By Leticia Fehling
ALDINE – Sixty-seven thousand students returned to campuses on August 16. Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney will be visiting schools throughout the first week.
“It is a joy to see all of our prekindergarten and high school students,” Goffney said. “They are our why. Our students are the reason we continue our mission of providing rigorous, enriching educational experiences that prepare every student for success in college, career, and life.”
As much as their teachers, it was apparent that students are happy to be back learning in classrooms and seeing their friends.
Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney visited several schools, including Davis High School, Stehlik Elementary, and Stovall Primary School. Carmichael Elementary was another stop. The school has one of the district’s largest Vietnamese student populations, with a Vietnamese program growing year after year. The campus also has a champion-winning chess team. Last year, the team won first place in the Houston-wide chess tournament and consistently placed in the top three every year.
Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney and Principal Jericah Jackson welcome students at the Aldine Young Women’s Leadership Academy
The school superintendent also visited the district’s two new schools — the Aldine Young Women’s Young Leadership Academy at Parker and La Promesa. The Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) offers a college preparatory education, giving young women academic success and leadership skills. The Academy will encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology engineering, and mathematics). The Academy opens this year with sixth and seventh grade and will add a grade level each year to serve girls in grades 6-12.
La Promesa is a high school for students who have lived in the U.S. for three or fewer years and are from non-English speaking countries or with limited English proficiency. The newcomers will receive intensive English language learning instruction, core academics, and support services. In its second year (2022-2023), La Promesa will add two CTE pathways — making the school another Choice School option for students.
“This will be another year that we anticipate will be full of exciting new opportunities, choices, and life-changing experiences for our students,” Goffney said.
Carver HS for Engineer ing, Applied Technology and The Arts received a visit from Dr. Goffney too. The school is currently pursuing Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) status.
Three local stations — KHOU, KPRC, and Telemundo — filmed Aldine’s first day of school. KHOU visited Carver HS, KPRC was at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, and Telemundo featured La Promesa in its 11 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m. live broadcasts. So be on the lookout for Aldine in the news.