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Northeast News

Hurricane relief sent to disaster areas

September 15, 2020
City of Houston Relief items assembled at G.R. Brown Convention Center prior to delivery.

City of Houston “Paying It Forward” Volunteers Deliver Hurricane Laura Supplies

HOUSTON – Help was sent for some East Texas residents who are working to rebuild their communities after the devastation caused by Hurricane Laura. Volunteers spent last Friday collecting and packaging supplies that Houstonians have generously donated to the Paying it Forward Hurricane Laura relief effort.

Saturday morning, A-Rocket Moving and Storage drivers left Houston and headed east to deliver more than two truck loads of diapers, nonperishable food, cleaning materials, bottled water, pet food and other supplies.

The trucks arrived by 8 a.m. and staged at the West OrangeStark Middle School, located at 1402 Green Ave., Orange, TX 77630.

“I am proud that Houstonians have opened their hearts and wallets to help our neighbors recover from Hurricane Laura,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Our city will never forget the help that poured into Houston after Hurricane Harvey. We will continue to pay forward the volunteerism and generosity with every chance we get.”

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Education Foundation names new head Director

September 15, 2020
LINDA FLORES OLSON

Linda Flores Olson to head Aldine Education Foundation

Linda Flores Olson has joined Aldine ISD as Director of the Aldine Education Foundation.

Mrs. Olson brings 34 years of nonprofit managerial experience to her new role.

“We are super excited to have Linda join our team and lead our Aldine Education Foundation,” said Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “Linda brings a wealth of experience to her new position and I am confident she will serve as a strong leader and bring fresh ideas to the Foundation.”

Mrs. Olson comes to Aldine after serving as the Development Director of the Houston Community College Foundation. She has also served as Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of the Wesley Community Center, as Executive Director of the Houston Hispanic Forum, as Deputy Director of Children At Risk, as Director of Development of Houston PBS, as Director of Major Goals & Planning for Houston PBS, as Director of Corporate Affairs of the Alley Theater, and as Manager of Member Services for the Greater Houston Partnership.

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Aldine ISD celebrates Hispanic Heritage month

September 15, 2020

National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates a diverse group of people. They trace their roots to Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Of the district’s nearly 70,000 students, more than 73 percent are Hispanic. They represent many Spanish-speaking countries.

By the Numbers:

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Public input by ZOOM meeting for Pct 2 Parks & Trails Comprehensive Plan

September 15, 2020
A map of Precinct 2 shows the extent of population density, and location of parks as indicated by colored dots.

Harris County Pct. 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia held a Zoom meeting last Monday night, to get the public’s input and ideas on how to develop a Comprehensive Plan for Parks and Trails in Precinct 2.

About 100 persons participated in the session, which lasted about an hour, exceeding the time planned because of the enthusiasm of the callers and the commissioner.

Adrian Garcia said that he wants Pct. 2 to have a reputation for outstanding parks, that attract people and publicity, and where people can have a good time. He noted that good parks also increase property values.

Garcia revealed that he has an experienced architectural landscape and urban planning firm working on the project. This is Asakura Robinson, headed by Keiji Asakura.

Also participating in the Zoom meeting and the planning for the parks are representatives from Pct. 2 and also the Harris County engineering department. Another consultant is Jose Eduardo Sanchez, a community engagement specialist.

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Aldine ISD extends at-home learning thru Sept. 11

August 25, 2020

October class start possible

Aldine ISD Trustees approve waiver request to allow virtual learning to continue into October, if necessary

Aldine ISD will extend virtual learning for one additional week. This will make the adjusted first day of on-campus instruction Monday, Sept. 14.

Students should continue to log in, participate, complete and submit assignments in Schoology daily. Lessons are available every day by 8:30 a.m. for students to complete by 11:59 p.m. As a reminder, if students do not engage with the curriculum daily, they will be marked absent for the day.

Teachers will continue to have the option to hold classes from home or from their assigned campus.

“Aldine ISD’s core beliefs prioritize safety,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “I have always said, we will go as fast as we can but as slow as we must. We review current local, city, and county data daily and will continue to use the Decision Meter to make decisions concerning the re-opening of our schools. We are going to do what is in the best interest of our students and staff. Right now, that is extending virtual learning for an additional week and keeping our options open for an additional four weeks if necessary.”

In addition to the one-week extension, Aldine ISD Trustees approved the district’s waiver request to the Texas Education Agency to extend at-home learning another four weeks through Friday, October 9, if necessary.

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County rent assistance available

August 25, 2020

Commissioners vote $25 million; application info here

Harris County, Texas – Friday, August 14, 2020, The Harris County Commissioners and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo unanimously approved a $15 million emergency rental assistance program to help individuals in Harris County suffering economic hardships due to the effects of COVID-19. Due to the overwhelming demand for rental assistance in Harris County, Judge Hidalgo and the Commissioners subsequently increased the amount of assistance to be provided through this program to $25 million.

“Our community continues to suffer great economic damage resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people unable to cover basic necessities, including rent,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “This program will bring relief to those across our region who so desperately need it, allowing families to stay in their homes while addressing the collateral impact on property owners.”

The program will assist applicants with rent and associated expenses for payments and/or late fees occurring after April 1, 2020. Selected applicants will be eligible to receive up to a maximum of $1,200 in assistance. Landlord enrollment will begin on August 17th, with tenant applications opening for a 7-day period beginning August 24th. Applications will be available online at www.harriscountyrenthelp.org, and assistance will be available by phone.

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Aldine Mail Route widening set for design, construction

August 25, 2020

The Harris County Engineering Department has announced that the widening of Aldine Mail Route Road, from Slater Lane on the west, to Aldine Westfield Road, is now in the Design Phase.

Construction will follow, starting before the end of this year, and ending in about 12 months, in 2021. The plan as shown below indicated the roadway to be reconstructed, with 4 lanes plus a center turn-lane, replacing the existing 2 lane roadway. Additional work will include new sidewalks and storm sewer drainage.

Benefits of the reconstruction include improved traffic flow and signal operations, an upgraded drainage system, and safer connectivity for pedestrians. The long range plan is to have this 5 lane road design from Airline Drive to I-59 Eastex Expressway.

County passes COVID relief bills

August 18, 2020
HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TOOK ACTION TUESDAY FOR COVID19 RELIEF, PASSING TWO BILLS TO HELP THOSE WITH ECONOMIC NEED.

$25 Million for Economic Relief; $32 Million for Digital Divide

HARRIS COUNTY – With the COVID-19 Pandemic continuing to affect the nation’s health and economy, and Congress unable to come to an agreement on additional economic aid, Harris County Commissioner’s Court took action at last Tuesday’s meeting to help residents of the County who are facing hardships. Two bills were passed, one for $25 million of Economic Relief, and the other for $32 million to provide digital access to families without electronic means.

The details of the bills are as follows:

Harris County Provides Much-Needed Direct Relief for Residents Still Struggling from Economic Fallout of COVID-19 Pandemic 

Commissioners Court Approves $25M for New Round of Direct Assistance Payments

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Message from the Aldine Superintendent

August 18, 2020
Superintendent Goffney with Students

August 10, 2020

Dear Aldine Community,

We are counting down to the first day of school! In just one week, we will kick off the 2020-21 school year. Teachers across the district will welcome students back in creative and innovative ways to start the year virtually. I’ve seen digital classrooms, bitmoji avatars, and video messages preparing to welcome students back on August 17. Our current plan has us learning online for three weeks. We will continue to monitor the number of COVID-19 cases in our community and consider extending this virtual period as needed to keep staff and students safe.

As we count down the days, we’ve received a few questions about school supplies, uniforms, and a possible daily schedule that can guide at home learning. We’ve got you covered:

• Information about School Supplies

• Attendance and Grading Guidelines

• School Orientations and Meet the Teacher Events

• Schedules for each student will be available in the Home Access Center after August 12, and you may receive additional details and instructions from teachers.

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Limited visits to nursing homes now okay

August 18, 2020

HHSC to Allow Limited Visitation at Nursing Facilities and Long-Term Care Facilities State Enhances Certain Emergency Safety Rules

AUSTIN –The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) today announced limited visitation rules for nursing facilities and long-term care facilities. HHSC is also issuing enhanced emergency rules requiring additional actions by nursing facilities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“This is a rapidly evolving situation and we are constantly assessing what actions are necessary to keep residents and staff safe in these facilities,” said Phil Wilson, Executive Commissioner, Texas HHSC. “By following these procedures and rules, facilities can more effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help us achieve our shared goal of reuniting residents with their families and friends.”

“Access to family and loved ones is an important part of every resident’s health and well-being, which is why this policy shift is a move in the right direction for some of our most fragile Texans,” said Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (SD18), Chair, Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

“Today’s announcement is a critical first step for every person in a longterm care facility and their loved ones,” said Rep. James Frank (HD-69), Chair, Texas House Committee on Human Services. “This decision underscores that state leaders recognize the need to balance the emotional and physical health impacts of isolation against the serious dangers that COVID poses to these vulnerable Texans.” (more…)