Message From the Superintendent, September 27, 2021

Disponible en: Español

Dear Aldine Community,

From the moment COVID-19 began to impact our lives and education, the district leadership team has committed to doing all we can to increase the safety and health of our students, staff, and families while implementing measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community. But we need everyone to do their part. We want all our students healthy, learning, and thriving in our classrooms. We know our classrooms are the most effective learning environment to deliver on our promise to provide choices and opportunities upon graduating from our district.

Health officials have recommended that residents take all reasonable precautions, including vaccination, to combat the rate of infection. This week, the Board of Trustees, based on science and local health officials’ support, approved a COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program. Qualifying staff (this includes full-time employees, permanent part-time employees, dedicated substitutes, and long-term substitutes serving as the teacher of record) who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive a one-time $500 incentive. The program kicked off on September 23, via ePortal, with all incentives paid by December 10, 2021.

Thank you does not even begin to cover it for our education professionals. Your continued hard work and support throughout the pandemic and with all our district initiatives have not gone unnoticed.

Hispanic Heritage Month
As we continue our Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, we resume highlighting the achievements of Hispanic people 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.

We are so fortunate to have such a talented Executive Leadership Team (ELT) that brings a variety of perspectives and a wealth of experience. I invite you to take a look at each bio of the leaders below to learn a bit more about the phenomenal Hispanic leaders we have on our ELT.

Dr. Javier Villarreal, Chief Human Resources Officer
Dr. Adrian Bustillos, Chief Transformation Officer
Patricia Rodríguez, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Primary and ACE
Dr. Faviola Cantú, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Elementary
Dr. Xochitl Rodríguez, Assistant Superintendents of Schools, High Schools
Abel Garza, Assistant Superintendent of Governmental Affairs and Constituent Services
Alexia Rogers, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance
Paul Córdova, Chief of Police

Be sure to share on social media how you are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Include the hashtags #AISDHHM21, #AldineForward, or #AldineAdelante.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent

UPCOMING EVENTS

A Reading Club for parents will be offered in both English and Spanish. Please use the link to register for the date and time and if you will take part in the English or Spanish session.
Register: https://bit.ly/VirtualReadingClub
Reading Club in English at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28
Club de Lectura en español at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 30
Middle School Vaccine Clinics: Aldine ISD has partnered with the Houston Health Department and Phoenix Drugstore to provide COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer) for Aldine ISD students (siblings and family) and staff at the following schools:
- Aldine MS, García MS, Lewis MS, and Drew Academy on September 28, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (2nd doses – October 26)
- Grantham, Hoffman, Jones, and Mead Middle Schools on September 29, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (2nd doses – October 27)
- Plummer, Teague, and Shotwell Middle Schools and Carver High School on September 30, 2021, from 11 .am. to 5:30 p.m. (2nd doses – October 28)

Visit our website for more information and to download the consent form.

October 1: FAFSA and TASFA applications can be submitted beginning October 1. If you are interested in attending a college or university and need financial aid, make sure to apply early. Visit studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa for more information.
October 4: AISD 11th- and 12th-grade students will have an opportunity to meet with representatives from post-high school options during College Night on Monday, October 4, from 7–8:30 p.m. at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center (1865 Aldine Bender Rd.). To learn more, click here.
October 25: There is a COVID-19 vaccination event on Monday, October 25, at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center (1865 Aldine Bender Road) from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. This is another vaccination event for staff and students (and their siblings and family; students ages 12 and up). Families should RSVP.
RSVP for the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines — Custom Care Pharmacy (ccarerx.com)

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.

October

Custodial Worker Day: The district will observe National Custodial Worker Day on October 1 since it falls on a Saturday (October 2) this year. We will pay tribute to the men and women who work tirelessly to clean and maintain our many schools, buildings, and facilities. Please take time to recognize and show your appreciation.

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.