Superintendent’s Message — A Celebratory Season of Achievement

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Aldine ISD Family,

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. What’s not to love about good food, family and fellowship? Thanksgiving can also bring mixed emotions. Who was at the table last year that is not there this year? Or, on the flip side, who is new to the table like my newborn grandbaby I affectionately call “prince.” What a surprise and blessing for the little prince to grace our table this year. Through good times and hard times, it’s family and friends who carry you through. Take time to thank them, to hug them, and remember them on special holidays like Thanksgiving.

We are past the midpoint of the fall semester, and I continue to be grateful for the energy, resilience, and joy that are evident across our schools. Every day, I see students growing, teachers innovating, support staff going the extra mile, and families showing up for their children.

As we enter the holiday season, I would like to highlight the great things happening across Aldine ISD and share a few important updates — a great many things have happened since my last message.

Celebrating a Season of Achievement
Over the past several weeks, our students and staff have continued to shine in classrooms, on stages, and on playing fields, making us all proud and inspired. Their achievements are the result of their hard work, but also the dedication of educators and coaches that permeates our district.

We are proud to celebrate three Aldine ISD campuses — Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Blanson CTE High School, and Thompson Elementary School — recognized in the 2024–2025 Children at Risk rankings for their academic growth and student success. This year, Children at Risk highlighted Aldine ISD as one of the top school districts in the Houston region for improvement, noting the significant and inspiring gains happening across our campuses. These recognitions reflect the hard work of our teachers, campus leaders, and, most importantly, our students, who rise to challenges every day.

Our commitment to student success is unwavering. For the second consecutive year, Aldine ISD has been named a CTAT CTE District of Distinction. The award reaffirms our commitment to equipping students for high-wage, high-demand careers. Our career and technology education programs continue to receive national attention for innovative practices that equip students with industry-aligned skills and real-world experience. We are committed to ensuring that our students graduate with a range of choices and opportunities.

We were also honored to receive two statewide awards from MASBA for our workforce and civics initiatives. This recognition reinforces our conviction that preparing students for life necessitates both employable skills and informed civic engagement.

Student Spotlight: Talent on Display
Our students continue to prove that hard work and passion can open remarkable doors.

This month, the district watched with excitement as Aldine High School’s Jaquelin García Padrón competed at the State Cross Country Championship. Her determination and grace have inspired so many across Aldine.

We are also cheering on three Aldine ISD varsity football teams heading to the playoffs — Nimitz, Davis, and Eisenhower high schools. With Nimitz and Davis finishing as District Co-Champions, our community is ready to fill the stands and show our student-athletes we believe in them. And speaking of football, did you see Eisenhower High School alum Ryan Niblett make that touchdown for his school, the University of Texas?

Additionally, students from Anderson Academy had an unforgettable experience at the Houston Ballet, where they trained with legendary dancer Lauren Anderson. Aldine High School’s own bull rider earned a spot at the national competition! And we had several AISD students and staff members perform onstage in Akeelah and the Bee at The Ensemble Theatre in Houston.

Alums continue to make waves in the performing arts. Aldine ISD alumna and MacArthur High School Class of ’96 graduate Latonia Moore — a three-time Grammy winner — returned home to perform at the Houston Grand Opera in Porgy & Bess, fulfilling a dream years in the making. And recent Carver High School graduate Alyssa Dorsey performed at the ExxonMobil Founders Club.

Keep Sharing Your #AldineStory
These stories — from classrooms to national stages — remind us why this year’s districtwide theme is #AldineStory. Every student, staff member, and alum adds a new chapter to who we are. I invite you to watch one of our features and share your own #AldineStory as we continue celebrating the experiences that shape our community.

Creating Opportunities in Every School
One of our ongoing commitments is to ensure that every student — in every classroom, on every campus — has access to enriching experiences and high-quality instruction.

Our Opportunity Schools initiative continues to expand meaningful learning moments. At Hoffman Middle School, students met New York Times bestselling author Jen Calonita, who inspired their love of reading and storytelling. Meanwhile, Caraway Elementary joined the University of Houston–Downtown’s bilingual e-library project and was selected for the CYCLE Bike program, which rewards students for reaching literacy goals. These partnerships demonstrate what is possible when community support aligns with campus needs.

In other district news, our students continue to excel in academic competitions. Congratulations to all participants of our 2nd Annual District Spanish Spelling Bee. Our “Súper Spellers” represented their schools with pride and confidence. We also celebrated students from Impact Leadership Academy, who will soon showcase their artwork at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston — a fantastic opportunity for young artists to share their voice with a broader audience.

I would also like to congratulate our students who recently qualified for the TEXSEF State Championship after strong performances at the esports Gobble Grapple Tournament — another example of our students leading the way academically and competitively.

And it’s not just students we provide opportunities for — we also look for ways to engage our parents and caregivers. One unique initiative has brought a diverse group of parents together through a virtual reading club — and along the way, they found “familia.” Everyone understands the word “family” in any language, and that is what we strive to create in our schools and community.

We also continue to see strong progress in classrooms thanks to our implementation of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). Teachers report that HQIM is helping them better tailor instruction and keep students deeply engaged in grade-level content.

Families Engaged and Empowered
Our work is stronger when families are informed and involved. This fall, we saw an extraordinary turnout at events focused on supporting learning at home and helping families navigate key decisions.

We welcomed hundreds of families to our Family Learning Summit, hosted by our FACE team, and to our Annual Transition Expo for families of students with special needs.

Last weekend, families filled the M.O. Campbell Educational Center for our Choice Schools Expo, where they explored the extensive menu of specialized programs available for the 2025–2026 school year. If you missed the Expo or still need help with the application process, we are hosting Application Help Centers on December 3 at multiple locations. Families should remember: applying after the First Lottery window significantly lowers the chance of receiving a seat in your preferred program. We encourage everyone to apply early and reach out if you need assistance.

I also want to express my gratitude to the families and community members who participated in our first Community Partners meeting of the year. Your support and collaboration are invaluable, and when schools and community organizations work together, our students benefit.

In alignment with our engagement efforts, we launched “The Aldine Promise,” which aims to enhance customer service throughout the district. To further strengthen this area, we would appreciate your feedback.

Highlights From Across Our Community
Aldine ISD continues to be supported by partners who share our commitment to the mission.

The Aldine Education Foundation hosted its annual “Sonny” Donaldson Golf Tournament and a donor appreciation event, both of which focused on raising funds for student scholarships and teacher grants. We are grateful for our AEF supporters and their continued investment in our students’ futures.

And earlier this month, I had the privilege of serving as honorary chair for Good Reason Houston’s ConnectED Convening, where more than 1,000 Houston leaders gathered to champion public education. I spoke about our district’s progress and reminded attendees that Houston’s future depends on our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Standing Together for Public Education
This November, we continue our Wear Red for Ed Wednesdays, a simple but powerful way to show unity and support for our educators and schools. I’ve loved seeing photos of campuses filled with red — a reminder that strong public schools are the heartbeat of strong communities.

Many campuses are also participating in Thankful Thursdays, an effort to uplift one another through gratitude. I encourage all of us — students, staff, and families — to take a moment this month to appreciate the people who make a difference in our lives. I also want to thank several groups, including my Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee and Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Committee. It takes a village of committed individuals to help shape the Aldine experience and continue to grow every child, every day — thank you.

Important Reminders, Upcoming Dates & Photos

• College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Week: Nov. 17–21
• Public Hearing on 2025–2026 Improvement and Turnaround Plans: November 18
• Application Help Centers: December 3 — support for Choice School applications
• Spanish Spelling Bee and One-Act Play photos are now available online
• Aldine Education Foundation Donor Appreciation Event photos on our website
• Turkey Trot photos from our 41st annual event are now posted, highlighting the incredible spirit of our community!

Honoring Those Who Serve
This week, I hope everyone took time to honor the veterans across our district — staff, parents, grandparents, and community members — whose service protects the freedoms we cherish. To all who have served, we extend our gratitude. Your strength and sacrifice inspire us, and we are proud to have you as part of the Aldine ISD family.

I also thank our school psychologists, education support professionals, and substitute teachers, who all have appreciation days in November. As I’ve stated before, it takes a community of dedicated individuals willing to give their best each and every day for our kids.

Closing Thoughts — Progress, Possibility, and Pride
As we approach Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for each of you — our students who work hard every day, our teachers and staff who give their heart and talent, and our families who partner with us to support their children.

As we reflect on our progress, I am also reminded that this year marks Aldine ISD’s 90th anniversary. For nearly a century, this community has embodied a profound commitment to public education and the transformative power of opportunity. Together, we honor that legacy by preparing today’s students for bright futures — and by writing the next chapter of our #AldineStory.

Once again, thank you for all you do for Aldine ISD. I wish each of you a safe, restful, and joyful Thanksgiving season.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent