Message From the Superintendent, July 13, 2020

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Dear Aldine Community,

Earlier this month, we shared our current plans for re-entering schools this fall—Return to Learn. 

We are excited to share further details with you this week as you prepare to make the best choices for your students when our commitment window opens on July 13. Full details and Commitment Form details are available at aldineisd.org/returntolearn.

While we have done our due diligence while creating this plan, the health of our community will remain a top priority. Unfortunately, we continue to see increases in cases of COVID-19 every week. This means that plans may change as we aim to serve students in the most responsible way possible. We will continue following state and local authorities’ requirements and recommendations for safety protocols and update you if these plans need to change.

We will continue to seek input from families, teachers, and staff as we finalize plans. Ultimately, we look forward to supporting you in helping your students learn this fall!

Return to Learn: Fall 2020

Families have the option of selecting one of two learning models: on campus or at home. 

Learning On Campus: This option consists of in-person instruction, which includes face-to-face, in-classroom learning using safety protocols to protect students and staff. The in-person instruction will be held Monday through Friday. Students will also complete projects and assignments online, making it easy to transition to virtual learning should there be a need to cancel school or limit access to a campus building. The district will follow local, state, and federal guidelines to offer the safest learning environment possible. Anyone entering an Aldine ISD facility will be requested to wear a mask or facial covering. 

Learning At Home: This option is entirely virtual and requires students to have a consistent online presence to complete their assignments. Students who enroll in the Learning At-Home option will be required to log in to Schoology daily and complete assignments online. Some courses may not be available virtually.  Students who select this option should have access to a device such as a laptop or a tablet and internet. 

Commitment Forms

To ensure the district is able to plan appropriately, a commitment window will stay open Monday, July 13 through Sunday, July 19. Parents should select an option for each student, both new and returning, that is best for them. Families should also select the need for transportation and identify if there is a need for a device to assist with virtual learning. As a reminder, the first day of school is scheduled for Monday, August 17.

Teachers and Staff

All Aldine ISD teachers should plan to support traditional on-campus learning this fall, and assignments for virtual teaching will be based on need and assignment. Our Teaching and Learning team continues to improve our online learning processes and will work to ensure teachers are prepared to teach in both settings. They are also working to meet all of TEA’s requirements for funding so that we can continue to offer all students the best educational experiences, choices, and opportunities.  

Meal Service

As we begin to prepare for the upcoming school year, we are reducing the number of sites operating summer meal distribution. Meal sites across the district will be available for food distribution until Thursday, July 23. The available meal sites will be open for families on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. A full list of sites is available online.

Graduation

Last week, we also announced that, unfortunately, our in-person graduation celebrations have been canceled. While this was not at all our hope, we believe this is the best decision for the safety of our community. We are planning to celebrate the Class of 2020 with virtual celebrations airing on our website. 

To ensure you have the most recent updates related to the district’s plans, preparations, and up-to-date health information impacting our community, please visit our new school re-entry page: aldineisd.org/returntolearn.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate the unique conditions related to our Return to Learn. This fall presents us with a new set of challenges, and also a new outlook and opportunities to create meaningful learning experiences for students—our number one priority, always. Let’s continue moving forward!

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent