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Nineteen Aldine ISD high school artists recently showcased their talents at the Texas Art Education Association’s State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) brings together student artwork from across Texas Jurors evaluate submissions for potential medals and the highly coveted Gold Seal award out of a staggering 32,000 entries submitted statewide representing the top 1% of student artwork in Texas were honored with the prestigious Gold Seal distinction Twenty-two AISD student artworks qualified for STATE VASE based on results from the Regional VASE 4N event at the state event with 10 pieces earning the State VASE medalist honor by achieving the highest possible score of 4 were awarded Gold Seal recognition for their outstanding photography Among the district’s youngest medalists was Asia Murphy a ninth grader at Eisenhower Ninth Grade College Prep who impressed judges and earned a State VASE medal received a $600 scholarship after participating in the State VASE 2D workshop Students from seven Aldine ISD high schools participated in the event: Blanson CTE High School “These students represent the incredible talent and hard work found across our district,” said Kaileigh Newman “We are so proud of their accomplishments on the state stage.” Board Policies Non-Discrimination Policy Notice to Persons with Disabilities Required Postings National Motto Display Requirement and the appropriate staff member will get back to you Email Us and Chancellor of Lone Star College System Mario K (l-r),sign the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on April 29 and the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is creating a direct path to a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity for high school students — and removing common barriers along the way district and college leaders signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at UHD to mark the launch of the 2+2+2 Cybersecurity Pathway The innovative program allows students to earn a high school diploma and bachelor’s degree through a seamless academic experience supported by all three institutions not roadblocks,” said Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr “This partnership gives our students a powerful opportunity to advance their education and careers — especially in a high-demand and Castillo (l-r) pose for a group picture representing their respective educational institutions — Aldine ISD Click on the image to see the story that aired on KHOU-Channel 11 The program will begin at Avalos P-TECH School where students can pursue a cybersecurity pathway in partnership with Lone Star College Students can earn a cybersecurity AAS degree Students will not only graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree but also be able to then transition directly into UHD’s cybersecurity program to complete their bachelor’s degree The idea began last spring when the leaders of Aldine ISD and Lone Star College met to discuss a shared vision for student success Armando Walle helped initiate the conversation highlighting the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals and the need for stronger connections between education and industry “Our goal is to provide additional choices and opportunities for students,” said Dr “We want our students to continue their academic journey in cybersecurity and have access to real-world internships and support along the way.” In attendance with the Aldine ISD group were (l-r) Lizette Garza Office of Transformation executive assistant; Dr Javier Villarreal; Chief Human Resources Officer Marcia Herrera; Aldine ISD Board Member Dr García; Superintendent Goffney; AISD Board Member Connie Esparza; Chief Communications Officer Sheila Adams; Avalos P-TECH School Principal Stephen Heady; and Chief Transformation Officer Adrian Bustillos The 2+2+2 model aligns with Aldine ISD’s Portrait of a Graduate This vision prepares students to be critical thinkers systemic partnerships that ensure students graduate college and military ready (CCMR) — and thrive in a global workforce “This partnership shows what’s possible when K–12 and policymakers come together to break down silos,” Goffney said All three institutions are also working to provide “concierge services” — personalized guidance to help students navigate each phase of the program The long-term vision includes expanding the 2+2+2 model to additional fields beyond cybersecurity “We’re optimistic this is just the beginning,” Bustillos said “We believe this model can be replicated and scaled to create an even greater impact for our students and their futures.” The program’s first cohort will begin in the upcoming school year Aldine ISD students made all the right moves at the Scholastic Houston Chess Association Tournament on April 26 With nearly 300 students competing citywide — including 160 students from 16 Aldine campuses — teams across the district delivered standout performances at every level “The students’ success at the citywide chess tournament has not only bolstered their confidence and positive outlook but also filled us all with pride and inspiration,” said Betzabel De La Rosa and the students have built lifelong cherished memories through their involvement in the chess program.” “These results reflect the hard work and leadership our students are developing through chess,” said De La Rosa.  “Chess continues to grow in Aldine and we’re so proud of what our teams accomplished.” an Avalos P-TECH student who earned fifth place individually out of 262 participants Jesús began playing at Carmichael Elementary School in third grade where he was coached by De La Rosa and Jorge R The longtime chess enthusiast won four of five rounds — all participants played five rounds — and helped propel his school to a top-five finish The tournament was particularly meaningful for campuses like Avalos P-TECH and Plummer Middle School — schools that do not yet have formal chess coaches but were still able to participate under Coach De La Rosa’s guidance but they collectively walked away with 11 victories Through the support of the Advanced Academics Department‘s dedicated chess coaches Aldine ISD’s chess program continues to thrive offering elementary to high school students opportunities to compete in local and confidence — skills that translate far beyond the chessboard “Time and time again and students developing a true competitive spirit,” shared De La Rosa they learn that their actions have consequences Chess offers an outlet for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to compete in traditional sports or activities Next, Aldine ISD will host its annual District Chess Tournament on May 17 at Blanson CTE High School from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., where student strategists will again showcase their talents and passion for the game. The tournament is open only to Aldine ISD students. Students can register with the chess coach on campus or email De La Rosa at [email protected] District Tournament Registration Link: https://shorturl.at/qcsGd The district believes that if all students can attend a high-quality school that matches their interests they will achieve their academic potential The more options suit a student’s interests you can choose the best school experience for your child We have over 30 Choice Schools offering a wide variety of programs for students of all ages some of our programs also have themes for students with special interests or those who wish to specialize in a specific area Other programs provide innovative instructional models that can better meet the needs of students Educators at Choice Schools can motivate students to engage intellectually in a more meaningful and intense way by focusing on their specific interests Every student has access to the tools they need and the educational experience they need to graduate prepared to succeed in college Aldine Choice Schools are an option for all students inside and outside Aldine ISD with transportation available to all students living within Aldine ISD’s borders @AldineChoice Aldine ISD’s Spanish-speaking families came together virtually on Saturday, April 26 and community during the district’s fourth annual Festival de Primavera reinforcing the strong bond that unites us featured renowned guest speakers Andrés Ruzo and Dr It also featured lively performances by Aldine ISD students including a ballet folklórico group from Carver High School Hundreds of families registered — over 800 — for the festival with the first 500 eligible to participate in raffles for prizes The event highlighted the district’s commitment to creating inclusive experiences that honor and celebrate its multilingual community “We are so grateful to our families for joining us and our guest speakers for inspiring our students,” said Eva Carrillo-Iñiguez Aldine ISD Director of Multilingual Services “This event truly reflects the strength and beauty of our bilingual community.” During the event a geothermal scientist and conservationist shared his experiences exploring the Boiling River of the Amazon providing valuable insights into the importance of bridging traditional knowledge with scientific exploration a music education expert and classical guitarist discussed the power of music in shaping young minds enlightening the audience with his insights on bilingual education through the arts Families and staff took to social media to share their excitement and gratitude “Beautiful to see the ballet folklórico of Carver High School!” one post read “Hearing about music’s powerful impact on children and adults was truly empowering.” The connection between the speakers was also celebrated online Superintendent Dr Goffney also received thanks across platforms for her support of the Spanish-language initiative with attendees praising the district for hosting an event that was completamente en español The festival celebrated culture and literacy and reminded the community of Aldine ISD’s mission to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students and families For more information about future multilingual events, families are encouraged to visit AldineISD.org or follow @AldineISD and @Aldine_Bil_ESL on X (formerly Twitter) Show Breaking News BarCloseLocal NewsAhmed Humble Gage Goulding Brittany Taylor HOUSTON – A heavy police presence has now been cleared at Eisenhower High School following the arrest of three individuals on Wednesday SEE ALSO: .22 caliber rifle found inside Galena Park High School student’s car officers were in the area serving a warrant when they heard gunshots near the bayou the high school was temporarily placed on lockdown Officers drove toward the direction of the gunfire and saw at least three teenagers shooting into the bayou. When confronted by police, the teens ran toward the school on Antoine Drive near Acres Homes All three were detained in connection with the gunfire incident The two remaining individuals are in custody with charges pending two of the arrests were unrelated to the shooting and occurred off campus but Aldine ISD confirmed that at least one of them is an Eisenhower High School student Normal operations resumed at Eisenhower High School at 9:15 a.m Additional officers have been brought in to provide security for the rest of the school day Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office and Aldine ISD Police Department responded to the incident Stay on top of breaking news as it happens by signing up for our alerts Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue Gage Goulding is an award-winning TV news reporter and anchor where he covered some of the areas most important stories TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us Meet the Team Careers at KPRC Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 Click2Houston.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group the Aldine ISD Board of Trustees approved the closure of De Santiago EC/PK/K School and Smith Elementary School at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year to optimize its highest-quality facilities and continue providing our students with the best educational choices and experiences Students will be rezoned to the closest schools.  there will be a revision to redraw the boundaries of Dunn Elementary School to send students to Calvert Elementary School Aldine ISD has seen student enrollment declines a lack of affordable housing throughout the community Decisions were based on facility utilization and condition data The district does not anticipate any staff reductions and will work to find placement for those staff members impacted by the change.  “These decisions were made after careful review staff and community members,” said Superintendent Dr “I believe these decisions will maximize the use of the campuses and help us to  continue to fulfill our mission of providing a rigorous and enriching educational experience that prepares our students for college Aldine ISD will work closely with campus leaders to ensure a smooth transition for students and staff to the new facilities in the upcoming school year Community meetings for parents of the schools that are closing will be scheduled for next week “We continue to strive to be the best choice for our students and families we serve,” said Superintendent Goffney Attracting and retaining high-quality teachers and administrators to prepare our students for success is more essential than ever The closure of these campuses means we get to keep what matters most in Aldine: our people.” Students impacted by the campus closures will be rezoned to the following Aldine campuses: De Santiago EC/PK/K –  Griggs EC/PK/K School Stovall EC/PK/K – Kujawa EC/PK/K School Eckert Elementary – Calvert Elementary School Oleson Elementary School – Johnson Elementary School Raymond Elementary School – Carroll Elementary School Smith Elementary School – Caraway Elementary School Click here for more information.  Children at Risk made the announcement on February 12 Several Aldine Independent School District (ISD) schools — Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Avalos P-TECH School, Blanson CTE High School, Impact Leadership Academy, and Thompson Elementary School — have earned top spots in the 2023-2024 Annual Houston School Rankings released by Children at Risk on February 12 The rankings highlight significant achievements across various educational levels within the district In the Top 6 Houston Area Middle Schools category, the district Choice School option Aldine Young Women’s Leadership Academy secured the 5th position, underscoring its commitment to excellence in STEM education at the all-girls campus Two Aldine ISD Choice School high school options also received notable recognition in the Gold Ribbon category, which honors high-performing, high-poverty schools. Avalos P-TECH School achieved second place, while Blanson CTE High School was ranked third among Houston Area Gold Ribbon High Schools Impact Leadership Academy was distinguished as the third Top Houston Area Gold Ribbon Middle School reflecting its dedication to fostering academic success among its students Thompson Elementary School earned fifth in the Top Houston Area Gold Ribbon Elementary Schools category at the elementary level highlighting its effective educational programs and student support initiatives Goffney emphasized that these recognitions demonstrate Aldine ISD’s commitment to offering diverse high-quality educational opportunities for all families “Aldine ISD is proud to provide families with a variety of excellent school options whether through our outstanding neighborhood schools like Thompson Elementary or our Choice School campuses like Avalos P-TECH Our goal is to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education that fits their interests and aspirations,” said Goffney “These rankings are a testament to the hard work of our educators and families who are up to the challenge of discovering what is possible and transforming the lives of our students.” Children at Risk conducts a comprehensive evaluation of school performance across the state which assess various factors including student achievement provide a reliable and thorough assessment of school quality Click here to learn more about Aldine ISD’s over 30 Choice School programs, or visit the district Schools’ webpage to obtain links to campus websites Aldine ISD is gearing up for its 10th annual Physical Education Demonstration Show on Monday Students from Vardeman Primary School at the 9th annual Aldine ISD Physical Education Demonstration Show The district started hosting the physical education show to highlight the amazing activities students participate in daily in   Aldine’s physical education program The show provides students with endless opportunities while teaching how physical activity can positively impact one’s health Twenty to thirty students from Vardeman Primary and Orange Grove Elementary School were selected by their PE coach to perform various activities in their health and physical education curriculum “The skills that our students learn throughout the year build confidence and resilience and help them be more successful in all areas of life,” said Aldine ISD’s Health and Physical Education Coordinator ”It has been incredible to see the turnout for this event reminding everyone that physical education is another way to accelerate student learning in Aldine ISD.”  Students from Garcia Middle School performing at the 9th Annual Physical Education Demonstration show The district’s physical education teachers housed underneath the Physical Education and Health Department work with Pre-K through 12th-grade students to provide an engaging learning environment and empower the Aldine community to be healthy Students are provided with physical education and more throughout the school year.  Click here to learn more about Aldine ISD’s Physical Education & Health Department.   Aldine ISD’s Choice high schools came together April 24 to showcase student talent at the third annual Creative Pursuit art show the event featured artwork from students attending Avalos Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) School Blanson Career and Technical Education (CTE) High School Guests enjoyed an evening of creativity voting in the People’s Choice contest for their favorite student artwork and participating in hands-on activities at the family fun table shared images from the event that captured the vibrant atmosphere and the diverse range of student pieces on display “Creative Pursuit gives our students a platform to express themselves and share their artistic voice with the community,” Newman said “It’s wonderful to see so much talent and passion on display and we are proud to celebrate these young artists and their achievements.” and staff for supporting the event and celebrating the creativity of Aldine ISD students The Aldine Independent School District has named Timothy Momanyi as its new chief financial officer Momanyi is a seasoned finance executive with over two decades of experience Momanyi is deeply committed to fiscal stewardship and has a proven track record in school finance and budget management “I am excited to welcome Timothy Momanyi to the Executive Leadership Team,” said Superintendent Dr “His expertise and dedication to aligning financial resources with student success will ensure that Aldine ISD continues to serve our students and community with excellence and transparency.” Momanyi’s appointment marks his return to Aldine ISD where he previously served as assistant superintendent of finance and executive director of finance His extensive background also includes serving as senior executive director of budgeting and financial planning at Houston ISD led a team of over 50 finance professionals and oversaw the distribution of $1.1 billion in federal ESSER funding “I am honored to rejoin Aldine ISD and continue its legacy of financial excellence,” Momanyi said “I look forward to working collaboratively with the district’s leadership to ensure our financial resources align with the strategic goals of fostering academic achievement and operational efficiency.” Momanyi holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Houston’s C.T Bauer College of Business and an MBA from Houston Christian University’s Archie W He is also a Registered Texas School Business Administrator (RTSBA) and a Certified Public Funds Investment Manager (CPFIM) Momanyi has demonstrated a commitment to operational transparency and strategic planning throughout his career He will oversee the district’s financial operations in his new role and vision align with our district’s needs as we continue to prioritize the success of every student,” added Dr “I am confident that his strategic approach will strengthen our financial operations and support our district’s ongoing progress.” Momanyi’s appointment is effective immediately He joins Aldine ISD at a pivotal time as the district continues implementing initiatives to enhance academic outcomes and operational efficiency For more information about the Aldine ISD Executive Leadership Team, visit www.AldineISD.org Jordan Williams of Eisenhower High School raised the grand champion steer at the 65th annual Aldine ISD FFA Livestock Show and Country Fair The Superintendent’s Group bought Jordan’s steer for $12,000 The 66th annual FFA Livestock Show and Auction will be held Jan with the staff swine showmanship show following the Buyer’s Luncheon will be held at 11 a.m followed by the sale of champions at 1 p.m BBQ plates will be available on Wednesday and Thursday They can be purchased on-site or ordered online for pick up on the Aldine Livestock Show website Aldine ISD’s Carver High School robotics team competed in the FIRST Robotics Texas State Championship Aldine had several campuses compete this year in the robotics competition Carver won its qualifying competition held in Victoria and moved on to compete in the state competition Carver also had one student qualify individually for the Texas State Championship students from Carver High School in Acres Homes—a historically under-resourced Title I community—are gaining hands-on experience in engineering and problem-solving that rivals top-tier programs nationwide,” said Dr they’ve not only competed but won against larger proving that talent and determination live everywhere.” The Texas State Championship featured 81 teams with over 2,000 students competing State champion winners moved on to compete in the world championship bringing over 230 teams with 25,000 students from across the globe On Sunday the Houston Symphony’s annual Spec’s Charitable Foundation Award for Excellence in Music Education was presented to Aldine ISD’s Grace Lewis head director of orchestras at Carver High School Lewis was among four Houston music educators nominated and current students wrote letters of support to the selection committee detailing her work within the Aldine ISD community and beyond Lewis was recognized for hosting music camps for the Carver Orchestra and Pearland Youth Orchestra students and for encouraging them to earn scholarships to Texas universities and pursue careers in music “Our students represent a boundless future,” Lewis said “Nothing is outside of their reach!” Lewis also noted the valuable contribution of her co-teacher to the rich learning environment of the Carver High School Orchestra classroom The Houston Symphony’s support through its Community Embedded Musician residency program at Carver has allowed students to observe and participate in professional-level music-making and understand the many ways one can use music to affect change after graduation 30% of graduating Carver orchestra seniors will attend university to pursue a career in music performance or education two high school esports teams from Aldine ISD have qualified for the Texas Scholastic Esports Federation (TEXSEF) State Championship The teams—Boo Crew and Phoenix—earned their spots after intense competition at the Aldine Esports Countdown Cup on March 22 Both teams will now represent Aldine ISD at the TEXSEF State Championship taking place May 1–3 at the Hurd Center on Baylor University’s campus in Waco Boo Crew to Compete in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Boo Crew secured its state berth after competing in 14 matches against five other teams They will face off against 20 of the top Mario Kart 8 Deluxe teams from across Texas during the three-day event Team Phoenix Qualifies for Super Smash Bros Phoenix rose to the top after playing 24 matches against nine other teams at the Countdown Cup They will now battle 21 other Texas schools for the state title the Executive Director of Digital Learning states that “Aldine’s participation in the TEXSEF State Championship marks a historic moment for our district.” “We are witnessing the emergence of a program that began as an experiment and has now reached the state’s highest competitive level This achievement isn’t just about gaming—it’s about pioneering an alternative pathway for students beyond traditional UIL activities opening doors to successful careers in the rapidly growing esports ecosystem Our students are developing professional skills and showing that Aldine is at the forefront of educational innovation in competitive gaming.” Aldine is taking esports to the next level for 2025-2026 The program’s rapid growth speaks volumes from just 40 students competing in our league in our first year to 72 students this year representing an 80% increase in participation The district has also expanded from 17 clubs in its first year to 27 clubs this year showing the growing interest across Aldine “As we expand our in-person competitions we’re also building strategic partnerships with PlayVS and the Houston Spartans to connect students with professional opportunities What makes our approach unique is that we’re pioneering an alternative career pathway completely outside the traditional UIL-approved sports system.” “We’re not just teaching them to game – we’re developing a school-to-college pipeline that cultivates the essential skills employers want: analytical thinking Our program creates competitive gamers while opening doors to tomorrow’s workforce through this engaging The Texas Scholastic Esports Federation (TEXSEF) is a statewide organization that uses esports to enhance students’ social and career development through competitive play and a curriculum-based learning approach Aldine ISD’s esports program is committed to preparing students for careers in the gaming and technology industries by developing skills in teamwork the district and its partners aim to build a future-ready workforce To learn more about Aldine ISD Esports, including league information, upcoming tournaments, and how to support the program, visit https://sites.google.com/aldineisd.org/aldineesports/home/mission-and-vision?authuser=0 Several students and staff were recognized at Aldine ISD’s April 16 board meeting for their accomplishments in academics and roles and responsibilities throughout the 2024-25 school year Aldine ISD Board of Trustees recognized winners of the Aldine Impact Award Employees and community members are rewarded for going above and beyond the call of duty in their respective roles with Aldine ISD and the Aldine ISD Unified Athletics department program consisting of Julie Grutzmacher Vice President Connie Esparza nominated Sharon Kennedy pregnancy coordinator at Hall Success Academy Board member Randy Bates Jr nominated Xandra Williams-Earlie Board member Paul Shanklin nominated the school administration office for attendance efforts The department consists of Paul Carampatan director of school administration; Perlita Leija dropout recovery and attendance office specialist; Juan Flores dropout recovery and attendance office specialist; Israel Flores dropout recovery and attendance specialist; Alfonso Sahagun dropout recovery and student attendance specialist and Nora Guzman secretary to the executive director of school administration.  and Leading Department Honors Staff Members and Students Javier Villarreal presented seven staff members from Grantham Academy with the Humanitarian Award for their heroic efforts which saved the life of their Assistant Principal The staff members recognized were Matthew Cline interim 8th-grade science instructional specialist; Joseph McGuiness 8th grade science teacher; Medagan McDermott Chief Academic Officer Faviola Cantu celebrated two groups of students a two-way dual language student at Ermel Elementary won the NABE Essay Writing Contest in Atlanta Aldine ISD Junior Science Fair winners Dellivon Frazier of Drew Academy and Dante Tamez of Hambrick Middle School were recognized for their scientific achievements The students excelled at the district science fair advancing them to the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston where they placed second among 54 other school districts in their categories the students represented Aldine ISD and the region at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair at Texas A&M University on March 29 Chief Transformation Officer Adrian Bustillos shared the exciting news that’s taking place at the Young Women’s Leader Academy (YWLA) The YWLA was selected for a campus-wide community service project with upgrades to three key spaces that focus on nurturing the physical YWLA will continue to build on the STEM field this summer with several programs scheduled for June and July Several students from YWLA have applied to prestigious summer programs across the state and nation and have received scholarships to attend the summer programs.  highlighted the district’s performing arts programs for the 2024-25 school year Aldine ISD has over 20,000 elementary students who are part of the performing arts program over 22,700 students participate in the performing and visual arts programs at the secondary level and over 8,000 students from the district’s magnet and choice schools participate in the performing arts and theater programs were spotlighted for their accomplishments director of orchestras at Carver High School were recognized for their outstanding work in the arts.  AISD Public Hearing on 2023-24 Annual Performance Report Aldine ISD held a public hearing for the 2023-24 Annual Performance Report at the April 16 Board meeting.  Dawn Ayers-Rodriguez According to TEA guidelines: “A hearing for public discussion of the annual report must be held within 90 calendar days from the district receiving Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPRs) Parents and property owners must be notified of the hearing.” Aldine ISD employees were recognized for their leadership Bussey Elementary led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas Flag The Aldine Middle School LOTC Color Guard presented the colors The May board meeting will be held on Tuesday in the boardroom at the Donaldson Administration Building.  Alison Jackson has been recognized by the Texas Digital Learning Association (TxDLA) with the Outstanding Commitment to Excellence and Innovation in Digital Learning award or organizations that have significantly advanced digital learning practices over the past year Jackson was recognized for her work supporting online learning programs in Aldine ISD where she serves as the online learning programs support coordinator within the district’s Virtual School Office “My passion for digital learning was inspired by the transformative potential of technology to enhance access and engagement in education,” Jackson said flexible learning experiences motivates me to focus on creating environments where all students can thrive regardless of their background or circumstances.” housed at the Bamberg Professional Development and Resource Center provides flexible and high-quality online learning options for students across the district Programs support students in credit recovery I support teachers and staff in online learning by providing ongoing professional development facilitating collaborative communities of practice and offering personalized coaching,” Jackson said “My approach fosters innovation to enhance instructional efficacy which promotes student success using our online programs.” According to TxDLA the award is presented to a nominee who demonstrates leadership in the application of digital learning—through innovation Winners are selected by TxDLA members across various educational sectors Jackson says her team is working to further align online and in-person learning experiences for students we are enhancing digital learning through curriculum management and student performance tracking,” Jackson said “Our goal is to maintain academic rigor and equitable access to resources for all learners by ensuring consistent and current curriculum standards Jackson’s dedication to advancing digital learning in Aldine ISD reflects our ongoing mission to meet students where they are and expand access to high-quality education,” said Shanaya Anderson director of the AISD Online Learning Department For more information about Aldine ISD’s virtual learning programs, visit VirtualSchool.AldineISD.org The Suburban Houston Association for Bilingual Education (SHABE) celebrated excellence in bilingual ESL and foreign language education during its 2025 banquet held on April 4 at the Houston City Place Marriott at Springwoods Village The event drew more than 700 attendees and honored students teachers and community leaders from across the Houston area Four Aldine ISD students received scholarships in recognition of their academic achievements and dedication to language learning a senior at Victory Early College High School was awarded a scholarship donated by JYEmpowerment an organization co-founded by two former Victory ECHS students — Jonathan Bush and Yoselyn Owolabi Lucía plans to attend Texas A&M University in the fall Three seniors from La Promesa also earned scholarships Katia Ramírez and Franklin Ochoa both plan to attend Sam Houston State University Katia’s scholarship was donated by Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr former director of the Aldine ISD Multilingual Services Department and recipient of the Diana García Marion Award La Promesa classmate Kennia Monsivais Mendiola who also plans to attend Texas A&M University received a scholarship donated by Sandra Mercuri Joseph McGuinness of Grantham Middle School placed third in the Secondary ESL Teacher of the Year category Juan Flor of MacArthur High School placed third for Foreign Language Teacher of the Year SHABE was revitalized in 2000 with support from Aldine ISD and leadership from Harville The organization has grown significantly since then with this year’s banquet marking its 25th year of scholarship giving SHABE is now working toward its goal of awarding 25 scholarships annually to deserving students across the region To learn more about SHABE and see photos from the event, visit shabetexas.org or follow @SHABE4bilESL on X Aldine ISD’s 2025-2026 school year instructional calendars are now available on the district website For students attending the district’s four schools on the Additional School Days School Year (ADSY) calendar — Vines EC/PreK/K School and Smith Elementary — the first day of classes will be Thursday The first mid-term break will be in October Thanksgiving will be a whole week for all AISD students The one significant change from the previous years is spring break which will occur a week later than in the past The Aldine ISD Board approved the calendar recommendations for the 2025-2026 instructional calendars based on input from teachers and support staff through an online survey on two proposed calendars and Smith Elementary fall under the Additional Days School Year (ADSY) calendar The different calendars are part of Aldine’s commitment to providing choices and opportunities to students and families The ADSY calendar demonstrates the possibilities of reimagining teaching by accelerating learning and strengthening whole-child support ADSY allows for increased achievement and growth opportunities for learners The ADSY model incorporates more recess and ‘brain’ breaks and increased collaboration between families and schools Click HERE to download the Traditional 2025-2026 School Year Calendar (ENGL/SPAN) *ENVI2ION Days under the ADSY calendar will be held in July Click HERE to download the 2025-2026 ADSY School Year Calendar (ENGL/SPAN) the Mexican Consulate in Houston recognized five Aldine ISD students from Aldine High School for their hard work in civic academics and engagement The Mexican Consulate partnered with AISD in their Aldine Votes initiative to recognize student efforts The work being done by the students is through their Mustangs Vote Club at their high school Through its Educational Guidance and Civic Education Office the Mexican Consulate seeks to strengthen the Mexican community’s sense of belonging within the United States and to allow students to learn and appreciate Mexican traditions The students were selected based on their work in the district’s Mexican communities and their Mexican heritage the students have built strong connections with elected officials at the local and federal levels to ensure their community’s needs are prioritized They regularly participate in community events and workshops continually gaining knowledge to better support their work and share valuable resources within their community “It was great to see the students being rewarded for their efforts,” said Pam Gallardo our goal was to empower students to become involved and informed about the world around them and to watch these students then turn around and want to do the same for their communities it shows that hunger to make a change is there for our students.” After the recognition ceremony concluded, the students were given a certificate and a tour of the Mexican Consulate building The students recognized were (from left to right): Aldine ISD is making strides with several bond projects completed a year after voters approved the $1.8 billion bond and security updates to technology upgrades the district is moving along with the 2023 bond The Bond Oversight Committee presented 2023 Bond project updates at a meeting on January 6 Aldine continues to make district improvements as the Board of Trustees approves projects and moves them forward.  The Bond Oversight Committee members at its Jan the district rolled out project activity with its three initial construction projects: Carver High School and the Educational and Performing Arts Center with architect selections for each project Professional services such as traffic engineering (studying the traffic flow of the roads  around the site) surveying (assessing the land to help with planning and construction) geotechnical (analyzing soil and rock properties for foundation and structures) and environmental (identifies potential ecological factors) necessary for these projects has already begun for Carver HS and Aldine MS “While these three large projects are in the program development phase the district is working on other aspects of the bond providing district enhancements and upgrades that improve the student experience,” Chief Operations Officer Fred Washington said Phase 1: Exterior Security Film Installation in the front area has been completed for high and middle schools Phase 2: Exterior Security Film Installation in the front area has been completed for elementary and primary schools Phase 3: Security Film Secondary Entrance at Vestibule is 65% completed Districtwide chiller coils for HVAC systems have been replaced Plexiglass replacement has been completed at 59 campuses The maintenance department started on roofing projects at Nimitz High School removing gravel from the roof and installing 25% of the roof film Work has been initiated for Worsham Elementary gym Upcoming roofing projects are scheduled for Reed Academy The district is undergoing a major technology overhaul Griggs Primary School students with their new headphones and iPads Bussey Elementary staff receiving new laptops “This wave of technology upgrades demonstrates a strong commitment to providing students and staff with the tools and resources they need to succeed in a modern learning environment,” Chief Information Officer Adam Galvan said “The focus on security enhancements also shows a dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of the entire school community.” Click here to learn more about Bond 2023 Diana Puentes (far left) poses with teacher Birgit Langhammer (center) and Kaileigh Newman at the 2025 RodeoHouston School Art Exhibition Diana’s artwork received a Special Merit this year has been accepted into the Western Art Academy (WAA) Class of 2025 at Schreiner University WAA is a competitive and prestigious summer program that brings together some of Texas’ most talented high school artists Diana was chosen from a pool of more than 250 applicants to join just 48 students who will attend the four-week program in Kerrville a partnership between Schreiner University and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s School Art Program will run June 15 through July 12 and includes intensive sculpture and oil painting training “I was so excited and surprised but also a little bit scared,” said Diana “It will be the first time I will be away from home But I am excited about the opportunity to create art for four weeks and learn a lot about artmaking.” Diana’s journey in art began at the tender age of 3 and she has been passionately expressing her emotions through her work ever since Her love for portraiture and sculpture is evident in her creations and Diana is eager to expand her skills in new mediums during her time at the academy “I hope to learn how to create oil paintings and sculptures because I haven’t had many opportunities to work in oil and 3-D yet,” Diana said “I know I want to pursue art in college but I haven’t decided yet what I will study.” said Diana’s selection reflects her talent “Diana’s acceptance into the Western Art Academy is a strong testament to the breadth of her artistic voice and technical skill,” Newman said “Her portfolio showcases a wide range — from portraiture and still life to demonstration pieces — highlighting her mastery in various media and other two-dimensional materials.” Newman added that Diana stood out not only for her portfolio but also for how well she articulated her creative process in the interview portion of the application “This is a prestigious college-level art program and Diana is one of only 48 students selected to participate,” Newman said Diana will explore collegiate-level techniques and materials focusing on sculpture and oil painting.” students must first earn top recognition — such as Best of Show or Special Merit — in Aldine ISD’s juried Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) art competition Diana’s achievement builds on that foundation and Diana follows in the footsteps of other standout Aldine artists including Jade Jiménez of Carver High School Diana’s art teacher is Birgit Langhammer Newman said programs like WAA help students envision future careers in the arts “It offers our students a powerful perspective showing them that the arts represent a vibrant thriving community and a viable career pathway,” Newman said “The outdated notion of the ‘starving artist’ is long gone.” It will conclude with a graduation ceremony and art exhibition on July 12 Diana acknowledges her family members as her biggest supporters “I was lucky that my parents always supported and encouraged me to create art,” Diana said “I was lucky that my parents always supported and encouraged me to create art.” For more information about the Western Art Academy, contact [email protected] During the district’s March 18 board meeting Faviola Cantu spotlighted Aldine students for their artistic achievements in honor of Youth Art Month Students were highlighted in two major art contests where they excelled Fifty-nine students earned top awards during the Scholastic Art & Writing contest – one of the longest-running national high school art competitions The district’s high school students earned 13 Gold Key and 19 Silver Key Awards for their creativity and dedication in visual and literary arts The Gold Key recipients are advancing to the national adjudication Aldine had two standout students amongst those highlighted Ian Paiz from Blanson CTE earned multiple awards including 1 Gold Key and 3 Silver Key awards and 4 Honorable mentions for his photography Emily Lucio of Aldine High School artworks was selected by the Harris County Department of Education for the Board of Trustees Incentive Art Award Cantu celebrated students from pre-K to high school who were recognized at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Art Competition Cantu stated the district’s visual arts has had a long-standing partnership with the HLSR School Art Contest Student artists from 1st through 12th grade received 3 Best of Show and 3 Special Merit Awards for their artistic skills and visual storytelling Cantu took the opportunity to recognize Aldine’s art educators for their guidance in the district’s visual art programs AISD has been recognized for the past six years as a District of Distinction by the Texas Arts Education Association Over 1,200 Texas districts and learning institutions were eligible to apply for the award and only 96 districts met the high standards Cantu said the honor indicates that the district’s visual arts programs are among the state’s top 5.5% of visual art programs.   an associate science teacher at Nimitz High School Vice President Connie Esparza nominated Bianca Ellis a buyer with the Aldine Purchasing Department Assistant Board Secretary Rose Avalos nominated Mervin Pellerin a PE Teacher at Avalos P-Tech Early College High School.  Leading And Learning Department Recognizes Aldine ISD Top Ranked Schools Javier Villarreal presented five Aldine schools that earned top spots in the 2023-2024 Children at Risk Annual Houston School Rankings The nonprofit released its ranking on February 12 and Blanson CTE was ranked third among Houston Area Gold Ribbon High Schools Impact Leadership Academy was ranked third for Houston Area Gold Ribbon Middle Schools Young Women’s Leadership Academy was ranked fifth for the Houston Area Middle Schools category and Thompson Elementary School was ranked fifth for the top Houston Area Gold Ribbon Elementary Schools Aldine ISD’s Purchasing Department Earns Prestigious “Award of Merit” Chief Financial Officer Tim Momanyi announced  that the district’s purchasing department was awarded the “Award of Merit of Purchasing Operations by the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) The Award of Merit was established in 2009 to recognize Texas school districts and education service centers committed to following professional standards in the acquisition of goods and services Momanyi said this is the seventh time the purchasing department has received the prestigious award The Purchasing Department consists of Abigale Garcia executive director of business services; Bianca Ellis Before the March 18 board meeting,  Houston Academy led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas Flag The Davis High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors the Carver High School Mariachi Acero graced the audience with a performance The April board meeting will be held on Tuesday and you’ll be in an exclusive raffle for a chance to win exciting prizes Aldine ISD’s Multilingual Department invites Spanish-speaking families to participate in the fourth annual Festival de Primavera (Spring Festival) While most districtwide events have translators or interpreters available to translate from English to Spanish this event is COMPLETAMENTE … TODITITO … TODO EN ESPAÑOL or entirely in Spanish The event celebrates our bilingual community with two distinguished guest speakers and student performances showcasing our rich cultural diversity The first 500 pre-registrants will be entered into a raffle. Three lucky participants will have a chance to win a laptop or an iPad. Organizers will also raffle books. You must be among the first 500 to pre-register and attend the live broadcast to be eligible. Families can register at the following link: https://shorturl.at/G0rmo organizers will send a link to individuals who pre-register to join the Festival de Primavera virtually The event will feature two renowned guest speakers: A geothermal scientist Ruzo is best known for his research on Shanay-Timpishka more popularly known as the “Boiling River of the Amazon,” in Peru He has dedicated his career to bridging science and traditional knowledge to promote environmental conservation He is an explorer and host for TV and has been featured on the BBC His keynote will focus on his work as an explorer and author A music education and guitar professor at Texas A&M International University Soto is a widely recognized author and expert in bilingual music education His work in early childhood and elementary music education has been adopted by schools across the U.S He has also performed classical and flamenco guitar concerts worldwide The Festival de Primavera will offer various activities from engaging discussions with guest speakers to pre-recorded student performances This virtual gathering provides families a valuable opportunity to celebrate bilingualism and culture in an enriching and enjoyable format right from home If you encounter any technical difficulties or have questions, contact Elizabeth Godoy for assistance at [email protected] Click on the image to enlarge or to download the PDF in English and Spanish   Aldine Independent School District has announced its six finalists for the 2025 Teacher of the Year award recognizing outstanding educators’ dedication and classroom impact Three finalists were selected in the elementary category and three in the secondary category These exceptional educators will be honored at the AISD Educators of the Year Breakfast on March 28 The finalists for Elementary Teachers of the Year are: The finalists for Secondary Teacher of the Year are: Lara Andree a third-grade math teacher at Carmichael Elementary School attributes her decision to become an educator to the compassionate and dedicated teachers who supported her during a difficult childhood Growing up facing homelessness and family challenges she found stability and encouragement in the classroom Her teachers’ unwavering belief in her potential inspired her to pursue a career in education and she was determined to provide the same safe and empowering learning environment for her students Andree’s teaching philosophy centers on fostering resilience and confidence in her students a subject she once struggled with due to dyslexia She creates an inclusive and encouraging classroom where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities “Mistakes help my brain grow,” resonates with her students and fosters a growth mindset Through engaging and differentiated instruction she ensures that all students feel supported and challenged regardless of academic level Her impact extends beyond academic achievement Andree’s students demonstrated remarkable growth improving by 88% on end-of-year benchmark assessments and being part of the 3-person math team that surpassed all other third-grade math classrooms in the district on the STAAR test she plays a vital role in enhancing school culture as a leader of the Carmichael Student Council organizing initiatives that promote leadership Growing up in Chile Julian Quiero Serrano was inspired to become a teacher by the values of charity and community instilled in him at his Catholic high school Despite initial resistance from his father earning the highest distinction in his program and writing a thesis on the diverse learning styles of English learners Quiero Serrano has made a significant impact He has taught multiple grade levels and helped bilingual students achieve record-breaking STAAR scores His teaching philosophy centers on differentiation and adapting lessons to fit students’ needs often modifying curriculum methods to improve understanding he has played a key role in improving school culture through his work on the MTSS committee He helped implement the PRIDE behavior initiative which has led to a decline in student infractions Quiero Serrano has been recognized for his dedication earning Rookie Teacher of the Year in his first year of teaching and Teacher of the Year in his third He remains committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment and advocating for instructional flexibility to serve all students better Adriana Patino a bilingual educator at Spence Elementary School is known for her unwavering commitment to student success deserves access to a high-quality education that nurtures academic growth and personal development Patino emphasizes a student-centered approach incorporating culturally responsive teaching practices and innovative strategies to engage her students She has played a crucial role in mentoring new teachers and supporting dual-language instruction across the campus her students have consistently excelled in literacy and language acquisition making significant gains on district and state assessments Patino’s educational achievements as a bilingual teacher include teaching reading and writing strategies to students with limited English proficiency They also served on Aldine ISD’s Amplify Task Force and contributed to the district’s Curriculum Project Elevate organizing workshops to empower parents to support their children’s education Her dedication to student achievement and community involvement has earned her recognition as a leader among her peers Candace Langenbuch a ninth-grade biology teacher at Avalos P-TECH School is passionate about making science accessible and engaging for all students she strives to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application fostering a love for inquiry-based learning in her students Langenbuch enhances student engagement through hands-on experiments students become more invested in their education and develop critical thinking skills beyond the classroom guiding curriculum development and student engagement strategies Her leadership extends to coordinating science fairs and student participation in STEM-related competitions Her students have consistently excelled in district — and state-level science fairs showcasing innovative research projects that reflect her emphasis on inquiry-driven learning Her dedication to student success and her ability to create a dynamic hands-on learning environment make her a valued educator within the Avalos P-TECH community Janice Blades Miller a dedicated career and technical education (CTE) instructor at Blanson CTE High School aims to equip students with the skills needed for success in the workforce she prepares students for industry certifications and real-world applications in medical careers Blades Miller is renowned for her immersive and dynamic teaching approach blending state-of-the-art simulation labs with invaluable real-world clinical experiences She actively forges partnerships with leading healthcare institutions ensuring her students gain first-hand exposure to the demands of the medical field through mentorships and structured clinical rotations Blades Miller is the lead advisor for the school’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter and compete at state and international levels She also supports teachers and advisors both locally and statewide Blades Miller actively seeks opportunities highlighting the challenges and contributions of medical professionals who reflect her students’ backgrounds to impart a broader understanding of healthcare equity and representation shaping the future of aspiring healthcare professionals Marcus Muñoz is a government and economics teacher at MacArthur High School His education journey is nothing short of inspiring he once vowed never to return to school after graduation he helped rebuild struggling neighborhoods starting with an all-grade school open to all genders A young girl’s gratitude for the chance to attend school ignited his passion for education Muñoz has provided students with the highest quality education He has guided countless students toward prestigious institutions like NYU over 100 of his students have enlisted in the military while many others have launched businesses and promising careers His unwavering support has empowered students to break barriers and set new expectations for their families Muñoz’s teaching philosophy is rooted in engagement and critical thinking His government and constitutional amendments lessons encourage students to analyze and debate key issues from multiple perspectives he equips students with the skills to articulate their opinions with confidence and factual support Muñoz played a key role in developing MacArthur High School’s 5-Star Program which prepares students for life beyond high school The initiative has significantly increased college applications He also helps enroll students in advanced placement courses through the EOS system Muñoz is committed to combating apathy in education and rebuilding strong connections between teachers His leadership and dedication continue to leave a lasting impact inspiring students to believe in themselves and strive for greatness  The Aldine ISD community celebrates Andree and Muñoz for their dedication and excellence in education and honors all Campus 80 Teachers of the Year The two recipients of the 2025 Teacher of the Year awards — Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year — will be announced at the upcoming Educators of the Year Breakfast on March 28 HOUSTON – The Aldine Independent School District Board voted on Tuesday to close down more elementary schools PREVIOUS: Aldine ISD to close 3 elementary campuses at the end of 2023-2024 school year The district said in an emailed statement that these latest closures “are due to several years of declining student enrollment the lack of affordable housing throughout the community Here’s a list of the newly announced closures: and Gray Elementary School were previously shut down in 2024 Before you "PRESS START" to your day get ahead of the game with our morning newsletter Aldine ISD’s Choice High Schools are again coming together to celebrate student creativity and talent at the third annual Creative Pursuit art show This special event will showcase the best student artwork across Aldine ISD’s Choice Schools high school campuses It will give students a platform to display their creativity and share their artistic voice with the community Contact Kaileigh Newman, AISD visual arts director, at [email protected] if you have any questions After months of hard work, collaboration, and creativity, Aldine High School students proudly unveiled their “Aquarium” themed art car at the 2025 Orange Show’s Houston Art Car Parade on April 12 in downtown Houston The ‘Aquarium’ art truck was a visual masterpiece It brought to life an underwater world with its vibrant colors This unique vehicle was the result of a cross-curricular collaboration between Aldine High School’s visual arts and career and technical education (CTE) programs showcasing the students’ artistic vision and technical craftsmanship Led by visual arts teacher Chinedu Onochie welding instructor Chad Reese and automotive teacher Kenneth Burrell the students worked alongside award-winning art car artist Rebecca Bass through the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art’s Team Gillman Art Cars in the Schools Program Aldine ISD was selected as one of nine school districts to receive a donated vehicle and participate in the two-year program “This project was truly a vehicle of learning — literally and figuratively,” said Kaileigh Newman our students experienced firsthand what it means to collaborate and build something representing their creativity and community The ‘Aquarium’ is a moving symbol of their hard work and talent.” Students learned and applied various skills throughout the school year The result: a rolling piece of art that amazed parade goers and highlighted the unique strengths of Aldine’s art and CTE programs the “Aquarium” truck was previewed during a special event at Discovery Green giving the public a sneak peek at the student-driven transformation The truck will return for the 2026 Art Car Parade wrapping up the district’s three-year partnership with the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art and Team Gillman were also pivotal to the vehicle’s success “This experience has been nothing short of transformative for our students,” added Newman “They took ownership of every part of the process and created something unforgettable We’re already excited to see what they dream up next.” For more information about the Art Car Program at Aldine High School, contact Kaileigh Newman at [email protected] Aldine Independent School District has named Michelle Luna of Vardeman EC/PreK/K School and Uchechukwu “Uche” Mgbodile of Davis High School its 2025 Rookie Teachers of the Year The two educators were selected for their dedication and commitment to student success in their first year of teaching Michelle Luna who teaches three-year-olds at Vardeman EC/PreK/K School has dedicated over a decade to Aldine ISD in various roles before becoming a teacher Facing the challenge of meeting students at different academic levels she focuses on celebrating individual growth Luna has been pivotal in fostering social-emotional learning and helping her young students develop confidence and communication skills A defining moment in her classroom was when a formerly shy student found her voice to advocate for herself — a milestone Luna considers a significant victory in early childhood education “I believe in celebrating every achievement “My goal is to build a strong foundation for my students as they begin their educational journey.” Uche Mgbodile quickly became an engaging and dynamic educator Recognizing the challenges of classroom management she developed a structured yet positive environment by balancing clear expectations with humor and relationship-building She implemented a phone collection system to minimize distractions and created interactive lessons that resonate with students One example of her innovative teaching was using a popular TikTok phrase to help students understand Newton’s Second Law of Motion making complex concepts more relatable and accessible Her commitment to equity is evident in using AI Bluetooth translator headsets to support English Beginner students “I strive to create an inclusive and engaging classroom where every student feels valued,” said Mgbodile I aim to make learning exciting and relevant.” Both Mgbodile and Luna exemplify Aldine ISD’s commitment to fostering impactful educators who inspire and empower students the Elementary and Secondary School Teachers of the Year and every Campus Teacher of the Year for dedication and innovative teaching at the annual Educators of the Year Breakfast on March 28 As we continue our journey through this school year I am constantly inspired by the dedication The past few weeks have been filled with moments that showcase the heart of Aldine ISD — academic excellence Your support and involvement are integral to these achievements with Worsham earning top honors in the Technical Challenge In academics over 100 Aldine ISD students were invited to join Phi Theta Kappa the international honor society for two-year colleges — the most in a given year in district history I am so proud of their hard work and the excellence of our dual credit programs Literacy continues to be a cornerstone of our mission, and I was thrilled to join discussions during our Literacy Matters Conference The conversations in literacy reinforce the importance of the science of reading and how storytelling shapes young minds And speaking of excellence, Carver High School’s theatre program has once again set the stage for success, receiving 28 Tommy Tune Award nominations for their phenomenal production of Dreamgirls including Outstanding Musical under their belt their talent and hard work are truly remarkable and educators who embody the spirit of Aldine ISD PreK registration is in full swing for our youngest learners! We invite families to our PreK Expo and Enrollment Fair on April 5 where they can explore program options and secure their child’s spot for the upcoming school year Later this month, we are excited to host our Virtual Festival de Primavera on April 26 a special event designed to connect with and support our Spanish-speaking families Aldine ISD is committed to fostering an inclusive multilingual environment where every student and family feels at home Before I close, click on the latest newsletter, Aldine Connection The achievements I’ve shared in this message remind us why we do what we do — to create opportunities and empower our students to reach their fullest potential and perseverance—these qualities define the remarkable student-athletes of Aldine ISD the district celebrated National Signing Day a momentous occasion where student-athletes officially took the next step in their academic and athletic journeys these young men and women signed their letters of intent proving that commitment in the classroom and on the field leads to incredible opportunities Aldine ISD had 18 talented athletes from across the district sign to compete at the next level Each of these students has demonstrated the discipline and resilience it takes to balance academics and athletics showcasing what it truly means to be a student-athlete These signings are more than just a commitment to play at the next level; they represent years of dedication Each of these athletes has set an example that hard work pays off and that being a well-rounded student-athlete opens doors to success beyond high school As these students prepare to embark on their college journeys they carry with them the legacy of Aldine ISD—one of determination Their achievements serve as a testament to future generations that with passion Congratulations to all our National Signing Day athletes The Aldine ISD community is proud of you and can’t wait to see you succeed at the next level It was great to see everyone back at work and in our schools this week I hope everyone had a restful and rejuvenating spring intersession As we step into the second half of our semester I want to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students and staff Five high schools also made it to regionals in their respective sports; Aldine High School boys’ basketball earned the Bi-District Champion Title What an accomplishment for our talented student-athletes and dedicated coaches For our youngest learners, don’t forget to join us at the PreK Expo and Enrollment Fair on April 5 Early education is a vital foundation for lifelong success and we are committed to providing high-quality learning experiences for our students from the very start Before I close, click on the latest newsletter, Aldine Connection to read about the national observance and from a few of our counselors Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Aldine and we are grateful for your commitment to our district Let’s keep the momentum going and continue making an #AldineImpact Jericah Jackson and Kathleen Scott each found out they had been named the Secondary and Elementary Principals of the Year Jericah Jackson was named principal of the Aldine Young Women’s Leadership Academy in 2020 and has served as its first principal since their doors opened in 2021 Her career in education began as a middle school teacher in 2011 she moved to Aldine ISD to become assistant principal at Aldine Middle School and assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Shotwell Academy Jackson holds a doctorate in education from Texas A&M University-Commerce a master’s degree in education from Sam Houston State University and a bachelor of science degree from Baylor University I cultivate a school culture that supports the whole child prioritizing their social and emotional well-being and empowering them to become confident and resilient leaders.” Kathleen Scott was named principal of Bussey Elementary in 2015 She began her career in Aldine as an elementary school teacher at Orange Grove Elementary she moved up to become assistant principal at Harris Academy and then Odom Elementary She transitioned to become principal of Marcella Intermediate for several years before settling into her current role Scott holds a bachelor of science in education from the University of South Dakota and a master’s degree in administration management from Stephen F “By developing leadership and creating a variety of programs and opportunities for families and the community to engage we’ve built a strong and supportive environment at Bussey These efforts have contributed to the academic growth of all of our students and a thriving school community where everyone — students and staff — feels empowered and involved in the educational journey.” They will be honored at the district’s 2025 Educator of the Year breakfast on March 28 The Aldine community showed ample support to Aldine ISD FFA (Future Farmers of America) students and their projects during the 66th annual Livestock Show and Country Fair auction on Friday and principals pledged $209,815 to students and their projects – $45,000 more from the 2024 show All the proceeds go directly back to the students and can be used to further their education or fund projects for next year’s auction.  Eisenhower High School Senior Donnae Banks raised the Grand Champion Steer purchased by the Superintendent’s Group for $12,500 Donnae Banks (right) of Eisenhower High School raised the Grand Champion Steer which the Superintendent’s Group purchased for $12,500 I know it’s a once-in-a-lifetime feeling,” Banks said The experience taught me to have patience.”  was purchased by Atlas Signs for $12,000.  “I feel really good about the whole experience It really showed me hard work really does pay off raised by Carmella Espinoza of MacArthur High School was purchased by the Operations group for $6,000 raised by Jordan Williams of Eisenhower High School was purchased by 1st Construction for $4,000.  raised by Aniyah McDowell of Eisenhower High School was purchased by the Optimist Buyer Group for $4,000 raised by Julian Aguilera of Aldine High School was purchased by the Aldine Buyers Group for $3,250 raised by Robert Allen of Eisenhower High School raised by Bra’Shon Oliphant of Eisenhower High School was purchased by Atlas Signs for $2,500.  raised by Miguel Torres of Aldine High School was purchased by the Superintendent’s Group for $5,000 was purchased by the Optimist Club for $3,000 raised by Xitlalli Padron of Eisenhower High School was purchased by the Transformation Group for $2,200 The Grand Champion Artwork created by Javier Navarrete of Nimitz High School was purchased by Nimitz Vertical for $5,000.  The Reserve Grand Champion Artwork created by Elia Pedraza of Carver High School was purchased by the Superintendents Group for $2,400.  During the district’s Feb. 25 board meeting, Chief Transformation Officer Dr. Adrian Bustillos highlighted Aldine ISD’s Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) during the Teaching, Leading, and Learning segment. February is CTE month Bustillos shared Aldine’s CTE program opportunities and impact on Aldine students and the community.  The district’s CTE program serves over 20,000 Aldine ISD students and real-world skills to prepare them for high-demand careers in fields such as healthcare Bustillos shared how CTE programs allow students to earn certifications before graduation through internships and apprenticeship programs and securing well-paying jobs essential to our local and national economy.  CTE programs bridge the gap between education and the workforce ensuring that students can transition into a career field or pursue military service after high school Bustillos also shared during the meeting that Aldine ISD received a significant achievement of being named a District of Distinction for their commitment to excellence in CTE and presented the award to Brooke Martin and business and industry partners involved in the CTE program for their determination and collaboration as the program continues to be successful Hearing Held to Announce Targeted Improvement Plans and Analytics Dawn Rodriguez presented a public hearing to notify the public of the district’s 2024-25 Targeted Improvement Plans (TIPs) for identified campuses The campuses that will implement TIPs are Caraway Elementary School Rodriquez said the campuses identified are rated Comprehensive Support and must submit an Effective Schools Framework (ESF) Aligned TIPs to address areas of low performance identified through the three state accountability domains Targeted elements in the plans will be implemented and monitored throughout the year as campuses engage in the continuous improvement process.  Aldine ISD Trustees recognized seven winners of the Aldine Impact Award Nimitz High School social studies teacher; Maria Cordova custodial manager at Magrill EC/PK/K; Shalondra Moore a counselor at Goodman Elementary; Chandra Watson a fourth grader at Caraway Elementary School and the winner of the 2025 FFA t-shirt design contest Board Secretary Steve Mead nominated Troy Carlyle Eisenhower High School agriculture science teacher; Edward Arkadie MacArthur High agriculture science teacher; Michael Johnson retired agriculture science teacher; and Jacorey Burnett MacArthur High School agriculture science teacher Board Member Paul Shanklin nominated Peggy Russell and Benny Frank Calhoun crossing guards at Harris Elementary.  Leading And Learning Department Announces Spelling Bee Winner  Faviola Cantu announced the Spanish Spelling Bee winner Valladares will move on to the inaugural State Spanish Spelling Bee in El Paso this summer after winning second place in the inaugural Region 4 Spanish Spelling Bee earlier this month.  Goodman Elementary Counseling Team Recognized recognized Kesha Franks and Shalondra Moore the counseling team was awarded the Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas award (CREST) for having a data-driven school counseling program Trevino said this is the first time Aldine ISD has received the CREST award.  Aldine ISD campuses and district staff celebrated Black History Month through events like the district’s first Black Excellence Expo the 5th Annual Black History Month Oratory Competition The district held observation days like African Heritage Day It was an opportunity to recognize the contributions and influence of African Americans to history and culture.  Goffney announced one staff assignment during the Feb Aldine ISD approved the following action items:  Francis Elementary School led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas Flag The Nimitz High School ROTC Guard presented the colors The March board meeting will be held on Tuesday in the boardroom at Donaldson Administration Building.  Her selection for the HCDE award comes from a competitive pool of over 7,800 art submissions Aldine ISD student Emily Lucio from Aldine High School has been awarded the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) Board of Trustees Incentive Art Award for her black-and-white photograph which previously earned second place at the Mexican American School Boards Association (MASBA) competition was also recognized with a prestigious Gold Key in the 2025 Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards In addition to receiving a $500 cash award Lucio’s artwork will be displayed at HCDE’s Administration Building following the Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Celebration at the Cullen Theater in the Wortham Center in Houston (500 Texas Avenue • Houston The purchase of Mi Abuelo Goyo does not impact Lucio’s eligibility for national recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Visit HCDE’s website for more information about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and HCDE’s arts initiatives Texas – The Aldine High School basketball program has experienced a transformative season under the leadership of first-year head coach Christopher Ceaser After finishing last season with a record of 0-32 the Mustangs now contend for the district title(20-12 a seasoned coach with over a decade of experience confident in its potential despite its recent woes returning to Aldine ISD—a district he knows well as a former student and assistant coach—was a personal journey marked by faith “This was a true ‘Gideon moment,'” Ceaser said referencing his belief that his path to Aldine was divinely guided “The Lord has been stripping away any inclination of someone else taking credit for what He’s about to do Stepping into a program with only two wins in two years preaching a message of resilience and belief: We can do this the program was coming off two winless seasons with just two victories in the previous two years He emphasized the need for faith and hard work to build a winning culture “I believe the Lord would be with me wherever I go and there’s nothing I can’t overcome,” Ceaser said Central to his strategy wasassembling a coaching staff with both experience and passion for the game Among them is longtime colleague and friend Coach Cassey Green who joined Ceaser after previously working with him at Nimitz High School with Green describing Ceaser as a “brother in Christ” and a great leader.Green has brought expertise and support to Ceaser’s vision They had a pact with each other that whoever got a head coaching opportunity first the other would be join their coaching staff not just on the court but in life,” Green said you’ll have an opportunity to win every game.” The players responded to this leadership with enthusiasm Ceaser recalls a pivotal moment during practice when senior leaders Kaleb and Joshua Green initiated extra conditioning drills unprompted “That moment showed me the culture shift was real,” Ceaser said a senior guard who transferred to Aldine this season embraced the challenge of joining a struggling program “It feels good to make this change,” Green said and that’s where I’ve seen the most growth in my game.” Kegler who experienced last year’s winless season but didnt finish before its conclusion returned for his senior year and immediately noticed a change in the program’s energy under Coach Ceaser “The teachers and students see it—there’s high energy and a new culture,” Kegler said “Our goal is to win the district and make it to state The Mustangs’ defensive intensity has translated into results with the team boasting the district’s top-scoring offense and five players among the leaders in steals Ceaser attributes the team’s transformation to the faith he instills in his players and the trust they have in him and his staff He encourages them to learn from their mistakes without fear emphasizing the importance of hustle and defense as a means to overcome errors When asked about his vision for the program “We strive daily to thrive and be victorious on and off the court We’re not just playing basketball—we’re working to dominate.” the Mustangs are not just winning games—they’re building a legacy Aldine ISD is in year two of the district optimization project and will host three community meetings to share information about possible school closures and the impact on those affected and community members are invited to attend.  LaTonya Goffney and district leaders will be present to answer your questions.  Community meetings will be held from 5:30 p.m on the dates and locations listed below:            13901 Homestead Rd           5815 West Little York Rd           1430 Aldine Meadows Rd For more information on Optimization 2025, click here.  Her name was Kathleen Bradford she was my 4th-grade teacher and one of the most influential women in my life Some will say teaching is noble — and it is — but it’s more than that These 150 students made the commitment in high school to touch lives just like Ms This recognition is not just mine — it belongs to all of us who believe in the power of public education to change lives We also launched the Lighthouse Mentorship Project this school year a new initiative to guide and support our students through meaningful connections there is still time to register your eligible 3- and 4-year-old for prekindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year becoming known as the face of the schools and a trusted contact for families Before I close, click on the latest newsletter, Aldine Connection Thank you for all you do to make Aldine ISD a place where every student can thrive Aldine ISD is seeking public comment on the 2025-2026 school calendar The public comment period will close at the end of the day on January 7 Copies of the two different drafts (A and B options) for the campuses that follow the traditional instructional calendar and the four campuses — Ermel Elementary and Vines EC/PreK/K School — that follow the Additional Days School Year (ADSY) calendar CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY After gathering recommendations from community members the Board of Trustees will vote in January to approve the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar The district encourages everyone to support all girls and women in its Aldine #AccelerateAction campaign The campaign aims to celebrate women’s achievements and encourage everyone to act to achieve equality staff members can wear purple with jeans to support all of the women in Aldine ISD who are connecting Check out the flyer below for other events during March Purple has long been associated with royalty But it also symbolizes gracefulness and femininity Please share on social media (#AldineImpact and #WomensHistory) what it means to you to be a woman of today — professionally and personally share about a young girl in your life that you want to encourage and see succeed or share about a woman who has impacted your life or how they shaped you into the person or leader you are today