First week of distance learning

Dear Harmony-Pflugerville Students and Parents,

I hope you are all doing well. While our school remains closed, our staff works remotely to transition into online learning. As part of our Distance Learning program, students and teachers will utilize Google Classroom platform for online learning. Students will access learning materials and assignments via their Gmail account and communicate with their instructors through email and online conferencing tools.

We have created a separate website for our students and parents to refer for instructions, information and video tutorials in regards to Distance Learning program. HSA-Pflugerville Distance Learning.

This website will be updated regularly to include necessary information and resources for online learning. The “Instructions” page of the website has step by step instructions for students to access their online classes. Under the “Students/Parents” tab, you will find links for Video Tutorials, Class Info,  Free Internet Information, Mental Health Resources and etc.

Students are expected to login to their account by Monday, March 30th 2020 (and once every week day), and follow the instructions to continue learning. Students should communicate with their teachers and/or counselors in case of any questions or need for assistance. Please know that our staff work from their homes as our school building will remain closed until further notice and they are available to assist you remotely during regular work hours on weekdays. You may also find the contact information of our school leadership team on this website if you need to reach out to us.

Thank you and Stay Safe!

Agil Sharifov,  M.Ed. M.A

Principal, Harmony Science Academy-Pflugerville

 

Estimados estudiantes y padres de Harmony-Pflugerville,

Espero que a todos ustedes estén bien. Mientras nuestra escuela permanece cerrada, nuestro personal trabaja de forma remota para hacer la transición al aprendizaje en línea. Como parte de nuestro programa de educación a distancia, los estudiantes y los maestros utilizarán la plataforma Google Classroom para el aprendizaje en línea. Los estudiantes accederán a materiales y tareas de aprendizaje a través de su cuenta de Gmail y se comunicarán con sus maestros a través de correo electrónico y conferencias en línea.

Hemos creado un sitio web separado para que nuestros estudiantes y padres refieran instrucciones, información y tutoriales en video sobre el programa de Educación a Distancia. HSA-Pflugerville Educación a distancia.   HSA-Pflugerville Distance Learning.

Este sitio web se actualizará periódicamente para incluir la información y los recursos necesarios para el aprendizaje en línea. La página de “Instrucciones” del sitio web tiene instrucciones paso a paso para que los estudiantes accedan a sus clases en línea. En la pestaña “Estudiantes / Padres”, encontrará enlaces para tutoriales en video, información de clase, información gratuita de Internet, recursos de salud mental, etc.

Se espera que los estudiantes inicien la sesión en su cuenta antes del lunes 30 de marzo de 2020 (Los estudiantes deberán de revisar sus clases todos los días de lunes a jueves, el viernes será para tareas que enriquezcan el aprendizaje de los estudiantes, conferencias con estudiantes y padres) y sigan las instrucciones para continuar aprendiendo. Los estudiantes deben comunicarse con sus maestros y / o consejeros en caso de cualquier pregunta o necesidad de asistencia. Tenga en cuenta que nuestro personal trabaja desde sus hogares ya que el edificio de nuestra escuela permanecerá cerrado hasta nuevo aviso y ellos están disponibles para ayudarlo de forma remota durante las horas de trabajo regulares de lunes a viernes. También puede encontrar la información de contacto de nuestro equipo de liderazgo escolar en este sitio web si necesita comunicarse con nosotros.

¡Gracias y manténgase a salvo!

 

Agil Sharifov,  M.Ed. M.A

Principal, Harmony Science Academy-Pflugerville

 

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Letter from our CEO: Classes remain online-only until further notice

Dear Harmony Families & Team Members,

For the past 20 years, Harmony Public Schools has established an educational model built strongly on the foundations of science-based learning and responsible citizenship in our communities.

Currently, all available science from community health experts continues to tell us that the best way to be responsible members of our communities is to have our students and staff remain at home.

This is why we have determined that it is in the best interest of our students, team members, and communities to discontinue in-person schooling at our campuses and administrative offices statewide until further notice.

While these facilities remain closed, instruction and learning at Harmony schools will continue. Our classes are operating online through our established digital learning tools, taking advantage of many of the technology tools and blended learning methods already practiced in Harmony’s  physical classrooms. Because our teachers and school leaders will remain available to guide our students each school day, we anticipate instructional continuity during these unusual and difficult times. To request access to a Chromebook and/or for questions regarding internet access, please contact your child’s campus.

(For more information on our at-home learning program, visit HarmonyTX.org/AtHome . To request access to a Chromebook or internet access, contact your child’s campus.)

We will also continue to offer free meal services to children in our communities, as local and state safety guidelines allow.

We thank you for your support and understanding in making this critical decision. We also are profoundly grateful for the extreme determination and Harmony pride shown by both our students and team members these past several weeks. Time and again you have proven why Harmony Public Schools is an institution where excellence is the standard.

We will continue to provide timely updates as new, relevant information comes available, and inform you immediately if our campuses reopen prior to the end of the school year.

Thank you and be well,

 

Fatih Ay

CEO | Harmony Public Schools

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Distance Learning Message

Dear Students/Parents,

This week, we are completing the first phase of our distance learning program, the learning packets. Remember to complete your learning packets and return once classes resume. The next phase begins on Monday, March 30, 2020. Students and teachers will go online for a comprehensive digital learning experience that includes elements of independent learning, video-based lessons, and a variety of online software, including Google Classroom.

ACCESS to TECHNOLOGY

Students will sign in to my.harmonytx portal to reach integrated software and google classrooms on chromebooks or other devices. Students without computers or access to the internet at home should contact their school. For further details on accessing technology, you may visit https://www.parent.harmonytx.org/athomelearning and Free Internet access for 60 days.)

GOOGLE CLASSROOM

HPS will utilize Google G-Suite platform to provide learning plans for students. Students will log in to their My Harmony accounts to join the google classrooms by using the codes provided by their teachers. Teachers will use the platform to communicate, provide feedback, and assess the learning progress of their students. Harmony students have already been using blended learning software in their classrooms; software will be integrated into learning plans.

Throughout the next phases, our teachers will be available via email and other digital platforms to provide structure, guidance, and feedback. Once, our teachers set up their google classroom, they will contact you to start the online learning experience. Information regarding grading and high school credits will be shared later.

Below, you will find the comprehensive plan and a sample daily schedule you can follow.

STUDENTS with SPECIAL NEEDS

For students in special education and 504 programs, accommodations and/or modifications will be implemented to the extent appropriate and possible by our teachers in google classrooms (technology may have some limitations).  For students in pullout programs, our special education teachers will create google classrooms, provide resources and support virtually to the extent appropriate and possible (technology may have some limitations). We are still working on a plan regarding provision of speech therapy and related services, ARDs, 504 meetings, and FIEs. For all of these matters, we are following guidelines from the State of Texas and Department of Education, which is still forthcoming and additional changes may be made as we receive further instruction. Your patience is appreciated as we work to ensure student needs are met.

DISTANCE LEARNING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

 

Elementary Schools 
Content Area Learning Platform  Integrated Online Resources  Blended Learning Goals  Useful Information
Pre-K Google Classroom Headsprouts under RazKids N/A Students will work on integrated topics. They can use their Headsprouts accounts under RazKids.
Mathematics (K-2) Google Classroom HMH Think Central, Dreambox or ST Math 20 minutes per day Assignments will be posted in Google Classroom, but students will need to login to their Harmony Portal to access their Go Math Lessons and videos. Learning packets that correlate to the online lessons will also be available for students without the internet.
Mathematics (3-5) Google Classroom ALEKS, Go Math 2 ALEKS topics per day
ELAR (K-2) Google Classroom HMH Ed Online, RazKids, I-Read Daily 45 min

( 30 min Raz Kids; 15 min I-Read)

 Activities will be posted in Google Classroom, but students need to login to their Harmony Portal to access HMH passages, iRead, and Raz-Kids; HMH Passages are also provided in PDF.
ELA (3-5) Google Classroom RazKids,HMH Ed Online, No Red Ink Read 30 mins a day

Write 10 mins a day

 Independent reading and writing will be daily. Students will login and have assignments in HMH, Raz-Kids, NoRedInk (gr 4-5),
Science Google Classroom STEMScopes 15 minutes per day Students may need to first login to Stemscopes for a Stemscopes link to work.
Social Studies Google Classroom Social Studies Weekly Online K-2 (1 topic per week) Activities will be posted in Google Classroom, but students need to login to their Harmony Portal to access Studies Weekly online.
Tech. Applications Google Classroom Learning.com CodeMonkey for EIR campuses Each teacher will assign the assignments and instructional materials through Learning.com for each class
ESL Google Classroom N/A N/A ESL will have sample Google classrooms in grade spans as K-2 and 3-5 prepared according to their language levels as beginner, intermediate and advanced. This will provide them with opportunities to practice their language skills.
Art, Music, PE, Electives Google Classroom Various N/A Activities will be recommended. No assignment or assessment will be given.

 

Middle  Schools 
Content Area Learning Platform  Integrated Online Resources  Software Goals  Useful Information
Mathematics Google Classroom my.hrw.com , ALEKS Practice assignments on my.hrw.com

 

If available, ALEKS Formative Assessment

or

15 ALEKS topics per week

 Students are expected to follow the procedures provided in the  self-learning plans through Google Classroom.

 

Students are assigned weekly assessments either through ALEKS or Google Classroom.
ELAR Google Classroom MyOn, NoRedInk 15-30 m. weekly (NoRedInk) Daily Reading (20 m.) + Weekly Reading Response

————————–

Daily Writing (x4 / week)
Science Google Classroom STEMScopes 30 min. daily Students may need to first login to Stemscopes for a Stemscopes link to work.
Social Studies Google Classroom Exploros

(8th only)

 1 Experience per week

(8th only)

 2 tasks per week:

·        1 reading based (content)

·        1 writing based

(skills) 
Tech. Applications Google Classroom Learning.com Each teacher will  assign the assignments and instructional materials through Learning.com for each class
ESL Google Classroom N/A N/A ESL will have sample Google classrooms in grades 6-12 prepared according to their language levels as beginner, intermediate and advanced. This will provide them with opportunities to practice their language skills.
Art, Music, PE, Electives Google Classroom Various N/A Activities will be recommended. No assignment or assessment will be given.

 

 

High Schools 
Content Area Learning Platform  Integrated Online Resources  Software Goals  Useful Information
Mathematics ·        Google Classroom ·        Alg 1: Pearson Realize, ALEKS,

 

·        Geo, Alg2: Pearson Realize

 Practice assignments on Pearson Realize

 

AND

 

If available, ALEKS Formative Assessment or 15 ALEKS topics per week

 Students are expected to follow the procedures provided in the self-learning plans through Google Classroom.

 

Students are assigned weekly assessments either through ALEKS or Google Classroom.
Mathematics ·        Pearson MyMathLab Pre-Cal, Alg Reasoning, AP Cal, AP Stats: Pearson, MyMathLab   Students are expected to complete the practice and assessment tasks assigned by the teachers on Pearson MyMathLab
ELAR Google Classroom MyOn, NoRedInk, 15-30 m. weekly (NoRedInk) Daily Reading (20 m.) + Weekly Reading Response

————————–

Daily Writing (x4 / week)
Biology/PreAP-Biology Google Classroom STEMScopes, POGIL, CK-12 Amoeba Sisters Channel, Bozeman Science Videos N/A Use STEMscopepedia as an online textbook option.
Chemistry Google Classroom cK12, PhET, POGIL, Parlay N/A Assignments will be posted in Google Classroom, but students will need to login to their Harmony Portal to access their cK12 and Parlay accounts. Learning packets that correlate to the online lessons will also be available for students without the internet at their individual campuses / teachers.
Physics Google Classroom www.physicsclassroom.com, CK-12, PhET OpenStax( Online Textbook)
Social Studies Google Classroom N/A N/A 2 tasks per week:

·        1 reading based (content)

·        1 writing based

(skills) 
ESL Google Classroom N/A N/A High school ESOL courses will have SCL materials
Dual Credit Courses Google Classroom  

Content provided by local community colleges
AP Courses Google Classroom College Board Online System  

Local campuses will communicate more information.
Electives/CTE/ Counseling Services Google Classroom  

Local campuses will communicate more information.

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

Activity Estimated Time Platform
ELA 40-45 min Google Classroom
Math 40-45 min. Google Classroom
Science/SS 40-45 min. Google Classroom
Lunch/Break
Independent Reading/Writing Practice 30-40 min MyON, RazKids, No Red Ink,or hard-copy books
Math Lab 30-40 min Dreambox, ALEKS, Math XL
Specials/Electives 30-40 min Google Classroom
Everyday Routines
·        DO THE FIVE 

·        Wash Your Hands 
Physical Activity 30 min.
Bedtime Reading 15-20 min.

 

To access the Harmony At-Home Learning Program online, click here.

 

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IMPORTANT UPDATE: PARENT TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION

Harmony Parents and Guardians, 

As the City of Austin, Travis, and Williamson counties have issued a Stay-At-Home Order, we understand that this may be a confusing and stressful time for our families, and we want to provide as much guidance and support for our communities during this time. 

We want to inform our families that Harmony Public Schools – Austin is an essential educational institution when it comes to traveling to our campuses for food and Chromebook distribution. You and your family may still travel to your school campus to pick up meals for students and/or to pick up Chromebooks for facilitating distance learning. These activities are deemed as essential, and essential travel is needed.

If an official were to question you about your travel activities, please use the placard provided for you for “Authorized Travel.” 

For more information about the Stay-At-Home Order, please visit the City of Austin at http://www.austintexas.gov/news/stay-home-orders-announced-further-contain-spread-covid-19.

Thank you for your patience during this time when change happens daily and hourly at times. We strive to provide our families with the most recent updates as soon as possible. 

Stay healthy and safe,

HPS Austin

 

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Updated Distance Learning Plan and Chromebook Distribution

Dear HSA-Pflugerville Parents / Guardians,

Here is the updated information on our Distance Learning Program. Students are expected to work on HPS- Learning Packet modules during the week of March 23rd-27th on a daily basis and email teachers if they have any questions. The learning packets are available for pickup from our school on March 23rd -27th from 11AM to 1PM. Students are asked to complete the work and submit to their teachers when they return to campus.

Effective March 30th 2020, we will initiate full online learning through Google classroom. Students will receive instruction and assignments from their teachers as well as online support.

For students enrolled in College Level Courses:

  • AP exams are still scheduled for May. Students enrolled in AP courses will be contacted by their teachers via email to receive instructions on how to access learning materials.
  • OnRamps students will receive assignments via Canvas.
  • ACC students will receive assignments via Blackboard or google classroom. Make sure to check ACC email for updates.
  • Lone Star students will receive assignments via google classroom.

CHROMEBOOK CHECK-OUT

Students will need access to computers and the internet for distance learning. Families can check out a Chromebook computer from our school for students to use if their students do not have access to a computer at home. Please fill this online form and agree with the terms if you need a Chromebook for your child. Only 1 Chromebook per Harmony family will be issued. Please submit your request as soon as possible as devices will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive a confirmation email and instructions on next steps once your form has been received.The student must be present at the time of issuing the device, and student ID numbers will be verified in advance of pick-up to ensure the student is currently enrolled in HPS.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDdf4cBbs9EiAd-g8xjUKwp59X1rPS4HFycDqAdCDvNHsbaw/viewform?usp=sf_link

We will continue to provide education to the best of our abilities while prioritizing the well being and safety of our students, families, teachers, and staff.

HSA-Pflugerville Administration

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IMPORTANT UPDATE: TEMPORARY CLOSURE

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority at Harmony Public Schools. As new developments continue to unfold regarding the COVID-19 situation, we wanted to provide you an important update regarding the potential impact of the virus on our schools.

While there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported on our campuses or within our school family at this time, out of an abundance of caution we are announcing a temporary closure of all Harmony Public Schools campuses through Monday, April 6. All school activities, field trips, athletics events, and competitions have also been cancelled during this time.

At this time, we are anticipating classes will be able to resume for students on Tuesday, April 7. Staff will return for a work-day on Monday, April 6.

This decision was made after discussions with, and upon the recommendations of, local health officials.  We strongly believe it is the best decision for helping to keep our students, staff, and communities safe at this time.

During this closure, our Harmony team members will continue to work remotely to finalize the details of distance-learning plan to make sure students continue to receive educational services with minimal  interruption.You will receive regular updates how this plan will be implemented.

Additionally, all full-time, non-exempt and exempt employees will continue to be paid according to their normal rate and schedule.

We continue to urge families and team members to stay informed of current Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines related to the prevention of the spreading of viruses, including limiting out of town travel, “social distancing,” and self-quarantine for those who have recently traveled to impacted areas.

We recognize this is a rapidly evolving situation and will continue to aggressively monitor new developments and respond with appropriate actions based on the best interests of our Harmony families and the guidance of local health officials. Throughout this process, we will continue to communicate with you new information as soon as possible. We anticipate further updates no later than the week of March 23-27.

Thank you for your support during these unusual circumstances. With your continued collaboration, together we can provide a healthy learning environment for our students and staff.

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Link For Learning packets to be used 3/23-3/27

Dear HSA-Pflugerville Students and Parents,

Harmony Science Academy- Pflugerville is closed until April 7th. Teachers will return on Monday April 6th in order to prepare for students to return on Tuesday April 7th.

Our goal is to maximize learning during this time and keep our students engaged. Our curriculum directors have prepared self-study modules for our students. The HPS Learning Packets folder is accessible here. The learning packets are available for pickup from our school on March 23rd -27th from 11AM to 1PM. Students are asked to complete the work and submit to their teachers when they return to campus.

For students enrolled in College Level Courses:

  •  AP exams are still scheduled for May. Students enrolled in AP courses will be contacted by their teachers via email to receive instructions on how to access learning materials.
  • OnRamps students will receive assignments via Canvas.
  • ACC students will receive assignments via Blackboard or google classroom.  Make sure to check ACC email for updates.
  • Lone Star students will receive assignments via google classroom.

We will continue to provide education to the best of our abilities while prioritizing the well being and safety of our students, families, teachers, and staff.

https://drive.google.com/…/1zGTEkRBHrPyt5CQksBWlcVOsgIGpCb2K

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Breakfast and Lunches will be served during extended break

Starting Monday March 23rd HSA-Pf will be providing breakfast and lunch service through the duration of our extended break.
Meals will be provided as “to go” only with no on campus dining availability and will be available to any student or child under the age of 18 regardless of enrollment status.
Operating hours will be from 11 AM – 1PM Monday through Friday and meals will be served “drive through” style in the fenced area near the High School cafeteria, signs will be posted to direct traffic. Children must be present in the vehicle to receive a meal and adults are not eligible for this benefit. The building will not be open to students or family during these times.
Please consult the website https://hsapflugerville.harmonytx.org/ for further information.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Hola padres de los estudiantes de Harmony,
A partir del Lunes 23 de Marzo, Harmony Pflugerville proporcionará servicio de desayuno y almuerzo gratis durante la duración de nuestro descanso prolongado.
Las comidas se proporcionaran sólo “para llevar” y estarán disponibles para cualquier estudiante o niño menor de 18 años, independientemente del estado de inscripción.
El horario de será de 11:00am a 1:00pm, de Lunes a Viernes, y las comidas se servirán al estilo “drive through” en el área cercada cerca de la cafetería de la high school, se colocaran letreros para dirigir el tráfico.  Los niños deben estar presentes en el vehículo para recibir una comida y los adultos no son elegibles para este beneficio.  El edificio no estará abierto a estudiantes o familiares durante estos tiempos.
Por favor, consulte el sitio de web https://hsapflugerville.harmonytx.org/ para más información.
 

Hello Lisa,
Thank you for your help.












































































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	COVID-19 & ‘clean campus’ procedures for after spring break			
As students return from spring break, we would like to ask the Harmony community for your renewed diligence in helping our schools maintain the best-practices for clean campuses established before break.


That of course includes the normal requests regarding washing hands, covering your mouth when coughing, and staying home when sick. However, we also need your help keeping viruses and germs contained by asking your student to immediately report to their campus health office if their experience any of the following symptoms while at school:


    

  • Suspected fever: Student is flushed, student unusually pale, complaints of body aches/pains student is lethargic or unusually tired, student statements of having had a fever or taken medication at home to make them feel better.
    • 

  • Respiratory symptoms: Dry cough with or without nasal drainage, difficulty breathing (visibly difficult breathing includes using abdominal muscles to breathe, inability to speak more than a couple of words at a time, flaring nostrils when breathing) or statements of feeling short of breath, chest or lung pain, wheezing or grunting with breathing.
    • 



Additionally, families should be aware that any student returning from a travel area on the CDC list of at-risk countries for COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) MUST see their medical provider before returning to campus. Students will have 48 hours to submit a clearance letter from their doctor before returning to campus. After this, student absences will not be excused. A student cannot return until they have clearance from their doctor or have finished quarantine if medically recommended.


With your continued support and collaboration, together we can provide a healthy learning environment for our students and staff.


Thank you.


P.S. … For more information about COVID-19 and our school system’s response, including additional resources for families, visit https://www.HarmonyTX.org/coronavirus.


 


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	A note for families about Coronavirus & spring break travel			
Spring Break is almost here for our students and staff members across the state.  We sincerely hope everyone in our Harmony community has a fun and relaxing break before together we begin the final stretch toward the end of the school year.


We understand that many of you will be traveling this spring break. With concerns about the Coronavirus in the minds of many, we want to share a few tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about staying healthy when traveling, as well as provide more info about a few Harmony policies related to returning to school after visiting certain risk-prone destinations.


Tips for Healthy Travel


In general, the same advice for fighting germs and bacteria  applies when traveling as it does when staying home:


    

  • Wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer;
    • 

  • Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth;
    • 

  • Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands;
    • 

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
    • 

  • When greeting others, consider an alternative to hugs or handshakes, such as an elbow bump.
    • 



Additionally, here are a few additional tips related specifically to those traveling:


    

  • Be aware of your surroundings (including people who are sick) and try to distance yourself as appropriate;
    • 

  • Avoid areas that you feel might make your more likely to be exposed;
    • 

  • Know how to get reliable local information about any possible changes to the situation;
    • 

  • Avoid public transportation, if possible. Confined spaces such as buses, trains, subways, and airplanes may put you at a higher risk of infection;
    • 

  • When eating animal-based products, make sure they are thoroughly cooked before eating.
    • 



Returning to School After Visiting Risk-Prone Areas


Due to CDC travel guidelines, students and families that have traveled to locations that are marked as a Coronavirus risk by the CDC must have a letter of clearance from their medical provider before returning to campus. Failure to provide a clearance letter will result in the student being dismissed home. Students will have 48 hours to provide proof of doctor’s clearance. Any additional absence will require further documentation from the parents or doctor. For a list of countries with COVID-19 travel advisories, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.


Currently these countries include: 


    

  • China
    • 

  • Hong Kong
    • 

  • Iran
    • 

  • Italy
    • 

  • Japan
    • 

  • South Korea
    • 



Additionally, please be aware that families travelling to China’s Hubei province or mainland China may face a mandatory quarantine and be monitored by public health officials. Any health department guidelines should be followed by any affected families and absences will be waived upon return to school with provision of proof of quarantine. 


At Harmony Public Schools, we take the health and safety of our students and staff members seriously. Harmony is closely tracking all new developments regarding the Coronavirus and will continue to share timely, relevant updates, as needed.


If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to your campus health staff. 


We appreciate your help in supporting healthy and happy learning environments for our Harmony community. 


 


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