District Honored With 2 Outstanding Awards From Mexican American School Board Association at 2024 Conference

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The conference also featured two AISD student speakers and two student art winners.

The Mexican American School Board Association (MASBA) honored Aldine ISD with the 2024 Outstanding Educator Support and Outstanding Civics Initiative Awards.

Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, the Board of Trustees, and her Executive Leadership Team members accepted the awards at the 2024 MASBA Conference this month in San Antonio. The MASBA Recognition of Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievements and share best practices within our community.

2024 MASBA Recognition of Excellence Awards

Outstanding Educator Support — SHINE (Supporting Honoring Inspiring New Educators)

SHINE in Aldine is an induction program that provides novice teachers with the necessary skills and tools to start their teaching careers. The program enhances retention rates and satisfaction through targeted professional development, certified mentors, dedicated coaching support, and the fostering of community, teamwork, and professional growth.

Outstanding Civics Initiative — Parent Leadership Academy

The mission of the Parent Leadership Academy is to support emerging bilingual families and communities with a pragmatic curriculum and instructional delivery. The goal is to supplement the district’s vision of “strengthening partnerships with families and communities” by reaching the parents of emergent bilingual students. AISD is committed to providing families with the motivation, tools, and resources needed to succeed, fostering a sense of belonging and unity within the Aldine community.

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney thanked MASBA for acknowledging the school district’s work in two vital initiatives: educator support and civics education and outreach. These initiatives are about their impact on our students and parents. We are truly grateful for the honors and remain committed to preparing our students for their future.

Two AISD Students Featured in MASBA’s Tomás Talks

Posing with Belinda Rojas Salazar and Karla Mejía González (center, l-r) are AISD Chief Academic Officer Dr. Faviola Cantú, AISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, and AISD Chief Transformation Officer Adrian Bustillos (l-r).

MASBA conference organizers selected six students from member districts to participate in its Tomás Talks (a take on TED Talks) event. The students each gave seven-minute presentations on education based on their experiences as students in Texas public schools. Their presentations, filled with unique perspectives and personal experiences, left a lasting impact on the audience.

MASBA selected two exceptional Aldine ISD students to take part in Tomás Talks. Karla Mejía González and Belinda Rojas Salazar, both students at La Promesa, a newcomer and dual language experience school, were chosen for their outstanding leadership and resilience throughout their high school careers. Belinda, a senior class officer, and Karla, a TAFE regional winner and host of the La Voz de La Promesa podcast, have set a high standard for their peers.

Karla presented a speech about the importance of culturally responsive practices in schools for Latino students. She emphasized the need for cultural celebrations and inclusion in the curriculum to be organic and not superficial. She shared part of her newcomer story and the impact coming to La Promesa had on her confidence and perspective on life. Being part of a school with diverse cultures from Latin America and other countries has taught her how to engage with a world filled with diverse people.

Sixteen-year-old Belinda Rojas chose the topic “My Dream School.” Belinda, who moved to the United States in 2020 from Mexico, shared her experience in American schools and discussed the ideal education system. She also talked about how La Promesa, the third American school she has attended, has helped her adapt to living in the U.S.

La Promesa was a 2022 MASBA Recognition Excellence Award recipient for Outstanding English Language Learner Initiative.

2 Students Place in 2024 MASBA District Art Contest

Jocelyn Bedolla’s acrylic painting, a vibrant portrayal of Roots and Routes, and Emily Lucio’s photograph, a poignant interpretation of the same theme, both stood out and secured the second and third positions in the 2024 MASBA District Art Contest. Jocelyn, a student at Avalos P-TECH School, and Emily, from Aldine High School, have genuinely shone with their unique artistic expressions.

Their work was displayed and judged at the MASBA conference. Jocelyn won a $750 award, while Emily earned a $500 prize. This recognition validates their hard work and dedication and encourages them to pursue their artistic passions.

MASBA

MASBA is a voluntary, non-profit, statewide education association that has served local Texas school boards since 1970.

Picture at the Top: Posing in the photo at the top of the page are Chief Transformation Officer Adrian Bustillos; Chief Communications Officer Sheila Adams; MASBA President Ana Cortez; Tracy Baily, executive director of special education; Chief Academic Officer Faviola Cantú; AISD Board of Trustee and MASBA Board Member Connie Esparza; Altagracia ‘Grace’ Delgado, executive director of Multilingual Services; Superintendent Goffney; AISD Board of Trustee Dr. Viola M. García; AISD Board of Trustee Rose Avalos, MASBA Board Member Charles Stafford, and AISD Board of Trustee Randy Bates Jr.