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We hope everyone returned from the break rested and recharged, with time well spent among friends, family, and—on my end—plenty of food (and Kansas basketball). We have already had an eventful week and the next two will be packed! Time to do a lot of learning and have some fun leading up to winter break. Get all the details in The Blackhawk Beat! 

HAC or Home Access Center is another helpful tools to be informed about what is happening in your student's classes.

We also want to make all families aware that IDs are mandatory. Replacements are $3 for the ID and $1 for the lanyard. Students are expected to wear a white (7th), orange (8th), or black lanyard (9th). Cash can be paid to the front office! 

Celebrating a Great Week!

It has been a great week at Harwood. 

• Teacher of the Year/ Teacher of the Month- This month was a little interesting as our Teacher of the Month and of the Year are one in the same-- Mr. Martell! Students describe Mr. Martell as consistently funny, genuinely kind, and deeply engaging. They note that he invests significant effort both during and after class, creating an environment that is entertaining without sacrificing learning. His approach raises participation, sustains attention, and strengthens understanding. Multiple students emphasize his humor, his ability to elevate discussions, and the welcoming tone he sets for the room. They point to his helpfulness, his responsiveness to questions, and his clear commitment to their success. Several identify him as their favorite teacher, citing both his personality and his instructional impact. The presence of a class pet spider even appears as an emblem of the distinctive atmosphere he builds. Overall, he is portrayed as a teacher who cares intensely about teaching, fosters genuine engagement, and shapes a classroom students want to be in. 

• Students of the Month- Student of the Month recognition marks those who demonstrate consistent citizenship, disciplined effort, and a steady positive presence in their work and activities. These students model reliability, respect, and purpose. Their attitudes strengthen the environment around them, and their choices set the academic and behavioral standard for their peers. 

7th Grade- Santosh Sitther, Aadishree Shakya

8th Grade- Faroug Ahmed, Harleigh Grann

9th Grade- Collins Nderitu, Claire Vargas

• Choir Concert- 

• Boys Basketball - 

Harwood Blackhawks 7th Grade B Team Game Recap

The Harwood Blackhawks battled with great heart and determination against the N. Ridge Cats in a hard-fought matchup. After falling behind early with a 2–11 deficit, the Blackhawks showed tremendous resilience, fighting their way back into the game and eventually taking the lead in the 4th quarter.

Sosia H. powered the offense by attacking the basket with confidence and finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 8 points. On the defensive end, Anthony Gray was a force in the paint, recording multiple blocks and rebounds to anchor the Blackhawks’ defensive effort.

Although Harwood ultimately came up short on the scoreboard, the effort, grit, and growth shown by this team speaks volumes. The Blackhawks are proving to be a team to reckon with this season, and the future is bright as they continue to build and improve.

Harwood Blackhawks 7th Grade A Team Game Recap

The Harwood Blackhawks 7th Grade A Team earned an impressive victory over North Ridge with relentless defensive pressure that set the tone from the opening tip. The Blackhawks swarmed the passing lanes, forced turnovers all game long, and never allowed North Ridge to find any kind of offensive rhythm.

On the offensive end, Anthony Donaldson led with steady scoring and smart decision-making, helping control the pace of the game. Andrew Jackson brought constant energy in transition and knocked down timely shots to keep the momentum rolling. Jordan Baxter was physical and aggressive in the paint, finishing with strong drives to the basket and tough rebounds on both ends of the floor.

The total team effort resulted in a commanding 54–28 win for the Blackhawks. This was a great display of defense, effort, and unselfish basketball as the team continues to build a strong foundation for the season

Harwood Blackhawks 8th Grade A Team Game Recap

Our B Team came out strong and dominated with a 49–15 victory over the North Ridge Wildcats! The boys set the tone early with relentless defense and turned stops into points through a fast and efficient transition offense. A complete team win, great job, Blackhawks!

Our A Team battled in a hard fought matchup that came down to the final seconds, ultimately falling just short in a 35–36 thriller. The boys showed grit, composure, and heart, staying locked in until the buzzer. Your coaches are proud of the fight and the growth!

Your Blackhawks take on Hurst JH next week at Hurst next Thursday. Go Hawks!

• Girls Basketball - The Harwood 7th grade girls’ A & B basketball teams delivered impressive performances in their matchup against North Ridge Middle School, securing decisive victories. Harwood set the tone early with strong defensive pressure, forcing turnovers that led to quick points in transition. Their teamwork and ball movement created high-percentage shots, while consistent hustle on both ends of the floor kept North Ridge off balance. The A Team defeated North Ridge 25-20 while the B Team dominated in a 29-6 victory. Great job ladies! 

• Girls Cross Country- Our 7th and 8th Grade Girls Cross Country team is in full speed! At Tuesday’s meet, our athletes shattered personal records. Week after week, this team continues to rise, showing more perseverance, passion, and it's inspiring to watch.

7th Grade Highlights: Makiah Shields continues her incredible streak with another 1st-place finish—that’s first place at every meet so far! Outstanding! London Mosby charged through the course and brought home an impressive 3rd-place finish! Way to shine, ladies!

8th Grade Highlights: Lydia Torrez confidently powered her way into an exciting 2nd place finish! Yamam Osman earned a strong 3rd place! Angela Pietrobon added points for her 6th place finish!

These athletes are giving it their all and representing the Blackhawks with pride!

Come out and cheer on your Cross Country Blackhawks at their final meet on Tuesday, December 9th, starting at 4:00 PM! Go Blackhawks!

• Boys Cross Country- Your seventh and eighth grade Cross Country team has run hard for all three meets so far this season with a blistering pace and attitude that no one will outrun them. Tuesday, December 9th is our final meet located at the Meadow Park Athletic Complex. Please come out and support your boys in district meet as we look to soar to new heights with team finishing! Go Blackhawks!  

Next Week

• Our festive days begin! Students are welcome to join in on the fun! See the flyer below!

• Buddy the Elf will be hiding around campus for the next two weeks! Enter the right password, answer the question and treat from the North Pole! 

Updates and information

• Please see the safety guidelines for the car line. 

• HAC or Home Access Center is another helpful tools to be informed about what is happening in your student's classes.

https://www.hebisd.edu/.../home-access-center-online-grades  

• Are you tired of finding out about things after they happened, only to hear that it was on the announcements at school and canvas? Here are the instructions to have observer access to your student's canvas account. Weekly announcements are posted on the dashboard. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EqcgXz6bWeDUkXhuSx1dJnxtvlZmxckM/view?usp=sharing 

• We also want to make all families aware that IDs are mandatory. Replacements are $3 for the ID and $1 for the lanyard. Students are expected to wear a white (7th), orange (8th), or black lanyard (9th). Cash can be paid to the front office! 

• Outside fast food must be eaten in the office unless the parent would like to eat in the cafeteria with their student.

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Clubs in Action

• Yearbook Club – Mondays, 8:00 AM (H103)

• Creative Writing Club - Mondays, 3:45-4:45 pm (H118)

• Art Club – Mondays after school until 5:00 pm (Art Room)

• Book Club – 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 3:40–4:15 pm (H119)

• Dance Club – Wednesdays, 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM 

• Student Council – 2nd Wednesday of the Month, 8:00 am (H103)

• Thespian Club – Thursdays, 7:30–8:10 am (G102)

• NJHS – 1st Thursdays, 8:00 am (H103)

• Chess Club-  Thursdays, 3:40 - 4:45 (C100) 

• HJH Dance Club- Wednesdays, 3:45-4:30

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Ongoing Reminders

• Replacement IDs $3, Lanyards $1.00
  
  

• Students may not leave campus in the mornings.
  
  

• Drop-off/pick-up: Please pull all the way to the gym; front entrance reserved for buses.
  
  

• Wednesdays = College Day / Thursdays = Spirit Day.
  
  

• Volunteer Fridays: Volunteers must be cleared through the district VIPS. 

• Support our teachers by preparing classroom materials (copies, sorting, etc.).

• 👉 Sign up here
  
  

🙌 Thank you for your support and partnership in making this year a success!

– Dr. Ramirez