Harris County School District has updated the 2026–2027 academic calendar.
To better align with Muscogee County School District and support the convenience of our families and staff, Spring Break has been moved to April 5–9, 2027.
The change was approved by the Board of Education after stakeholder feedback showed strong support for aligning the schedules.
Please refer to the updated district calendar for details.
Please enjoy your time off and stay safe. Classes will resume on Monday, April 6.
At the heart of the EOC/PLC, the SEED Program continues to flourish as an empathy-driven initiative rooted in community development and support. Through hands-on experiences, participants explore agriculture, science, mathematics, and gardening while also building critical social-emotional skills.
With each new season—and now, with even more space to grow—students are cultivating more than crops. They’re nurturing responsibility, connection, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
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#SEEDProgram #GrowingTogether #CommunityImpact #HandsOnLearning
Harris County student artists were recognized on Wednesday, March 12, at the annual Capitol Art Exhibit in Atlanta—marking the statewide kickoff of Youth Art Month and celebrating the exhibition’s 50th anniversary.
Families, students, and art teachers gathered near the Georgia State Capitol for an evening filled with pride and excitement as young artists from across the state showcased their work.
State Representatives Carmen Rice and Vance Smith welcomed the Harris County group and provided a special behind-the-scenes experience, including a private tour of the Capitol. Students had the opportunity to visit the House of Representatives chamber and learn more about Georgia’s government and history.
Organized by the Georgia Art Education Association, the Capitol Art Exhibit is the largest statewide student art show, featuring artists from pre-kindergarten through college. The event also serves as an important opportunity to advocate for arts education and connect with state leaders.
State Superintendent Richard Woods was also in attendance, reinforcing the importance of the arts in Georgia’s schools.
👏 Congratulations to our talented students for representing Harris County so well!
Park Elementary School is proud to announce that teacher Mrs. Karrie Rustin has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Nationwide Educator Resource Grant. This grant provides educators with valuable classroom materials designed to help students learn more about agriculture and where their food comes from.
Through this grant, Mrs. Rustin received a resource pack that included one copy of the 2026 Book of the Year, I Love Blueberries, one copy of the accompanying educator guide, and a classroom set of 30 Blueberries Ag Mag Minis. These materials were used to support hands-on learning and helped students build a deeper understanding of agriculture.
The grant is made possible through a partnership between the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture (AFBFA) and Nationwide Insurance. Their goal is to equip educators with engaging resources that help young learners develop accurate knowledge about agriculture and the important role it plays in everyday life.
“We are incredibly grateful for the resources provided through this grant, which have allowed us to continue enhancing our Kindergarten garden. These materials have supported our students in learning more about the blueberries we are already growing, helping them make meaningful, real-world connections,” said Mrs. Rustin.
Park Elementary is proud of Mrs. Rustin’s commitment to providing engaging learning opportunities for her students and is excited to see the impact these resources will have in the classroom.
Pictured: Mrs. Rustin with her grant award materials.
Harris County Schools (HCSD) has earned Cognia Accreditation with Merit, achieving an Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score of 329 — exceeding the Cognia Network Average.
This distinction follows a comprehensive year-and-a-half-long accreditation process led by Dr. David Dennie, K–5 Curriculum Director. The in-depth review examined every aspect of the district’s operations, including culture of learning, leadership for learning, engagement of learning, and growth in learning.
Accreditation with Merit is awarded to institutions that exceed Cognia’s rigorous performance standards and demonstrate both notable strengths and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. The review identified HCSD’s implementation of its Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) as a Noteworthy Practice, recognizing the district’s systematic and consistent approach to meeting the needs of all learners.
“We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment,” said Dr. Finney, Superintendent of Harris County Schools. “This recognition affirms the dedication of our students, teachers, staff, families, and community. Completing a rigorous year-and-a-half accreditation process and earning Accreditation with Merit reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence. It is one of the reasons Harris County Schools continues to be among the top school districts in the State of Georgia and across the country.”
Throughout the evaluation, Cognia reviewers noted the district’s collaborative leadership practices, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making as key strengths. The report also highlights HCSD’s strong professional learning structures and continued investment in teacher development to support student growth and achievement.
Harris County Schools remains committed to building on this success as it continues its journey of continuous improvement, ensuring high-quality educational opportunities for every student.
To view the full Accreditation Engagement Review report, click here:
https://tinyurl.com/57ata9kf
With 21 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Wheeless brings a steady blend of expertise, passion, and heart to her classroom every single day. Her deep understanding of how students learn, paired with her genuine care for each child, creates a warm, engaging environment where students feel supported and challenged.
Mrs. Wheeless consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students grow academically and socially. Her commitment to strong instruction, thoughtful differentiation, and positive relationships makes a lasting impact not just on her students, but on our entire school community.
Adding to the moment is Olivia Hampton, a student at Harris County High School, who has been shadowing Mrs. Wheeless through her education practicum class. Olivia has had the opportunity to see firsthand what excellence in teaching looks like, learning from a true role model in the profession.
Harris County School District is partnering with Aveanna to support a student within our district — and we’re looking for a compassionate, dedicated RN to join the team!
👩⚕️ Age Range: Child
🩺 Acuity: Low (feeding tube)
🏫 No nights. No weekends. School-only setting.
✨ Make a meaningful impact every single day in a structured school environment.
Qualifications:
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Current CPR (hands-on component)
• TB test (within last 12 months)
• Reliable transportation
• Pediatric nursing experience preferred (not required)
This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to care for a student while being part of a supportive educational community.
📲 Apply today and help care for what matters most.
🔗 For more information: https://shorturl.at/5Yr9P
#NowHiring #SchoolNurse #HarrisCountySchools #JoinOurTeam
🔗 Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/mun8ca67
