The Humble Civic Center was transformed into a landscape of blue and silver tones, highlighted by denim and diamonds everywhere.

It definitely did sparkle for Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Head Start division Aug. 15, as leadership welcomed more than 300 team members for the 2025-2026 Back to School rally. The annual event brings together Head Start staff across the division’s 12 campuses and administration team, giving everyone an opportunity to catch up with colleagues, share summertime stories and rev up for the start of the academic year.

The rally, titled “Denim and Diamonds – We Sparkle for Education,” highlighted not only the room décor and staff members dressed to the nines, but Head Start’s mission to provide the best education opportunities for Harris County’s youngest learners. For all but two centers, Aug. 18 marks the first day of classes.

Fonwood and Dogan Head Start centers, which are housed at Houston Independent School District campuses, started Aug. 12 with the district.

Highly acclaimed speaker Ron Shuali offered the keynote address. With his quirky outfit and colored wig, Shuali delivered UNprofessional Development, using hands-on activities, interactive game and collaborative discussions to motivate, encourage and provide strategies Head Start staff could take back to their classrooms.

Division leaders closed the day by recognizing employees who have dedicated five to 25 years of service to HCDE.