Message From the Superintendent, March 29, 2022

Disponible en: Español

Dear Aldine Community,

We know that the mind, body, and heart are just as important if not critical to helping students’ academic growth and better handling of life’s challenges and stresses. The spring semester is always exciting and full of opportunities for students, families, and staff members. One of those opportunities was Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Week, which began last week with a professional learning day for all teachers focused on empathy, relationship-building, self-care, and restorative practices. The week ended with educators at schools across the district sharing how they support SEL on their campuses on social media. It was exciting to see the district’s administrative staff participate. The SEL and Culture Department transformed the Administrative Building with a multitude of booths with mindfulness and self-care activities, a staff wellness room, and invited district partners who provide support for our SEL initiatives.

It was also great to see more than 400 community members who attended the district’s inaugural Family Health Fair, hosted by the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department. Thank you to all who took advantage of the opportunity to focus on health.

This week, FACE continues to host its Power of Education Series, featuring guest speaker Robert Harper II. The series, which runs through March 31, centers on providing tools to conquer self-doubt and encourages a growth mindset.

Spring is the period when students, including my daughter, a senior, anticipate high school rights of passage like prom. Individual schools will begin promoting these activities, so please be on the lookout for more information from your school’s leadership team.

Graduation is another milestone many seniors are looking forward to. Each high school campus graduation ceremony will be held at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. The first ceremony is set for May 26.

Springtime is also about growth, and we are doing just that. Our latest Choice School option was born out of our dedication to student achievement and builds on our strategic plan to give all students access to high-quality schools and educational experiences that prepare them for their future. Our all-boys campus will be named Impact Leadership Academy at Wilson. The academy is geared toward students in grades first through eighth. Boys at the campus will thrive in a school culture where they will have opportunities and resources to explore deeper learning, prepare them for high school and college, and ultimately close the achievement gap.

We are also expanding the additional school year calendar (ADSY) at two more schools — Harris and Smith elementary schools — after the initiative’s success at Ermel Elementary School and Vines Primary this year. For students attending the district’s four schools on the ADSY calendar, the first day of instruction is July 18, 2022.

March is Women’s History Month, so it is fitting that the featured guests on the most recent episode of All The Things: The Aldine ISD Podcast are two outstanding district leaders — Associate Superintendent Dr. Xóchitl Rodríguez and School Assistant Superintendent Dr. Faviola Cantú. I encourage you to click here to listen as they discuss how the women in their lives empowered them to be tenacious, speak their minds, and walk with purpose.

César Chávez Day is on Thursday, March 31. Chávez, along with fellow labor leader and activist Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farmworkers Association. It later merged with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee to become the United Farm Workers. The observation celebrates contributions that Latinos and people of color made for the betterment of our country. We should not, cannot, and will not allow anyone to erase their contributions from the pages of history. Our children need role models, and César Chávez is a role model our students can look up to for his courage and humanitarian work. Remember ¡Sí se puede! — Yes, we can!

Lastly, I want to congratulate the MacArthur boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, who advanced to the area round of the playoffs. Show your support to these two teams who play today.

Have a great rest of the week, and let’s continue to create meaningful learning experiences for students in the last quarter of the school year.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mar. 22-31: Power of Education Series — Upcoming dates are March 29 (Carver HS), March 30 (Anderson Academy), and March 31 (Cypresswood ES). Click here for details.
Ongoing Until May 31: Preregistration for eligible PreK3, PreK4, and kindergarten students is open for the 2022-2023 school year. Click here for details on how to register.
April 1: Virtual Parent Meeting on the STAAR Assessments — Families will learn about the state-mandated STAAR assessments and how to assist their children at home. Click here for details and how to register.
April 9: 2022 TeenBookCon — Aldine ISD will host this year’s free event at Davis High School. Popular young adult authors to speak on panel sessions throughout the day and participate in Q&A sessions. This year’s event is back in person and has a virtual access option. Click here for details or register to attend.

OBSERVATIONS
March

Month of March: Women’s History Month
Mar. 31: César Chávez Day

REMINDERS

Aldine’s Family and Community Engagement Department launched the Family and Community University. Programming is free and open to all Aldine families. Register today.
The state requires high school seniors to apply for financial aid to graduate. Click on the FAFSA application or TASFA application links.
The state requires all entering college students to take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment. Click here for more information.
Aldine ISD’s top priorities continue to be all students’ safety and academic success. The district will post all information related to operations and any updates at www.aldineisd.org/healthalerts.
Please stay connected by visiting the District News and District Podcast pages to stay up to date on all the great things happening in our district. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.