A Message From the Superintendent — A Season of Growth and Gratitude

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Dear Aldine ISD Family,

September has been a season of growth, celebration, and reflection for us. As I write this, I can’t help but think of my newest title — “Honey.” My husband, “Pops,” and I became proud grandparents this month with the arrival of our first grandson, Trevor Isaiah Moye. His birth has renewed my sense of urgency in the work we do together. Every student we serve deserves the same bright future that I hope my grandson will experience. He is one of the thousands of reasons why I remain committed to ensuring Aldine ISD continues moving forward with hope, excellence, and purpose.

Celebrating Our Progress
This has been a great 90th year for AISD. Earlier this month, the Houston Chronicle recognized Aldine ISD as one of the most improved large districts in the state of Texas. This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of our students, teachers, staff, families, board members, and community partners. Together, we’ve turned challenges into opportunities, raising expectations and outcomes across our campuses.

Our story was even highlighted by Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado and nationally by organizations such as the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, which noted the resilience and leadership demonstrated in Aldine ISD. I am so proud of how far we’ve come, and I know there’s more work ahead as we continue to grow every student, every day.

Honoring Excellence in Our Classrooms
Our district has exceptional educators who wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to our students. This month, we celebrated the outstanding achievement of Joseph Stewart, a teacher at Plummer Middle School, who was awarded the prestigious $30,000 Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award. His unwavering dedication and passion serve as a shining example of the profound difference one teacher can make.

At Carter Academy, we also celebrated earning Certified National Magnet School status — a mark of distinction that speaks to the innovative opportunities our magnet schools offer.

Our students are also benefiting from new tools, such as the Amira reading program, which helps young readers build confidence, and Rice Oral and Written Language (OWL) Labs, which strengthen language growth through storytelling. These resources are making learning more engaging and effective for all.

Building Partnerships That Make a Difference
Strong partnerships fuel our mission. This month, we saw beautiful examples of community generosity and collaboration that have a huge impact on our district:

• Sprouts Farmers Market donated more than $7,000 toward a new student garden at Ermel Elementary.
  The Shiney Hiney Diaper Pantry stepped up to support Hall Success Academy families.
• Second Baptist Church’s program, Loving Kids, is currently in its ninth year at Harris and Goodman elementary schools, providing support to school staff and students through classroom assistance and essential resources.
• At Eisenhower High School, Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Berrios and Fogo de Chão partnered with No Kid Hungry to treat the school community to a memorable meal while shedding light on the issue of food insecurity.

These acts of kindness remind us that Aldine ISD is not alone in its work — our community stands with us. Your generosity and collaboration have a profound impact on our district, and we are deeply grateful for it.

Embracing Heritage and Making Our Mark
September also marks Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich traditions and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino community. Across our campuses, students are honoring culture through art, dance, food, and storytelling. We are in the second week of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). Through the theme of “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” we are teaching students that identity and history are the foundations for building a brighter tomorrow.

Events like Griggs EC/PK/K School’s International Dot Day celebration remind us of the power of creativity, courage, and collaboration by inspiring people of all ages to “make their mark,” beginning with just a small dot, and to share their creativity with the world.

Expanding Access and Inclusion
Aldine ISD continues to lead in creating opportunities for every student. Our expanded partnership with Region 4 is strengthening deaf education programs, providing more students with access to services tailored to meet their needs. This is part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion, ensuring that every learner has a place where they belong.

We’ve also opened the Gifted and Talented (GT) identification window for the 2025–26 school year. Families who believe their child may benefit from GT services should take advantage of this opportunity before the September 30 deadline.

Looking Ahead: Events You Don’t Want to Miss

• College Night: On Monday, September 29, students and their families will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from colleges and universities. This is one of our largest and most important annual events, helping students plan their futures.
• Partners of Excellence Kickoff: On Tuesday, September 30, we will gather with business and community partners to strengthen relationships that directly impact student success.
• Marching Band and Dance Festival: On Wednesday, October 1, come out to see our talented students showcase their skills, creativity, and teamwork in what promises to be a spectacular evening at Thorne Stadium.

Remembering a Beloved Leader
This month, we also paused to remember the legacy of Kitty Spence, a beloved educator and namesake of Spence Elementary School. Her influence continues to shape the campus, and her passion for children’s success lives on in the educators she inspired, adding to our #AldineStory.

Appreciation for Our Unsung Heroes
September has given us several opportunities to recognize important members of our Aldine family:

• National IT Professional Day (September 16) and Education Technology Day (September 23) serve as a reminder of the significant contributions our IT and technology staff make to advancing teaching and learning, including online learning, which is opening doors and breaking barriers for students.
• On National Teaching Assistants Day (September 26), we extend our gratitude to our paraprofessionals and teaching assistants who support students and teachers every day. They are vital collaborators in our schools.

Each of these groups is vital to our success, and I want to express my sincere gratitude for your hard work and dedication. Your contributions do not go unnoticed. Your continued support and involvement in our mission ensures every child in Aldine ISD has the opportunity to succeed.

Senate Bill 12 — Parental Consent
This is a good opportunity to remind parents/legal guardians to complete the online consent forms if you haven’t already, as required by Senate Bill (SB) 12. Parental consent or denial is required for a child to participate in student clubs and receive health- and mental-related services. Your timely action helps us better serve your children.

Stay Connected
As we continue through this school year, I encourage you to stay engaged and connected. And please continue to follow our district updates on AldineISD.org and on social media. The joy and pride I see in our schools every day — from classroom instruction to athletic victories — are stories worth sharing. Together, we are shaping the future.

Closing Thoughts
This has been a month full of reminders of why we do what we do. Whether it’s celebrating student creativity, honoring heritage, recognizing teachers, or partnering with the community, our focus remains clear: grow every student, every day.

As I hold my grandson Trevor, I am reminded that the work we do is deeply personal. Each child in our district is someone’s whole world. Thank you for joining me in this mission to nurture, challenge, and inspire them.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent
Aldine ISD