
Harris County Carver Middle School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students brought home two Top 10 national finishes from the 2026 FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas!
π Harper Carroll earned 8th place nationally in Career Research, advancing to the national finals and presenting live before a panel of judges.
π Hallie Townsend and Raelyn Stecher earned 7th place nationally in Annual Chapter Activities, showcasing the hard work, involvement, and accomplishments of the HCCMS FBLA chapter throughout the school year.
βThese students worked incredibly hard throughout the year, and seeing them earn national recognition was such a proud moment,β said HCCMS FBLA adviser Ashley Daniel. βMore than the awards, I am proud of the confidence, professionalism, and leadership they demonstrated throughout the entire experience.β
Congratulations to Harper, Hallie, Raelyn, Mrs. Daniel, and the entire HCCMS FBLA chapter for representing HCCMS and Harris County so well on the national stage! π
#HarrisCountySchools #HCCMS #FBLA #FutureBusinessLeaders #NationalRecognition #ExcellenceInAction



Looking for a rewarding way to serve our students and community? Join the Harris County School District Transportation team as a bus driver!
Be part of the team that helps our students start and end each school day safely. ππ€
π Apply today: https://tinyurl.com/5276pf6m
Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this post and help us spread the word!
#JoinOurTeam #NowHiring #BusDrivers #Transportation #HarrisCountySchools

Today, the Harris County Retired Teachers Association welcomed Mr. Michael Barden, Superintendent of Harris County Schools, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and the future of education in Harris County.
Mr. Barden shared his journey from the corporate world to the classroom and ultimately into educational leadership. Throughout his remarks, one message remained clear: education is about relationships, high expectations, and doing what is best for students.
Drawing from 27 years in educationβas a teacher, coach, principal, district leader, and now superintendentβMr. Barden reflected on the educators and mentors who helped shape his career and the students whose lives continue to remind him why this work matters. He also spoke about his deep connection to Harris County, where his family has lived for more than two decades and where his children have attended our schools.
It was especially meaningful to share these reflections with retired educators who devoted their own careers to serving generations of students. Their legacy continues in our classrooms and throughout our community.
Mr. Barden also discussed opportunities to continue supporting Harris County students, including scholarships and ways our retired educators can remain engaged in the important work happening across the district.
Thank you to the Harris County Retired Teachers Association for the warm welcome, continued partnership, and lifelong commitment to education. Once an educator, always an educator!
#HarrisCountySchools #ExcellenceInEducation #HarrisCounty #RetiredEducators #CommunityPartnership #StudentsFirst







π THIRD IN THE NATION! π
Congratulations to our outstanding Technology Student Association (TSA) students for an incredible performance on the national stage!
This summer, Tessa Geven, Nolan Markert, Riley Markert, Taylor Smith, and Addison White, along with TSA sponsors Ryan Miller, Katie Sizemore, and Paul Markert, represented our school community at the 48th National TSA Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.
Competing against students from across the country, the team earned an impressive 3rd place in the nation in Animatronics! πΊπΈ
The Animatronics competition challenges students to apply their knowledge of mechanical and control systems to create an animatronic device with a specific purpose, incorporating elements such as sound, lighting, and an appropriate surrounding environment.
More than 9,500 middle and high school TSA members and other attendees gathered June 22β26 for the national conference, where students participated in STEM competitions, leadership activities, and career-development opportunities.
We are incredibly proud of these students for their creativity, technical skills, teamwork, and dedication. Congratulations on bringing home a national top-three finish! π
#TSA #TechnologyStudentAssociation #STEM #Animatronics #NationalTSA #StudentSuccess
Weβre Passing the Phoneβ¦ Because Attendance Matters!
Harris County School District is kicking off the 2026β2027 school year with one important message: Every Day Matters. Every Student Matters.
From school to school, weβre passing the phone across our district to remind students that showing up each day means more opportunities to learn, connect, grow, and succeed.
Watch our Attendance Matters: Pass the Phone Challenge and see how our schools and district team are coming together to encourage every student to SHOW UP, STAY ENGAGED, and MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT!
Nowβ¦ letβs pass the phone! π±β¨
We are excited to welcome all of our students back for an amazing school year!
Parents dropping off students: Please plan to arrive early this morning, as traffic will be heavier than usual during arrival.
Bus riders: Please expect possible delays as bus routes adjust to first-day traffic and loading procedures.
Parents picking up students this afternoon: Dismissal may take a little longer than usual on the first day. We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure every student gets home safely.
Thank you for your cooperation and support. We look forward to a fantastic school year. Welcome back!

Park Elementary brought unmatched passion, energy, and creativity to our Back-to-School Kickoff this week, leaving everyone in attendance amazed! Their school spirit set the tone for an incredible year ahead.
What a fantastic way to kick off the 2026-27 school year!
Now the challenge is on... π Who will take home the Spirit Stick next year?
π¬ Comment below and tell us which HCSD school you think will claim the Spirit Stick next year! Represent your school with pride!
#HCSDProud #SchoolSpirit #BackToSchool #SpiritStick

Before heading out the door, take a moment to check these first-day essentials:
β Confirm your student's bus route and pickup/drop-off times
β Make sure your student is registered and ready to go
β Pack backpacks with school supplies
β Eat a healthy breakfast and bring a water bottle
β Plan to arrive a few minutes early for school or the bus stop
We're excited to welcome our students back for an incredible school year. We'll see you tomorrow, HCSD! πβ¨
#HCSD #FirstDayReady #BackToSchool

Brasfield & Gorrie currently has six HCHS students working on the construction site for a new 300-unit apartment community in LaGrange, and they can't say enough good things about our students!
Our students are showing up ready to learn, work hard, and make a difference every day. The positive feedback from the Brasfield & Gorrie team is a testament to the quality of our Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs and the dedication of our students and instructors.
We're proud to provide real-world, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for successful careers while meeting the workforce needs of our community. Thank you, Brasfield & Gorrie, for believing in our students and investing in their future. Partnerships like this create opportunities that last a lifetime!
#HCHS #WorkBasedLearning #CTAE #FutureReady #SkilledTrades #BuildingTheFuture #CommunityPartnerships

π This Week: Harris County School District Transportation Kickoff!
This week, the Harris County School District Transportation Department gathered to kick off the new school year with a shared commitment to serving students with excellence.
Director of Transportation Thomas Vowell challenged the team to remember that their responsibility extends far beyond safely transporting students. He emphasized that every bus route is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, create a welcoming environment, and positively impact a child's day.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Shawn Fisher thanked the transportation team for their hard work throughout the summer, recognizing those who prepared buses, completed inspections, and invested countless hours training new drivers and staff. He encouraged the team to continue striving for excellence and reminded everyone that Harris County Schools continues to grow stronger because of dedicated employees who are committed to serving students.
Assistant Superintendent Stacey Carlisle emphasized the importance of compliance and professionalism in every aspect of transportation operations. She reminded the team that following procedures not only keeps students safe but also helps build trust with students and their families. By creating an environment where parents have confidence and students feel secure, the Transportation Department strengthens the partnership between home and school.
Superintendent Michael Barden reinforced the day's message by reminding the team that, for many students, the first interaction of the school day happens when they step onto a school bus. A smile, a warm greeting, or a kind word can help students feel seen, valued, and ready to learn.
The kickoff celebrated the dedication of the entire transportation teamβfrom drivers and monitors to routers, office staff, and mechanicsβwhose behind-the-scenes work ensures every bus is safe, reliable, and ready for the first day of school.
Thank you to every member of our Transportation Department for your commitment to safety, service, and building relationships that make a lasting difference for Harris County students and families.
#OneHarrisCounty #TransportationMatters #BuildingRelationships #StudentSafety #BackToSchool #StudentSuccessStartsHere






HCSD proudly celebrates the outstanding educators and support staff who go above and beyond to serve the students, families, and community of Harris County Schools. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence makes a difference every day.
π Front row (LβR): Teachers of the Year
β’ Stephanie Torres β Creekside
β’ Maranda Price β New Mountain Hill Elementary (NMHE)
β’ Dalton Jones β Harris County Carver Middle School (HCCMS)
β’ Jennifer Robinson β Harris County High School (HCHS)
β’ Christina Vinson β Park Elementary (PARK)
β’ Karen Poole β Mulberry Creek Elementary (MCE)
β’ Lindsey Cook β Pine Ridge Elementary (PRE)
π Back row (LβR): Support Professionals of the Year
β’ Ashley Chapman β Creekside
β’ Amanda Moore β New Mountain Hill Elementary (NMHE)
β’ Deanna McDonald β Harris County Carver Middle School (HCCMS)
β’ May James β Harris County High School (HCHS)
β’ Jennifer Valenta β Park Elementary (PARK)
β’ Shannon Waldroup β Mulberry Creek Elementary (MCE)
β’ Angela Gibson β Pine Ridge Elementary (PRE)
β’ Ginger Fitzpatrick β Central Office
β’ Craig Marriner β Transportation Department (not pictured)
Please join us in congratulating these exceptional members of the Harris County Schools family! Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence and for the positive impact you make on our students, schools, and community each day.
#HarrisCountySchools #TeacherOfTheYear #SupportProfessionalOfTheYear #ExcellenceInEducation #WeAreHCS

One of the morning's most energetic moments came during the annual District Teacher of the Year Spirit Competition. Schools brought unmatched enthusiasm, creativity, and school pride as they cheered for the start of another year of excellence. When the excitement settled, Park Elementary School captured the coveted Spirit Stick, earning district bragging rights for the 2026-2027 school year.
District Teacher of the Year Leah Doughman then welcomed the Harris County Schools family with a message centered on "Listening, Learning, and Leading Together." Her remarks challenged every employee to approach the new school year with humility, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student success, reminding everyone that the strongest schools are built when every voice is valued and every person leads through service.
Superintendent Michael Barden welcomed employees back by recognizing district leadership and celebrating the collective efforts that make Harris County Schools successful. The program also featured greetings from Board of Education Chair Garnett Ray III, Harris County Sheriff, Mike Jolley, Assistant Superintendent Shelia Baker, Assistant Superintendent Shawn Fisher, and Assistant Superintendent Stacey Carlisle, each reinforcing the importance of partnership, service, and supporting one another throughout the coming school year.
Principals from each school then took the stage to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, welcome new team members, and recognize those whose dedication has made an extraordinary impact. One by one, they introduced their schools, highlighted recent successes, welcomed new faculty and staff, and announced their respective Teachers of the Year (TOTYs) and Support Persons of the Year (SPOTYs). The recognition celebrated educators and support professionals whose commitment to students and excellence exemplifies the very best of Harris County Schools.
As the program concluded, Superintendent Barden announced Park Elementary School as the recipient of the 2026-2027 School Spirit Stick before challenging every employee to carry the same energy, pride, and commitment into classrooms, offices, buses, cafeterias, and campuses across the district. He encouraged every member of Team HCSD to embrace the opportunities of a new school year, continue building strong relationships, and work together to ensure every student succeeds. One Team, One Dream.





π New for Harris County School District Bus Riders!
Parents and guardians, we're excited to introduce WheresTheBusβ’βour new FREE bus tracking app designed to give you greater peace of mind throughout the school year.
With real-time GPS technology, you can:
π Track your child's school bus location
β° See estimated arrival times at your bus stop
π Stay informed about your student's bus route
We understand the concerns many families have shared about bus tracking, and we've worked closely with our transportation software provider to bring you a safer, more reliable solution.
Getting Started is Easy:
β
Download WheresTheBusβ’ from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
β
Create an account
β
Select Harris County School District
β
Verify your student's information
β
Start tracking your child's bus in real time!
Our Transportation Department remains committed to providing safe, dependable service for every student and family.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Harris County School District Transportation Department at 706-628-4220.

The countdown continues! With just 5 days until the first day of school, it's almost time to meet your teachers and explore your campus.
π Sneak-A-Peek Schedule
π€ Wednesday, August 5
π Mulberry Creek Elementary β 3:00β5:00 PM
π New Mountain Hill Elementary β 3:00β5:00 PM
π Park Elementary β 3:00β5:00 PM
π Pine Ridge Elementary β 3:00β5:00 PM
β Creekside Intermediate β 4:00β6:00 PM
π€ Thursday, August 6
π― Harris County Carver Middle School β 3:00β5:00 PM
π― Harris County High School β 3:00β5:00 PM
We look forward to welcoming our students and families as we kick off an amazing 2026β2027 school year! Be sure to visit your school's Back-to-School Hub for additional information, including school supplies, transportation, meal applications, and more.
https://www.harris.k12.ga.us/page/back-to-school-hub-26-27
One Team. One Dream. π€π

Our new teachers recently gathered for New Teacher Orientation, where they received valuable resources, information, and support to help them begin the 2026β2027 school year with confidence.
As they prepare to inspire students, build meaningful relationships, and make a lasting impact, we wish each of them a year filled with success. Thank you for choosing HCSD, where together we are changing lives and building futures.
#OneTeamOneDream #HCSDProud #WelcomeToHCSD #ChangingLivesBuildingFutures

To prepare for the upcoming year and to complete routine maintenance, HCSD student Google accounts will be temporarily suspended. Here is the schedule:
π Friday, July 31, 2026, at 8 a.m.: Students will no longer have access to their Google accounts and other online programs used within HCSD.
π Tuesday, August 4, 2026, by 4 p.m.: Student accounts will be reactivated.
π Friday, August 7, 2026: First day of school.
π Usernames and passwords will be provided once school begins. No data will be affected. New students will have accounts assigned, and information will be shared the first week of school.
β Teacher accounts and data will NOT be affected.
Thank you for your patience as we complete this necessary update. π»

This morning, we proudly welcomed our newest educatorsβfrom first-year teachers to experienced veteran teachersβas they begin their journey with HCSD.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Stacey Carlisle, along with Ginger Fitzpatrick and Tracy MuΓ±oz, led an engaging New Teacher Orientation designed to prepare our newest team members for a successful school year.
Our Board of Education members also took time to welcome our teachers, offering encouragement, support, and words of wisdom as they embark on this exciting new chapter.
Superintendent Michael Barden challenged our educators to begin the year with purpose by building strong, positive relationships with students and parents, reminding them that meaningful connections are the foundation of student success.
We are excited to have each of you as part of One Team, One Dream and look forward to the incredible impact you will make in the lives of our students.
Welcome to HCSD! Here's to an amazing 2026β2027 school year!








Be among the first to experience the Harris County High School Marching Band's 2026 competition production, Decomposers!
Featuring 124 talented student musicians, this exciting sneak peek brings Mozart back from the dead in a thrilling halftime performance packed with powerful music, dramatic visuals, and nonstop entertainment.
You won't want to miss this unforgettable preview of what promises to be an incredible competition season!
πΌ Come cheer on our Tiger Band as they debut Decomposers!
#HarrisCountyHighSchool #TigerBand #Decomposers #MarchingBand #HCSDProud

π Transportation Routes Have Been Sent!
Transportation information for the 2026β2027 school year has now been sent to families via email & SMS.
If you have any questions or notice an issue with the information you received, please access this link https://bit.ly/TRANSPORTATION2026 or scan the QR code below to submit your request for assistance. Our Transportation team will review all submissions as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience and continued support as we prepare for another outstanding school year. We are excited to welcome our students back and appreciate your partnership in serving the Harris County community!
#HarrisCountySchools #OneTeamOneDream #BackToSchool

As you make plans for the upcoming school year, here's a helpful reminder of the 2026β2027 Harris County School District student holidays and breaks to help you schedule vacations, appointments, and family travel.
Be sure to save this graphic for easy reference throughout the school year!
One Team. One Dream. π€π #HCSD #BackToSchool #11DaysToGo #PlanAhead #OneTeamOneDream
