District Kicks Off the New School Year With High Energy

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Superintendent LaTonya M. Goffney (far right) visits schools on the first day of school, Aug. 17, 2020. Stephanie Ferguson, the information literacy specialist, at Carter Academy, shows off her displays.

Students across the district began school on Aug. 17. Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney visited schools throughout the first week. She dropped by several virtual classrooms to talk with teachers. The superintendent also visited several students learning at home.

I am hearing and seeing on (social media) that teachers and campus administrators visit homes and contact 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.

Teachers greeted their students and families virtually. They made the students feel comfortable going over the new format.

“I know distance learning is not ideal. But we’re going to continue to do all we can to have students continue to learn during these unprecedented times,” Superintendent LaTonya M. Goffney said. “Everyone’s safety is of the utmost importance to us. Over the summer, we received a lot of feedback as we were working to develop our plans. I am so proud of our students, families, and staff for their hard work and feedback. Working together, we made it happen for students.”

Bus drivers assisted driving principals, assistant principals, counselors, and teachers to make home visits this week. Staff members are knocking on doors checking in on students that have not logged in. They are providing learning packets to students who do not have devices and resources. They are bringing campus spirit pride with cheer and words of encouragement. Goffney stated that the district continues to progress on getting a device in the hands of every student. Right now, AISD is focused on ensuring every family has a device for their children to learn.

Apartment visits included staff handing at-home teaching kits, school supplies, and resources. In some cases, they got to deliver directly into students’ hands or worked with apartment managers to ensure students receive the back-to-school packets. Some schools had parents drop by schools for curbside pick-up of items while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Business partners delivered school supplies and personal protective equipment to ensure students and staff are equipped to have a successful, safe school year.

AISD staff also kicked off the school year with high-energy convocations. The back-to-school convocations allow Goffney to face time with everyone and to elevate everyone’s spirits. Typically, the event is visual and loud with student performances and cheers. This year, the convocation was entirely virtual. Beginning Aug. 17 through Aug. 20, Goffney and the Executive Leadership lauded the staff for their work ane encouraged staff to

Special guests included H-E-B President Scott McClelland, the Houston Texans’ Toro, Houston Astros’ Orbit, and Prairie View University’s Sasha and Pete.

During the event, Goffney unveiled the district’s new hashtag #AldineAnywhere or #AldineEnCualquierLugar in Spanish.

“Our students and families will need our amazing team of frontline heroes, essential workers, teachers, protectors, and servants every day. It will take all of us working together to deliver on our promise for what every Aldine ISD student deserves,” said Goffney.