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WELCOME! Welcome to Achieve, the official magazine for the Alief ISD community. It is designed and published by the Alief ISD Communications & Public Relations department to foster a sense of pride and keep the community informed about all things Alief ISD. Kristyn Hunt Cathey, APR Chief of Communications & PR Li Wen Su Public Relations Specialist Briana Augustus Mills, MPA Manager of Digital & Web Services Mike Alvarez Multimedia Production Specialist Adelina Cruz Social Media and Visual Communications Specialist Delores Jones Coordinator of Business & Community Partnerships Zepheena Henry Administrative Assistant to Chief of Communications & Chief of Staff The Alief Independent School District, an Equal Opportunity Educational Provider and Employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, disability and/or age, military status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment decisions. Additionally, the District does not discriminate against an employee or applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminatory employment practice. Employment decisions will be based on each applicant’s qualifications, experience, and abilities. If you have questions about any of Alief ISD's policies, please contact Alief ISD by calling 281498-8110. B

INSIDE ACHIEVE FEATURING

2 of Possibilities: Inside 6 AAliefDistrict ISD’s Choice Programs A Legacy of Advocacy: The Quiet Opportunity in Alief ISD

WHAT’S INSIDE

A New Era of Safety: Chief Eric Robins Leads Alief with Experience and Heart

Excellence on the Rise: Celebrating Alief ISDs A-B Rated Campuses

Jeferson Returns Home 12 Ella Namesake Campus celebrates

Strong Start to the School Year

ISD Education 14 Alief Foundation’s 21st Annual Golf Tournament

in Purpose: Alief 15 Rooted ISD Set to Open Its New

Agriculture Center in 2026

for Hope: Alief ISD 16 Walking Unites for the 2025 Breast Cancer Walk

Milestones in Alief 21 Celebrating ISD

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

Alief ISD focuses on the power of choice and marking major milestones Dear Alief ISD Family, I am so excited to welcome you to the second volume of our official magazine, Achieve. We value your input and your voice, and this magazine is a reflection of numerous conversations, both in-person and virtual, that I have had with many of you in the community. Whether I’m in the grocery store, at a football game, attending a district event, or at my local place of worship, you have provided me and subsequently my team with the information we need to move forward successfully. An informed community is a successful community, and it is our privilege to provide that news to you. Our Board of Trustees always keeps our students and staff first and foremost in their minds. Through their advocacy at the local, state, and national level, they ensure that Alief ISD is the district to remember, and I couldn’t do what I do without them. In Alief ISD, choice matters, and there is a program for every student! Our PVAA programs are off to a great start this school year. Rees Elementary completed one full year, and Miller Intermediate and Albright Middle rounded out the pack. Horn STEM Elementary and the Olle Middle Citgo Innovation Academy are providing our learners with an entryway to the robust STEM field that is dominating our state and country. We are so excited for the debut of The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS), opening in fall 2026 with sixth and seventh-grade students. We will add a grade level every year until we reach the 12th grade. The application process for this college preparatory program will lose on February 28th. We are so grateful for the support and collaboration of The Young Women’s Preparatory Network as we venture into this journey of providing high-quality education to our students. Kudos to our amazing Athletic Department! We had a successful football season, and we are looking forward to supporting our student-athletes during the winter and spring athletic season. Our Fine Arts department is on a continuous winning streak. The students and staff excel at every level, and we couldn’t be prouder of them. As I maneuver through my third school year in Alief ISD, I can’t help but reflect on my introduction to this community, and I want to say from the bottom of my heart, Thank you. Alief is a beautiful, diverse community that has been extremely welcoming to me and my family, and there is no other place I would rather be. From our heart to yours, I want to say thank you. Thank you for choosing Alief ISD. Whether you are new to the district or nearing the end of your journey, we are so blessed to have you as a part of our story. Wishing you all the best this school year and Happy Holidays! Best Regards,

Dr. Anthony Mays, Superintendent Alief ISD 1

A Legacy of Advocacy: The Quiet Architect of Opportunity in Alief ISD By: Kristyn Hunt Cathey, APR Chief of Communications “The children will come.” Those words echoed the walls of the Alief ISD Board Room, where Vice-President Jennifer Key led the packed room in a call-and-response likened to a revival. Key, filled with emotion, shared those words and many more during her final meeting as an Alief ISD Board member, after an impressive eight-year run. Some stories are not written in a single term or tenure — they are etched across decades, campuses, and the lives of students who may never know the name behind the foundation they stand on. For nearly 50 years, Jennifer Key has been one of those architects in Alief ISD. Jennifer Key’s journey began in a middle school science classroom, where she discovered that shaping young minds meant opening doors — sometimes before students knew they existed. She became a department chair and then an assistant principal at Mata Intermediate, steadily expanding her reach. Eventually, she transitioned into district leadership as Director of Special Populations, where her influence extended to everything from testing to counseling to bilingual education. Ask her what defined those years, and she speaks not of titles, but impact. “Seeing initiatives grow into standard practices — that is deeply satisfying,” she reflects. The list is long: expanding Section 504 and dyslexia services, building intervention models, identifying more than 2,000 homeless students under McKinney-Vento guidelines and securing grants to serve them, developing dual-language frameworks still used today, introducing AVID and SIOP training, elevating gifted programs, shaping health services systems — and more. “I didn’t just supervise departments; I helped build systems and processes that made student support stronger,” she says. Her fingerprints are on handbooks, service models, training protocols, evaluation instruments — the invisible architecture of student success. Yet her story didn’t end when she retired. It shifted. Elected to the position of a trustee in November 2017, she carried her experience, not as history, but as a compass. “I never stopped advocating for students,” she explains. “I simply changed roles.” 2

Having lived in Alief for 48 years, she watched a rural district evolve into one of the most diverse communities in Texas — without losing its heart. “We never outgrew our roots,” she says. That identity shaped her governance philosophy. Whether choosing superintendents or refining policy, the board’s decisions, she notes, are grounded in protecting Alief’s sense of family. Looking forward, she points to initiatives she believes will shape the district for years to come: continued expansion of CCMR, increased opportunities at the Marshall CTE Center, the opening of the Ag/Science Center, strategic budgeting that funds innovation, and the cultivation of leadership at every level. “Those investments will change lives,” she adds. Serving as a trustee changed her, too. She credits the role with sharpening her voice, deepening her conviction about public service, and expanding her understanding of government. Working alongside what she calls “a highly functioning Team of Eight” stands among her most valued experiences.

“I brought historical knowledge to the board, and it was respected,” she reflects. “That keeps your mind active — and your purpose clear.” Her message for the next generation — whether students, teachers, principals, or future trustees — is equal parts challenge and reminder: Make decisions that lift others. Be civil. Lead without ego. Remember — you have the power to make a difference. And when the conversation turns to legacy, she doesn’t hesitate. She does not hope to be remembered for position, recognition, or ceremony. Instead, she wants to be known as an unwavering advocate for students — someone who spoke up when young people were at risk. “I don’t want to be a bystander,” she says. “I want to be someone who acted.” In the story of Alief ISD, that is exactly who she has been.

A NEW ERA OF SAFETY:

Celebrating the CHIEF ERIC ROBINS

Outstanding Educators

LEADS ALIEF ISD WITH EXPERIENCE AND HEART

By: Li Wen Su, PR Specialist

in Alief ISD

In July 2025, Eric Robins was sworn in as the new Chief of Police for Alief Independent School District, marking a significant moment for both the district and the broader community. “With his background in large-scale public safety and community engagement, Robins is uniquely positioned to bring a proactive and collaborative approach to school policing,” shared Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony Mays. With more than three decades of experience in law enforcement, Robins brings a wealth of leadership, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public service to his new role in education. “His appointment represents Alief ISD’s ongoing effort to strengthen safety, build trust, and ensure a secure environment for students and staff,” added Dr. Mays. Before joining Alief ISD, Robins served as the Chief of Police for the Sugar Land Police Department, where he became known for his calm, community-centered leadership style. During his tenure, Sugar Land saw record-low crime rates and earned high levels of public confidence in its police force. His focus on transparency, accountability, and collaboration helped strengthen relationships between the police department and the community it served. After leaving Sugar Land, Robins continued his leadership journey as Chief of the CapMetro Transit Police Department in Austin. There, he played a pivotal role in establishing the agency’s first fully certified transit police force, which was recognized by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement in 2024.

Robins’s transition to Alief ISD represents both a homecoming and a new challenge. “I am excited to be in Alief ISD. It’s like coming home and giving back at the same time, considering my wife and I lived and raised our kids in this district from K-12”, says Chief Robins. His decision to move into the field of school district policing reflects a deep belief in prevention, mentorship, and early engagement. “As the Police Chief, my goal is to ensure our kids and staff have a safe learning environment, and parents feel good about bringing their kids to school,” added the Chief. 4

SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR

A District of Possibilities:

Inside Alief ISD’s Choice Programs By: Kristyn Hunt Cathey, APR, Chief of Communications

In Alief ISD, the future is not something students wait for — it is something they choose. With signature Choice programs spanning arts, STEM, dual language, leadership, dual-degree opportunities, and personalized learning pathways, Alief ISD is rewriting what access and innovation look like for public education. These schools don’t just prepare students for graduation—they cultivate scholars, creators, analysts, community builders, and leaders. Alief’s Choice programs are intentionally designed to match student interests, talents, and emerging career paths. Through these models, students discover strengths, develop identity, and build real-world readiness that extends long beyond the diploma. Whether a student wants to perform on stage, create the next big invention, earn a college degree while in high school, explore leadership, or chart their own learning journey — there is a pathway waiting for them here.

PVAA – Where Talent Meets Training

Performing & Visual Arts Academy: Rees Elementary, Miller Intermediate & Albright Middle Schools Includes: • Dance, theatre, music, and visual arts • Productions, showcases, competitions and exhibitions • Professional critique and skill development

Fast Facts: Students routinely earn regional and state recognition. The Fine Arts department has earned the coveted District of Distinction Award from the Texas Act Education Association 7 years in a row. They have also been awarded the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education National Award 3 years in a row. Ideal For: Creators, performers, designers, storytellers, innovators and problem solvers.

STEM Programs – Inventing What’s Next

STEM Campuses: Horn STEM Elementary and Citgo Innovation Academy at Olle Middle School Includes: • Robotics and coding • Biomedical and environmental science • Engineering & makerspace lab models

Fast Facts: Alief STEM programs offer students the opportunity to participate in robotics teams and become student innovators.

Ideal For: Problem-solvers, experimenters, future engineers, health scientists, and coders.

Tax Impact

AECHS – Two Diplomas, One Future

Alief Early College High School: National Blue Ribbon School and #1 Niche Rated Standout School in Texas Includes: • Associate degree + high school diploma • College courses at zero cost • Small environment with student support Fast Fact: In 2025, 100% of the graduating class earned their high school diploma and 85% earned their college Associates Degree for free. Ideal For: Students who want to attend college after high school, collaborative learners, and students seeking a college-like atmosphere.

Kerr High School – Learning With Agency

Kerr High School: National Blue Ribbon School & Niche-Rated School

Includes: • Studio-based learning • Independent pacing & personalized instruction • AP courses, fine arts, and academic centers Fast Fact: Kerr has been nationally recognized for innovation, fine arts, and student-owned learning. Ideal For: Self-driven students, creators, collaborative thinkers, and independent learners.

TYWLS – Leadership Begins Here The Young Women’s Leadership School (Opening Fall 2026 with sixth and seventh grade students) Includes: • Women’s leadership development • STEM, entrepreneurship, and civic voice • College-preparatory, crew-based advisory model and sisterhood culture Fast Fact: TYWLS will be the district’s first all-girls school, designed to elevate student voice and confidence. Ideal For: Young women seeking empowerment, identity development, and pathways to leadership and graduation. It is a 7 year program focused on college preparedness and social emotional learning. Students will take college & advanced courses while gaining college experiences beginning in 6th grade. The focus is AI, Entrepreneurship and Visual Arts.

A Unifying Why Although these programs offer different learning environments, they share one common truth: when students choose their path, they discover their purpose. Alief ISD’s Choice programs exist to expand access, honor individual strengths, grow talent, and spark future careers. From the stage to the studio, from engineering labs to early college classrooms, from leadership circles to arts showcases-Alief students are designing futures that match their dreams. With PVAA and STEM campuses, AECHS, Kerr, and TYWLS, Alief students won’t just attend school — they will become innovators, performers, leaders, scholars, and world-changers, and that is the power of choice in Alief ISD. Applications for the 2026-2027 are open for TYWLS through February 28th. Applications for the PVAA and STEM campuses, AECHS, and Kerr will open on January 7 and close on February 28th. To learn more about the programs, please visit our Choice microsite at www.choice. aliefisd.net.

2026-2027

APPLICATION WINDOW

NOVEMBER 15 - FEBRUARY 28

EVERY GIRL, EVERY DAY - THIS IS HER SCHOOL T The he Y Young g Women’s W e ’ LLeadership e e h School Sch l

oun oÍ n s rs p oo

www www.aliefisd.net/o/tywls .aliefisd.net/o/t wls 281-988-3755 281 -988-3755 12501 High igh Star tar Dr.r. Houston, ouston, TX 77072

S D H

2024 AND 2025 ACCOUNTABILITY RATINGS Campus

OVERALL Campus Rating Growth 2024

2025

Alexander Elementary

Chambers Elementary

Chancellor Elementary

Holmquist Elementary

Horn Elementary

Liestman Elementary

Martin Elementary

Petrosky Elementary

Rees Elementary

Albright Middle

Miller Intermediate

Youngblood Intermediate

Alief Early College High School

Elsik High School

Kerr High School

Taylor High School

Excellence on the Rise: Celebrating Alief ISD’s A–B Rated Campuses By: Kristyn Hunt Cathey, APR, Chief of Communications In a district defined by resilience, innovation, and heart, academic excellence is more than a metric — it is a movement. This year, that movement has been unmistakably visible as 16 Alief ISD campuses earned A or B ratings, reflecting the mastery, growth, and belief that define our schools and our community. These ratings represent far more than test scores. They tell a story — one of teachers who refuse to give up on students, leaders who anchor vision in action, families who partner in learning, and students who rise to meet high expectations. “This is evidence of collective effort,” Dr. Charlie Garcia, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, shared. “We built systems, strengthened culture, and believed in our students’ potential — and they proved us right.” The campuses earning distinction represent nine elementary schools, two intermediate schools, one middle school, and four high schools. Together, they reveal the truth about Alief: we are a system of leaders, thinkers, and doers who are relentlessly student-focused. Success didn’t happen overnight. According to Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays, it has grown from intentional leadership development, improved instructional practices, data-driven decision-making, expanded professional learning, and a sustained emphasis on whole-child support. Some campuses saw double-digit growth. Others maintained excellence while navigating change, and across them all, a single thread emerged — belief. Belief that no matter the obstacle or challenge, success is possible.

From early literacy acceleration to STEM integration, from CTE exposure in younger grades to dual-language pathways, these campuses represent Alief’s refusal to accept inequity as destiny. “We are building environments where achievement is expected — not exceptional,” Garcia noted. Their work reflects the spirit that has long defined Alief: we lift together, and we win together. The district sees these ratings as energy — not a finish line, but a launch point. With the expansion of CCMR pathways, the implementation of the PVAA and STEM Choice programs, as well as the addition of an all-girls school in the fall of 2026, and strengthened instructional leadership development, more campuses are poised for growth. The vision is clear: academic excellence for all — one student at a time, one campus at a time. In Alief, success is never isolated. It echoes across the 48 campuses within our community and fuels belief for the next campus, the next student, the next teacher. 11

Ella Jefferson Returns Home:

Namesake Campus Celebrates a Strong Start to the School Year

By: Kristyn Hunt Cathey, APR, Chief of Communications Alief ISD staff, administrators, community members, and families were eager to hear from retired Alief ISD educator and Board trustee, Ella Jefferson, at a special event put on by the Jefferson Early Learning Center. The campus’s namesake (named after Ella and her daughter, Deidra, who has passed) returned “home” as the guest speaker for a special celebration marking a successful start to the new school year. The event served as a launching pad for the 2025-2026 school year-bringing together families to hear directly from the careered educator and providing the audience with a legacy filled with highs, lows, and purpose. Principal Kimberly Hammer welcomed Jefferson with a standing ovation, sharing how her legacy continues to shape the campus. “Mrs. Jefferson’s belief in the potential of every child is the foundation of our work,” she said. “This campus carries her name as well as her daughter, but more importantly, we strive every day to carry their heart—high expectations, big love, and endless encouragement for our students.” Ella Jefferson served Alief ISD for decades as a classroom teacher, instructional leader, Board trustee, and mentor to countless educators. Known for her calm presence, firm standards, and unwavering support of students and families, Jefferson helped guide generations of children toward academic success and personal confidence. “Every time I walk into this building (opened in the fall of 2022) and see my name on the wall, I don’t see it as an honor for me alone,” Jefferson told the crowd. “I see the faces of the students I taught, the colleagues I worked alongside, and the families who trusted us with their children. This school represents all of us.”

As Jefferson sat front and center, she reminisced on her legacy in Alief. Every story she told resonated with the audience, which included trustees who sat alongside her during her time on the Alief ISD Board, educators who worked with and helped guide her, and, most importantly, former students. One student in particular, Tomika Robins, a teacher at Boone Elementary School, was especially touched by Jefferson. “When you met me, I was a teenage mother,” she said tearfully. “I remember you coming to my house and speaking with my mother and me. You told her you were not giving up on me and encouraged me to keep going. I owe my life to you, and I love you so much for making such an impact on my life.” Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays spoke highly of Jefferson and her impact in the Alief community. “Mrs. Jefferson is Alief,” he said. “We are so blessed to have you as a member of our Alief ISD family, and we thank you for all that you have done for this district.” In her remarks, Jefferson encouraged parents to remain active in their child’s life. “You are your child’s first teacher,” she said. “They learn from you, so stay active.” She reminded the Board members in attendance of their responsibilities and urged them to continue fighting for students and staff. As the program closed, Jefferson joined campus and district leaders for a brief reflection on the school’s goals for the rest of the year. Among the priorities: continued academic growth, strong family partnerships, and ensuring every student feels seen, safe, and supported. Alief ISD Board President Dr. Darlene Breaux expressed gratitude for Jefferson’s ongoing presence and influence in Alief ISD. “Having Mrs. Jefferson with us today is a powerful reminder that our work is part of a larger story,” she said. “We stand on the shoulders of leaders like her as we create new opportunities for our students.” For Ella Jefferson, the celebration was more than a ceremony—it was a homecoming. “This school year is off to a beautiful start,” she said in between hugs and kisses from guests. “I can’t wait to see what these young people will become.”

Alief ISD Education Foundation’s 21st Annual Golf Tournament Breaks Fundraising Record By: Li Wen Su, PR Specialist The Alief ISD Education Foundation celebrated a remarkable achievement at its 21st Annual Golf Tournament, raising a record-breaking $142,000 to support students, teachers, and innovative educational programs across the district. The event, held on September 29th, brought together community leaders, business partners, educators, and alumni for a spirited day of golf, camaraderie, and a commitment to education. This year’s milestone success was made possible through the strong leadership of the Education Foundation Board and the dedicated efforts of Li Wen Su, Alief ISD’s Public Relations Specialist and Education Foundation Liaison. Through their efforts, collaboration, and hard work, the tournament reached new heights in both participation and community engagement. Sponsors and donors from across the region came together to contribute to the Foundation’s mission of enhancing educational opportunities for Alief students. The funds raised from the tournament will be allocated directly toward teacher grants, student scholarships, and district initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and excellence in the classroom. Over the years, the Foundation has served as a vital bridge between community support and classroom impact, ensuring that every contribution helps create meaningful learning experiences for Alief ISD students. The event was not only a fundraising success but also a celebration of community spirit. “Seeing our community come together to support our students fills me with pride and gratitude,” shared Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony Mays. “Every contribution helps us shape brighter futures for the children of Alief.” Participants 14

enjoyed a day of friendly competition, networking, and shared purpose—all while supporting a cause that strengthens the future of education in the Alief community. From hole sponsors to silent auction bidders, every supporter played a key role in making this year’s tournament one of the most successful in the Foundation’s history. Reflecting on the achievement, the Foundation board expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event’s success, emphasizing that the record-breaking total was a true reflection of Alief’s generous and united community. “Every dollar raised represents our community’s belief in our students and their potential,” shared President Raquel Olivier. “It’s inspiring to see how much people care about investing in education.” As the Foundation looks ahead, this year’s tournament stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through collaboration and shared vision. With continued support and leadership, Alief ISD remains committed to creating brighter futures—one student, one success story, and one swing at a time.

Rooted in Purpose: Alief ISD Set to Open Its New Agriculture Center in 2026

By: Kristyn Hunt Cathey, APR, Chief of Communications Under a sky as bright as the promise it represents, Alief ISD broke ground on its newest innovation, the Alief Agriculture Center, on October 27th. This facility is poised to transform learning, expand opportunity, and redefine what career readiness looks like for students. This was no ordinary ceremony; it was the unveiling of a vision that had been years in the making. Anchored in the heart of the district near Youngblood Intermediate School and a community garden, the Ag Center stands as a unique instructional hub where students will cultivate knowledge, skills, and experiences that grow far beyond the walls of a classroom. With spaces designed for animal science, plant science, veterinary pathways, sustainable agriculture, and environmental systems, the center represents real-world learning at its finest. “This is where students will discover futures they never imagined,” Jennifer Baker, Director of CTE, said. “It’s not only a facility — it’s a gateway.” The district’s current facility has long outgrown its use. “With our new AgCenter, we will now be able to provide more students with the opportunity to participate in our programs and ensure our animals remain safe from any external factors,” Erica Santillian, CTE Program Manager, said. Alief is no stranger to agricultural education. Alief was originally a rural area, after all. But the scale, design, and intentionality behind this center demonstrate the district’s commitment to elevating Career and Technical Education (CTE). “Today, we break ground on more than just a building,” Dr. Anthony Mays, Superintendent of Schools, said. “We are cultivating an opportunity.” Alief ISD Board of Trustees Vice President Jennifer Key echoed his sentiments. “As a board, we are committed to ensuring that every student in Alief has access to innovative, real-world learning experiences that prepare them for college, career, and life,” she said. “This center will embody that commitment.” From livestock housing to instructional labs, from greenhouse development to student exhibition areas, the facility showcases what can happen when vision meets investment. The Ag Center will be more than a showcase. It will be a working campus. “This Ag Center will provide our students with the opportunity to gain the experience they need to not only be successful in Alief, but all over the world,” Glenn Jarrett, Director of Maintenance & Construction, said. Perhaps the truest measure of success will be the student whose career begins at the facility, sparked by a lesson, an animal, a teacher, or a moment of curiosity. Alief has long been recognized for its innovation, diversity, and community spirit. The Ag Center, like the student minds it will serve, stands poised to blossom. As guests scooped dirt with their shovels, symbolizing the turning of the soil before construction begins, one truth became clear: Alief isn’t just opening buildings — it is opening futures. The district’s Agriculture Center is set to open in Fall 2026. 15

Walking for Hope: Alief ISD Unites for the 2025 Breast Cancer Walk By: Kristyn Hunt Cathey, APR, Chief of Communications Pink filled the air long before the first step was taken. From campuses to central offices, families, student groups, alumni, staff, and community partners turned out for the district’s annual Alief ISD Breast Cancer Walk, transforming the event into a moving symbol of strength, remembrance, and unity. This year’s theme — “The Fourth Quarter” — reflected the four years the event has been in existence. What began as a walk became a healing space, a celebration of survivorship, and a declaration that no one in Alief fights alone. Breast cancer touches every community — and Alief ISD is no exception. Teachers have walked through treatment between teaching lessons. Parents have faced diagnosis while raising children. Students have watched loved ones battle. Colleagues have mourned losses and celebrated remission. That is why this walk matters. “This event is hope in motion,” Tiffany Tatum, Prevention and Safe Schools (PASS) Specialist and event organizer, shared. “Every step is for someone.” Over the years, the walk has evolved beyond a fundraiser; it is now an emotional tradition that honors survivors, fighters currently in treatment, caregivers, families who have lost loved ones, and the healthcare heroes supporting them. Perhaps the most powerful moments came when survivors crossed the finish line — smiling, waving, sometimes tearful — greeted by cheers, music, and students carrying handmade signs. Campuses prepared for weeks — hosting awareness lessons, t-shirt sales, student clubs painting posters, cheer teams leading chants, and athletic groups forming walking squads. Nurses shared information on early detection, counselors led reflection circles,

and staff submitted the names of honorees carried during the walk. This was not an event — it was a district culture moment. Alief ISD has long been known for its family feel, and the Breast Cancer Walk showcased that spirit at its brightest. Trustees, administrators, staff, students, and community partners marched side-by-side — some in silence, some in celebration, all in solidarity. Local organizations joined as sponsors. School groups led chants. Volunteers passed out water. Leaders reminded participants why they walk.

“This is who Alief is,” Trustee Ann Williams remarked. “We show up for one another.” Each year, Alief ISD employees who are survivors or currently going through the process are able to receive special recognition at the event— their resilience visibly inspiring the community. As this year’s special guests walked across the field, they were greeted with applause and support from the crowd. A survivor ceremony and moment of silence grounded the day in reflection and gratitude. Over $5,000 was raised at this year’s event, providing support for The Rose mobile breast imaging center. The Rose is a partner of Alief ISD, and through their Women of the Rose initiative, they have helped to save lives through early detection for women in need. The walk ended with wellness resources, screening information, and commitment to year-round advocacy — because awareness doesn’t end when the route does. As the crowd dispersed, one message lingered: Healing happens when we walk together. This year’s walk was more than a route — it was a reminder that this community is bound by compassion, courage, and unwavering support.

Believe.

Fight.

Achieve. 17

District Celebrations The Texas Urban Council brings together superintendents from the state’s largest school districts to “transform educational practices and improve student outcomes through collaborative innovation and strategic advocacy.” Reaching this ambitious goal requires strong organizational leadership, provided by a rotating set of officers elected by and from the Council’s superintendents on a yearly basis. Kudos to Alief ISD Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays, who will continue to serve as chair of the Texas Urban Council of Superintendents.

Alief ISD Fine Arts department, under the tutelage of Renferd Joseph, received the Texas Arts Education Association’s (TAEA) District of Distinction for the seventh year in a row. Over 1,200 districts and learning institutions in Texas were eligible to apply for this prestigious Texas Art Education Association Visual Art Award, and Alief was among the 109 districts that met the high standards to receive the distinction.

Kudos to Dr. Keri Reynolds from Kerr High School! She was selected as the TAEA National Art Honor Society Sponsor of the Year. She received this award during the TAEA conference in November.

The Marshall Center for Advanced Careers received the Career and Technical Association of Texas’ (CTAT) CTE District of Distinction recognition. This honor recognizes an exceptional commitment to CTE excellence and dedication to preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond. The campus will be formally recognized during the winter break.

The district received a Superior Achievement rating, the highest possible, through Schools FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) for the 2024-2025 school year. This recognition, issued annually by TEA, serves as a gold standard in measuring school districts’ financial management and accountability across the state. The district has earned this rating every year since the program began. Kudos to our business and finance teams! 18

Alief Early College High School and Kerr High School were recognized as 2026 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas. AECHS was Urban ranked Council #1, and Kerr was recognized #2. Niche recognizes public are making a positive impact in The Texas brings together superintendents from theschools state’sthat largest their communities. Alief College High School waspractices also recognized by Children at Risk, a Texas-based research and school districts to Early “to transform educational and improve student advocacy non-profit forinnovation going aboveand andstrategic beyond inadvocacy.” serving students both regionally and statewide. The outcomes throughorganization, collaborative Reaching this campus ranked among the top five schools in the state. ambitious goal requires strong organizational leadership, provided by a rotating set of officers elected by and from the Council’s superintendents on a yearly basis. Kudos to Alief ISD Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays, who will continue to serve as chair of the Texas Urban Council of Superintendents.

Congratulations!

Celebrating Milestones In Alief ISD

By: Li Wen Su, PR Specialist The Alief community celebrated several major milestones in fall 2025. Miller Intermediate PVAA School, Alief Elsik High School, and Kennedy Elementary School each reached a significant anniversary. These schools have shaped generations of students and stand as symbols of the district’s growth, diversity, and dedication to education. The campuses celebrated these milestones through several campus and community-based events, further solidifying the strong connection between our stakeholders, students, and staff. Miller Intermediate carries a legacy tied to Judith Ruie Gilbert Miller, an educator deeply rooted in the Houston area. Since its establishment in 2000, the school has served as a steady presence for Alief families, adapting alongside the district as the community expanded and diversified. The campus, which transitioned to a Performing & Visual Arts Academy this year, has a history that reflects the district’s commitment to creating supportive learning environments where students from all backgrounds can succeed. Former Miller students, staff, and families were invited to attend a celebratory event, where they reminisced on the past and witnessed the future of their beloved school. The year 2025 also marked the 50th anniversary of Alief Elsik High School. Opening its doors in 1975, Elsik initially enrolled only freshmen and gradually added subsequent grades before celebrating its first graduating class in 1979. Over the years, it has grown into one of Texas’s largest high schools, recognized for its cultural richness and strong academic and extracurricular programs. For thousands of alumni, Elsik represents memories of friendships, challenges, achievements, and the formative experiences that helped shape their futures. Their golden anniversary celebration, led by their newest principal, Andrew K. Bailey, intentionally aimed to recreate that old-school feel. Along with a community parade and alumni tailgate, there was a special presentation at the game, which pitted Elsik against its Alief crosstown rival, Taylor High School. Proud Elsik graduates, Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas and Alice Lee, Chief of Staff for Commissioner Leslie Briones, presented proclamations in honor of the anniversary, further solidifying Elsik's commitment to preparing its students for greatness. Kennedy Elementary shares a similar milestone, also opening in 1975 and marking 50 years of service in 2025. For half a century, Kennedy has welcomed young learners at the very beginning of their educational journey. Many former students now have children of their own walking those same hallways, creating a true multigenerational connection. Those same families were able to walk the halls and celebrate the progress the campus has made. Kennedy’s anniversary was celebrated not only for its history but also for that of the countless teachers, staff members, and families who contributed to its warm, nurturing environment. These anniversaries highlighted more than just the passage of time—they showcased the resilience and evolution of a community. Alief has undergone significant transformation over the decades, becoming one of the most culturally diverse areas in Houston. Through these changes, schools like Miller, Elsik, and Kennedy have remained anchors, offering continuity and a sense of belonging. Their celebrations are reminders of how education weaves through the fabric of a community, shaping individuals and bringing people together. As the district honors these milestones, with more to come, the anniversaries stand as symbols of Alief ISD’s enduring mission: to serve, support, and inspire every student who walks through its doors. These years have been marked by growth, success, and a strong sense of community spirit—and the future promises even more.

Celebrating Community and Creativity:

Alief Proud Festival Lights Up

By: Li Wen Su, PR Specialist On Saturday, November 1st, Alief ISD came alive with pride, color, and creativity as the Alief Proud Festival unfolded at Crump Stadium. Families, students, educators, alumni, and community members gathered to celebrate the heart of Alief— its people, its art, and its future. The annual event, free and open to all, featured live performances, art exhibits, food trucks, games, and student showcases representing every corner of the district. From marching bands to dance troupes and cultural displays, the festival highlighted Alief’s diversity and unity through a day of joy and shared purpose. Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays reflected on the day’s significance, noting that the festival captures the very essence of what makes the district special. “Watching our students, families, teachers, and neighbors come together in celebration of Alief’s unique identity reminds me every day why this district matters,” he said. “When we support creativity and connection, we prepare our children not just for tomorrow—but to fully embrace their purpose.” His words underscored the district’s ongoing commitment to fostering pride and a sense of belonging within the Alief community. The event also highlighted the district’s strong emphasis on the arts, featuring performances by student musicians, dancers, and visual artists across all grade levels. Meredith Harrison, Alief ISD’s Fine Arts Facilitator, emphasized the vital role the arts play in student development. “Fine Arts are absolutely vital to Alief, the community, and the world. I am honored to support programs that build student confidence and provide a creative outlet, daily,” she said. “But events like Alief Proud are truly special; they bring the community together and allow our students to proudly showcase the incredible skills they are developing.” The festival’s creative atmosphere reflected that mission, with every performance serving as a celebration of student expression and achievement. For Director of the Family and Community Engagement and event organizer Shanceler Terry, the success of Alief Proud was about much more than logistics—it was about community spirit. “Alief Proud is more than a festival—it’s a reflection of who we are,” she said. “Seeing everyone come together to celebrate our students and our culture reminds us that pride runs deep in Alief. This is what community looks like.” Beyond the performances and festivities, Alief Proud embodied the district’s commitment to inclusion, creativity, and collaboration. As the sun set over Crump Stadium, the laughter, music, and energy lingered—echoing a shared belief that when Alief comes together, there is nothing it can’t achieve. 22

Nico Collins Spreads Holiday Cheer with Special Olympics Texas Athletes

By: Li Wen Su, PR Specialist Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins partnered with DICK’S Sporting Goods to spread holiday cheer and create a memorable experience for local athletes from Special Olympics Texas. The special holiday shopping event brought together 10 athletes for a private shopping experience, including four students from Alief ISD, making the day especially meaningful for the district and its community. Each athlete received a $150 gift card to shop for holiday gifts, athletic gear, and apparel. Collins embraced the spirit of the season by stepping into the role of Santa’s shopping helper, personally assisting the athletes as they selected items and offering encouragement, high-fives, and plenty of smiles along the way. Laughter and excitement filled the store as the athletes enjoyed the freedom to choose gifts that reflected their interests and passions. For Collins, the event was about far more than shopping. “It’s always important just to give back, just to see the smiles on people’s faces,” he said. “You never know what people are going through, but to see the joy in people’s faces, man, that’s my mission. That’s my why behind all this.” The partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods allowed Collins to give back to the community in a meaningful and personal way, while highlighting the importance of inclusion, generosity, and support for athletes of all abilities. For the Alief ISD students and their fellow Special Olympics athletes, the experience was a joyful reminder that they are seen, valued, and celebrated— especially during the holiday season.

All in for Alief: Former Houston Texans Star Spreads Christmas Cheer By: Kristyn Hunt Cathey, APR, Chief of Communications “When Miss Dee calls, you always answer,” Aaron Pisk, Dick’s Sporting Goods Houston Field Marketing Manager, said, and when it’s time to return the favor, business partners know when they call Dee, she always delivers! Through her philanthropic outreach in her role as the district’s Business and Community Partnership Coordinator, she has established strong connections with the Alief and greater Houston business communities for the past two decades. “I love what I do,” Jones said.” “ I do it for our kids and for our staff.” And it’s through those partnerships that Aaron pitched Alief as a district worthy of a special surprise visit from former Houston Texans star, JJ Watt, ahead of the holiday break. With a very short window, Jones was able to select two middle school campuses, Killough and Alief Middle, as recipients of Watt’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods’ generosity. The special presentation was originally scheduled for December 15 but was delayed by one day due to bad weather in Boston, where JJ Watt had been working the night before. “The weather was really bad Sunday night, and there were no flights leaving the city,” he said. “But I knew that there was nothing that could keep me from being able to put a smile on the faces of these kids.” A select group of students, chosen by their principal, received a backpack of gifts along with a front-row seat to watch one of Houston’s most notable athletes play 1-on-1 basketball with their classmates and coaches. And the icing on the cake? Both campus principals received a special surprise: $10,000 from Dick’s Sporting Goods’ philanthropic arm to uplift their athletic programs. “We understand how important academics and athletics are for students, and this is our way of giving back to the community,” Pisk said. “We are so grateful for this partnership, and we thank Miss Dee and JJ Watt for their support.” As JJ exited the building to a thunderous applause, the students, huddled together in the gym, realized that not only did they meet a Houston legend, they met a true advocate for Alief ISD.