Message From the Superintendent, Sept. 18, 2020

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Dear Aldine Community,

We were so happy to see the wonderful faces of staff who returned in-person this past week. Everyone got an A+ for following safety protocols and adhering to guidelines set forth by health experts.  

We are so excited to begin welcoming students back in a staggered approach. As we said from the start, we will go as fast as we can, but as slow as we must. Our team feels confident that the phased approach will allow us to manage the return to in-person learning is the safest way possible. 

Reopening Plans for Students

As we shared in our recent news announcement, we will begin in-person instruction for specific groups of students who selected on-campus learning starting on Monday, September 21. 

Our COVID Task Force has worked to identify the groups of students who would benefit most from in-person instruction (including early childhood, English language learners, students in specialized programs, etc.). This return schedule is for students who selected learning on campus as of August 26, 2020. For those with students returning next week, please expect additional information from your school with specifics about student drop off, pick up, supplies, etc.

See You Monday

I am excited to welcome back our youngest learners – PreK-3 and PreK students, those enrolled in specialized Special Education programs, and secondary students who are recent immigrants and have been identified as part of our Accelerated English Academy (AEA) program. Students who have been assigned to our alternative education program housed at the Knippel Alternative Education Center and students who attend Hall Success Academy will also return to their buildings after nearly six months. Additionally, first-graders and sixth-graders will walk the halls of their new campuses.  At the high school level, we will welcome back ninth-graders and 10th-graders on a hybrid model. 

• Students whose last name begins with A-L will attend class on campus Mondays and Tuesdays. 
• Students whose last name begins with M-Z will attend class on campus Wednesdays and Thursdays. 
• Fridays are reserved for online learning.

Safety Precautions and Protocols

As with everything, we approach returning to in-person instruction with thoughtfulness and the utmost of care. Our protocols require all students and staff to complete a health pre-screening survey each day before reporting to school and work.

Our buildings and classrooms look different. Signage marks new ways to walk down our hallways, and classrooms have fewer desks. The desks are spread out. Even our buses and gymnasiums reflect new health guidelines. We’ve developed this video to help you understand what your student should expect next week.

Aldine ISD requires all employees and students to wear face coverings, follow social distancing guidelines, and complete frequent handwashing. 

• PPE has been distributed to all departments and campuses. Items include hand sanitizer and face coverings. Campuses also have extra face coverings for students who may need them.
• Hand sanitizing stations have been strategically placed around each building.
• District custodial staff are cleaning all bathrooms and common areas, often with hospital-grade disinfectant solutions.
• All district buildings are limited to the public. Visitors must have an appointment, wear a face covering, and follow all social distancing guidelines. They are also required to complete a health screening before entering any district building. 

For students not in these categories or those who opted to learn at home for the first nine weeks, learning will continue to occur virtually. 

As circumstances and needs change, we recognize that families may need to change their mode of learning. Families will have the opportunity to change their instructional commitment for the next grading period. The process for making these changes will be communicated soon and will go into effect on Oct. 20.

UIL Activities

Our Athletics and Performing Arts programs are eager to begin their seasons. Coaches and leaders have collaborated to develop a comprehensive plan that includes safety and health guidelines so students can practice and perform as safely as possible. On Monday, Sept. 14, middle and high school athletes began strength and condition camps and on-campus small group rehearsals for musicians. Next week, practices will continue in preparation for the upcoming seasons.

Student Lunch Options

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all students learning at home and on campus. Students learning at school in Grades 1-12 will be provided meal service through several methods:

• Mobile breakfast carts will be stationed throughout each school to practice social distancing and speed service.
• Dining hall seating will be available in the cafeteria. Tables have been marked to ensure social distancing.
• Primary school students will have meals delivered to the classroom and/or utilize limited dining room seating.

The Child Nutrition team has worked hard to ensure we can serve all families no matter if they are learning on campus or at home.

Transportation

For students returning to campuses during the transition period, transportation will be provided to eligible and registered students. All students riding the school bus will be required to wear a face covering. Hand sanitizer stations are located at all buses’ entrance for students to use upon entering and exiting the bus. Student riders will be seated one per seat and will be asked to sit close to the window. As in previous years, families should download the Here Comes the Bus App to receive updates on their child’s bus location. 

Parent Training Opportunities

Our Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team members work hard to provide families with information, support, and resources for a successful school year. Each week, FACE offers online opportunities to connect. Please see below for the next session. 

Topic/Tema: Autism Parent Workshop / Taller para padres sobre el autismo
Date/Fecha: Wednesday, September 23 / miércoles 23 de septiembre

English Session

Start Time: 9:00 a.m. 

Click on the link on September 23 a few minutes before the start: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81004567757?pwd=TEF4NzJlRzY3Skt2OE5QeG80RjZSdz09

Password/Contraseña (lower case letters): parents

Sesión en español

Hora de inicio: 11:00 a.m.

Haga clic en el enlace el día 23 de septiembre unos minutos antes de comenzar: https://zoom.us/j/82134805357?pwd=SW0rUFUwa3JoZmFKWGFIM1g3RUM5Zz09

Password/Contraseña (minúsculas): padres

Topic/Tema: What is Dyslexia and How to Help at Home / Qué es Dislexia y Cómo Ayudar en Casa

Date/Fecha: Wednesday, September 30

English Session 

Start Time: 9:00 a.m. 

Click on the link on September 30 a few minutes before the start: https://zoom.us/j/98097583939

Sesión en español

Hora de inicio: 11:00 a.m. 

Haga clic en el enlace el día 30 de septiembre unos minutos antes de comenzar: https://zoom.us/j/93362464895

Password/Contraseña (minúsculas): padres

Home Access Center Reminder
With so many changes and updates happening, your family’s contact information must be up to date. Please update your contact information via Home Access Center (HAC). If you need to create an account, visit our HAC web page. Additionally, bookmark AldineISD.org. We utilize the information on file to communicate changes, share updates, and inform families and students about health and weather conditions. 

Decision Meter Update

As you know, each week, we have reviewed data from the state, national, and local levels and reviewed data by zip code to drive our assessment of what color the community was in on our COVID Meter. Over the last few weeks, we have been balancing TEA guidance related to reopening and our students’ needs. We believe that we can safely phase students back onto campus at this time. We are continuously learning what works best for our families and students and making adjustments as needed.

Therefore, instead of relying on the decision meter solely to determine our actions, we will continue to do the following to maintain the safety of our staff and students:

• Monitor conditions: seek feedback from stakeholders, including health professionals
• Follow CDC, TEA, UIL, and county guidelines. 
• Enforce health and safety guidelines: social distance requirements — stay six feet apart, universal masking, frequent hand washing, etc. 

The COVID response team will continue reviewing the matrix. It will determine what is best as we plan to bring more students back to campus buildings over the next few weeks. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility through this unprecedented time.

As we head into a new phase of our Return to Learn plan, I am convinced that our amazing team of educators, students, and families are prepared to rise to the challenge. It continues to be a source of pride and inspiration to see how each member of our community has persevered through this period of uncertainty. In doing so, we are modeling to our students, and many others, the power of collaboration and shared commitment. Keep up the great work and stay safe.

I am genuinely looking forward to seeing many of you next week! 

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent