Aldine ISD Superintendent Meets With Parent Advisory Committee 

Despite limited in-person interaction, Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney,  met with district parents via Zoom for a virtual Superintendent Parent Advisory Committee meeting, hosted by the newly created Family and Community Engagement department. 

The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department’s goal is to elevate district pride by strengthening district partnerships and empowering families.

“The FACE department hopes to empower Aldine ISD parents to become more effective advocates for their children,” Sheleah D. Reed, APR, chief communications officer, said. “The department is also  empowering stakeholders to create opportunities to work with Aldine ISD schools and students.” 

During the meeting, Dr. Martha Escalante, Family and Community Engagement Executive Director, introduced the newly created department and explained how each parent member will play a big part in helping prepare every Aldine ISD student for success. 

The Superintendent Parent Advisory Committee is made up of parent liaisons from schools across the district.  The committee will hold meetings with Dr. Goffney throughout the year. 

Dr. Goffney assured parents that the Aldine ISD COVID-19 Task Force is continuing to work for all students during this time. The district is committed to transparency, collaboration, and honesty. 

Members of the executive leadership team were also able to share specific information and give parents updates about work being done on behalf of students during this disruption of school operations. 

Dr. Todd Davis, chief academic officer, shared the latest additions to the Aldine At-Home Learning website, developed by the Teaching and Learning department. 

Beginning next week, there will be five non-digital lessons for all grade levels on the at-home site. Additionally, families will be able to pick up work packets at the Child Nutrition curbside meal sites next week. Dr. Davis reminded parents that the at-home learning website materials and lessons are supplemental activities and the work is not graded.

He also explained, the week of April 3, teachers and students will start using Schoology. Allowing teachers to provide lessons, communicate and give feedback to provide high-quality interactive learning.  Dr. Davis mentioned that students with disabilities will be using virtual ARD meetings moving forward and that there are supports on the at-home website to support extended learning for students. 

“District staff are adjusting to this new normal to help support parents during this time,” Dr. Goffney explained. “The at-home learning tools are to help our students continue reading, learning and building their skills.” 

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Selina Chapa updated parents that Aldine ISD has distributed over 61,000 breakfast and lunch meals at the curbside meal campuses. Starting Monday, March 30, Child Nutrition Services will be providing breakfast and lunch pickup from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families will be able to pick up six meals for each student on Monday and six meals for each student on Thursday. This change allows both families and staff to remain healthy and safe during meal pickup. Students will now receive an extra meal for the weekend. 

Dr. Chapa also reminded the parents that from 9 a.m. to Noon on Friday, March 27, Aldine ISD has partnered with the Houston Food Bank to provide groceries to the community. The event will be held at M.O. Campbell Educational Center, 1865 Aldine Bender. There is no criteria for the food pickup, but it is first come first serve. 

Parents on the committee had the opportunity to ask Dr. Goffney and other district leaders specific questions throughout the meeting. 

Dr. Goffney and her executive leadership team answered all parent questions about STAAR tests, community resources, updates for seniors, and staying connected to the district. 

“We are truly balancing ensuring what is  best for our Aldine students, while also following the rules and guidance of our government officials,” Dr. Goffney said.