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Dear Aldine Community,

Since the start of our Return to Learn Plan, we have been continually monitoring our region’s health conditions and our COVID-19 meter to make decisions. Two weeks ago, we saw staff who returned in-person to work. This week, we were pleased to welcome our Transition 1 targeted group of students in person.

It has been a joy to see so many beautiful faces of students. As I visited schools, everyone I saw — students and staff — followed safety protocols and adhered to guidelines set forth by health experts. By continuing to take care of yourself and each other, we will be able to give all students — on-campus and at-home learners — access to high-quality educational experiences. 

See You Monday, September 28

I am looking forward to welcoming back our Transition 2 group next week. This group includes kindergarten, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 7th grade, and 11th-grade students. Students will follow a hybrid learning model at the high school level: Students whose last name begins with A-L will attend class on campus Mondays and Tuesdays. Students whose last name starts with M-Z will attend class on campus Wednesdays and Thursdays. High School students Fridays are reserved for online learning.

Transition 1 students will continue with their assigned schedule. For students not in these categories or those who opted to learn at home for the first nine weeks, learning will continue to occur virtually.

As circumstances and needs change, we recognize that some families might need to change their mode of learning. Families will have the opportunity to change their instructional commitment for the next grading period. Families should reach out to their campus and their counselor to learn more about the process. Any changes would go into effect on October 20, the start of the next nine weeks. 

Safety Precautions and Protocols

As with everything, we approach returning to in-person instruction with thoughtfulness and the utmost of care. Our protocols require all students and staff to complete a health pre-screening survey each day before reporting to school and work.

Our buildings and classrooms look different. Signage marks new ways to walk down our hallways, and classrooms have fewer desks. The desks are spaced out. Even our buses and gymnasiums reflect new health guidelines. We’ve developed this video to help you understand what your student should expect next week.

Aldine ISD requires all employees and students to wear face coverings, follow social distancing guidelines, and complete frequent handwashing. 

  • The district has distributed PPE to all departments and campuses. Items include hand sanitizer and face coverings. Campuses also have extra face coverings for students who may need them.
  • AISD has strategically placed hand sanitizing stations around each building.
  • District custodial staff are often cleaning all bathrooms and common areas with hospital-grade disinfectant solutions.
  • All district buildings are limited to the public. Visitors must have an appointment, wear a face covering, and follow all social distancing guidelines. They are also required to complete a health screening before entering any district building. 

UIL Activities

Our eager students in athletics and performing arts programs began their seasons. On Monday, Sept. 14, middle and high school athletes began strength and condition camps and on-campus small group rehearsals for musicians. Practices will continue in preparation for the upcoming seasons. 

Coaches and leaders collaborated to develop a comprehensive plan that includes safety and health guidelines to follow so students can practice and perform as safely as possible. 

School Meals

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all students learning at home and on campus. Primary school students will have meals delivered to the classroom and utilize limited dining room seating. Students learning at school in Grades 1-12 will be provided meal service through several methods:

  • Mobile breakfast carts will be stationed throughout each school to practice social distancing and speed service.
  • Limited Dining Room Seating — Some students may dine in the cafeteria at specific tables, marked to ensure social distancing.
  • Students will enter the cafeteria using social distancing floor markers, make lunch selections, and then travel back to the classroom with closed containers.

The Child Nutrition Services Department team worked hard to ensure we can serve all families no matter if they are learning on campus or at home. 

Transportation

For students returning to campuses during the transition periods, the district will provide transportation to eligible and registered students. AISD requires that all students riding the school bus must wear a face covering. Students will find hand sanitizer stations located at all buses’ entrance to use upon entering and exiting the bus. Our protocols require student riders to sit one per seat and will be asked to sit close to the window. As in previous years, families should download the Here Comes the Bus App to receive updates on their child’s bus location.

Home Access Center Reminder

With so many changes and updates happening, your family’s contact information must be up to date. Please update your contact information via Home Access Center (HAC). If you need to create an account, visit our HAC web page. Additionally, bookmark AldineISD.org. We utilize the information on file to communicate changes, share updates, and inform families and students about health and weather conditions. 

Decision Meter Update

As you know, each week, we have reviewed data from the state, national, and local levels and reviewed data by zip code to drive our assessment of what color the community is in on our COVID-19 Decision Meter. Every week we have been balancing the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) guidance related to reopening and our students’ needs. Again, we believe that we can safely phase in students on campus at this time. We are continually learning what works best for our families and students and making adjustments as needed.

Therefore, instead of relying on the decision meter solely to determine our actions, we will continue to do the following to maintain the safety of our staff and students:

  • Monitor conditions: seek feedback from stakeholders, including health professionals
  • Follow CDC, TEA, UIL, and Harris County guidelines. 
  • Enforce health and safety guidelines: social distance requirements (stay six feet apart), universal masking, frequent hand washing, etc. 

The COVID-19 response team will continue reviewing the matrix. It will determine what is best as we plan to phase in more students on campus buildings over the next couple of weeks.

Before I close, I want to thank families and staff for their patience as we made the decision to go to remote learning and work during Tropical Storm Beta. The heavy rains drenched the Houston area causing flooding in parts of the city. This decision ensured the safety of students and staff.

Again, I can’t wait to see you next week. I am excited to see our students and staff engaged and learning.

 

With Aldine Pride,


Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney
Superintendent