Message From the Superintendent, Aug. 24, 2020

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Dear Aldine Community,

We did it! Congratulations to our resilient students, dedicated staff, and devoted families on a fantastic first week back to school! I loved visiting students and staff and seeing photos on social media that made it clear that we are #AldineAnywhere and together even when apart. 

Now that classes have started, as questions bubble up — we wanted to point you back to resources that may help:

Our Return to Learn Parents Guide

Here you will find details on:

• Information About School Supplies 
• Attendance and Grading Guidelines 
• Home Access Center 
• Schoology (including details on Student ID and Passwords) 
• Curbside Meal Service 
• Stories about behind the scenes of the first week
• And more! 

Timeline for Re-Opening In Person 

As you are aware, in August, we launched a COVID Meter that defines Aldine ISD’s action plan for both staff and students. We remain in the Red Phase. Red signifies a severe and uncontrolled level of COVID-19 in our community as determined by local health officials, meaning outbreaks are presently worsening. Authorities advise residents to minimize contact with others wherever possible and avoid leaving home except for an essential need.

As our community’s COVID-19 outbreaks increase or decrease, our district will announce the phase (e.g., orange, yellow, or green). This will, in turn, result in action items related to opening schools for in-person learning.  

Based on the current situation, we have decided to extend our virtual learning period until Friday, Sept. 11. All students will continue learning from home until that date. Teachers will continue to have the option to hold classes from home or their assigned campus.  

However, given the unknowns and potential for continued outbreaks — in addition to the one-week extension, Aldine ISD Trustees approved the district’s waiver request to the Texas Education Agency to extend at-home learning another four weeks through Friday, October 9, if necessary. A decision will be made closer to the date, pending our assessment of COVID-19 rates and in accordance with our COVID Meter. Should we move forward with opening campuses, we will use a  staggered approach and communicate directly with families who would be impacted.

Important Dates to Remember 

• Adjusted first day of in-person instruction is Monday, September 14
• Board-approved waiver allows for virtual learning to continue through Friday, October 9, if necessary

Please review this post on our website for more information. 

Technology Options for Students

Aldine ISD is committed to ensuring its students have access to educational opportunities. Our goal remains to put a device in the hands of every student. As we progress toward this goal, we want to ensure that every family has at least one device. If your family still requires a device, please contact your campus.

Weather
Aldine ISD is closely monitoring current weather systems, Marco and Laura, that are forecasted to affect our area this week. It appears that Marco has made a turn east; however, there could be remnants of weather conditions that impact us. We are also closely monitoring Laura’s path.  Current models indicate the Houston area could be directly impacted. If it is anticipated that school functions will be interrupted due to inclement weather, the district will notify staff and families about changes to the requirements for engagement, attendance and working remotely.

The district’s operations team is working closely with the Aldine Police Department to assess and ensure facility readiness. 

I hope you are prepared with necessities and a plan in the event one of these storms reaches the Houston area. Please follow all city and county officials’ guidance and anticipate heavy rain, power outages, and flooding. Secure a safe place to shelter and prepare emergency supplies for family members and pets. District staff that have reported to the building should confirm that their technology is stored high (not on the floor), that locks on doors are working, batteries are in flashlights, etc. Ensure that your department leader has your most updated contact information and that you are aware of any expectations regarding your work assignments.

Families, to ensure you receive the most updated information, please update your contact information via Home Access Center (HAC). If you need to create an account, visit our HAC web page. Additionally, bookmark AldineISD.org.

The district will communicate updates and changes as they arise via our social media channels and our mass notification system, Blackboard Connect.

As always, please reach out to your Aldine family with questions or concerns.  I am grateful to work with and among the best community. Please stay safe and healthy. 

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent