Aldine ISD Employees Return to Buildings and Facilities

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Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney talks to Stovall Middle School students on the classroom promethean board.

After six long months, Aldine ISD central-support and campus-based personnel returned to their normal worksites, on Monday, September 14. Strategically identified students will return for on-campus learning beginning Monday, Sept. 21.

In order to prepare for students’ staggered return, district employees quickly adapted to their new normal. Although some staff have been working in district buildings since school started, on August 17, the majority of district employees have been working and teaching virtually. 

Dr. Goffney stops by Victory Early College High School and visits Marisa Firestine’s virtual English I class.

Campus leaders rolled out the red carpet to welcome staff back to campuses. Campus personnel were welcomed back with cheers, applause, swag bags and baskets to kick off the first day with a full staff. Schools are ready to welcome back on campus learners. Floors and campus walls are lined with reminders about social distancing, hand washing etiquette and plenty of hand sanitizer throughout the building. 

To ensure the health and safety of all staff, all employees are required to wear face coverings and complete a daily health screening questionnaire. This is just one of the new procedures for district staff. Students returning to campus will also be required to do a daily self-screening and follow all district health and safety protocols, including wearing face coverings. 

Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney and district leaders visited several campuses to welcome staff. 

Although teachers are back teaching on campus, the school hallways remain quiet. Teachers are in their individual classrooms continuing to teach online, preparing for classrooms for students, and even taking their students on a virtual tour of the campus.

Victory Early College High School English I teachers, Marisa Firestine, was leading her students in an open discussion on Zoom, during the Superintendent’s visit. Firestine paused her virtual class to introduce Goffney. Goffney thanked the students for participating virtually and expressed her excitement for their return. 

During the Victory Early College visit, Thomasina Gatson, Health and Physical Education teacher, explained how much she has missed her students. “I am ready to see my students in person. It has been interesting teaching P.E. virtually, but we make it work.” Gatson is also working on social and emotional learning with her students.

Stovall Middle School students take a virtual tour of their campus in preparation for their return to school.

Dr. Goffney welcomed new principal Sheka Mott-Dow to Keeble EC/PK/K. Dow gave Goffney and district leaders a tour of their campus. Keeble students who chose on-campus learning will return to school on September 21. During the visit, Linda Flores Olson, Aldine Education Foundation Director presented Ms. Dow with a nice welcome basket. 

While visiting Stovall Middle School, English Language Arts teacher Juana Galvan Nunez led her virtual class in a lesson about mindfulness. Students practiced deep breathing and mindfulness meditation via Zoom. 

“I’m so happy to be back on campus today,” Stovall Middle School teacher Elizabeth Schiche said. After having some connectivity issues at home Schiche was glad to meet with her students online. Schiche’s students were learning about assets when Superintendent Dr. Goffney and Chief Business and Operations Manager dropped by. 

Dr. Goffney welcomes the new Marcella Elementary School principal, Jorge Ortiz, back to Aldine ISD. Ortiz is a Aldine Senior High graduate.

Dr. Goffney welcomes new Marcella Elementary School principal Jorge Ortiz back to Aldine ISD. 

It has been an interesting school year for first-year teacher Rebecca Soto. Soto is a new third grade teacher at Marcella Elementary School. Although, she has not been able to meet her students face-to-face yet she is enthusiastic about their first day on campus. Dr. Goffney expressed her excitement for Soto’s first year with Aldine and informed her that she has joined a great campus. 

Each of the campuses will continue to use this week to prepare for students. During the visits, Dr. Goffney expressed her appreciation for each staff member. 

“I am so proud of each of our leaders and educators who continue to rise to the challenge. You all have quickly adapted to online teaching and continue to ensure that learning continues in Aldine ISD.”