Message From the Superintendent, April 6, 2021

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Dear Aldine Community,

Happy April!

We can now officially say that school will be out next month! While the past year has thrown many obstacles our way, we are in a great place to finish the year strong.

As with many events, this spring’s STAAR testing schedule will look different than it has in the past. This year, students will be scheduled to test according to their current learning model (on campus or at home). However, it is important to note that all students are required to test in their assigned school building. All of our safety guidelines will be followed to ensure that students and staff are as safe as possible. Campuses have gotten creative and are using additional spaces in their buildings to ensure social distancing.

This year’s tests are important. They will not be used to rate schools or the district or evaluate teachers. Instead, we will use the results to benchmark student performance and plan for how we will continue teaching for the next school year. The scores will not affect promotion for students in any grade. For high school students, the End-of-Course (EOC) assessments are currently required for graduation.

Transportation and meals are available to everyone, and makeup days will be available. All students taking the paper-based test will begin testing this week and should have been contacted directly by campus staff. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or campus principal directly.

2020-2021 ALDINE ISD STANDARDIZED TESTING SCHEDULE

As this school year comes to an end, we want to remind our community that it is important for all students — whether learning at home or on campus — to 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.

Family and Community Engagement

The FACE Team offers an assortment of programs and resources to support families, like skill development workshops and invitations to community-oriented opportunities. Are you looking for job opportunities? Would you like to learn more about mental health care services? Are you in need of assistance of any kind? The FACE Team at Aldine ISD will be able to point you in the right direction. Our vision for the community does not end with our schools but involves the whole district.

Check out the FACE Department’s April newsletter for this month’s event dates and family resources, with a few highlights below:

Parent Training

Wednesday, April 7
Topic: Public Library Programs and Services
English Session at 9:00 a.m.
Spanish Session at 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, April 14
Topic: Literacy Night
Zoom Session
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Choice School Updates

• Hall Success Academy Application Open for 2021-2022 Admission
• Two-Way Dual Language Program Application for 2021-2022 School Year

Aldine Legacy Builders

• Carver Theater Students Excel in District UIL One-Act Play Contest, Advance to Bi-District Meet
• District High School Students Earn Top Honors at the Annual Texas Academic Decathlon
• Read the latest news by visiting AldineISD.org.

COVID-19 Testing/Safety Protocols/Vaccination News

Recently, Aldine ISD has partnered with Custom Care Pharmacy, Texas Patient Care Services, and Community Health Choice to provide COVID-19 vaccines for Aldine ISD staff. On Monday, April 5, Aldine ISD employees had the opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more.

As a reminder, Texas has opened COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all adults. Under the expanded eligibility, Texans 16 and older can receive a vaccine. However, the Pfizer vaccine is the only approved vaccine available for that age group. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been approved for people 18 and older. Learn more.

Drive-thru rapid COVID-19 testing continues to be available for all Aldine ISD students and staff. Online registration is required and can be found here. I encourage everyone to continue doing their part: wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.

Assistant Principals Week

This week is Assistant Principals Week. When schools succeed, we often praise the teachers and principals. We do have amazing teachers and principals. But there are a few other leaders who help their schools run smoothly — assistant principals. These hard-working individuals often manage the operational aspects of a school. They do whatever it takes to ensure that teachers can teach and students can learn. When needed, they cover for teachers; they walk the halls, ensuring everyone is where they need to be. I am grateful for their dedication and respect their commitment to the profession. Thank you, assistant principals, for making a difference!

Remote Learning Day

Remote Learning Days are set aside for all students to learn from home while all campus-based staff will report to school. Our next upcoming Remote Learning Day is Friday, April 16.

During Remote Learning Days, all students should log in to Schoology and revisit pre-recorded lessons and previously posted assignments. It is a perfect opportunity for students to catch up on any missing assignments and review any lessons they may have missed or need additional time to complete. Teachers will not present any live instruction sessions and may not be available for live feedback sessions.

The district will mark attendance through the evidence of students completing assignments and/or logging into Schoology. Families who need students to be on campus Friday or during any designated Remote Learning Days should directly contact their child’s campus.

REMINDER: School Meals Available

Free curbside meals are available for all children 18 and younger. 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.

I wish you a wonderful week ahead.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent