Message From the Superintendent, October 12, 2021

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Dear Aldine Community,

As part of Aldine ISD’s five-year strategic plan, A New Way Forward, we are committed to “…elevating district pride by strengthening partnerships with families, community leaders, and business partners.” To that end, this Saturday, October 16, the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team will host its first Fall Family Conference. I am looking forward to seeing families in our schools and surrounding community learning about the many opportunities offered in Aldine ISD. 

The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Benjamin O. Davis High School (12525 Ella Boulevard). Families can expect to learn more about what our district has to offer, including, but not limited to, mental health resources, multilingual resources, and student supports. Each family in attendance will receive an Amazon gift card! 

La Promesa Ribbon-cutting Ceremony
In case you missed it, we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for La Promesa on October 5. It was one of the most heart-warming events I have taken part in as I listened to students talk about their lives and what the school means to them. La Promesa focuses exclusively on students new to this country, specifically students who have lived three or fewer years in the U.S. and are from non-English speaking countries or have limited English proficiency. Click here to read about the event and see a video featuring La Promesa students and staff.

Equity Conversations
Our district is conducting an equity audit to identify opportunities to improve equitable systems, policies, and practices that fully support all students, families, and staff. As part of the equity process, our partner, Mass Insight Education & Research, will be engaging families through focus groups and surveys in the coming weeks. In addition, they will be reaching out to a select number of families via phone to help us understand the current state and perceptions of equity in our district. Click here to learn more about the short 5-minute phone interview.

Hispanic Heritage Month — Now through Friday, October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month is coming to an end this Friday, October 15. Over the last month, we have held celebrations and highlighted the achievements of Hispanics across the country. Even more exciting, we got the opportunity to celebrate individuals right here in our community. In our final week, we are excited to recognize two Board Trustees, Rose Avalos and Conception’ Connie’ Esparza. Both are longtime advocates of students and actively involved in the Aldine community. We are fortunate to have strong Latinas like Ms. Avalos and Mrs. Esparza. Their experience, expertise, and leadership make them invaluable assets to Aldine ISD and phenomenal champions for all children.

Be sure to share on social media how you are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Include the hashtags #AISDHHM21, #AldineForward, or #AldineAdelante.

Before I close this message, I want to thank the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) for honoring me with the Champions of Equity Award. I am humbled to have received the inaugural National Champions of Equity Award from ALAS. To be recognized for our dedication in the area of equity in education means so much to me. I was born in poverty, suffered early in life, and am a first-generation college student. I loved reading, and I loved school. They provided a window into what was possible in life and helped me gain the tools and skills to create a future filled with opportunity. Many of my students in Aldine might be living through similar experiences of abuse, poverty or come from less-educated families. Many are challenged by language as they learn English with little assistance from their families with limited or no English proficiency. Ninety percent of our students are economically disadvantaged. That child was me. The pandemic exposed the inequities we all knew existed. Many students in Aldine, the state, and across the nation suffered. Equity is having access to highly effective teachers in a classroom with access to devices, a classroom with supplies, and a classroom with books. It’s about giving our most vulnerable what they need to grow and thrive. All of these essentials help to overcome the inequities of ZIP codes. Education for all is my passion. Again, it is a great honor to be recognized for doing what I love to do: uplifting all students and families.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent

UPCOMING EVENTS

• October 19: #PinkOutDay — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To raise awareness and make sure people affected by breast cancer know we’re here for them, I challenge you to wear all of your pink gear on Tuesday, October 19. That’s pink from head to toe: pink shirts, pink skirts, pink dresses, pink shoes, pink sweaters, pink ties, pink blazers — even pink hair bows!
• October 25: There is a COVID-19 vaccination event on Monday, October 25, at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center (1865 Aldine Bender Road) from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. This is another vaccination event for staff and students (and their siblings and family; students ages 12 and up). Families should RSVP. RSVP for the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines — Custom Care Pharmacy (ccarerx.com)
• October 30: Aldine ISD will host the 2021 Technology & Curriculum Conference of Aldine (TCCA) has grown to be one of the largest FREE EdTech conferences. The 2020 virtual TCCA conference drew over 4,400 Tech Educators representing over 22 different countries. TCCA will offer over 150 sessions featuring speakers and presenters. Click here for more details.

OBSERVATIONS 
October
October: National Principals Month; Share your Principal Impact Story with us and take a moment to #ThankAnAISDPrincipal this month. 
October 11-15: National School Lunch Week (School Nutrition Association) — Theme is “Wild About School Lunch”
October 23: National Make a Difference Day

REMINDERS

• Aldine’s Family and Community Engagement Department is launching a new program, Family and Community University! The mission of Family and Community University is to provide the necessary knowledge and resources to build confidence and empower families to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. All programming is free, offered virtually and in person, and open to all Aldine families. Learn more and register today.
• The state requires high school seniors to apply for financial aid to graduate. The FAFSA application was opened on October 1. The mandate could increase college tuition, as seniors now give up billions of dollars in grants each year.
• As COVID-19 continues to be a part of our daily lives, I encourage you to continue to follow the three Ws: Wash your hands, Wear a mask, and Watch your distance. Aldine ISD’s top priorities continue to be the safety and academic success of all students. We will post all information related to our operations along with any updates at www.aldineisd.org/healthalerts.
• Please stay connected by visiting the District News page to stay up to date on all the wonderful things happening in our district. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.