Message From the Superintendent, July 27, 2021

Disponible en: Español

Dear Aldine Community,

In just four short weeks, we will be welcoming all 67,000 students back to campus for in-person learning. We are continuing to monitor and consult with healthcare experts to ensure a safe return as we Start Strong on August 16.

The top priorities of Aldine ISD are the safety and academic success of all our students. As Aldine ISD continues to provide in-person learning, protocols and information for families have been updated for the 2021-2022 school year. Masks continue to be optional but are welcome at all Aldine ISD campuses and administrative buildings. We will continue to evaluate our current protocols and will take into consideration CDC, state, and local health guidelines. We post all information related to our operations along with any updates at www.aldineisd.org/healthalerts.

As I mentioned last week, we have several exciting new initiatives and expansions. One of these is our commitment to student wellness in and out of the classroom. We are expanding our partnership with the nonprofit Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS). CIS provides comprehensive services for students and families in times of need. CIS student support specialists will be embedded on Aldine ISD campuses to eliminate barriers and support students’ success, from crisis intervention to providing basic necessities and other resources. Keep following us here and online as we share new initiatives starting this fall.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Principals at the Following Campuses
Please join me in congratulating our principals:

Principal — Jacqueline Beas
- Ms. Beas will be the new principal at Worsham Elementary School. She previously held the position of assistant principal at Worsham Elementary School.
Principal — Dora Garza
- Ms. Garza will be the new principal at Stehlik Elementary School. She previously held the position of assistant principal at Johnson Elementary School.
Principal — Nicole Haskins
- Ms. Haskins is the new principal at Spence Elementary School. She previously served as principal in Houston ISD.
Principal — Trent Johnson
- Mr. Johnson will be the new principal at Cypresswood Elementary School. He previously held the position of assistant principal in the Houston Independent School.
Principal — Ricardo Pequeño
- Mr. Pequeño is the new principal at Odom Elementary School. He was previously an assistant principal at Reed Elementary School.
Principal — Iliana Pérez
- Ms. Pérez will be the new principal at Stephens Elementary School. She previously held the position of principal in Houston ISD.
Principal — Tracie Robinson
- Ms. Robinson will be the new principal at Carver High School. She previously held the position of principal in the Marshall Independent School.
Principal — Shauna Showers
- Ms. Showers will be the new principal at MacArthur High School. She previously held the position of principal at Stephens Elementary School.
Principal — Delilah St. Julian
- Ms. St. Julian is the new principal at Reed Elementary. She was previously the principal at Odom Elementary School.
Principal — Juan Toscano
- Mr. Toscano is the new principal of De Santiago Primary School. He previously served as an assistant principal at Keeble Primary School.

Upcoming Events
On Friday, July 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., La Promesa staff will help families enroll incoming ninth-graders for the 2021-2022 school year. The school will focus on students who have lived three or fewer years in the U.S. and are from non-English speaking countries or have limited English proficiency. For more details, such as what you need to bring with you to enroll your child, click here.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 7. Aldine ISD will be hosting its sixth annual Back to School Expo from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center, 1865 Aldine Bender Rd. The free drive-thru event is open to families in Aldine ISD with children in Grades PreK-12. In addition to backpacks and supplies, the COVID-19 vaccine and other childhood vaccinations will also be available. For more details about the expo and how to preregister for vaccinations, click here.

BACK TO SCHOOL REMINDERS
Enrollment Open for New Students
Parents or legal guardians enrolling students new to the school district will complete a New Student Online Enrollment Form.

Communication
Communication is important for schools and the district to reach out to families about new programs, updates, or information about your child. Beginning August 2, students’ families must complete the Required Annual Update. Previously, AISD relied on parents/legal guardians to make updates on their student’s information. Moving forward, Aldine ISD will have families complete the Required Annual Update. Why? The measure will help increase customer service and ensure individual student information is updated annually. Starting August 2021, AISD will ask families to complete a yearly update before beginning each new school year. Families will access the Annual Update form through the Home Access Center (HAC). At least one legal guardian — a student’s parent or legal guardian — needs to have a HAC account.

Resources
Aldine ISD families can visit AldineISD.org and click on the Back-to-School button. As items are approved, the page will continue to be updated, and information will be shared on social media and campus websites. Check regularly for any updates.

Updates 2021-2022 Bell Schedule
The district has made revisions to standardized start and dismissal times for the 2021-2022 school year. Aldine ISD updated the times to ensure each level has the same amount of hours. Please find all schedule updates at this link.

DISTRICT REMINDERS

Students to Benefit From Free Breakfast and Lunch During the 2021-2022 School Year
All students are eligible for free school breakfast and lunch meals next school year through a USDA program. Families are not required to submit a free/reduced meal application. However, they are encouraged to apply for meal benefits 1) to ensure that their household qualifies for P-EBT funds if they become available again, 2) to allow for meal status eligibility carryover the following school year, and 3) so that the district receives funding to support all students the next year. Families can apply for free and reduced-price meals on www.SchoolCafe.com. To learn more, click here.

District Updates
We have so many wonderful things happening in our district! Please make sure to check out the District News page to stay up to date on everything happening in our district. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I wish you a wonderful week ahead.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent