2 Eisenhower HS Students to Take Part in Mickey Leland Kibbutzim Internship Program

Disponible en:

Eisenhower High School students Anahi Mendoza González (left), and Warneisha Horn, right, pose with Eric Goodwine, an aide to U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The two Eisenhower students were selected to participate in the Mickey Leeland Kibbutzim Internship program this summer in Israel.

During the April 18 Board of Trustees meeting, Chief of Staff Sheleah Reed announced that Eisenhower High School students Warneisha Horn and Sara Anahi Mendoza González were selected to participate in the Mickey Leland Kibbutzim Internship program this summer. The program sends 10 high school juniors to Israel for a six-week work and travel experience. The foundation’s board, composed of multicultural representatives and alums, chooses the participants. Most interns are either Asian, African American, Hispanic, or white, and they must meet a set of criteria that includes strong academics, leadership skills, and outside recommendations. Before the students depart, they must attend a four-part seminar on Israel and the Middle East. During June, Warneisha and Sara will fly to Israel, where they will experience life on a kibbutz and examine Israeli and Middle Eastern life. Activities include interacting with Israeli Arabs and Jews, working on archeological digs, touring the holy sites of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, visiting a youth village, and spending one week residing in the home of an Israeli family. U. S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee called in from Washington, D.C., during the April 18 Board meeting to congratulate Warneisha and Sara. Representing her at the meeting was her aide Eric Goodwine.

Staff Assignments Announced

During the April 18 Board meeting, Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney announced three staff assignments.

• Armando Ontiveros was named Executive Director of Technology Services after serving as Technology Coordinator with Edgewood ISD.
• Dr. Ronique Wilson was named Director of Social and Emotional Learning and School Culture after serving as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology.
• Dr. Esperanza Valsin was named Principal of Raymond Elementary School after serving as an Assistant Principal at Eckert Elementary School.

Teaching, Leading and Learning Highlights Various Departments

During the April 18 Board meeting, the Teaching, Leading and Learning Department recognized students and staff from three different departments. Executive Director of Multilingual Services Grace Delgado announced that Helen Santiago of Houston Academy was named the SHABE (Suburban Houston Association for Bilingual Education) Secondary Teacher of the Year. In addition, Delgado announced that Victory Early College High School student Viridiana Ruiz Davila received a SHABE scholarship.

Chief Transformation Officer Dr. Adrian Bustillos announced that Shotwell Middle School student Katelyn Shaw participated in the Future Lawyers Program, which Harvard University sponsored.

Executive Director of Special Education Tracy Bailey discussed the recent Transition and Job Fair Aldine ISD held. Brittany Edwards, Program Director of Special Education for High School and Transition, introduced the district’s Transition Specialists. They are Barbara Cramm, who is responsible for Davis Ninth Grade School, Davis High School, and Blanson CTE High School; Dr. Krista Glover, who is accountable for MacArthur Ninth Grade School, MacArthur High School, and Avalos PTECH High School; Dave Threatt, who is responsible for Nimitz Ninth Grade School, Nimitz High School, and Hall Success Academy; Mona Ball, who is accountable for Carver High School, Eisenhower Ninth Grade School, and Eisenhower High School; and Tamala Freeman, who is responsible for Aldine Ninth Grade School, Aldine High School and Victory Early College High School. The audience also heard from three students who attended the Transition and Job Fair. They were Cassai Henderson of Nimitz High School, Jakayla Webb of Aldine High School, and Maximus Smith of Lane School.

Public hearing held on 2021-22 APR

During the April 18 Board meeting, Aldine ISD conducted a public hearing to discuss the district’s annual report. The report includes the district and campus Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR), district accreditation status, campus performance objectives, a violent or criminal incident report, and information received under Texas Education Code 51.403(e) from the Texas Higher Education Coordinator Board. Dawn Ayers, Chief of Strategic Initiative and Accountability, conducted the hearing. Ayers reported that within the next two weeks, the 2021-22 Annual Performance Report would be disseminated and may be accessed in its entirety on the district website.

Aldine ISD Police Officer Recognized

During the April 18 Board meeting, Aldine ISD Police Chief Paul Cordova named Officer Michael Almaguer as his department’s Employee of the Month.

Trustees Approve Action Items

During the April 18 Board meeting, Aldine ISD Trustees approved the following action items:

• Approved term contract recommendations, renewals, and extensions for the 2023-24 school year
• Approved an Amendment to the Original Terms and Conditions of the Agreement of Collaboration between Prairie View Texas A&M and Aldine ISD regarding the Teacher Education Residency Mode for 2022 through 2025
• Approved a Business Associate Agreement between Aldine ISD on behalf of Aldine Independent School District Health and Benefits Plan and Willis Towers Watson Insurance Services West, Inc.
• Approved single contracts and purchases of $50,000 and more
• Approved the General Fund Periodical Budget Amendment for the 2022-23 school year

Before the April 18 Board meeting, the District’s Orf Ensemble Orchestra performed in the foyer of the Donaldson Administration Building. Students led the Pledge of Allegiance from Vardeman Primary School and Kujawa Elementary School, and the García Middle School LOTC Color Guard presented the colors. The May Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 16, beginning at 7 p.m. It will be held in the Board Room of the Donaldson Administration Building.