Dear Innovators,

We are thrilled to launch our first Young Innovators newsletter of the year and to share the exciting progress already underway in our Advanced Academics Program across Alief ISD.

Our August alignment meeting set a strong foundation for the year ahead. We celebrated student data and teacher successes while also welcoming our two new campuses into the Young Innovators family Best Elementary with Principal Clark and Boone Elementary with Principal Senegal. Both campuses received a full program overview, and we are excited about the energy and collaboration they bring.

Already, we have completed two campus walks this semester one in August and one in September. The August feedback has been shared, and we are proud to highlight that Best Elementary, under Principal Clark’s leadership, achieved 100% full implementation of our universal expectations. This is a remarkable accomplishment and sets a high bar of excellence across our network.

In addition, the first round of assessment data has been submitted and will be spotlighted later in this newsletter. While there is still room for growth, we want to encourage all teachers and coordinators to continue reaching out for support as needed. Growth is a process, and progress is happening every day.

What makes this year even more special is the incredible artifacts being produced by both our new and returning teachers. From thoughtfully designed lesson plans to creative student engagement strategies, the work showcased in this newsletter reflects true innovation, commitment, and artistry. There is so much to marvel over, and we could not be prouder of the dedication behind each submission.

This year, our program has grown tremendously from 12 teachers last year to 27 this year. That means more than 50% of our Young Innovators family is brand new! We know that with new growth comes both excitement and challenges, but we are inspired daily by your dedication and commitment to building strong pathways for our students.

On behalf of Dr. Brotherton, Mr. Hare, and myself, thank you for your energy, collaboration, and leadership as we kick off another year of innovation and excellence. Together, we are making a difference.

— Ms. Harris, Dr. Brotherton & Mr. Hare