Message From the Superintendent, Feb. 9, 2021

Disponible en: Español

Dear Aldine Community,

I hope your month is off to a good start, and you’re taking the time to learn about not only the legacy of Black leaders in history but also thinking about the legacy you can create right here in our community.

This week, our very own Chief Communications Officer, Sheleah Reed, does just that as she celebrates Black History Month during this month’s episodes of the Aldine ISD podcast, All the Things. She interviewed three Black History Makers and Aldine Legacy Builders — Marine Jones, William “Randy” Bates, and Cathy Griggs.

Many of us know Ms. Marine Jones as a longtime Aldine supporter, former board member, and Jones Middle School’s namesake. She has definitely left her mark in our community. Ms. Jones also played a crucial role in integrating Aldine High School, and after retirement, she became the first African-American woman to serve on the Aldine School Board.

Trustee William “Randy” Bates is new to the Aldine ISD Board but not new to the community. Trustee Bates became the first African American trustee for the Lone Star College Board in 1991 and served as the 32nd International President of Kappa Alpha Psi, Incorporated, a Black Greek Letter Organization. Mr. Bates has been noted for his many accomplishments, including earning the distinction of “Outstanding Texan” in the field of education by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.

Mrs. Reed will also speak with Cathy Griggs, wife of the late Merlin Griggs. Mr. Griggs played an active role in Aldine ISD, volunteering his time as a Board member, mentor to students, and was president of the Nimitz High School booster club. He was also a founding board member of the Aldine Education Foundation.

As you can see, you don’t have to look far to find history makers. Many have paved the way for us right here in the Aldine community. I do not doubt that each of you will blaze your own trails for the generations to come.

Aldine Legacy Builders

14 Aldine high school student-athletes signed national letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers in college during signing ceremonies on National Signing Day, held Wednesday, Feb. 3, at their respective schools.
Aldine High School senior Stephanie González received a $2,500 KPRC 2 Senior Scholarship.
47 Aldine ISD swimmers have qualified for the Region II Meet, scheduled for Feb. 5-6 in Conroe.

REMINDER: 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. It’s not easy to learn on an empty stomach – we encourage all of our families who need this program to take advantage of it. Please contact your campus for more information.

Happening This Week

All month long, we will be celebrating “Love the Bus,” an event to recognize all people who make transportation possible for our students. You can spread the love on social media using #LoveTheBus and #AldineAnywhere.
Yesterday, February 8, is the 100th Day of School! The special day is popular among the younger student groups. Over the years, I have enjoyed seeing images of students dressed as centenarians (some educators enjoyed playing dress-up, too!), teachers and librarians reading 100th-day-related books, or students engaging in activities around the number 100, and much more. It is all good fun to remind students that they are 100 days smarter! Follow us on Twitter to see some images of schools celebrating.
Choice Schools will be reaching out to families of current eighth-grade students this week and next week. The high schools will be hosting Virtual Showcase Events for the incoming ninth-grade students for the 2021-2022 school year. The one-hour Showcase Events are ideal for families deciding on which high school option is right for their children based on their interests. It’s perfect timing too! The Choice School Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will be available online on February 15. The first Showcase Event is on Tuesday, February 9. Read the full story for more information or click here to register to join a Showcase Event. Families can join more than one virtual event.

February 9: Avalos P-TECH School, 5:30-6:45 p.m.
February 10: Eisenhower Ninth Grade and Eisenhower HS, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
February 11: Blanson CTE High School, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
February 16: Victory Early College HS, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
February 18: Carver HS, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

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 How to Apply for Scholarships & Aldine ISD’s New Reading Program Using Amplify CKLA
Wednesday, February 10
English Session: 9:00-10:00 a.m. https://bit.ly/3og3BZO
Spanish Session: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. https://bit.ly/3ce23xn

Aldine ISD COVID-19 Updates

This Week’s Overview: We are continually monitoring cases in our community and have plans in place should there be a substantial increase or outbreak. I encourage everyone to continue doing their 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.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent