Message From the Superintendent, March 23, 2021

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Dear Aldine Community,

Welcome back from spring break! I hope all of you had a safe and relaxing week. I want to start off this week’s message by addressing the devastating acts in Atlanta last week. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our country has seen a rise in hate crimes and violent speech directed at Asian Americans. Last week’s shootings amplify the disturbing theme that is transpiring. As a district, we stand with our Asian American brothers and sisters in our community and across the country. At Aldine, we celebrate each others’ differences and use them as an opportunity to learn and grow — ultimately creating positive change. We are dedicated to holistically addressing equity within the district by creating an environment where every single student has the opportunity to learn in a safe and welcoming environment. 

I hope you will join us in celebrating #SELday on Friday, March 26. AISD is focused on social-emotional learning to build strong mindsets and positive school culture. The mind, body, and heart are just as important if not critical to helping students’ academic growth and better handling of life’s challenges and stresses. Skills such as respect toward others, compassion, and perseverance are essential to succeed in school, college and work.

Now that spring is officially here, the countdown is underway to the last day of school. During the last 50 or so days of the year, let’s rally to finish strong. Please continue encouraging your students to be curious, ask questions, and find ways to make learning 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. Report cards for the third nine weeks will be uploaded to HAC on Monday, March 29, 2021.

Reminder — Choice School Deadline
As we begin to look ahead to a new school year, don’t forget that the Choice Schools application is now open! Families and their children can choose from Aldine’s various unique academic programs — preschool through high school — throughout the district. New to this year’s choices are the Young Women’s Leadership Academy and Aldine Newcomer School. 

Why choose Choice Schools? All children are unique. Each learns in different ways, has aspirations for different careers, and is interested in different subjects. We believe that if students can attend a high-quality school that matches their interests, they will be engaged and meet their goals. Students do not need to be zoned to Choice Schools, but they must apply. Due to these programs’ popularity and limited seating, the district selects students through an electronic lottery system. The application deadline is this Friday, March 26, 2021. The first virtual lottery for Choice Schools will be on April 3. Click here to apply.
 
Aldine Legacy Builders 

• We had a wonderful time announcing and celebrating all of the winners with a spring break-themed virtual party. Please join me in congratulating all of our Teachers and Principals of the Year! 
• Winners of the Inaugural Black History Oratory Competition were also announced earlier this month at the Aldine ISD board meeting. The talent of our students continues to amaze me. 

COVID-19 Testing/Safety Protocols/Vaccination News
As we return to school from a week of travel and seeing others, I would like to ask each of you to please continue to adhere to the district’s safety protocols. If your child has tested positive or been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please notify your child’s teacher and your school nurse to receive information on the next steps. As a reminder, drive-thru rapid COVID-19 testing is available for all Aldine ISD students and staff learning and teaching on-campus at:  

M.B. Sonny Donaldson Child Nutrition Services Building
1802 Aldine Bender Rd., Houston, TX 77032

Online registration is required by clicking here. 

It was announced yesterday that Texas would open COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all adults beginning Monday, March 29. Under the expanded eligibility, Texans 16 and older can receive a vaccine. However, the Pfizer vaccine is the only approved vaccine available for that age group. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been approved for people 18 and older. Click here to read more. 

I encourage everyone to continue doing their part: wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.

Teacher Recruitment Expo
AISD is Looking for Amazing, Talented, Caring Teachers! — The district will host a Virtual Teacher Recruitment Expo on Thursday, April 1, 2021. During the one-hour session, prospective teachers will learn about the district, the application process, and how school principals can interview potential educators. For information about job positions and to apply, visit the Human Resources webpage.

News

• School Trustees Approve the 2021-2022 School Year Calendar: Trustees approved the calendar during the regular March Board Meeting. The first day of school will be Monday, August 16, and the last day of instruction will be May 26, 2022. For a complete list of important dates and holidays, click here.
• District Students Shine at the Regional Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE): Several high school students earned honors for their exemplary work. Ten students earned’ Superior’ distinction advancing them to the state event in April.
• High School Students Earn Top Honors at State Academic Decathlon: Students from Victory Early College HS, Blanson CTEHS, Carver HS, and MacArthur HS won distinctions at the state event. 
• Boys and Girls Soccer Teams Dominate District 14-6A: Aldine ISD is sending seven teams to the Class 6A State Soccer Playoffs. Click on the link to read more about the teams from MacArthur HS, Aldine HS, Eisenhower HS, and Nimitz HS.

REMINDER: School Meals Available
Free curbside meals/weekend meal bundles are available for all children 18 and younger. We also offer free evening meals to students at all middle schools, ninth grade schools, and high schools. It’s not easy to learn on an empty stomach — we encourage all of our families who need this program to take advantage of it. Please contact your campus for more information.

I wish you a wonderful week ahead. 

With Aldine Pride,

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent