Avalos Student Newsletter

Welcome back students and staff! Its the beginning of a new school year filled with new changes. In our first newsletter of the year you will read about our new staff and administration, new policies, the summer trip, and more!

Avalos has a new principal! Her name is Dr. Cierra Nickerson, and she recently came from Professional Learning as a Director. Her most recent principal experience was at Hall Success Academy. The newsletter interviewed her to learn more about her feelings regarding Avalos in general. The first thing we wanted to know was how she felt when she got the call that the job was hers. She said she felt “very honored and excited.” Another important part of her job is leading and inspiring her teaching staff. She proudly stated, “The teachers are very professional and they work together to uplift Avalos.” The class of 2026 came in on the first week and surprised Dr. Nickerson by covering her office in sticky notes. They have happily embraced Dr. Nickerson. This class will be her first graduating class as a principal at Avalos. She feels great about them, and she's ready for them to be in room 104 at M.O. Campbell, ready to walk out for graduation. When asked about her vision for the future of Avalos, she declared that “it is important that we maintain our momentum, this is where our theme for the year comes from, Phoenix Rising. At Avalos, we will continue to rise and perform even higher than before.” Dr. Nickerson aims to foster positivity by enhancing student engagement and promoting the Phoenix spirit. Avalos is excited for her leadership and what is to come.

Recently, Avalos welcomed new principal, Dr. Nickerson. We interviewed teachers and staff to get their thoughts. Here are some responses.

When the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools in 2020, technology became the backbone of education. Phones, tablets, and laptops were no longer additional, but were essential devices that kept students learning. Yet, Texas has passed a law banning phones in schools, as if we can detach from the very devices that reshaped the way we learn. This raises an important question: Was this really necessary?

Beginning this year without cellphones is a hard accommodation for many students. Students rely on their phones to receive the second verification email from Lonestar login and D2L for coursework, and without phone access, we struggle to access assignments in real-time. House Bill 1481 doesn't just interfere with academics, but clubs as well. Many clubs must take pictures to promote and document past or future events. Clubs like the yearbook club have setbacks because of the law, along with our own newsletter. The most concerning thing about this ban is that in emergencies, the ability to quickly contact guardians is not a luxury but rather a necessity. Texas chooses to ignore this, claiming one of its main reasons for the ban was to “...decrease cyberbullying and mental health.” That is not true; students know the reason why Texas created this ban. Texas is the state with the second-highest violent incidents in the U.S. Almost all incidents have been recorded by the victims and their families, so many criticize the safety procedures taken to stop this kind of violence in schools. Almost no new procedures have ensured safety, so instead of creating new laws and using taxpayer money, Texas is deciding to take away phones to prohibit victims from sharing their story.

A new law has taken effect that directly impacts Texas students. Avalos, as well as all schools in Texas, have a new phone ban law. This means that students are prohibited from using cell phones and wireless devices during the school day. This includes wireless earbuds and smart watches. The newsletter wanted to know what the teachers' and the principal's thoughts were about the new restriction.

Avalos' principal, Dr. Nickerson, thought the cell phone ban was both necessary and unnecessary because the new ban would help students focus more. Still, it could also be a bad idea in case of emergencies. Mr. Mai, an international teacher from Brazil, appreciates the attempt, but feels that students “will just find different ways to distract themselves.” Avalos math teacher, Mr. Saldierna, said, “It’s a good idea because students would use their phones to try and cheat on tests, so that students wouldn’t grow.” Finally, Ms. Newark, psychology and sociology teacher, thought the cell phone ban was a good idea because it would help the students stay more focused, which would be easier for the teachers. No matter the feelings, as for now, the law is here to stay.

To see how students feel about the ban, keep reading and check out the results from the newsletter poll.

The student wanted to know how fellow students felt about the law and what they missed about having a cell phone during the school day. Read below to find out their thoughts!

School lunch is an important part of the day for students, but how do they feel about their lunch choices? Check out their answers below

Freshman year is an exciting, yet scary time. Walking into a new building with students from all over Aldine can be overwhelming, so we wanted to ask the freshmen how they felt coming to Avalos.

From Washington, D.C. to New York City, the Eastern Seaboard gave Avalos students a chance to see history, culture, and excitement. This past summer, students and teachers had the opportunity to explore the Eastern Seaboard up close. This journey was filled with exploration, learning, and memories that will last a lifetime. Along the way they visited Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

In Boston, the group visited the Boston Tea Party Museum and Fenway Park. “My favorite activity was the Boston Tea Party, it was really fun and the kids really enjoyed it and so did I. It had talking paintings that were really fun to watch,” said Ms.Palmer, chaperone and Social Studies teacher. In New York City, they visited Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. “My favorite place was New York, I won’t forget the feeling of being in Times Square and seeing myself on the screen, I never thought I would see myself in New York, " said Chloe Caballero, 11th grader. In Philadelphia, students explored the Liberty Bell and met the Philadelphia Phillies’ mascot. Nayeli Lopez, Senior Class President, remarked, “In Philadelphia, on our way to the liberty bell, we came across the Phillies’ mascot dancing and hyping up the crowd, so we took a slight detour and we all got Phillies merch and took pictures,”. In Washington, D.C., they explored museums and 7 monuments including Franklin Roosevelt. “I love museums, so when we saw the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C it was really nice,” Mr. Martinez, English III teacher, reflected.

The Eastern Seaboard trip wasn’t only about sightseeing and history, but about bonding. “One thing I’ll never forget about this trip was getting to hang out with students outside of a school environment while enjoying the different parts of the trip, and seeing all these historical landmarks that are prominent in the U.S,” said Mr. Martinez. The teachers and students definitely recommend others to visit the Eastern seaboard especially due to the history, “Absolutely, that’s where this country came from. In U.S. history we talk about all these places because that’s the earliest days of the country and I really think that people should see where that came from,” said Ms.Palmer. Students and teachers came home with new knowledge and unforgettable memories that will last beyond a summer. Join Avalos in the summer of 2026 as they travel overseas to Japan! Email mlpalmer@aldineisd.org for information on the trip.

High school isn't just about learning and studying. Well at least not here at Avalos! Here,

you have the opportunity to meet new people, leave a mark, and find your passion. The

easiest way to do that? Join a club! This way you'll have fun with your friends and get all

the skills you might need in the future. Don't know what clubs Avalos has? Don't worry!

Avalos hosted a club fair on September 5. The club fair introduced the clubs and

presidents of clubs, and gave students the opportunity to sign up. The fair took place

during 4th period and students got to browse different booths and choose what clubs they

wanted to join. If you weren’t able to attend or didn’t sign up for a club, don't miss your

chance to unlock your potential! Below, you will find a list of clubs and a contact email,

so you can share your interest.

It is important to remember, club participation is a privilege earned by demonstrating

academic responsibility, good conduct, and low to no absences or tardies. All are required

to be an active member.

• Chick-Fil-A Club: Upcoming strong community leaders. For more information contact Coach Pellerin, mjpellerin@aldineisd.org.

• BPA: Developing Leaders, Changing the World. For more information contact Ms. Jasso, agjasso@aldineisd.org.

• Soccer Club: Improve your stamina and endurance. For more information contact Mr. Arrwood, carrwood@aldineisd.org.

• Cheer Club: Learn dance routines, and cheer with or for your friends. For more information contact Ms. Caballero, MNCaballero@aldineisd.org.

• Crochet Club: Reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance your hand-eye coordination. For more information contact, Dr. Sanders, sdemissie-sanders@aldineisd.org

• Bible Studies Club: Connect, Reflect, and Grow in the Bible Study Club For more information contact, Mr. Arrwood, carrwood@aldineisd.org.

• NHS: Future Leaders, Develop Your Career. For more information contact, Ms. Rodriguez, erodriguez6@aldineisd.org

• SNHS Club: Pioneers of future inventors and contributors to society. For more information contact, Ms. Langenbuch, calangenbuch@aldine-isd.org

• Mock Trial Club: Don’t just argue, Dominate the courtroom. For more information contact Ms.Jasso, agjasso@aldineisd.org.

• Running Club: All paces are welcomed, No one runs alone. For more information contact, Ms. Rodriguez, erodriguez6@aldineisd.org

• Speech & Debate Club: Your voice has power, Let everyone hear you out. For more information contact Ms. Goemmer.

• Booster Club: Take your senior year to the next level. For more information contact, Ms. Newark.

• Yearbook Club: Don’t just make memories, make the book!. For more information contact, Ms. Stubblefield, sdstubblefield@aldineisd.org.

• AACHA Club: Empower, celebrate, discuss, explore diversity, culture, and the African-American experience. For more information contact Ms.Stubblefield,sdstubblefield@aldineisd.org.

• Chess Club: Every master was once a beginner, so come get practice!. For more information contact, Ms.langenbuch, calangenbuch@aldine-isd.org

• SkillsUSA Club: Become successful and productive citizen through a structured program of leadership. For more information contact, Mr.edwards.

• TAFE Club: Attend local, regional, and state competitions that will enhance your leadership skills. For more information contact, Dr.franklin.

As an Avalos senior, I am looking forward to this amazing year, and to do that, we need an impressive group of leaders. From organizing events to representing our voices, they are committed to making a positive impact on our school community. We met with a few class officers to get to know them and share their goals. Get to know a few senior class officers and learn more about their goals and aspirations for this exciting year ahead! We’re excited to introduce these senior class officers, who are dedicated to having an unforgettable senior year. These students are working hard to plan exciting events and show off that school spirit. Thanks to your continued support and school pride.

My name is Nayeli Lopez, and I'm the Class of 2026 Senior Class President! My plan to fulfill my commitment as a class officer is devoting the time and energy necessary to make this year a success. Whether it's spending hours on our senior calendar, showing up at senior sunrise two hours early, working on multiple senior shirt designs, or going above and beyond planning a club fair, I'll do it, and I've done it. I'm willing to put my all into my role as Senior Class President, and I intend to be a representation of our senior class and make wishes come true. This year will be memorable for the seniors for sure, because we've already begun working on events, spirit weeks, senior activities, and everything in between. As much as I enjoy the event planning, I love hearing the ideas you all have to make this year amazing.

We also asked Nayeli how seniors can be more involved.

Seniors can be more involved by reaching out, joining the prom committee, and volunteering when it's needed. If you have any ideas for senior events, please reach out, I would love to hear about them! The prom committee is going to start having meetings soon, and it's important to have helping hands. The officers and myself are working hard to ensure that prom is a successful event that everybody can enjoy themselves at. Prom is one of our last events before we graduate; it’s an important milestone. Seniors should go enjoy themselves, so having seniors' input when planning would help the planning process. Fall Fest is also coming up, so it would be great to see leadership and initiative from our seniors. Soon, we're going to be having a fundraiser to raise money for the senior class, so having seniors put their all into this fundraiser would be wonderful.

As the Senior 2026 Class Vice President, I’m beyond excited to make our senior year one we’ll never forget! This year is about us celebrating our achievements, creating unforgettable memories, and making sure every student feels included, heard, and valued. My plan is to bring school spirit events that get everyone hyped and actually excited to participate, organize senior activities that celebrate our journey and mark the milestones we’ve worked so hard to reach, and make sure your voices and feedback shape everything we do. A little more about me I care deeply about connection, unity, and making our class feel like a team. I want to be someone you can come to with ideas, questions, or even just to talk about what you want to see this year. Together, we can create traditions, events, and moments that we’ll look back on with pride, laughter, and joy for years to come. Seniors, this year is yours! The more you get involved by sharing your ideas, showing up, and bringing your energy!!! I promise to work hard, listen, and be a voice for our class so that we make every moment count. Let’s make this year full of spirit, and truly unforgettable.

Hello Phonexis, my name is Julissa Luna, the senior class Historian for the class of 2026. I am honored to have taken such a role in capturing the memorable memories and smiles of each one of y'all. My goal is to preserve special moments of our senior year so we can look back and remember those years. I plan to assemble unforgettable events, activities and memories for the students as we each show pride and love for our school. I encourage everyone of our seniors to volunteer or become part of any events we will be holding in the future as we help one another. As a senior officer we will make sure to give a heads up on any upcoming events which students can contribute to. Together, we will create lasting memories of the moments that will fill our senior year with joy. Go class of 2026!!!

We’re excited to introduce these senior class officers, who are dedicated to giving C/O 2026 an unforgettable senior year. These students are working hard to plan exciting events to show off the Phoenix school spirit. Thanks, students, for your continued support and school pride.

Hey, Avalos P-TECH students!

Can you believe it's already a new season? Fall is here, and we have a ton of exciting events coming up.

The first nine-week grading period is ending soon, and your third progress report will be available in your HAC account, so be sure to check it out and stay on top of your grades. If you need help, it's time for you to get help now! There are a variety of ways we offer to support you in catching up.

It's been awesome to see so many of you staying after school for tutoring throughout the week or joining clubs on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Getting connected is a great way to get extra support, make friends, and make the most of your time here.

Get ready because Homecoming Week starts on October 20! We'll have a week full of fun activities for everyone, and our annual Fall Fest is also right around the corner.

Let's finish the first quarter strong, and we'll see you at Homecoming!

#Phoenix Rising