Aldine ISD Awarded $28,000 from MD Anderson to Sustain the Active Kids Program

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Aldine Independent School District has received a $28,000 grant from MD Anderson to continue its Active Kids after-school program. The program aims to reduce the risk of cancer by enhancing fitness through exercise, nutrition education, and sun safety education within the Acres Homes community.

This is the fourth grant awarded to Aldine ISD from MD Anderson. The funding will enable fourth-, fifth-and sixth-grade students at Aldine ISD schools in the Acres Homes area to participate in after-school activities once a week from January 2026 through May 2026. The program will focus on providing high-quality physical activity in a sun-safe environment.

Participating campuses will receive physical education equipment to ensure the program is engaging, rigorous, and safe.

The five campuses benefiting from the program are:

• Anderson Academy
• Caraway Elementary
• Goodman ACE
• Harris Academy
• Houston Academy

Kenneth Hernandez, coordinator of health and physical education and program manager of the grant, reported that a 2023 study found higher rates of obesity and poverty in the Acres Homes area. These factors contribute to increased sedentary behavior and a higher risk of cancer within the community. The study also found that a lack of opportunities for physical activity at a young age contributes to negative health outcomes.

“Part of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model is physical activity,” Hernandez said. “The Active Kids program is another way Aldine ISD is ensuring students have opportunities to be physically active, accelerating their path to being healthy, lifelong learners.”

The Aldine ISD Child Nutrition Department will provide nutritious snacks to students who participate at the end of each session.

Goodman Elementary Principal LaDon Ward spoke about the program’s impact and how it’s encouraging the campus and community to learn more about the importance of physical fitness while providing a safe space for students. 

“This program has provided much-needed resources and snacks for our students while helping them develop healthy habits,” Ward said. “It has been instrumental in teaching our scholars the importance of physical fitness and helping them become well-rounded individuals. Students are building positive relationships with both peers and staff, and they truly look forward to participating in Active Kids. We continue to see meaningful connections being formed, and this program is vital in providing enriching, safe after-school opportunities for our students.”