Note from Dr. Ramirez

Dear Harwood Families,

It is almost time to welcome all of our Blackhawks back to Harwood! Before students come back on the 13th, we want to share a few updates. Please bookmark this page so that you will have access to all of the parent newsletters. There is a campus calendar linked at the bottom of this page that will be up to date with all campus events. We have a few campus and district updates to share with you:

HAC will release student schedules on August 6th. Please be advised that changes may happen up until the first day of school.
The traffic pattern at Harwood has changed. For drop-off and pick-up, ONLY buses are allowed in the front circle drive. Please make sure that you are picking your student up on the side of the building. Please see the picture below.
In the mornings, students will be allowed to enter the building by the gym and through the front doors at 8:00 am. Students who are eating breakfast or have tutorials may enter the building at 7:45 am with a pass /email from the teacher or report immediately to the cafeteria.

Students are encouraged to wear college or military gear on Wednesdays and Harwood spirit wear on Thursdays to promote pride and future-ready thinking.. PTA Spirit Store/ Harwood Spirit Store
There will be a Cane's Spirit Night on August 6th from 3-10 PM. Please mention Harwood!
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Per the new Texas Law we are an Electronic-Free Campus. (This does not include district-issued Chromebooks). Beginning this school year, Harwood will be an electronic-free campus during school hours (7:45 AM – 3:35 PM) in accordance with new Texas legislation.

Students must store the following items (turned off) in their backpacks at all times:

Cell Phones
Smart Watches
AirPods or other wireless earbuds/headphones
Smart/AI Glasses
Any other personal communicatio devices

Devices must remain COMPLETELY OUT OF SIGHT — not in hands, back pockets, on desks, at lunch, etc.

We encourage families to begin discussing this change now to help students adjust. This policy supports a more focused and distraction-free learning environment for everyone. If a student violates the device policy, the consequences will include confiscation of the device, parent notification, and possible disciplinary action.

New Student ID Requirement — Smart Tag Badges

New for 2025–2026: All students will be required to wear their Smart Tag student ID badges daily while on campus from 7:45 AM to 3:35 PM, AND AT ALL SCHOOL EVENTS.

If your child rides the bus, their Smart Tag will also serve as their bus pass, ensuring safe and accurate tracking during transportation.

Please help your student get into the habit of wearing their ID each day. If a student loses their ID they MUST pay $3 to replace the ID.

If a student violates the ID policy, the consequences may include, parent notification, and possible disciplinary action.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep HJH safe, efficient, and focused on learning.

Hawk Camp – August 6 (Incoming 7th Graders Only)
This event helps new 7th graders feel confident and connected as they begin their Harwood journey.

Location: Enter through the main gym
Doors Open: 1:30 PM | Program Begins: 2:00 PM| Program Ends: 4:20 PM
Students will:
Meet teachers
Walk their schedules
Pick up tech
Explore clubs and activities
Parents will attend an info session while students explore.
Athletic wear will be available for purchase ($15 each (tops and bottoms), cash or check payable to Harwood Junior High).