Message From the Superintendent, Jan. 26, 2021

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Dear Aldine Community,

Last week, our country witnessed history. The nation watched as we welcomed a new set of leaders including, Kamala Harris, America’s first-ever woman and woman of color as Vice President. 

This momentous occasion made me think about all of the incredible future leaders we have in our community — many of whom reflect the background and identity of our new Vice President. The young women in Aldine ISD are primarily young women of color (48.35%), and for them, this historic inauguration means that much more. I hope girls and young women across our district will continue to be inspired by VP Harris. 

While planning has been underway for months, the announcement of a new school to serve future female leaders, the Aldine Young Women’s Leadership Academy, is perfectly timed. YWLA, which will open in the fall of 2021, through a rigorous, college-preparatory education, will challenge young women to be stronger leaders, build sisterhood, develop skills to succeed in higher education, and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. 

Interested families can sign up to learn more here.

Remote Learning Days
As a reminder, Remote Learning Days are set aside for all students to learn from home while all campus-based staff will report to school. This Friday, January 29, is our next remote learning.  

During Remote Learning Days, all students should log in to Schoology and revisit pre-recorded lessons and previously posted assignments. It is a perfect opportunity for students to catch up on any missing assignments and review any lessons they may have missed or need additional time to complete. Teachers will not present any live instruction sessions and may not be available for live feedback sessions. 

The district will mark attendance through the evidence of students completing assignments and/or logging into Schoology. Families who need students to be on campus Friday or during any designated Remote Learning Days should directly contact their child’s campus.

More to Celebrate 

• Our Second Podcast Episode: Listen in as Chief Communications Officer Sheleah Reed talks about why literacy matters with Dr. Matt Warford, Aldine ISD executive director of teaching and learning, and Demedia Edwards, Aldine ISD director of literacy.
• Principal of the Year Finalists: Aldine ISD has announced the six 2020-2021 Principal of the Year finalists. The school leaders were selected for their innovative leadership and collaboration to drive improvement. 
• AISD Students Partnering With Nanoracks to Develop Flight Hardware for Mars Demo 1: If you missed the news story, read the story about this exciting opportunity for our students.
• District Set to Hold Evening Virtual Information Sessions About High School Choice Options on Jan. 26 & Jan. 27: Do you have an eighth-grade student trying to decide which high school to attend in fall 2021? If the answer is ‘yes,’ then the Virtual Choice Schools Sessions are an excellent opportunity to explore your child’s options.

Student and Family Engagement
Please continue encouraging your students to be curious, to ask questions, and to find ways of learning that make them excited. We know it can be difficult, but it is important that all students — whether learning at home or on campus — engage with their lessons and complete assignments, quizzes, and projects. If you do not have a Home Access Center (HAC) account, please sign up via the Home Access Center website.  

Families are invited to the following training sessions led by the FACE Department this week:

Parent Training: Mental Health
Wednesday, January 27
English Session: 9:00-10:00 a.m. http://bit.ly/MentalhealthTraining 
Spanish Session: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. http://bit.ly/entrenamientoSaludMental 

Parent Training: Storytelling
Thursday, January 28
https://zoom.us/j/91286173652 
English Session from 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Spanish Session from 5:30-6:00 p.m.

Aldine ISD COVID-19 Updates

• This Week’s Overview: The Houston/Harris County area has seen an uptick in positivity rates. We are continually monitoring cases and have plans in place should there be a substantial increase or outbreak. I encourage us all to continue doing our part: wear a mask, wash our hands, and watch our distance.  
• District Dashboard: Families can always check the COVID-19 dashboard for an overview of the active cases by school. 
• Testing Sites in Aldine Area: Drive-thru rapid COVID-19 testing is available for all Aldine ISD students and staff learning and teaching on-campus at the M.B. Sonny Donaldson Child Nutrition Services Building, 1802 Aldine Bender Rd., Houston, TX 77032. Online registration is required by clicking here.
• Vaccinations: The district is continuing to work with local officials, including Harris County Public Health (HCPH), to communicate the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine. Registration is currently open to those in Phase 1B, which includes anyone over the age of 65 or with one of nine chronic conditions as defined by the state. As we receive information, we will share it with our stakeholders.

School Meals Available
Free curbside meals/weekend meal bundles are available for all children 18 and younger. Additionally, free breakfast and lunch will be provided to all Aldine ISD students learning on campus. Details can be found on our website. 

Aldine ISD also offers free evening meals to students at all middle schools, ninth grade schools, and high schools. These schools provide after-school educational enrichment programs for students, which enable the district’s At-Risk Evening Meal Program to be provided by the Child Nutrition Services Department. Please contact your campus for more information.

Here’s to another week of moving forward together.

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent