The nation will recognize the legacy of one of our most prolific history makers on January 15th. This is a time to celebrate the focused and peaceful efforts of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The courageous leader advocated for opportunities and resources for everyone, especially those who were poor or individuals of color. Dr. King recognized the shortcomings of many existing systems to those in need. Even today, there are always challenges of equity and disparity that may present themselves as we study our data. It is critical that we maintain a focus on our data and a growth mindset of continuous improvement to support those that we are all here to serve.

I am reminded of an M.L.K. quote as we celebrate this fearless advocate, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” As we celebrate the upcoming holiday, let’s maintain our focus on climate & culture and its close connection and impact on student achievement. As leaders and educators, we can support celebrating the MLK legacy by improving student achievement.

Alief parents, the on-line application is now open for students interested in applying for the Alief Schools of Choice High School programs for the 2024-2025 school year.  A link to the application can be found at www.aliefisd.net/choice.

It’s time to nominate the January 2024 Superintendent’s MVP Award winners. One secondary student, two professional and two support staff are recognized each month for their outstanding service and dedication to the climate and culture of Alief ISD. Show your support today and submit your nomination here.Submissions will be accepted through January 19th.

Celebrations

Alief brought 63 high school students (who participated in over 40 different competitions and spoke to more than 60 colleges from around the U.S.) to theTexas Thespian Festival, a convention for over 8,000 theater students from all of Texas. These students competed in technical and performance events, applied and auditioned for college programs and scholarships, and attended over 100 possible workshops from industry professionals and top theater teachers. The Alief ISD college scholarship offers totaled $252,900. The scholarship winners included: Julianna Irizarry – $33k, Lillian Adams – $35k, Jackielou Bolanos – $24k, Jaden Jones – $11k, State scholarship finalist Lourine Mokoro – $104k, Ana Almaguer – $900, and State scholarship finalist Ianna Walker – $45k.

Alief Fine Arts hosted Rodeo School Art Family Night at Mata Intermediate.  Over 500 visual arts students showcased their amazing Western themed works of art, and 75 amazing two-dimensional and three-dimensional works will advance to the next round of judging at NRG.  For more than 50 years, the School Art Program has provided students, Pre-K through 12th grade, the opportunity to compete in district shows, earn scholarships, travel to summer workshops and display artwork in the Hayloft Gallery during the Rodeo.

Congratulations to the 13  Alief ISD campuses for winning the CREST Award (Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas) through the Texas School Counselor Association (TSCA). This award recognizes outstanding comprehensive school counseling programs and  exemplary programs in Texas based on the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling as adopted by TEA in 2018.  The award indicates campus and counselor leadership and advocacy for serving students and the school community.  All CREST winners will be recognized during the annual TSCA conference at an awards dinner, which will be held on February 4th at the Henry B. Gonzalez convention center in San Antonio, Texas!

Share your Alief ISD good news here.

Dr. Anthony Mays
Superintendent
Alief ISD

Looking forward