Message From the Superintendent, Aug. 20, 2020

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Relieved is my word for the week. I will be honest and share that I was concerned about the start of the school year. I was concerned about exactly how virtual learning would look. I was not sure if students would be engaged and if parents would understand Schoology. But after a few campus visits, some drop-ins to virtual classrooms, and even home visits to see students in action, I am positive that learning is happening. Indeed, learning at home is happening — Aldine is Anywhere. 

I am hearing (and seeing on social media) that teachers and campus administrators are visiting homes and contacting students who have not logged in. They are knocking on doors and delivering learning packets to students who do not have devices. Even further, we continue to progress on getting a device in the hands of every student. Right now, we are focused on ensuring every family has a device for their children to learn. 

I also want to make you aware of two important decisions that have been made this week. 

• We will extend virtual learning for an additional week, making the adjusted first day of on-campus instruction Monday, Sept. 14.
• The Board of Trustees also unanimously approved a waiver request that will allow us to extend virtual learning for an additional four weeks, through Friday, Oct. 9, if needed.

These decisions allow the district to keep safety a priority and provide more flexibility to stagger the start of in-person classes for those who selected on-campus learning —  if we believe public health conditions are appropriate.

If current conditions continue, the district will use the four-week extension to bring strategically identified students back in a staggered way. At this time, no decision has been made to determine the order in which groups will return in-person; however, the district will follow all safety guidelines for students as they return to campus.

I understand firsthand the concerns and challenges that you have. You are juggling work, home responsibilities, assisting children who are learning from home or supporting elderly family members. I know that you also want our students and staff to be safe and healthy.

Please know that I am leading with these factors in mind. As I’ve said before, we will go as fast as we can but as slow as we must. 

We will listen to health experts and track the number of cases in our community. We will use our COVID meter to make decisions in the best interest of our students and staff.

I know we are all eager to be together, learn together, and experience life together. For now, together just looks a bit different. Remember, we are #AldineAnywhere.

Please continue to visit aldineisd.org/returntolearn for the district’s up-to-date plans.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent