Dr.Carpenter Argyle ISD Superintendent
As we embark on the 2024-2025 school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all Argyle ISD students and families. The start of a new school year is always an exciting time, filled with anticipation and the promise of new beginnings.
While summer provided a much-needed break for our students, our dedicated teachers, staff, and leaders were busy behind the scenes, preparing for the year ahead. From engaging in professional development to refining our curriculum and aligning our instructional practices, the work we’ve done this summer ensures that our students will receive the highest quality education.
This year our theme is The Amazing Race Argyle, and we have started the exciting journey together. Here are a few highlights and key updates…
Amazing New Staff
We have welcomed 120 new staff members, including two new principals: Shannon Knowles at Argyle High School and Robyn Campbell at Hilltop Elementary. Additionally, Dona Lumsden is now leading Argyle Middle School, and Lauren Tullos has successfully opened our newest school, Jane Ruestmann Elementary.
Facilities & Long-Range Planning
We have successfully completed all Bond 2017 projects. Bond 2022 projects are progressing well, with Elementary #4 (Jane Ruestmann Elementary) opening in August. We have broken ground on the
new Middle School on FM 407, which is anticipated to be completed by August 2026. Additionally, construction has begun on the stadium and indoor activity center at Argyle High School in Canyon Falls, with an expected completion date of Fall 2025. Bond 2022 also includes Elementary #5, which will enter the planning phases in the coming months, with an anticipated completion date of August 2027.
This fall, we will consider zoning for the transition to two middle schools in the 2026-2027 school year and two high schools in 2027-2028. In the next 18 months, we will be considering mascots, colors, and other departmental transition teams.
Collaborative Visioning
I want to praise our Board of Trustees. They are volunteers who love this district and desire to serve the students, staff, parents, and community in Argyle ISD. One paramount duty of the board is to set the vision, mission, and priorities of the district. Our leadership team is excited to work with the Board of Trustees this year to establish a 5-year collaborative vision in academics, student opportunities, and all other organizational and departmental areas.
Funding & Financial Stewardship
This year, we continue to face a persistent budget crisis in Texas public education. The new legislative session begins in January, and our legislative priorities remain steadfast in requesting an increase to the student basic allotment from the State of Texas, which has not been adjusted since 2019 despite record inflation over the past several years. We need our staff and community to engage in legislative advocacy through our platform - TakeActionArgyle.com.
Amazing Support
Finally, thank you to all of our partners, volunteers, and compassionate community members who continue to pour into our staff and students. From Eagle Partners to PTOs/PTAs to our Ministerial Alliance, these partnerships are paramount to Argyle ISD.
Let’s make this year an AMAZING one in Argyle ISD!
#TogetherWeSoar
Dr. Courtney Carpenter
Argyle ISD Superintendent
ARGYLE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ARGYLE ISD
Eagles
Football Season Kicks Off
PUBLISHERS
Scott & Kelly Murray
EDITORS
Jana Melton
Rick Herrin
Randee Paraskevopoulos
Christopher Sayler
Bobbi Byrne
CONTRIBUTORS
Argyle ISD
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ADVERTISING
Kelly Murray
kelly@murray-media.com
PRODUCTION
Graphic Designers
Mike Keller | Lead
Randee Paraskevopoulos
Luis Zeno
Ronny Duwe
Steve Wulf
LETTERS
AISD Insights welcomes reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Send to artwork@murray-media.com. All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.
Editorial and advertising inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email your photos, stories, student spotlights and suggestions to artwork@murray-media.com for your chance to be featured. Address: 3513 Yucca Drive, Suite 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028
No part of
ARGYLE ISD INTO THE SCHOOL YEAR Soars
AHS Principal Shannon Knowles
Iknew I would enjoy being the principal at Argyle High School, but I didn’t anticipate just how fulfilling this role would be!
The students are remarkable, and their enthusiasm continues to inspire me every day. The staff has been incredibly welcoming, and I am proud to work with such a dedicated team.
Since we welcomed over 1,650 students in August, our school has been bustling with excitement and engagement. Our teachers are delivering captivating lessons, and it’s clear that our students are deeply involved in their learning journey. I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with many of you through our new student and freshman orientations, as well as the PTO donuts and coffee gathering. These interactions have only strengthened my appreciation for our vibrant community.
We have much to celebrate this fall already:
• Our art teachers, alongside other AISD art educators, were honored at the state level as a District of Distinction.
• The theater department achieved Gold Troupe status for their outstanding performance during the 23-24 school year.
• Our athletic teams are excelling:
• Tennis kicked off district play with an impressive 9-1 record.
• Volleyball has had a great pre-season showing while securing a win at the Sawyer Camillo Memorial weekend tournament.
• Both the boys’ and girls’ Cross Country teams are competing vigorously at a high level and achieving personal bests every weekend
Our Friday Night Lights groups have been working diligently, and their dedication is evident on the field. If you haven’t had the chance to witness the band’s halftime performance, I highly recommend attending a game—it’s a show you won’t want to miss. Our Majestics enhance the halftime experience with their wonderful routines, every Friday night. The Eagle Football team’s dedicated summer preparation will help guide them this season.
Homecoming week, which kicked off the month of September, was a highlight. We enjoyed a community carnival on Wednesday, an exciting football game on Friday, and a fantastic dance on Saturday.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as principal at Argyle High School and am eagerly looking forward to the rest of the school year. Thank you for your continued support and for making our school a vibrant and exceptional place for our students
Shannon Knowles Principal
South Elementary Principal Kristen Haynes
Ready, Set….South
W!
e kicked off the 2024-2025 school year with a racing theme - The Amazing Race Argyle. We’re excited to welcome you back to the track as we gear up for an amazing journey filled with learning, growth, and adventure.
The beginning of a new school year is always such an exciting time! It’s truly a race to get everything prepared for the first day of school. We always say, “just get the kids here” because when we see their smiling faces, we can slow down and enjoy all of those precious August memories.
I am honored to continue my second year as the Principal at Argyle South Elementary. It’s truly a dream come true and I don’t take a moment for granted.
At ASE, we are Always Striving for Excellence! Our three main goals this year are:
1. Teachers will incorporate academic discourse strategies into their lessons to enhance student engagement and understanding.
2. We will actively involve our diverse community in all school and district events to foster inclusivity, collaboration, and mutual support.
3. We will implement a school-wide PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) model that students will follow to ensure a structured environment.
We are proud of our strong sense of belonging and family. (We are Argyle South y’all!) It starts with our Welcome Wagon where we drive around and deliver gifts and smiles to our new staff
members. Next, we meet and greet our new kindergarten students and families. The Southern hospitality continues by making sure our new students feel welcome with special lunches, buddies, and their very own bracelets. At the end of our first week, we celebrated with a Back to School Bash organized by PTA. It was the perfect chance to visit with families and ask how their first few days of school went. Most recently, our Safety Patrol reported for duty, ready to help greet students in the morning. There are so many amazing things happening at South!
Parents, your involvement, encouragement, and support will help
keep the engines running smoothly. We are a team and together, we’ll ensure that every student has the chance to shine and cross the finish line with a smile.
Let’s make this school year a race to remember. With determination in our hearts and a shared vision for success, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. We’re here to support you every step of the way, navigate the twists and turns of academic challenges and celebrate victories along the way.
Buckle up and get ready for an incredible year ahead!
Kristen Haynes Principal
HILLTOP PRINCIPAL
ROBYN CAMPBELL
Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year at Hilltop Elementary!
Iam thrilled to join the Argyle ISD community as the new principal and am overwhelmed by the warm welcome and support I have already received from the district, our families, and the broader community. It is truly a privilege to be part of such a wonderful school and community, and I am eager to embark on this journey together.
I am incredibly proud of our dedicated and passionate staff at Hilltop Elementary. Their devotion to the profession and unwavering commitment to our students’ success is inspiring. Our teachers and staff bring enthusiasm, expertise, and a genuine love for learning that creates a nurturing and engaging environment for all of our students.
We have started this school year strong by establishing clear procedures, routines, and schedules that help create a stable and supportive environment for learning. These foundational elements are essential for setting high expectations and ensuring that all students can reach their full potential, preparing them for the next level of learning. I am also excited to share that our curriculum and family nights have been wonderful events for building relationships and sharing
important information with our families. These gatherings have been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and partnership, which is crucial for our shared success.
As we move forward, we remain committed to building a strong community through engagement and support, increasing student achievement, and upholding the pride of Argyle ISD in every area. Together, we will work towards fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.
I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to a year filled with growth, achievement, and pride. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will make this a fantastic year for all our students at Hilltop Elementary!
Here’s to a successful and rewarding school year!
As we say every day….It’s A Great Day on the Hill!
Robyn Campbell, M. Ed. Principal Hilltop Elementary
As we kick off the new school year, I wanted to take a moment to share some reflections on our exciting start and what lies ahead for our students at Argyle Middle School.
Our school year has begun on a high note. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting various classrooms and witnessing firsthand the dynamic and engaging activities that our dedicated teachers are implementing. It’s truly inspiring to see how these activities are designed to help our students not just understand but deeply connect with the content they’re learning. This early glimpse into the year has filled me with optimism about the incredible progress our students are set to make.
This year, we have adopted the theme “Our School, Our Soundtrack.” To me, this theme symbolizes how our collective experiences and efforts create a unique and harmonious story for our school community. Just as a soundtrack can reflect the mood and journey of a story, our school’s soundtrack—composed of every interaction, lesson, and achievement—tells our own distinct story. It’s about how we come together, support each other, and grow as a community. In keeping with our theme, I’d like to share a few lines from the song “We’ve Only Just Begun” by the Carpenters. I believe these lyrics capture the essence of our early days this school year and the promising road ahead:
“Before the rising sun, we fly So many roads to choose We start out walking and learn to run
And yes, we’ve just begun”
As we move forward, I encourage you to stay engaged and involved in your child’s educational experience. Your support plays a crucial role in their success. Whether it’s through attending school events, staying in touch with teachers, or simply encouraging your child to do their best, every bit of involvement makes a difference.
Should you have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our administration team, counseling staff, and front office personnel are here to support you and your child. We are committed to ensuring that this year is successful and fulfilling for every student.
AMSPrincipal DonaLumsden
I am truly excited about the year ahead and look forward to celebrating all the accomplishments and milestones our students will achieve. Let’s make this year memorable by working together and supporting each other, and let’s continue to build a vibrant and nurturing environment at Argyle Middle School.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Here’s to a wonderful school year filled
with growth, learning, and success!
Warm
regards,
Dona Lumsden
Jane Ruestmann Principal Lauren Tullos
As we begin a new school year, I am filled with an immense sense of excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to lead the charge at Jane Ruestmann Elementary. This journey has been nothing short of incredible, and I am thrilled to embark on this next chapter together with you all.
From the lay of the first brick to the final touches of paint, Jane Ruestmann Elementary has been filled with warmth and a spirit of community. The dedication of our teachers, staff, and families to creating a nurturing environment for our students is truly remarkable. It is clear that this school is not just a place of learning but a home where every child is valued and supported.
This year, we have many exciting initiatives and goals that we are eager to pursue. Our commitment to academic excellence remains steadfast, and we will continue to implement enriching programs that inspire a love for learning in every child.
As the principal of Jane Ruestmann Elementary, I am deeply committed to fostering open communication and collaboration between home and school. Together, we can create a supportive network that empowers our students
to thrive academically and personally. Your involvement and partnership are invaluable to us, and I encourage you to actively participate in school events, volunteer opportunities, and parentteacher interactions throughout the year.
I am also excited to announce that we have some wonderful new additions to our faculty and staff who bring with them a wealth of experience and passion for education. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and I am confident that they will contribute greatly to our school community.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. It is a privilege and an honor to serve as your principal, and I am committed to ensuring that every child who walks through our doors feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with growth, discovery, and countless memorable moments. Together, let’s make this inaugural school year at Jane Ruestmann Elementary one to remember!
Lauren Tullos
Principal
Argyle ISDCelebratesMilestone
with 6,000th STUDENT ENROLLED
Argyle ISD recently celebrated a significant milestone by welcoming our 6,000th student to the district! We had the pleasure of surprising Eliah, a bright and eager 3rd grader from Mrs. LeMaster’s class at Jane Ruestmann Elementary, along with his proud family. Eliah’s siblings also attend Jane Ruestmann, making this celebration even more special.
This achievement highlights the remarkable growth and energy within our district. We’re excited to have Eliah and his family join our Argyle ISD community. Congratulations, Eliah, and welcome to the Argyle ISD family!
SGC Welcome to a new and exciting school year!
We are thrilled to begin this journey with our 485 amazing sixth graders, who have come together from Hilltop, South, and West elementary schools to form one unified class before they move to AMS next year. This is a unique and special time for your students as they transition to the middle school years as secondary students, bond with new friends, and create memories. The sixth-grade-only experience at SGC offers a unique opportunity for your child’s growth and development, and we are excited to be part of this journey with you.
We have welcomed several new staff members who are excited to become part of the Argyle traditions and are ensuring the cohesiveness of our school. Officer Kyle Barton joins SGC as the newest Argyle ISD Police Officer. He comes to us from the Haltom Police Department. He is a great addition to our campus, has already been very visible, and is getting to know our students.
One of the many exciting aspects of sixth grade is that your student will enjoy the same two electives each day in addition to their four core classes. This allows them more time in the areas they are most interested. Our dedicated staff is here to support and guide them every step of the way, ensuring they have a positive and enriching experience. Your child is in good hands, and we are committed to
PRINCIPAL
HOLLY WILLIAMS
their academic and personal growth. This school year, we are fortunate to start our very own SGC PTO, separate from the AMS PTO, which did a great job supporting SGC last school year. This committed group of parents works to enhance our school. Their involvement and support make a significant difference. Please join the SGC PTO; the link is on the SGC website.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your student’s education. We look forward to a year of growth, learning, and fun. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Warm regards,
Holly Williams Principal
Argyle West Elementary Principal Renee Funderburg
Welcome back to another exciting school year at Argyle West Elementary!
As the summer days come to an end, we hope that you and your family have enjoyed some rest, relaxation, and quality time together. We are thrilled to open our doors for the 2024-2025 school year and to welcome both new and returning students to our school community.
What to Expect This Year: This year, we are continuing our commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where all students can thrive. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working diligently to prepare for the year ahead, ensuring that your child’s experience is both academically challenging and emotionally supportive.
Communication: We believe that strong communication between home and school is key to student success. Throughout the year, you will receive important updates via email, our school website, and our Facebook page. Please ensure that your contact information is up-to-date with the front office so that you do not miss any
important announcements.
Safety Protocols: The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We will continue to follow all necessary guidelines and safety protocols. Please make sure to complete your background check form now if you plan on attending any classroom parties, field trips, or volunteering.
Get Involved: We encourage you to get involved in our school community by joining the PTA, volunteering in classrooms, or participating in school events. Your involvement enriches the educational experience for all students and helps to foster a strong, supportive school community.
Contact Us: If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the school office. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.
On behalf of the entire Argyle West Elementary team, we thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. We take that responsibility very seriously. We look forward to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth, and wonderful memories.
Welcome back!
Warm regards,
Renee Funderburg Principal Argyle West Elementary
Argyle ISD Groundbreaking News!!
Argyle Middle School - OPENS AUGUST 2026
This past summer Argyle ISD held an exciting groundbreaking ceremony for the new middle school on FM 407. The campus will be located on the north side of FM 407 and just to the east of I-35W in Argyle.
The middle school, which is scheduled to open in August 2026, will serve grades 7th8th with a capacity of 1,200 students. The current middle school on Hwy 377 will transition to the district’s second high school in the 2027-2028 school year.
Breaking ground on this campus was a historic event. It marked the first campus in the town of Argyle since the opening of Hilltop Elementary in 2005. The middle school was part of the voter-approved 2022 bond package.
Argyle ISD Stadium & Indoor Activity Center at AHS - OPENS FALL 2025
The new Argyle ISD Stadium and Indoor Activity Center at Argyle High School in Canyon Falls will be rising soon. The official ground-breaking ceremony was held in June at the campus, which is located in Flower Mound.
Both projects were part of the voter-approved bond propositions in 2022. The groundbreaking event was held on June 5, 2024 in the grass area on the east side of the AHS Fieldhouse.
The stadium will be located behind the fieldhouse and utilize the turf field which is currently in place. The IAC will be located on the east side of the fieldhouse. Both projects will be constructed at the same time.
The new Argyle ISD Stadium will seat 7,500 and is expected to open in the fall of 2025.
KickedOff
A r lyg e I S D
anAmazing Start
Ato the
SchoolYear
rgyle ISD proudly hosted its second annual Eagle Bash Community Backto-School event on August 3, 2024. Families and community members came together for a day filled with excitement, connection, and Eagle pride. Attendees had the chance to meet new friends, connect with campus leadership teams, and enjoy freebies from our Eagle Partners and local businesses. The event also featured opportunities to purchase Eagle spirit swag and much more. It was an incredible way to kick off the new school year!
at th e E a g el
Twill increase the M&O tax rate by $0.077. Property owners 65 and older with a homestead tax ceiling would experience no change to their taxes as a result of the election.
How would the additional VATRE funds be used?
• Teacher and staff pay raises
• Classroom instructional support positions
• Maintain classroom ratios in future years
he Argyle ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved calling a School Funding Referendum for November 5, 2024.
If approved, the AISD’s School Funding Referendum would generate approximately $2.5 million to address budget priorities including teacher and staff pay raises, providing campus support positions, and addressing increasing class sizes for the future. This referendum includes a 7.7-cent tax increase to the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate.
The M&O rate funds school district operations, instruction, staff, transportation, maintenance, and daily operating expenses. In contrast, the Interest & Sinking (I&S) fund, representing the other part of the district’s annual budget, is financed through bonds. Bond funds from the I&S budget cannot be used for operational costs such as teacher raises, rising utilities, increasing insurance costs, or other day-to-day expenses.
If approved, the tax rate impact for Argyle ISD taxpayers would be an increase of $77 per year for every $100,000 of taxable home value. In the 2023-2024 school year, AISD decreased the M&O tax rate by $0.1854, resulting in a decrease of $1,090.42 in school taxes for the average homeowner. With the proposed increase in the M&O tax rate for 2024, the average homeowner would see a net decrease of $637.55 since 2022.
Argyle ISD, like most districts across the state, is negatively impacted by a lack of state funding. Due to this funding
shortfall, the District has adopted deficit budgets for both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years. This shortfall is partly because the basic allotment per student has remained unchanged since 2019, while inflation has increased, reducing our ability to support teachers and staff effectively.
What is AISD’s fiduciary track record?
Argyle ISD currently employs more than 700 teachers and staff. Due to a lack of funding by the state legislature, the District does not have the available M&O budget to fund raises. The School Funding Referendum would allow the district to fund a mid-year 2% raise for all teachers and staff.
The District last increased its M&O rate in 2012, when AISD voters approved a 10cent Tax Ratification Election. Since the 2020-2021 school year, the M&O rate has been subject to annual compression.
Early voting will be held from October 21 to November 1, with Election Day on Tuesday, November 5. The deadline to register to vote is October 5. The AISD School Funding Referendum, also known as a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE), will be on ballots for all voters living in AISD.
Argyle ISD will share informational presentations with staff and the community. A schedule of presentations for families and community members will be provided soon. Additional details will be available on our AISD social media accounts and at ArgyleISD.com.
What will happen to the tax rate?
With voter approval, this referendum
• Argyle ISD has a distinguished history of stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The district’s most recent external audits, with unmodified opinions, have been the highest-rated.
• For the past 22 years, the district has received the highest financial integrity rating, Superior (A), from the state of Texas.
• In 2023, the district was awarded Transparency Stars for Traditional Finances and Debt Obligations from the State Comptroller.
What caused the district’s budget shortfall?
School districts across the state have adopted deficit budgets for the last two years. AISD’s budget shortfall is $1.29 million. Contributing factors include rising inflation costs for insurance, fuel, and utilities, increased costs in safety and security measures, and the *basic allotment of $6,160 per student remaining unchanged since 2019. The 2024-2025 budget includes a one-time retention supplemental payment that demonstrates AISD’s commitment to recruiting and retaining teachers and staff. If the school funding mechanism passes, AISD will be able to provide a mid-year 2% general pay increase for all staff.
*The Texas basic allotment is a foundational component of the state’s school finance system, representing the minimum amount of funding allocated per student. It serves as the starting point for calculating state funding to school districts, with adjustments made based on factors such as district size, demographics, and special programs.
AISD ART OF DISTINCTION DISTRICT
The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) announced the 94 winners of the 2024 District of Distinction Award. Among the list of honorees is Argyle ISD!
The districts received the honor for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity that connects learners to their community and beyond.
TAEA is the leading advocate for the visual arts in the state. The organization has previously honored outstanding TAEA members for work in their classrooms and districts. This is the fifth year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data.
For the 2024 award, over 1,200 districts were eligible to apply. Each
district submitted documentation it met from the 14-point rubric over the 20232024 school year. Only 94 districts met the high standard and will receive the outstanding honor indicating they are in the top 5.5 percent in art education of districts in the state.
“Argyle has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation and student growth,” said Nealy Holley, Chair of the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA, “It is a true testament to your visual art educators’ skill, dedication, and flexibility that the quality of their programs continue to provide strong and comprehensive visual art educational experiences to students.”
District of Distinction has just completed its sixth year and is looking forward to increased participation going into the 2024-2025 school year. The Visual Art Administrators of Texas oversees the award program. The award honors school districts that are leading the way in the visual arts. The Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA, recognizes districts with outstanding leadership in promoting the arts in their district and community.
TAEA wants to identify districts that are actively participating members in areas such as VASE, Junior VASE, and TEAM as a few examples. The organization also looks at field experiences, community service, and community exhibitions to name a few as part of the rigorous rubric for the award.
GRETCHEN E VANS:
A Legacy of COURAGE,
RESILIENCE, and INSPIRATION
for ARGYLE ISD
Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans is one of the most highly decorated female veterans in U.S. history. As a senior military intelligence analyst and paratrooper, she served in high-risk missions worldwide, including Grenada, Kosovo, Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In 2006, her career was cut short after a mortar blast caused a Traumatic Brain Injury and 95% hearing loss. For her heroism, Gretchen was awarded the Bronze Star.
Today, Gretchen captivates audiences with stories of her journey from the highest enlisted Army rank to overcoming life after a serious combat injury. She offers powerful insights with humor, hope, and encouragement, providing a window into the lives of modern warriors. Her inspiring story is featured in the
2020 bestselling book, What’s Within You, and she starred in Amazon Prime’s World’s Toughest Race with her alldisabled Team UNBROKEN, proving that disabilities do not limit what is possible with determination and teamwork.
Argyle ISD staff had the privilege of hearing from Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, a proud community member and Silver Eagle, as the keynote speaker at this year’s Convocation themed “THE AMAZING RACE.” Gretchen delivered an inspiring message, encouraging staff to rely on their “rope team”—the supportive network around them—to overcome challenges and rise together, much like in THE AMAZING RACE. Her impactful words left the staff feeling energized and motivated, ready to tackle the school year and any adversity they may face.
Gretchen Evans continues to inspire Argyle ISD teachers and staff with monthly motivational messages, offering ongoing encouragement and support to keep them motivated throughout the school year. In her messages, Gretchen Evans highlights the power of saying “yes” and how it has positively transformed her life. After a military injury left her deaf and struggling with her sense of purpose, she reached out to America’s VETDOGS for help. Despite her doubts, they responded with a single word—”yes”— even though they had never trained a hearing service dog before. This moment gave her hope and reinforced the importance of embracing opportunities, showing how “yes” fosters progress, collaboration, and personal growth.
The POWER of Yes AT ARGYLE ISD
At Jane Ruestmann Elementary, “YES” symbolizes our commitment to fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation within our school community. Just as saying “YES” can open doors to new opportunities and solutions, we embrace this mindset to encourage progress and support each other in overcoming challenges. By choosing “YES,” we create an environment where possibilities are explored, partnerships are strengthened, and hope is nurtured, ultimately empowering our students, staff, and families to thrive and achieve their full potential.
-Lauren Tullos,
Jane Ruestmann Elementary
At AMS, I hope that YES signifies our commitment to overcoming fear in pursuit of ambitious goals. Often, fear can lead us to decline opportunities as we focus too much on the logistics. Instead, let’s embrace a culture where we say yes to each other and to bold outcomes, trusting that together we will navigate the challenges and discover the solutions needed to succeed.
-Dona Lumsden,
Argyle Middle School
At AWE, a “Yes” culture fosters a supportive, open, and collaborative environment where students, teachers, and staff feel empowered to explore new ideas, take risks, and engage in creative problem-solving. This culture encourages thinking outside the box, leading to innovative solutions and unique learning experiences. By embracing diverse perspectives, AWE creates a community where everyone feels heard and respected, promoting confidence, resilience, and continuous learning. As a result, the “Yes” culture has transformed AWE into a dynamic, inclusive space
where education and growth flourish, and students and staff are motivated to explore limitless possibilities.
-Renee Funderburg, Argyle West Elementary
“YES” at SGC
Saying “yes” can substantially impact students and teachers, promoting perseverance and determination. For students, it opens doors to new possibilities, promotes curiosity, and encourages a sense of belonging and confidence. It helps them feel supported in their learning, knowing their ideas and efforts are valued. For teachers, saying “yes” enables a culture of collaboration and flexibility, allowing for innovative problem-solving and shared growth. It also strengthens relationships, building trust and teamwork, ultimately leading to a more supportive classroom environment where students and teachers thrive.
-Holly
Williams, Sixth Grade Center
At Argyle High School, “YES” represents a proactive and inclusive approach to fostering a supportive environment. It opens doors for students to explore new interests, acknowledges the needs of students and families, and reflects our readiness to face challenges. “YES” signifies a commitment to providing opportunities, ensuring everyone belongs, and offering support through Mega Lunch clubs and beyond. It’s solution-oriented, promotes informed decisions, and encourages growth by embracing new experiences. Ultimately, “YES” embodies the school’s dedication to creating a positive, inclusive space where students thrive.
-Shannon Knowles, Argyle High School
I totally agree that there is so much power in the word YES. It reminds me of a movie my children have watched over and over again. The movie is called Yes Day and stars Jennifer Garner. It’s about a family reconnecting through a day of adventure. The parents must say YES to anything their kids want to do (there are rules of course). It’s a great family movie with funny moments and valuable lessons along the way. As a school leader, embracing the power of “yes” can transform the educational environment.
At Argyle South, we are proud to say YES to:
• A culture of hospitality and collaboration
• Student centered growth and achievement
• Excitement, challenges and connections
Yes boosts morale. Yes inspires a shared vision of growth. We are ALL IN for this challenge!
-Kristen Haynes,
Argyle South
Elementary
At Hilltop Elementary, saying YES means committing to excellence in all we do for students, families, staff, and the community. It embodies a growth mindset, where we believe in the potential of every individual to learn, grow, and succeed. Saying YES is about setting high expectations, going above and beyond to create a thriving environment, and tackling challenges with positivity and optimism to provide the best experience for our students.
As the new principal, my journey began in April when I said YES to joining this incredible team. Through collaboration and embracing new ideas, we’ve collectively said YES to taking chances and pursuing greatness. Saying YES to Argyle ISD has been the best decision, as we continue to foster excellence, opportunity, and a brighter future together.
-Robyn Campbell, Hilltop Elementary
LADY EAGLE VOLLEYBALL
The Argyle Lady Eagle volleyball team started off the 2024 season in impressive fashion.
Argyle, which finished as the Class 5A Region I finalist last season, jumped out to a great start and won the 24-team Sawyer Camillo Memorial Tournament. The tournament honors the memory of former Lady Eagles player Sawyer Camillo and was held at the Argyle High School arena.
The Lady Eagles delivered an excellent home performance by going undefeated with five match wins in pool play. Argyle advanced to the Gold Bracket and defeated Midlothian in the semifinal and Wylie East in the championship game.
Congratulations to the Argyle Lady Eagles and Coach Katelyn Johnson.
ARGYLE ISD Homecoming 2024
Argyle ISD recently celebrated Homecoming 2024 with a week full of exciting events! The festivities kicked off on Wednesday, September 4, with our traditional community parade and carnival. The evening featured great energy and participation from groups like Argyle Youth Football, Cheer, Talonettes, the AHS Marching Band, Cheerleaders, and Majestics. It was a night filled with fun, Eagle spirit, and games, as the community came together to enjoy carnival booths run by AHS student groups, music, food trucks, and more.
The excitement continued on under the Friday night lights as the Argyle Eagles football team secured a 49-24 victory over the Midlothian Heritage Jaguars in the home opener. Congratulations to KK Combs and Will Krzyiak who were proudly crowned Homecoming King and Queen during the halftime ceremony.
The week’s celebrations concluded on Saturday with the annual Homecoming dance held in the AHS Cafeteria, where Argyle High School students continued to enjoy the Homecoming traditions.
