Message From Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, Superintendent of Aldine ISD

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Dear Aldine Community,

I hope everyone can relax with family and friends, catch up on some reading, or mark off a few of those projects around the house we all have on our to-do lists during the long holiday weekend.

On the topic of to-do lists, one of the things I have found time to do is visit our schools. I love seeing the hustle and bustle in our classrooms and hallways, seeing the students engaged and connecting with their teachers. It has been a joy visiting campuses like Carmichael Elementary School, Conley ES, Spence ES, and Plummer Middle School.

I went into education because I wanted to multiply hope. For so many of our students, schools represent hope. Hope allows us to rewrite the story and achieve our goals. With hope, we can turn despair into joy. Click here to tell us about hope, why it’s essential, what you do to keep it alive, and what makes you hopeful.

Last week marked the final graduation of the Class of 2022. We honored 194 summer graduates. They graduated with possibilities and hope for their future. Our teachers have instilled values and knowledge that have prepared them for college, career, and life. As with every graduate, I look forward to hearing about and seeing where their journey will take them.

Seeing our students graduate is one of the greatest moments for educators. They work hard daily to ensure students are learning and are equipped with the skills they need to grow and develop academically and socially. To every team member, know that you are valued and appreciated — your work does not go unnoticed, especially by those you serve: our students.

There is another group of individuals I want to acknowledge: substitute teachers. They are the ultimate make-it-happen people. They are always ready to step in to serve. Take a few minutes to show appreciation. Substitute Appreciation Week, which is this week, is the perfect opportunity to do it.

There are a few upcoming celebrations I am excited about. Next week, we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. Beginning on September 15, this month-long observance is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic communities and individuals. This year’s theme is Héroes Hispanos (Hispanic Heroes). I’ll share a few more details later this month.

Culture is an essential aspect of making connections with students. In Aldine, we celebrate the strength of our diversity. That means ensuring we have the talent that can work with our students. We hired 42 teachers from nine countries to support students with high-quality teaching. Not only are the teachers providing students with high-quality educational experiences, but they are also providing cultural insight to Aldine’s diverse student body.

There is also strength in community. Uvalde Consolidated ISD opens its school doors this week to start the new year. Many are still mourning and recovering from the tragic events of May 24. As a mother, I know there are no words to heal such a loss. However, what I do know is that there is strength in solidarity. We must stand beside the families in Uvalde so they don’t feel alone. Our hashtag #AldineConnected also includes connecting with others, like our neighbors in Uvalde. Today, Team Aldine wore maroon and white to ‘Stand With Uvalde‘ as a united front and show our continued support.

This Sunday, I hope you celebrate Grandparents Day. To this day, I am grateful to my Big Mama and Papa. Some of my happiest memories are with my grandparents. I have them to thank for instilling in me a love of reading and learning. They showed me the value of hard work and determination … ganas en español. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love, guidance, and wisdom.

I encourage you to reach out to your grandparents. If you have a Big Mama, Papa, Abuelita, or Abuelito in your life, spend some time connecting with them. Listen to their stories, wisdom, and perspectives. Do something special to show them how much you appreciate all they do and what they mean to you. And most importantly, let them know how much you love them.

Before I close, I want to laud the Aldine ISD Police Department. Last month, the department was recognized as an FBI-LEEDA Agency Trilogy Award recipient. The Agency Trilogy Award is presented to those agencies where all command staff members have completed the entire FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Leadership training curriculum. I understand that only a few agencies nationwide have attained the distinction. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement.

I wish you a great week of school!

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Sept. 7: Virtual College Readiness and TSI (TSIA) Parent Information Sessions
• September 7, Sept. 14, and Sept. 21: The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department will host several presentations for parents and legal guardians interested in participating in the 2022-2023 Family and Community University program. For details, click here. Email FACE, [email protected], or call (281) 985-3788 if you have questions.
• Ongoing: iEducate is hiring college students, especially Aldine ISD grads, as tutors to work with Aldine ISD students. The priority application deadline was September 2. However, iEducate will accept applications on a rolling basis, and interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHT
Check out the tweet about Nimitz HS‘ ‘house rules’ after beating Cypress Ridge.

RECENT NEWS
AISD’s Finance Department Earns Certificate of Achievement from GFOA
Online Learning is Helping Curve a Pathway for Aldine Students, Providing Choices and Opportunities
2022-2023 New Principals

MONTHLY OBSERVATIONS
September
National School Attendance Month

• Sept. 5-9: National Substitute Appreciation Week
• Sept. 6: Student Holiday (ADSY Calendar)
• Sept. 7: Virtual College Readiness and TSI Parent Information Sessions
• Sept. 14: ENVI2ION School Day (ADSY Calendar)
• Sept. 15-Oct. 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
• Sept. 16: Staff Development Day/Student Holiday (Traditional Calendar)
• Sept. 21: ENVI2ION School Day (ADSY Calendar)
• Sept. 28: ENVI2ION School Day (ADSY Calendar)

Click here to view the Traditional and ADSY school calendars.

REMINDERS

• The state requires high school seniors to apply for financial aid to graduate. — FAFSA Application link or TASFA Application links
• The state requires all entering college students to take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment. (Details).
• Aldine ISD’s top priorities are students’ safety and academic success. The district posts information related to protocols along with any updates at www.aldineisd.org/healthalerts.
• Stay connected by visiting AldineISD.org. Check out our District News and Aldine ISD Podcast pages to stay updated on all the great things happening in our district. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.