Since the beginning of this year, Harmony School of Innovation has been continually strengthening its every aspect outreach efforts. Starting in 2012, the school launched its Harmony Hot Topics Panel Discussion Series. The purpose of the series is to provide a forum where relevant topics such as cultural diversity in Houston, health care, drop-out rates and child abuse/neglect are presented by leaders and/or experts in those fields, then discussed amongst those in attendance in an effort to produce solutions to those solutions.
The first installment, which focused on bullying in schools, featured Dr. Alma Allen, Texas House of Representatives, Susan Shaw, director of education for the Anti-Defamation League, Dr. Kregg CuellaSr, principal of Jackson Middle School (HISD), Dr. Richard Olenchak, professor and director of the Urban Talent Research Institute (University of Houston) and Phoebe Taylor, assistant principal of Harmony School of Innovation. In addition to providing a platform for students, families and community members to partake in a collaborative discussion, suggestions and solutions that arose from the discussion will be compiled and presented to local and state leaders for consideration.
After registering, the audience enjoyed light refreshments, followed by a lively discussion amongst the panelists that was moderated by Matthew Barnes, the executive director of Families Empowered, Inc. Audience members then engaged in one-on-one dialogue at their individual tables and shared their feedback with panelists. More than 120 people were in attendance including representatives from Houston, Alief and Ft. Bend ISD’s, KIPP Schools, University of Houston, University of St. Thomas, the Office of U.S. Congressman Al Green, the office of Texas Senator Rodney Ellis and many Harmony Public Schools administration and staff, including Superintendant of schools, Dr. Soner Tarim and HPS Board President, Dr. Oner Celepcikay.
Harmony School of Innovation plans to hold its 2nd installment of the series in the early fall of 2012.
