Week Ahead
 

Week Ahead

 

DR. MAYS’ WEEK AHEAD 

An Update from Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays

April 28, 2026

 
Dr. Mays

If you missed the Taste of Alief, you missed a great opportunity to engage and celebrate the diversity and culture of our beautiful Alief community. From our celebration of Pacific Islanders with luau dancers to our Asian culture celebration with dragon dancers, there was an array of community partners and students highlighting the colorful dimensions of Alief ISD. Coming together is always a great opportunity, so thanks to the International Management District for partnering with us for the event. We appreciate their support here in Alief. Also, a special shout-out to the event organizers, Li Wen Su, Public Relations Specialist, and Shanceler Terry, Director of Family and Community Engagement, along with their dedicated committee members for their hard work and commitment in making this event a success. I was excited to see our “Choice School” leaders connecting with families and sharing the unique opportunities that our students have to accelerate their learning in science, technology, math, and the arts! Our next big celebration will be the Alief ISD graduations of our senior students, and I look forward to seeing you all there!

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

The Power of the All-Girls School

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!”

 

Alief International Parade & Taste of Alief Festival

The Annual Taste of Alief Parade and Festival brought the community together for a vibrant celebration of culture, diversity, and unity in the heart of Alief. Families, students, local organizations, businesses, and community leaders gathered to enjoy a day filled with colorful parade floats, live entertainment, cultural performances, delicious food, and family-friendly activities.

The event highlighted the rich multicultural spirit that makes the Alief community unique while creating opportunities for residents to connect, celebrate, and support local organizations and schools. The Taste of Alief continues to serve as a meaningful tradition that strengthens community pride and showcases the vibrant energy and diversity of the Alief area.

The parade winners are Martin Mighty Mustangs, Miller Intermediate PVAA Men of Brilliance Step Team, and Hastings High School Big Bear Band from Alief ISD and Metro, Samba: Born of Rhythm, Crowned in Color, and Kingz Angelz Motorcycle Club from the community. Congratulations!

Parade photo album

Taste of Alief photo album

 

Arab American Heritage Month

Celebrating diversity and heritage in Alief ISD! This month, we honor the rich culture and contributions of Arab Americans. Let's embrace diversity, foster understanding, and promote unity for all.

 

Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month reminds us that inclusion starts with kindness, understanding, and supporting every child’s learning journey. Together, we build classrooms where all students feel seen, respected, and celebrated!

Families seeking support or information about Special Education services are encouraged to contact us. Call (281) 988-3750 or email SPEDecat@aliefisd.net.

 

In this episode of ImpactED, Chief of Communications, Kristyn Cathey, sits down with an incredible panel of educational leaders to explore the launch of the new Alief360 online school program. Dr. Alicia Kerr, Director of Alief360, is joined by Dr. Alvia Baldwin, Director of Guidance & Counseling, Debbie Vincent, Coordinator of Virtual School Support, and Brian Gonzales, Director of Digital Learning, for an insightful conversation about how this innovative program is expanding opportunities for students. Together, they discuss the vision behind Alief360, how the program supports diverse learning needs, and the ways virtual education is shaping the future of student success. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this episode offers valuable perspectives on flexible, student-centered learning in today’s digital age.

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National Award for Alief ISD Fine Arts Department

The Alief ISD Fine Arts Department has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year with the national “Best Communities for Music Education” award from the National Association for Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM). This prestigious honor recognizes school districts across the nation for their outstanding leadership and commitment to expanding equitable access to music education for all students. 

The Alief ISD community is incredibly proud of this remarkable achievement. Congratulations to Renferd Joseph, Director of the Alief ISD Fine Arts Department, and the entire Fine Arts team for their continued dedication to excellence in music education and student success.

 

First Community Cares Foundation Donated $1,000,000 to Alief ISD

The First Community Credit Union continues to set the standard as a Platinum Business Partner, supporting Alief ISD for over 20 years. Our Board of Trustees proudly recognized FCCU for their extraordinary commitment, including a historic pledge of $100,000 annually for the next 10 years through the First Community Cares Foundation. This transformational investment will directly support student programs, staff, and families across the district. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to Alief ISD! 

 

Teacher Apprentice Program End-of-Year Celebration

The TAP End-of-Year Celebration highlighted the dedication and progress of TAP apprentices as they continue their teacher preparation journey and recognize the principals whose guidance, mentorship, and encouragement contribute to their success. 

Photo album

 

The YEW Youth Fest 2026

The inaugural YEW Youth Fest was a tremendous success, bringing together 100 Alief ISD students for an engaging and inspiring entrepreneurship experience focused on leadership, innovation, and career exploration!

The YEW Youth Fest was made possible through a collaborative partnership between the Alief ISD Education Foundation, Guidance and Counseling, Career and Technical Education, and Equiliberty. Special thanks to Trustee Perez for the continued support of student opportunities and innovation initiatives. Appreciation is also extended to Alief ISD Education Foundation Board President Raquel Olivier and Vice President Kodi Bailey for their leadership and dedication in helping make the event possible!

Photo album

 

Celebrating Earth Day

Horn Elementary students participated in an incredible Earth Day tree-planting project in partnership with the Texas A&M Forest Service, and the excitement was contagious. Through this hands-on experience, our young environmental stewards learned firsthand how individual actions can make a meaningful impact on the environment and help create a greener future for their community.

 

Now Launching: Alief360 – A New Alief ISD School of Choice (2026–2027)

As Alief ISD continues to expand its Schools of Choice, we are excited to introduce Alief360: A Full-Time Virtual School, Powered by Alief Taylor High School, launching in the 2026–2027 school year with our first class of 9th-grade students. Alief360 offers a flexible, fully online learning experience while keeping students connected to the full high school experience—including strong teacher support, small-group learning, and opportunities for in-person activities, athletics, and fine arts. Designed for today’s learners, Alief360 blends independence with structure to support the success of the whole student.

Families and staff are invited to learn more at one of our upcoming information sessions:

Tuesday, April 21 at 6:00 PM – Taylor High School

Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM – Crump Stadium

Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM – Olle Middle School

Virtual Session: Thursday, April 30 at 9:00 AM

Interested in this opportunity? Visit www.aliefisd.net/alief360 to learn more and express interest or leave us a question.

 

Summer Fest 2026 Registration is Open

Summer Fest 2026 Registration is NOW OPEN! Give your child a summer filled with creativity, fun, and unforgettable experiences in Alief ISD for free! Spots are limited.

Summer Fest is open to current students grades 1st–8th

June 3 – June 30 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Register now!

 

Discover Your Pathway to Tomorrow

 Alief ISD will host a Choice Schools Fair on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Olle Middle Citgo Innovation Academy!

Representatives from the programs below will be present and ready to share exciting details about their programs:

Performing & Visual Arts Academy (PVAA): Rees Elementary, Miller Intermediate, & Albright Middle
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM): Horn Elementary, & Olle Citgo Innovation Middle 
The Young Women's Leadership School (TYWLS) - Opening Fall 2026 with 6-7th graders 
Alief360 Virtual School at Taylor - Opening Fall 2026 with ninth graders
Cougar Academy Pre-Health Program at Hastings - Opening Fall 2026 with ninth graders 
HCC Pre-Engineering Program at Elsik - Opening Fall 2026 with ninth graders 


You'll also be able to enroll your student for the 2026-2027 school year, with support from the Student Services Department! This is an event you don't want to miss! 

 

Career and Skills Development Conference

Join us for the Career and Skills Development Conference, hosted by Alief Early College High School FBLA in partnership with the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, GenHTX, Alief Votes, and other community organizations.

The conference will take place on Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Alief ISD Center for Advanced Careers. This interactive conference is designed to equip students and families with real-world skills for academic, professional, and personal success. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from professionals, engage in interactive activities, and leave with practical tools they can immediately apply.

Attendees will participate in interactive workshops and sessions covering resume building, interview preparation, financial literacy, leadership, communication, college & career pathways, and so much more. Whether you are an elementary, middle or high school student, or a parent, this event offers valuable resources and guidance tailored to your needs.

Link to register: https://forms.gle/3j5Zs2ybRuZ cqC7

For questions or more information, please contact Azeemah Sadiq at (sadiqazeemah4@gmail.com).

 

2026-2027 Principal Application Open

Do you lead with passion and purpose? Are you driven to build a culture of excellence? Are you committed to delivering results for every student? Then apply now to join our dynamic leadership team in Alief ISD!

 

Enrollment Now Open for the 2026-2027 School Year

Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is now open for students entering grades PK-12. We are excited to welcome both new and returning students to Alief ISD! Visit our Enrollment page to explore the wide range of academic opportunities available across our district, designed to meet the needs and interests of every learner. https://aliefisd.net/enroll

Why Apply Now?

•Get a head start on the school year

•Ensure timely placement and scheduling

•Access innovative programs and specialized pathways

 

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.

Enrollment is OPEN at Alief ISD! Applications for both General Enrollment and Schools of Choice for the 2026–2027 academic year are available. Discover cutting-edge programs and identify the ideal match for your child. 

Learn more about School of Choice opportunities at: https://choice.aliefisd.net

Begin the enrollment process here: https://aliefisd.net/enroll

 
 
 

Alief ISD Special Education Services can begin when your child turns 3! Have concerns regarding your child’s development? Contact our Early Childhood Assessment Team at (281) 498-8110 ext. 28715.

 

Alief Family Centers

Join us as we kick off Spring semester in our Alief Family Centers! Free adult workshops and resources. Find a school near you!

 

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

 

Southwest Management District - Internship Application

 
 
 

Alief ISD Education Foundation News

 

Alief ISD Seniors: Scholarships applications are open!

The Alief ISD Education Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities for the Class of 2026.

Application Deadline: May 5, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Final Submission Deadline: All materials must be submitted by May 5, 2026.

Application form

 
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Alief ISD Education Foundation - Pay It Forward Campaign

Dear Alief ISD Team,

Are you a Pay it Forward donor? Please update your information here.

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 li.su@aliefisd.net.

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 li.su@aliefisd.net.

Teacher Grants Article

Teacher Grants Podcast

Are you a Pay it Forward donor? Please update your information here.

 
 

Nominate Your Favorite Teacher

Show your appreciation by nominating your favorite teacher in Alief ISD.

Papa John's Nomination Form (Bissonnet location)

Nothing Bundt Cakes Nomination Form (Westchase location)

 

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

Vype Spring 2026 Magazine

Achieve Winter 2025 Magazine

Revista Achieve Invierno 2025

 

Looking Ahead

April Scholarship Newsletter

April Athletics Calendar

April: Arab American Heritage Month

April: Autism Acceptance Month

April 28: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

May: Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

May: Mental Health Awareness Month

May 1: School Principals Day

May 1: School Lunch Hero Day

May 1-7: National Physical Education Week

May 2: School Choice Fair

May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 5: National Teacher Day

May 5: Testing Coordinator Day

May 6: National Bike to School Day

May 6: National School Nurse Day

May 8: School Communications Day

May 18: National Speech Pathologist Day

May 28: AECHS & Kerr HS Graduations @ Houston Christian University

May 29: Elsik HS Graduation @ Merrell Center

May 30: Taylor HS & Hastings HS Graduations @ Merrell Center

June 2-5: Alief Band Camp

June 13: Family Health & Fitness Day

June 14: Flag Day

June 19: Juneteenth

September 28: 22nd Annual Alief ISD Education Foundation Golf Tournament