Superintendent’s Message — Momentum, Opportunity and the Continuing #AldineStory

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Aldine ISD Community,

I have never walked so much in all my life! I averaged 25,000 steps a day at the International Education Symposium at Bett Global in London, England, as a U.S. delegate. It was an amazing experience that was both humbling and inspiring. Imagine me, a country girl from Coldspring, Texas, sitting at the table with some of the greatest minds across the globe. While it was truly an honor to be selected, it was an even greater honor to represent Aldine ISD on a global stage. I enjoyed conversations with educators representing every continent, the shared challenges we face, and how much we have in common across borders. What I discovered was that, in many ways, America is ahead in implementing AI, Texas is ahead, and Aldine ISD is leading the way.

If you’ve ever been to London, one phrase you will see repeatedly in the Metro, otherwise known as the Tube, is “Mind the Gap.” It challenged me to reflect on the importance of “minding the gap.” You have to mind the gap, or you’ll fall between the platform and the train. As leaders, we must take notice of any gaps — whether in knowledge, importance, or action — that might hinder our ability to lead effectively. Aldine ISD is doing powerful work, and this global experience affirmed that we are not only part of the conversation but also helping lead it.

Over the past several weeks, we have celebrated the return of our 67th Annual FFA Livestock Show, where students proudly showcased months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork. We have also watched our performing arts programs shine as Davis High School and Carver High School students brought their productions of The Wiz to life in high-energy musicals that highlighted both talent and collaboration. In athletics, Nimitz High School baseball and Eisenhower High School softball are entering the season with a strong foundation and high expectations, while student-athletes across the district continue preparing for upcoming competitions and signing opportunities.

Leadership and future readiness remain central to our work. Students recently gathered for the 4th Annual Torch Leadership Summit to strengthen their voices and build skills that will serve them well beyond graduation. At the same time, our career and technical education pathways, magnet programs, and dual credit partnerships continue to expand opportunities that allow students to explore interests and graduate with real choices and access to high-quality learning experiences. We were also thrilled to learn that nine of our magnet schools under our Choice Schools umbrella are 2026 Magnet Schools of America Merit Award winners — an incredible accomplishment that reflects the dedication of our educators and students!

Another exciting opportunity ahead is the STEMsational: Future Women in STEM Conference on Saturday, Feb. 28. While it is limited to the first 100 to register, the event is open to both Aldine ISD and non-Aldine ISD girls in grades 6-12. What an opportunity for young women as they look forward to their future possibilities!

We are also proud of the many academic and enrichment initiatives taking place this season. Our district counselors are being recognized during National School Counseling Week for the essential role they play in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. We look forward to hosting the 2026 Literacy Matters Conference, where educators and families will learn more about our district’s journey in the science of reading and the strategies helping students build strong literacy foundations. In addition, families will soon be invited to participate in Parent Nights designed to support smooth transitions for elementary students entering middle school and middle school students entering the ninth grade in the 2026-2027 school year — important milestones that shape long-term success.

Community engagement remains a priority as well. We host several Optimization 2026 community meetings to ensure transparency and partnership as we plan responsibly for the future — be on the lookout for dates. February also brings meaningful celebrations, including Career and Technical Education Month, Magnet Schools Month, and Black Heritage Month. We will proudly recognize our transportation staff during Love the Bus Day and continue to highlight the many individuals who make our district stronger every day.

Before I close, I have to congratulate the Avalos P-TECH School and MacArthur High School Academic Decathlon teams for advancing to the state competition!

I also could not be more proud of our Carver mariachi group, Acero, earning Sweepstakes — straight 1s — at the recent UIL Contest. This journey began in 2019 after attending NSBA, fueled by a vision to bring this opportunity to our students. We launched in 2020 with a small, dedicated group, and seeing it evolve into an award-winning program is a testament to our team’s hard work. From a spark of an idea to state-level success — well done!

Again, congratulations to our coaches, instructors, and students in all their UIL events so far this semester. And we are just getting started!

As we look ahead, the pace of the semester will continue to accelerate with UIL competitions, performances, family engagement events, and upcoming assessments. I encourage our students to stay focused, our staff to continue the incredible work you do each day, and our families to remain actively engaged partners in learning. Together, we will continue building momentum and ensure that every Aldine ISD student is prepared not only for graduation but for a future filled with possibilities.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and belief in our students. Your partnership makes all the difference.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent
Aldine ISD