Week Ahead

DR. MAYS’ WEEK AHEAD An Update from Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays

August 18, 2025
Dr. Mays

As the school year begins, I am reminded of how important it is for every student to be engaged in an extracurricular activity that is meaningful to them. Here in Alief ISD, we offer an assortment of activities, including DJ clubs that help you sharpen your ability to remix the Top 10 hits and nationally recognized speech and debate clubs that can prepare you for future opportunities as a lawyer! This past year, we saw a 7.3% increase in participation in fine arts! Athletics was also able to see more students taking advantage of our sports programs this past year. I encourage every student to participate in activities that help them stay connected with their learning community! Engaging in extracurricular activities helps individuals grow in many ways, including improved confidence, grades, and reduced absenteeism. 

There is so much talent here in  Alief ISD. As we engage our students, encouraging them to try something new could unlock a new talent, one they did not know was lying dormant just waiting to be unleashed. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with KHOU 11’s Mia Gradney about our efforts in Alief to challenge students by providing access to learning opportunities that showcase and develop their talents. 

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

A Joyful Start to the New School Year!

The first day of school was filled with energy, excitement, and plenty of smiles across Alief ISD! From welcoming new faces to reconnecting with familiar ones, our campuses were alive with the spirit of learning and community.

We are incredibly grateful to our students, families, and staff for coming together to make the first day such a success.

Welcome Back

Please note the updated times on the flyer for our upcoming Superintendent Community Connection Series meetings! The next meeting is scheduled for this Friday, August 22, at 12:00 p..m., at Alief Outley Elementary School Library. We hope to see you there!

Mays Engl
Mays Span

Alief ISD Literacy MENtors is more than just a reading program; it’s a movement to build brighter futures! This initiative invites caring male volunteers to read aloud to third-grade students for one hour, once a month, fostering a love for reading and boosting academic success. Join us in making a difference, one book, one student, one hour at a time. Volunteer today and help us shape tomorrow’s leaders!

Mentors
Fine Arts

The Alief Fine Arts Department is honored to welcome the nationally acclaimed North Carolina A&T Marching Band for a special performance. Renowned for their precision, artistry, and dynamic presentations, the band has earned recognition across the country, and we are delighted to host them here in our community.

This event offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the nation’s premier marching ensembles live in performance. Don’t miss your chance to experience this incredible band in person!

Alief Theatre Shines at The University of Indiana at Bloomington

Our talented Alief Theatre students showcased their passion, dedication, and artistry during an incredible experience at The University of Indiana at Bloomington. Throughout the trip, students participated in hands-on workshops designed to help them strengthen their individual goals as performers and leaders, while also gaining valuable insight to take back and enrich their campus theatre programs.

We could not be prouder of how our Alief Theatre students represented Alief ISD and our community. Their hard work and commitment to excellence are a true reflection of the strength of our fine arts programs. Congratulations to all the winners! Click here to see the results.

Thespian

India House recently hosted a vibrant celebration in honor of India’s 79th Independence Day. The event brought together community members to reflect on India’s rich history, culture, and contributions while celebrating the values of freedom and unity. Guests enjoyed cultural performances, inspiring messages, and a shared spirit of pride that made the celebration truly memorable.

Indian House

Fall Grant Applications Now Open for Student Subsidized Tours

We are excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Fall Student Subsidized Tours Program. This initiative provides schools with the opportunity to apply for grant funding that helps cover the cost of student tours, ensuring more students can participate in these enriching educational experiences.

Through this program, students gain access to engaging, real-world learning opportunities beyond the classroom—broadening their horizons, connecting with the community, and deepening their understanding of the world around them.

Educators and administrators are encouraged to submit their applications early to secure funding for their campuses. Apply here.

Don’t miss this chance to bring meaningful, hands-on experiences to your students this fall!

free tour

Meet Tamara Albury, the proud principal of The Young Women’s Leadership School! Opening fall 2026, we’ll welcome our first class of 6th and 7th grade girls to a place where confidence, leadership, and excellence grow every day.

NCAA

Calling all passionate and motivated high school juniors and seniors for part-time work!

2025-2026 Civic Engagement Intership Form

Civic

Got a 6 to 35 month or 3-year-old? Give them a great start! Register today for our Pre-K Prep programs!

Jump Start

Alief ISD Education Foundation - Pay It Forward Campaign

Dear Alief ISD Team,

We’re excited to invite you to participate in the Alief ISD Education Foundation’s Pay It Forward Campaign! This initiative is a simple yet meaningful way to support our students and teachers by automatically giving a seamless donation directly from your paycheck.

Click here to complete the Pay It Forward Form

As a token of our appreciation, participants will receive an Alief ISD Education Foundation t-shirt to proudly show their support!

tshirt

For more information on this campaign, please visit our website or contact Li Wen Su, PR Specialist and Alief ISD Education Foundation Liaison, at 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!

With appreciation,

Alief ISD Education Foundation

For fundraiser opportunities, contact li.su@aliefisd.net.

Join us for a great cause! We proudly invite all stakeholders, community members, and supporters of education to the 21st Annual Golf Tournament! Scan the QR or visit this link for more information.

21st ENGL
21st SPAN
walk
ENGL CTE
SPAN CTE
Store

The Alief High School TAFE Clubs (Texas Association of Future Educators) created spirit shirts to help everyone step into a world where Alief pride meets imagination and Broadway magic! We’re excited to share that the Alief Proud Online Store is back for 2025—and it’s better than ever! This year, we’ve added youth sizes, so every student, staff member, and family can show their Alief spirit together. With fresh new designs, a wide variety of colors, and something for everyone, now is the perfect time to stock up on your Alief gear. Don’t wait too long—orders close on August 27!

"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!

Looking Ahead

  • August Athletic Schedule

  • August 26: Board Meeting

  • September 29: Golf Tournament

  • October 4: Alief Breast Cancer Walk

  • October 7: CTE College and Career Night