A Message From Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney

Disponible en: Español

Dear Aldine ISD Families and Team Members,

Who has a seat at your table? This past Thanksgiving was especially difficult as I felt the absence of my mother-in-law with her recent passing. So many of you know the loss and separation from those who couldn’t join you for the holidays in person. But it occurred to me, who is at the table? Who are the people you surround yourself with to encourage you and to not only help you finish strong but finish stronger? Thank them. This holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on the joy in your life and from whom that joy comes.

Technology Upgrades Empower Learning
Thanks to the $1.8 billion voters approved in the 2023 Bond, we’ve made progress in equipping our students with tools for success. Over 28,500 new Chromebooks were recently delivered to ninth-grade campuses and high schools. Thanks to our community’s support, every student can access cutting-edge technology, a crucial step in preparing our students for the future.

Shaping the Future of the HEAL Program Nimitz High School
Before the November break, we hosted a collaborative meeting to begin shaping the vision for the HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Learning) program at Nimitz High School. Nearly 50 community members shared ideas. The group will continue to meet to develop a plan for this innovative initiative with partner Transcend Education. The HEAL Program was created in partnership with Memorial Hermann. By focusing on our students’ immense potential, this program will inspire hope and prepare them for bright futures in the healthcare industry.

Celebrating Excellence Across Aldine ISD
Our students and staff continue to shine:

Over 50 high school theater students earned spots at nationals with stellar performances at the Texas Thespians State Festival.
Congratulations to Janet Scott-Carrier, named the 2024 TAHPERD (Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance) K-12 Health Teacher of the Year. Her work exemplifies our commitment to student health and wellness.
Aldine Art teachers attended the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) Conference. They officially accepted the District of Distinction recognition for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting our dedication to fostering creativity and innovation.

New and Noteworthy
I am excited to announce the inaugural District Spanish Spelling Bee, which will take place on December 11 for our grades 4-8 students. This event will showcase our students’ linguistic talent and highlight our belief in the value of being multilingual.

On December 7, we’re hosting a Special Education Job Fair to recruit passionate individuals committed to serving our exceptional learners. This fair is an opportunity for those interested in special education to learn about the unique needs of our students and the rewarding career opportunities available in our district.

We’re also thrilled about our new initiatives to support students experiencing homelessness. With the opening of a food pantry, expanded access to clothing, and healthcare partnerships, Aldine ISD remains steadfast in ensuring every child has the resources they need to thrive.

Click on the image to view my short video about the challenge!

Read for a Million Minutes!
This year, I challenge our students to read one million minutes collectively. Together, we can achieve this goal and foster a lifelong love of reading. Families, encourage your children to pick up a book, explore new worlds, and grow their knowledge.

Looking Ahead
Our Campus Teachers of the Year have been named, and their passion and dedication inspire me. They represent the best of Aldine ISD, and we are grateful for the #AldineImpact they make every day. The AISD Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year will be named in the spring semester.

As we near the holiday break, I encourage everyone to support our students at holiday performances and community service events like toy and clothing drives.

For those following the traditional calendar, December 20 is a student holiday and a staff workday. For ADSY campuses, it’s a half-day for students and a workday for staff. Let’s keep attendance strong in these final weeks — every day counts as we work toward success.

Gratitude and Inspiration
Team Aldine, you are the heartbeat of this district. Our nearly 9,000 members inspire and motivate us daily with their dedication to excellence. And to our students, you are the reason we are here. Dream big, work hard, and continue to make a difference.

It was exciting to see our community’s elders yesterday at the annual Nadine Kujawa Senior Citizen Gala at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. Thank you to the event organizers and the students who participated, performed, and entertained us. Thank you to our senior citizens for letting us take this opportunity to acknowledge their contributions to our communities and schools and to celebrate their lives.

With the changing weather and cooler temperatures, have students dress appropriately. Let’s ensure our students stay healthy and in school learning: that’s where the magic happens every day for our students.

As always, visit AldineISD.org, follow us on social media, read the Aldine Connection newsletter for the latest updates, including Bond 2023, and tag your good news with #AldineImpact.

With Aldine Pride,