Message From the Superintendent, September 20, 2021

Disponible en: Español

Dear Aldine Community,

I want to thank families and staff for their patience as we made the decision to close schools and offices during Tropical Storm Nicholas. The heavy rains drenched parts of the Houston area, causing flooding in parts of the city. This decision ensured the safety of students and staff. We were fortunate that the district and facilities didn’t take on any water or damage. I hope everyone fared well.

It is hard to believe that we are already one month into the 2021-2022 school year! I have enjoyed getting to see so many faces in our school buildings, bringing incredible energy through our doors each day. Teachers, parents, staff, and students have all come together to make this new beginning not only possible but one of our strongest yet. And we’re just getting started!

We’re excited to continue the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, highlighting the achievements of Hispanics across the country and right here in our community. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we would like to introduce you to a few of our Aldine leaders who make a difference and impact students’ lives.

This week we highlight Dr. Viola M. García, the longest-tenured member of the Aldine ISD Board of Trustees who has served our district for nearly 30 years. During that time, the Board received numerous accolades and distinctions that celebrate public school professionals for their leadership and dedication as advocates for children.

Dr. García also serves local community entities to develop partnerships with the district. In 2019, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 402 honored her as a Lifetime Achievement in Education Honoree. In 2020, Dr. García was named to Houston Mayor Turner’s Literacy Advisory Board. In April 2021, Dr. García went on to serve as President of the National School Boards Association (NSBA), where she was the first Hispanic woman and the first Texan to hold the position. She previously served NSBA as the Secretary-Treasurer, President-Elect, and their Board of Directors representing the Southern Region.

Dr. García is an active leader in many organizations, including Kappa Delta Pi-Omega, the Mexican American School Board Members Association, and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. A retired faculty member of the University of Houston-Downtown, she chaired and served on numerous committees and provided her expertise on a wide variety of topics ranging from academic policy to leadership. Without a doubt, Dr. García’s experience, expertise, and leadership make her an invaluable asset for Aldine ISD and a phenomenal champion for all children.

Be sure to share on social media how you are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Don’t forget that Hispanic/Latino Heritage Pride Attire Day is Friday, September 24. Include the hashtags #AISDHHM21, #AldineForward, or #AldineAdelante.

Celebrations such as Hispanic Heritage Month, along with the excitement of a new school year, bring brightness to my days and keep me going when the days get longer. As we move forward and face new opportunities and challenges, be sure to take some time to take care of yourself.

Several departments — Child Nutrition Services, Health Services, and Athletics — are working together to promote selected Wellness Days throughout the school year to promote and teach students about a healthy lifestyle and its importance for living a long, healthy life. The first upcoming Wellness Day is Friday, September 24, in honor of Fruits and Vegetables Month. Students will be encouraged to add more healthy fruits and vegetables into daily meals, with vegetables the largest portion of their plate. It is also Fresh Farm Friday districtwide. The Child Nutrition Services Department will be highlighting fresh and locally grown squash. Samples will be available to all students at lunchtime. Whether you are a teacher, a principal, a parent, or a caregiver, I encourage you to make your wellness a priority — particularly given all we have going on in the world around us. Stay tuned for more information on District Wellness Days.

It is when we take care of ourselves that we can care for our students. Let’s keep the light burning bright for them — this week and throughout the year.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent

Upcoming Events

Friday, September 23 — United States Naval Academy Admissions Forum
The United States Naval Academy, a top-ranked public school, will host an Admissions Forum for grades 8-10 and a seminar for current high school juniors considering the USNA as their college of choice. Financial aid is available for fees and travel for the Summer STEM and Summer Seminar programs. Register here.

Wednesday, September 22, 6 p.m. — Family and Community University Information Session
Aldine’s Family and Community Engagement Department has launched Family and Community University, designed to empower families to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. All programming is free, offered virtually and in-person (where indicated), and open to all family and community members. Some sessions are offered in both English and Spanish. To learn more, click here. Click here to register for a session.

Observations

September

National School Attendance Month – Research shows that daily school attendance positively impacts students’ social, emotional, and academic development. In-person learning is the best way for students to learn as well as have a rigorous and enriching educational experience that prepares them for success in college, career, and life.
Suicide Prevention Month – Suicide is preventable when we ask questions that help identify at-risk individuals and get them the help they need. Click here to read more about how we can prevent unnecessary tragedies.

Reminders

The Aldine Education Foundation Scholars Program gives students the opportunity to start earning college money in their freshman year of high school by achieving high academic standards for all four years of high school. Students who successfully meet the program’s criteria will have $3,000 of scholarship funds ready at graduation – no applications necessary! Click here for more information.
State law requires students to be fully vaccinated to enroll and remain enrolled in school. Students are to be excluded from attendance until fully compliant. Please ensure your school-age children have all of their state-required vaccines to avoid a disruption in attendance. Learn more on the district website.
As COVID-19 continues to be a part of our daily lives, I encourage you to continue to follow the three Ws: Wash your hands, Wear a mask, and Watch your distance. Aldine ISD’s top priorities continue to be the safety and academic success of all students. We will post all information related to our operations along with any updates at www.aldineisd.org/healthalerts.
Please stay connected by visiting the District News page to stay up to date on all the wonderful things happening in our district. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.