Message From the Superintendent, Feb. 1, 2021

Disponible en: Español

Dear Aldine Community,

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month. This year, in Aldine ISD, we will be using the month to reflect on the theme “Legacy.” While this month is a designated time to celebrate the Black men and women who have made sweeping contributions to our country, Legacy is something we can all celebrate throughout the year. I challenge you to use the entire month to celebrate African Americans’ achievements, use their stories for inspiration, and look for ways to build your own legacy and make real change.

This month, we’ll share about Black people across the country who have made their mark on our education system — and therefore, all of our students. I also want to highlight the leaders right here in Aldine who are making a significant impact in our own schools and classrooms. Join us throughout the month by using hashtag #AldineBHM to share your Black History Month celebrations.

Black History Maker — Ruby Bridges
As a six-year-old elementary school student, Ruby Bridges led the way for public school integration. Through her foundation, The Ruby Bridges Foundation, she continues to build upon her legacy to “provide all children with an opportunity for equal education.” Because of her bravery and ongoing work, children of all races can learn together and learn from each other.

We have our very own legacy builders right here in our district.

Aldine Legacy Builders

Marlon Mérida García from Nimitz High School and Anna de la Cuesta from Victory Early College High School were named Semifinalists for Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarships.
Aldine ISD choir students Shonease Murphy from MacArthur High School and Victoria Cerda from Eisenhower High School have been named Texas All-State Musicians by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA).
A number of Aldine ISD’s FFA (Future Farmers of America) students were rewarded with funds for college scholarships and future projects during the Sale of Champions on Friday, Jan. 29.
José Antonio Díaz, jazz band director at MacArthur High School, was named 2020 UIL Sponsor of Excellence and recently received two more honors from two recognized organizations.
Aldine ISD has announced the six 2020-2021 Principal of the Year finalists. The school leaders were selected for their innovative leadership and collaboration to drive improvement.

Happening this week:

This Wednesday, February 3, is World Read Aloud Day! I will be joined by Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Javier Villarreal, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Todd Davis, Chief of Schools Katy Roede, and School Assistant Superintendent Dr. Faviola Cantú. Each of us will be reading our favorite books. I hope you join in the fun and encourage your young readers to start early. You can catch videos on our district YouTube and Vimeo pages on Feb.3.
Aldine ISD Celebrates National School Counseling Week, February 1–5: National School Counseling Week highlights counselors’ unique contributions and the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. I encourage you to take a moment to thank your local school counselor.
United Airlines Expands Longtime Partnership With Reading and Mentorship Program: We have been building and expanding our community, business, and industry partners to provide our students with more opportunities. Take a moment to read about our partnership with United Airlines.

School Meals Available
Free curbside meals/weekend meal bundles are available for all children 18 and younger. We also offer free evening meals to students at all middle schools, ninth grade schools, and high schools. Please contact your campus for more information.

Student and Family Engagement
Please continue encouraging your students to be curious, ask questions, and find ways to learn that make them excited. We know it can be difficult, but it is important that all students — whether learning at home or on campus — engage with their lessons and complete assignments, quizzes, and projects. If you do not have a Home Access Center (HAC) account, please sign up via the Home Access Center website.

Families are invited to the following training sessions led by the FACE Department this month:

Parent Training: Informational Session About the COVID Vaccine
Wednesday, February 17
English Session: 9:00-10:00 a.m. https://bit.ly/3pdCLms
Spanish Session: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. https://bit.ly/39Xio6N

Parent Training: Storytelling
Thursday, February 4
Thursday, February 25
https://zoom.us/j/91286173652
English Session from 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Spanish Session from 5:30-6:00 p.m.

Aldine ISD COVID-19 Updates

This Week’s Overview: The Houston/Harris County area has seen an uptick in positivity rates. We are continually monitoring cases and have plans in place should there be a substantial increase or outbreak. I encourage everyone to continue doing our part: wear a mask, wash our hands, and watch our distance.
District Dashboard: Families can always check the COVID-19 dashboard for an overview of the active cases by school.
Testing Sites in Aldine Area: Drive-thru rapid COVID-19 testing is available for all Aldine ISD students and staff learning and teaching on-campus at the M.B. Sonny Donaldson Child Nutrition Services Building, 1802 Aldine Bender Rd., Houston, TX 77032. Online registration is required by clicking here.

Let’s continue to move forward, and in the words of John Lewis, “let’s get in good trouble, necessary trouble” to ensure we give all our students the education and opportunities they deserve.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent