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Dear Aldine Community,
From the hundreds of parents, school leaders, caregivers, teachers, and students I’ve spoken with in recent weeks, I know you are probably feeling one or more of the following right now: eager, uncertain, excited, anxious, ready, exhausted or grateful. There is no one “right” way to feel when so many questions about our schools’ futures and our children’s futures remain unanswered. I want you to know that answering these questions is my number one priority.
School Closure Update
Last Friday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo upgraded the COVID-19 public threat level from significant (orange, level two) to severe (red, level one). This is the highest level, so people are encouraged to follow safety precautions, remain vigilant, and stay at home when possible.
As always, our students and staff are at the forefront of our decision-making. To that end, we have decided to take precautionary measures and close all campus buildings and district facilities, July 6 – 17, 2020. This includes all extracurricular activities such as sports, band, etc. In addition, in-person primary school registration is postponed until further notice. Meal services will continue. Please note that we are in the process of reevaluating meal sites and will be announcing some updates in the coming days.
Aldine ISD will now operate under Phase 1 outlined in the reentry plan. For our staff, although buildings and facilities are closed, exempt employees on contract will continue to work remotely while non-exempt employees will be available upon request by their supervisors. If you are scheduled for non-duty or vacation during this time period, we will continue to honor these days. Any employees required to report to a district facility as part of their assigned duties must follow all health and safety guidelines including practicing social distancing and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
Under the county’s level one threat, you’re urged to:
- Stay home, unless you need to make trips to the grocery store for food and medicine
- Avoid and cancel all gatherings of any size
- Practice special precautions to prevent spread if you’re an essential worker. Check Harris County’s guide for more on those workplace safety guidelines
- All vulnerable individuals (65+ or with pre-existing health conditions) stay home
- Wear face coverings to protect others
- Avoid non-essential business and personal travel
- Avoid public transportation where possible
- Cancel visits to nursing homes, long term care facilities, and hospitals
- Avoid and cancel all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including concerts, rodeos, large sporting events, etc. Schools and after-school activities for youth close, as directed by educational authorities
I know we will get through this if we continue to look out for one another and take proactive steps to stay safe. We’re all in this together.
We will continue to gear up for our return to campuses once it is safe to do so, and we can’t wait to serve our students again.
Return to Learn: Fall 2020
Aldine ISD is feverishly developing our 2020-2021 re-entry plan based upon the latest guidance from TEA, state and local authorities, and family input. We look forward to providing excellent choices and opportunities for all students to thrive this fall and beyond.
We understand that each family has unique concerns about returning to school and participating in extracurricular activities while COVID-19 is still affecting our communities. We will support you in making the decisions that are best for your child.
As you know, our community’s health is our top priority. Things are also changing every day, and we are constantly monitoring what is happening across our district. At this time, we want to share our preliminary plans with the understanding that as we get closer to August 17, they may change.
Families will have the option of selecting one of two learning models: on campus or at home.
Learning On Campus: This option will consist of in-person instruction, which includes face-to-face, in-classroom learning using safety protocols to protect our students and staff. The in-person instruction will be held Monday through Friday.
- Traditional schedule: core courses + electives
- Daily, specific feedback in-person plus activities completed via Schoology
- Will follow the same standard grading policy (minimum of one grade/week/course)
- All district assessments will be taken online
- Students who require support and interventions will receive them in person
Learning At Home: This option is fully virtual requiring students to have a consistent online presence and daily log-in requirements. Students who enroll in the virtual option will remain virtual for the first nine weeks of the semester with the option of continuing for the full year.
- Manage your own schedule: core courses + predetermined list of electives
- Daily, specific feedback via Schoology activities and chats
- Will follow the same standard grading policy (minimum of one grade/week/course)
- All district assessments will be taken online
- Students will need access to the internet
- Students will have the opportunity to request a loaner device (laptop/Chromebook)
- Students who require support and interventions will receive those via video conferencing based on recommendations of the Aldine ISD Sprints
To ensure the district is able to plan appropriately, online student registration will take place Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17. Parents should register each student, both new and returning, separately and select the instructional model that is best for them. Families should also select the need for transportation. As a reminder, the first day of school will be Monday, August 17.
All Aldine ISD teachers should plan to support traditional on-campus learning this fall, and assignments for virtual teaching will be based on need and assignment. Our Teaching and Learning team has continued to improve upon our online learning processes and will work to ensure teachers are prepared to teach in both settings. They are also working to meet all of TEA’s requirements for funding so that we can continue to offer all students the best educational experiences, choices, and opportunities.
Reminders for July
Students can still sign up for our virtual summer school taking place July 6-24. Learning opportunities are available for students at all grade levels. For a complete list of the offerings and ways to apply, visit aldineisd.org/summerschool.
To ensure you have the most recent updates related to the district’s plans, preparations, and up-to-date health information impacting our community, please visit our new school re-entry page: www.aldineisd.org/re-entry.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate the unique conditions related to our Return to Learn. This fall presents us with a new set of challenges, and also a new outlook and opportunities to create meaningful learning experiences for students—our number one priority, always. Let’s continue moving forward!
With Aldine Pride,
Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent