing and imaging technology.

Students are immersed in various branches of engineering through the Pre-Engineering Academy. The four-year sequence provides opportunities for students to explore career paths.

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Natural Resources Academy

Students in this academy have the opportunity to raise animals and greenhouse items at our district FFA farm. Students participating in the FFA program compete at the regional and state level.

EAnimal Science EPlant Science

Pre-Law Academy

Students with a passion for service and public safety will gain hands-on experience learning the fundamentals of law and investigative techniques.

ELaw Enforcement ELegal Studies

Information Technology Academy

As students foster creativity and innovation, this academy provides a pathway to explore design and digital programs. Working with computer networks and software, students have the opportunity to earn COMP TIA certifications.

EComputer Science ECybersecurity ENetworking Systems EProgramming and Software Development 22

We Are HCISD

Health Sciences Academy

By offering career and post-secondary educational learning opportunities, HCISD students gain a head start in the medical field. In addition to Harlingen School of Health Professions’ medical pathways, HCISD is offering seven health science pathway options to students district-wide.

ELicensed Vocational Nurse (Valley Baptist Health System partnership) EClinical Medical Assistant EEKG Technician EDental Assistant EPharmacy Technician

Public Services Academy

Students interested in professions in health, law, education, or social services can explore their interests through authentic learning experiences in this academy.

EEMT

Teacher Academy

Through the Teacher Academy, students gain authentic learning experiences inside HCISD classrooms as they earn their education aide certification.

EEducation Aide

Veterinary Sciences Academy

Students in this academy learn the fundamentals of patient care. On a path towards furthering a career aimed towards helping animals, this academy provides an excellent jump start in this professional environment.

EVeterinary Assistant

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