Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays’ Week Ahead – April 22, 2025

I hope that everyone was able to enjoy a long holiday break with family and friends. Recharging your battery is essential for the work that we do. I know that Alief ISD educators work tirelessly to make sure that our students’ social, emotional, and academic needs are met.I also know that you all go above and beyond to serve our community. Taking advantage of quality time with loved ones allows us all to serve others better.

This past Friday, we celebrated our Teachers of the Year for Alief ISD. After hard-fought and fierce competition, we identified our Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year. Thank you to Rhaniece Choice from Cummings Elementary School and Janece Simpson from Killough Middle School for serving as exemplars in the Teacher of the Year role last year. As we close out this year, I want you all to know that you are appreciated! The hard work you do for our students and community does not go unnoticed, and Alief ISD is grateful that you bring your talents here.

I encourage everyone to share the opportunity to join the Alief family on your socials. We are always looking for talented teachers to serve the needs of our students.

AECHS’s Mock Trial Team competed in the University of Houston’s mock trial competition on Friday, April 11th. The defense team won 1st place with the prosecution team winning 3rd place.

• Kayleen Ramos received Best Lawyer
• Melany Flores received Best Witness
• Allina Becker earned a perfect score for defense lawyer

AECHS Mock Trial also made history at the YMCA’s Youth and Government State Conference in Austin, placing 9th out of 45 teams- the first Houston judicial team to break into the Top Ten! Competing in the District Court division, Rachael Adewale (12th), Angelli Saucedo (11th), Tahlia Rideux (11th), Shathra Thamer (11th), and Elora Gad (10th) showcased their legal skills and demonstrated strong argumentation and courtroom presence. Melany Flores (11th) excelled as a student judge, earning 6th place in the County Court division.

Congratulations to these outstanding students on their incredible achievement!

Celebrating Excellence: Two of Our School Nurses Named Top 10 by Houston Chronicle!

We are proud to announce that two of our outstanding school nurses have been recognized by the Houston Chronicle as Top 10 School Nurses in this year’s Salute to Nurses celebration! This prestigious honor highlights their exceptional dedication, compassion, and impact on the health and well-being of our students. Each year, thousands of exceptional nursing professionals are nominated for this prestigious honor, and only a select few are chosen for their outstanding dedication, compassion, and impact on their school communities. Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition and thanking them for the incredible work they do every day!

Education Foundation: Board Approval and New Appointments

We’re excited to welcome two new board members to the foundation as they join in championing educational excellence across our district! Alief ISD is incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Alief ISD Education Foundation. Their generous contributions through donations, grants, and scholarships have made a lasting impact on our students, staff, and schools.

Congratulations to Jennifer Taylor (Collins Elementary), N’dia Sander (Budewig Intermediate), and Denise Chavez Mora (Taylor High School), Main Event Stafford March Teacher of the Month winners! Thank you Mike at Main Event Stafford for recognizing our teachers and for your partnership with the Alief ISD Education Foundation!

Alief ISD offers a fully immersive, bilingual enrichment program that offers students 50-50 instruction in English and Spanish. This program prepares students for a diverse world no matter what future they choose. Learn more on our website: https://aliefisd.net.

“Let’s Make It Clear” Backpack Policy

In an effort to improve the safety measures currently in place, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and beyond, Alief ISD will require all intermediate, middle, and high school students to use clear backpacks.

Students participating in an extracurricular activity are permitted to carry non-transparent bags to store items pertaining to their particular activity (i.e., band, athletics, etc.).

All extracurricular activity bags must be stored in designated areas upon entry into the school and are subject to search.

Additionally, the maximum size for non-transparent bags that students in intermediate, middle, and high school will be permitted to carry during the school day, such as lunch kits, pencil bags, and purses, will be “6 x 9”.

Elementary school students will be allowed to continue using traditional backpacks.

For more information, please visit our designated webpage HERE.

Do you have a special celebration or achievement you’d love to share? Submit your celebration here and let us highlight the amazing moments that make Alief ISD so special!

Explore the Alief ISD SmugMug photo gallery and relive unforgettable moments from school events, celebrations, and achievements. Browse through vibrant snapshots capturing the spirit, talent, and dedication of our students and staff. Check out the gallery here!

Join the Alief Alumni Influencer Association and Stay Connected! Be a part of something bigger by joining the Alief Alumni Influencer Association—a network of proud graduates making a difference! Whether you want to reconnect with old classmates, mentor current students, share your success story, or give back to the community that shaped you, this is your chance to stay involved. Join today and continue making an impact!