Rita Pierson says, “Every child deserves a champion” and I 100% agree. From the top of the Alief ISD organization to the bottom, we must all be student-centered and willing to be that champion. I want to continue to express gratitude to everyone going above and beyond to meet our students’ needs. The main thing we focus on every day is student achievement, and I am confident that our Alief champions are committed to making great things happen for each and every student. Congratulations to Principal Pollard and her team of innovative campus leaders on their success at this weekend’s robotics tournament at the St. Thomas Episcopal School. The Olle Citco Innovation Academy champions filled the stands to cheer for our students competing in the S.W.A.T. Squared robotics competition!

The Young Women’s Leadership School application is now open! This is a college-preparatory opportunity that will provide additional choices for our families. Please watch this video to learn more about:

As we increase the number of choice school opportunities, our families can find more information here about what is happening in Alief ISD.

I continue to be excited about this year! I am excited to “Be all in with Alief ISD!”

School Board Appreciation Month

This School Board Appreciation Month, we thank the Alief ISD Board of Trustees for their leadership, vision, and tireless commitment to students, families, and staff. Your service makes a difference every day!

In this episode, Chief of Communications, Kristyn Cathey, sits down with Dee Jones, Business and Community Coordinator, and Dr. Luz Elena Rivers, CEO of Amera, to highlight the unique opportunities available for girls in Alief ISD. From mentorship and leadership development, to community partnerships that open doors for young women, this conversation highlights how Alief ISD is empowering the next generation of female leaders. Dee Jones and Dr. Rivers share inspiring insights, real success stories, and the innovative programs that are making a difference across the district.

Spring Specialist Leadership Summit

We had a strong start to the spring semester! Alief ISD Specialists came together for the Spring Specialist Leadership Summit, focusing on growth, leadership, and collaboration. Thank you to our special guest, Steve Spangler, for an engaging and inspiring experience.

The Places 4 People Program

Together, we’re building a better future! The Places 4 People program is bringing innovative infrastructure improvements — from safer streets to greener spaces — to communities across Alief and surrounding neighborhoods. Discover what’s happening and how this initiative promotes equity and connectivity for everyone.

STEM Excellence in Motion

Olle Robotics Club S.W.A.T. Squared is advancing to the Regional Championship this Saturday, January 17! Our rookie team delivered an outstanding performance, and league leadership took note—highlighting not only the team’s skills but also the unmatched support from our staff, families, and friends! Now it’s time to show up even bigger. We invite our Alief community to come out, fill the stands, and cheer on our students as they compete at the next level. Your encouragement makes a powerful impact on our team and coaches.

Celebrating Our 2025 CREST Winners

Big applause for our 2025 CREST winners! Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) is a prestigious state-level honor, and this recognition reflects their commitment to student success. Their dedication, leadership, and impact truly shine. We look forward to celebrating their outstanding achievement at the CREST Awards Dinner this February during the TCA Conference. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

All-State Choir Member

Congratulations to Ryan Nguyen for making the Texas All-State Large School Mixed Choir! Ryan is officially the first 3 year All-Stater from Kerr High School. Ryan made 3rd Chair in the top Mixed Choir on Bass 1. Bass 1 is one of the most competitive voice parts. Ryan Nguyen, a member of the Kerr HS Chorale, has qualified to rehearse and perform with the 2026 Texas All-State Large School Mixed Choir. Ryan will perform on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at San Antonio’s Henry B. González Convention Center, during the 2026 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention.

Ryan was chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at District, Region, and Area levels. Ryan sings at school under the direction of Vanessa Winslow and Allen Silagan, who are members of the Texas Music Educators Association, a 20,400+ member organization headquartered in Austin. This is Ryan’s third time to perform as a member of a TMEA All-State organization.

The Young Women’s Leadership School

Choosing a school for your daughter is one of the most important decisions you will make. At The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of Alief ISD, we are building more than a school, we are creating a place where every girl is seen, heard, supported, and challenged to reach her full potential. We can’t wait to welcome you to our campus! Apply today through the Alief ISD district webpage, the TYWLS website, or https://choice.aliefisd.net/the-young-womens-leadership-school/

Applications for teaching positions are now available for internal employees of Alief ISD. If interested, apply today!

Schools of Choice Applications

We believe every student has the potential for greatness, and our diverse choice programs are designed to provide the perfect pathway to future success for learners looking to chart their own course.

Schools of Choice applications opened on January 7. Families interested in STEM at Horn or Olle, or PVAA at Rees, Miller, and Albright, or Kerr and Alief Early College High School are encouraged to explore program details at: http://choice.aliefisd.net

G.A.L.S. and Gowns Women’s Scholarship Fundraiser and Gala

International Management District – Community Grants

We encourage staff to explore the International Management District’s Community Grants, designed to support innovative projects that enhance learning and community engagement. By diversifying applicants, we aim to ensure teachers have the opportunity to access these valuable funds for new initiatives that directly benefit students.

Click here for more information and application details: International Management District Community Grants Policy and Application form.

Multi-Cultural School Bus Tours

Alief families, save the date! Join us for the Alief Family U Conference on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at the Alief Center for Talent Development. Enjoy FREE adult and staff workshops, informational sessions, community resources, pre-K–8th-grade child care, food, performances, and prizes—all designed to support and empower our families.

Alief ISD Education Foundation News

Main Event Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to our Main Event 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!

Kennedy Elementary – Karina Gómez

Mata Intermediate – Chauntaul Miller

Alief ISD Education Foundation – Pay It Forward Campaign

Dear Alief ISD Team,

The Alief ISD Education Foundation’s Pay It Forward Campaign supports our students and teachers by automatically giving a seamless donation directly from your paycheck.

Click here to complete the Pay It Forward Form

For more information on this campaign, please visit our website or contact [email protected].

Thank you for supporting the mission of the Alief ISD Education Foundation. Together, we can make a lasting difference in our community!

For fundraiser opportunities, contact [email protected].

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!

Alief ISD MVP 2025-2026 Awards Nomination Form

Each month, one student, two teachers, and two support staff will be selected as an MVP Award winner by their peers.

These winners are chosen based on evidence of their support of customer service and positive climate and culture in Alief ISD, and they will be celebrated during our next regular board meeting.

We encourage our stakeholders to submit the MVP Award Submission.

Vype Winter 2025 Magazine

Achieve Winter 2025 Magazine

Revista Achieve Invierno 2025

Looking Ahead

January Athletic Calendar

January: Mental Wellness Month

January: School Board Appreciation Month

January 12: National Pharmacist Day

January 13: Korean American Day

January 19: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 21: Alief ISD National History Fair