Aldine ISD celebrates student achievements in science, arts and bilingual education

The Aldine Independent School District (ISD) Board Meeting held on April 15, 2025, showcased a series of commendations and updates reflecting the district's commitment to academic excellence and student achievement. The meeting began with the recognition of several educators and staff members for their contributions to the community, including inclusion teacher Miranda Harris and seventh-grade teacher Jacqueline Jones, who received humanitarian awards.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Faviola Contreu highlighted the accomplishments of students, starting with Teresa Aboke, a dual-language student from Ermel Elementary, who won the NAVE National Essay Writing Contest. Teresa's essay, "Proud to be Bilingual," emphasized the cultural connections her bilingualism fosters. She was awarded $500 and an opportunity to present her work at a national conference in Atlanta.

The meeting continued with the recognition of Aldine ISD's Junior Science Fair winners, who excelled at both district and regional levels. Notable students included Delivan Frazier from Drew Academy and a group from Hamburg Middle School, who presented innovative projects on various scientific topics.

Dr. Adrian Bustillos, Chief of Transformation, provided updates on the Young Women's Leadership Academy (YWLA), which is expanding its grade offerings and enhancing its facilities through a community service project focused on health and wellness. The academy is also promoting STEM education with summer programs open to all students in the district.

Refugio Rodriguez, Director of Performing Arts, presented an overview of the district's thriving arts programs, which engage over 20,000 students in elementary and secondary schools. He reported on the success of various performing arts groups, including band, choir, and theater, highlighting numerous awards and recognitions achieved by students across the district.

The meeting concluded with a celebration of the performing arts, where students and teachers were invited to the stage to receive accolades for their hard work and dedication. The board expressed pride in the achievements of all students and staff, emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment.

Overall, the Aldine ISD Board Meeting underscored the district's dedication to recognizing student achievements and enhancing educational opportunities, setting a positive tone for future initiatives and community engagement.