Argyle ISD Insights - Fall / Winter 2017 by Murray Media Group

fall / Winter 2017

Legally Blonde The Music al

The Official Magazine of the Argyle Independent School District

Holiday

Extravaganza benefitting Project Graduation

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

Congratulations Argyle Volleyball on a great season! Fall / Winter 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Argyle Insights â&#x20AC;˘

Argyle

Board of

Trustees The Argyle Board meetings are scheduled for the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the AISD Administration Building, 800 Eagle Drive, Argyle, Texas 76226. Time is allotted each month for public comments. For additional information and the next scheduled meeting, contact the Superintendent’s office at 940.464.7241.

Keith White Board President

Craig Hawkesworth Secretary

Brad Lowry Member

Know ARGYLE ISD

Dr. Telena Wright Superintendent

Chris Daniel Deputy Superintendent

Deana Steeber Assistant Superintendent

Elizabeth Stewart Chief Financial Officer

Mandi Murphy Hilltop Principal

Scott Gibson Argyle Middle School Principal

James Hill Argyle High School Principal

Renee Funderburg Argyle Intermediate School Principal

Todd Rodgers Athletic Director

Chance Westmoreland Girls Athletic Coordinator

Greg Royar Technology Director

Pamela Arrington PR Director

Kari Frederick AISD Food Services Director

Albert Rutledge Transportation Director

Tommy Ledford Maintenance Director

Kathy Johnson AISD Band Director

Chief Cairney AISD Police Chief

John Bitter Vice President

Jeff Day Member

Sam Slaton Member

Jeff Williams Member

Get to

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

Table of Publishers Scott & Kelly Murray

Argyle High School

Legally Blonde, The Musical Hilltop Elementary

28 Hello Eagle Students

29 AHS Challenge Day

32 Congrats to Our Theatre Students

32 Legally Blonde The Musical

34 Homecoming Week

36 High School Band

37 AEF Masquerade Gala

37 UNICEF 41 Academics

41 PTO Eagle Car Hop Soda Shop

41 The Lone Star Cup

8 Mrs. Murphy’s Message from Hilltop

42 Athletes of the Month

9 Safety Patrol Students Recognized

42 Tennis

9 Painting for a Cause

42 Veterans Visit Argyle High School

11 Kindergarten Visits the Zoo

Bass Team

11 Vertical Team

44 High School Sports Schedules

11 STEM Class

46 Q & A with Coach Todd Rodgers

11 Watch D.O.G.S.

Editors Jana Melton Bobbi Byrne Savannah Halfmann Contributors Pamela Arrington Argyle ISD Steve Gamel Susan Neuhalfen Advertising Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com Production Art Director Lizeth Wallace Graphic Designers Stephanie Hansen Caroline Brock Letters AISD Insights welcomes reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@argyleinsights.com. All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Argyle Intermediate

District News

12 A Message From Mrs. Funderburg

4 Argyle Board of Trustees

13 Argyle Robotics

14 Veterans Day

4 Get to Know Argyle ISD

7 A Message From Dr. Telena Wright 9

Editorial and advertising inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email your photos, stories, student spotlights and suggestions to artwork@argyleinsights.com for your chance to be featured by January 8th, 2018

15 Perot Museum Experiment

15 Living Wax Museum

16 Red Ribbon Week

10 A Letter from Deana Steeber

15 National Principals Month

Argyle Middle School

17 Greetings from Principal Gibson

18 AMS Carnival

When Philanthropy Turns

into Entrepreneurship

Halloween with Transportation Team

Photo Pages

3 Holiday Extravaganza

20 Welcome Back Potluck

22 Middle School Sports Schedules

20 Foundation Night

23 Veterans Day 2017

30 Senior Pep Rally

24 Band Aides Help Make Things Stick

33 Focus on Education Day

25 Works Hard Today

38 Think Pink

26 Argyle Choir

40 Eagles Unite

21 Middle School Band

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

Address: 1011 Surrey Lane Building 100, Ste. 101 Flower Mound, TX 75022

Published by Murray Media Group. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or the Argyle Independent School District. AISD Insights is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2017 Murray Media Group. www.Murray-Media.com

A Message

from Dr. Telena Wright, Argyle ISD Superintendent

his fall has been filled with preparations

look that Harvest has in the buildings in

such as finance, construction, project

for construction at the current high

the neighborhood.

management, technology, and education.

school and the elementary campus that is scheduled to be built in Harvest. Voters in May 2017 made the building of facilities to accommodate the growth in the district possible with the approval of a $166,000,000 bond. Committees that have been formed are

The kitchen remodel includes a kitchen designer and child nutrition director, Kari Frederick. Numerous kitchens in schools in the area have been toured. The oversight committee seeks to involve citizens in overseeing the 2017 bond program, including all projects approved by voters on May

interior design, exterior design, kitchen design,

6, 2017. The committee will serve in an

and bond oversight. Those serving on interior

advisory capacity to the AISD Board and

design committees make recommendations

administration over the next five years.

to the architects for the inside of the building concerning items such as size of rooms,

Objectives include: • Providing accountability to the

storage, placement of staff and student

community by ensuring projects remain

restrooms, lighting, cafeteria placement,

faithful to the priorities and projects

library placement and style, placement of

approved on May 6, 2017

copy centers, and any other features inside the building. Exterior committees work with and make recommendations concerning the outside of the buildings. Included would be playground areas, drop off and pick up areas, building entrances, covers, and walkways. Meanwhile, interior committees for both the high school addition of 12 classrooms and the new elementary have met and made recommendations. The exterior of the high school will be designed to blend with the current structure. The exterior design committee for the new elementary also has met once and will be meeting again

• Educating and informing Argyle community members on the progress of bond projects • Providing advice and input from the community to the Board of Trustees on how to provide the best value to the

There also will be a goal of balancing relevant skills and broad community representation. A “Bond Oversight Committee” webpage will be constructed on the AISD website to hold agendas, meeting participation, meeting minutes, and other relevant information. In other district news. enrollment in AISD continues to grow and reached 2,700 students on November 3. Projections for the 2018-19 school year are that the district will reach 2,973 students. The economy in the North Texas area is strong with Fort Worth’s unemployment rate currently below 4%. In AISD, more than half of district home sales are new homes. The average new home sale price has risen more than 60% since 2010. AISD can expect an increase of approximately 2,080 students in the next five years. The 2022-23 enrollment projection is 4,776 students. Ten-year enrollment growth of 4,071 students

taxpayers of the Argyle ISD

with total district

• Reviewing project timelines and financial

enrollment of

reports, and tracking budgets and

6,764 students is

amounts remaining for each project.

projected for the

• Providing reports to the Argyle ISD

2027-2028

Board of Trustees.

school year.

The Committee will be comprised of 10 to 15 community members and two school board members. The Committee

November 14. The group has expressed

membership will consist of community

interest in preserving the rustic farmhouse

members with relevant expertise in fields

Dr. Telena Wright Argyle Superintendent Fall / Winter 2017 • Argyle Insights •

, Mrs. Murphy s Message from Hilltop

“There’s only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” -Aristotle “Instruction does much, but encouragement everything.” -Johann Wolfgang

tudents were looking through magnifying glasses during a science lesson. I listened

to their excited chatter as they said, “Look at this!” “It’s huge!” “I didn’t notice those dots until I looked through the glass!” Then one said a truism like no other, “Whatever I put the magnifying glass on, gets HUGE!” Isn’t that

the truth? Parenting is the same thing. When I magnify a negative situation for my child, it becomes huge. If I focus for the positive, my child responds in a beaming sort of way. When I fixate on the negative, that deflates my child. Furthermore, If I am not careful in my delivery, my child is hurt more by the negative emotion than the opportunity to troubleshoot and improve. Working in education is much the same as parenting. It is our job to find the areas of struggle for children. The magnification of the issue provides information for the adults involved. When we patch the area, we then magnify the child’s progress so they feel the pride of growth and celebrate!

Bring your Magnifying Glass… Once every nine weeks, Hilltop hosts a Principal Round Table. This is an opportunity where all parties can bring anything to the table to discuss. We never have an agenda or script, but we take an hour or so to answer questions, meet one another, and even consider new ideas for our school. We love for our returning parents and new-to-us families to join together for conversations about our school and our children. We are working together for children. It’s a great time for us to have open conversations about their needs and successes. It’s also a great way to connect to other families. Our last meeting was held on November 2nd at 7pm in the Hilltop Conference Room. Check with us for future dates. Celebrating Veterans’ Day November 7th- 2nd Grade Program We moved our 2nd grade program to the high school auditorium this year. They performed at 6:30 p.m. on November 7th. Thank you to parents, teachers, and specials teachers for the preparation you do to create a memorable program. What a wonderful way to celebrate our nation and those who have served to protect it! Thanksgiving We have so much to be thankful for at Hilltop! This year we took the focus off of the meal and honed in on traditions and

Have Photos/Events You Would Like to Promote? If you have suggestions for student/teacher spotlights, local events or special news to share send you suggestions to artwork@argyleinsights.com by January 8th, 2018!

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

thankfulness. Speaking of Thanksgiving, here is a shout out to our volunteers! Wow…. You know we have WatchDogs. That is a visible, full-day visit from someone’s dad. We are thankful to have that input and time. We also want to send hugs to our high school buddies who are diligent about coming to campus and spending time one on one and with the whole class to encourage learning. Moms tirelessly come with willing attitudes and capable hands. We are so thankful for the endless ability to complete tasks that seem to never get done. I don’t know if teachers can attend to students’ needs without the backup help moms offer. We NEVER turn down the help. We can never say enough about PTA and their tireless organization. You are priceless and without a doubt a huge part of the success that takes place in the classroom. If you are interested in volunteering, working with students, or in the office or library, contact us. We continually strive to make Hilltop better. Come magnify the opportunities for learning for our children. It’s a great place to see up close! Make it Great, Mandi Murphy Principal Argyle ISD

Safety Patrol

Halloween Costumes Worn by The

Students

Recognized

Transportation Department

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

Van Sams, Zachary Gibbons, Andrew Brower, Malloy Kuykendall, Trot Jordan, Seth Lillis, Christopher Holtman, and Jon Miller along with Hilltop Elementary Counselor Mr. Ball.

AISD students were thrilled to find the Transportation Department dressed up for Halloween!

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

Painting for

a Cause

rs. Barnett, a teacher at Hilltop

a school team. Mrs. Barnett’s mother was a

turned out for it in ways she never expected.

Elementary, recently held a “Painting for

kindergarten and music teacher for over

She had 68 painters at a recent class, where

20 years.

11 teachers and two moms also stayed after

a Cause” class to raise money for those who have been affected by cancer. The project is

Mrs. Barnett started “Painting for a Cause”

school to help. Students painted adorable

near and dear to Mrs. Barnett, who has seen

when she lived in Lexington, SC, where she

snowmen and got to take their 8x10 canvases

cancer personally affect both her friends and

was on her school’s relay team. The event

home. After expenses, they raised $1,051.88!

family. Over the last few years, her aunt and

allows students to get a quick snack after

Her plan is to have another event in the spring

best friend have won their battles with cancer.

school and then have instruction time to draw

before the next Relay For Life event, and the

Her grandfather lost his battle 18 years ago

and paint whatever picture they are working

funds will go to Hilltop’s Relay For Life team

and her mother passed away nine years ago

on. It was a huge hit. Once Mrs. Barnett

that raises money for the American

from breast cancer. Every year since she lost

moved last summer to Argyle, she was hoping

her mom, Mrs. Barnett has been a member

to get her new school family on board with

of a Relay For Life team and, more specifically,

the idea, too. Hilltop students and teachers

Cancer Society. Thank You,Mrs. Barnett for your efforts in organizing this amazing event!

Fall / Winter 2017 • Argyle Insights •

I Love Being at Argyle! A Letter from Deana Steeber Asst. Superintendent

have loved my first semester as an Eagle! I have been fortunate to be able to see our teachers and administrators work with our Eagles on academics as well as what it means to be an Eagle. These core values, along with tradition, run deep! Our classrooms are filled with passion and excitement – the energy can literally be felt when you walk through the campus doors. This has been a busy but exciting semester for curriculum and instruction in Argyle ISD. We have worked to align the curriculum both vertically and horizontally throughout

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

the district. Though this is an ongoing process, we have made a lot of headway. The four core departments on each campus in the district have spent at least one day at the administration building this semester aligning curriculum and looking at academic standards. Having a strong curriculum alignment process will be critical to our continued academic success as our district increases in size. The district’s strategic plan is considered throughout the curriculum planning process.

Strategy 2 contains four specific results about instruction. Within each of those results, there are numerous action steps. As we proceed through alignment, we always consider if our steps are bringing us closer to meeting the goals of the strategic plan. Our goal is to encourage leadership, active participation in learning, critical thinking and problem solving skills, resiliency, and creativity. It is an awesome responsibility to be entrusted with the care of your children each day. Thank you for sharing your child with us, Deana Steeber Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Argyle ISD

Kindergarten Visits the

Zoo

VerticaL

Teams at Hilltop

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

eachers from each grade level and subject area at Hilltop Elementary join Principal Mrs. Mandi Murphy and Assistant Principal Mrs. Kris George in ensuring Vertical Alignment. The group meets throughout the school year to focus on the success of the students.

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

WATCH

STEM

D.O.G.S.

Class

atch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is a nationally recognized, non-profit, father involvement initiative that is under the direction of the National Center for Fathering. The program was created for the purpose of encouraging dads, grandfathers, uncles, and other fatherfigures to become more involved in schools.

at Hilltop

rs. Stucki’s 2nd grade students have been working in STEM to design, build, and race cars using simple household materials: popsicle sticks, masking tape, note cards, paper clips, straws, and lifesaver mints. They have been using the design process and problemsolving to create their cars, and now they are racing them to find out who the car-building champions are in each class! In their STEM class, Hilltop third graders have been making “strawkets” (paper rockets launched by blowing through a straw) to learn about basic principles of physics and how real rocket scientists design and build rockets.

photos provided by: Mrs. Stucki

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

Fall / Winter 2017 • Argyle Insights •

A Message from the

Argyle Intermediate Principal Initiative. Homework can help your child learn how to be self motivated. When he/ she chooses to complete spelling assignments a few days before they are due, that is called showing initiative.

•

Source: J. Rosemond, Ending the Homework Hassle, Andrews & McMeel Publishing Company

OW! Time sure does fly when you’re having fun!! I can’t believe we have already completed our first nine weeks of school. As the year rapidly progresses, I thought I would share some thoughts regarding homework. Do you know the hidden value of your child’s homework? Homework gives your child an opportunity to practice the skills he/she is learning in school. But did you realize that it also teaches important life lessons? When your child completes homework on his/her own, he/she learns: • Responsibility. Your child learns the importance of fulfilling obligations. He/ She also learns to be accountable for mistakes and successes. • Perseverance. Most parents want to protect their kids from frustration. However, making your child’s life easier now will only make it harder in the future. • Time management. Learning how to manage time in order to get homework finished is one of the most valuable skills your child can learn. 12

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

Help your child make the most of homework time There’s no question that students today have more homework than they used to have. And it can be a challenge to fit homework into busy family schedules. But homework is a fact of life. Here are ways you can help your child make the most of the time spent on homework: • Help your child, but don’t do the homework for him/her. Homework is a way to help your child learn to be independent. If you do the work, your child won’t learn that lesson. • Stay in touch with the teacher. Be sure to let the teacher know if your child struggles with homework every day. Ask what you can do at home to help your child. • Help your child manage time. Set a regular time for homework each day. Don’t leave homework as the last thing your child does before bed. • Help your child decide which homework is going to be hard and which is likely to be easy. Have him/her start with the hard tasks. That way, your child will be more alert when doing the toughest work. • Have your child read aloud to you every

night. As you are reading together, stop and ask questions. • Remain positive. Your attitude will affect your child. Source: “Homework Tips for Parents,” U.S. Department of Education.

Rule of thumb on amount of time spent on homework is 10 minutes for each grade, so a 4th grader should have about 40 minutes a night and a 5th grade should have 50 minutes. If your child is spending more than that each night, please contact the teacher. Most of our homework is given a week in advance so as a family you can determine which nights your child has available to work on homework. Please note that if they are trying to complete all the homework in one night, it will be more than the standard 40-50 minutes a night. We don’t recommend waiting to do it all in one night. Always feel free to contact the school should you have questions about homework or anything else. We are here to help. I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope all of us take a moment to reflect on our many blessings. I know that I have definitely been blessed to be a part of a wonderful school community. I look forward to wrapping up 2017 and starting the New Year together!

Renee Funderburg Principal Argyle Intermediate School

2017-2018 Argyle Robotics at AIS

info provided by Mr. Jim Murphy

his year at Argyle Intermediate School, the robotics club has changed things up! The club activities have been a great opportunity for kids to engage in not just the building of a robot for competition, but to utilize a real world product development process to modify and improve their robots. Meeting times were structured to build students’ creative, cognitive, and critical thinking skills. Demonstrations provided learning opportunities for students to understand the basic building blocks to optimize their robots. This included many different areas of robotics from circuit board fabrication, making their own micro-bot, digital design, and engineering. Through this process, they

came to have a better understanding of robotics and other areas of discipline that surround digital technology! Jim Murphy, the Lead Innovator at JM Designs , lead the club this year with the assistance of Kelly Dillaman and several parent coaches. Mr. Murphy stated, ”We want to expose the students to innovation in the field of robotics and technology, as well as immerse them in an environment that pulls out their creative ideas to solve real problems.” You can check out the latest information, events, and activities at

photos by - AISD PR & Communications

www.argylerobotics.org .

Fall / Winter 2017 • Argyle Insights •

Veterans Day at Argyle Intermediate School

n Friday, November 10th, Argyle Intermediate School hosted it’s 10th annual Veteran’s Day Reception from 7:00 - 8:00 am. This year’s turnout was exceptional. It was believed to be the largest group of veterans to ever attend. There were representatives of the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy present and veterans of every U.S. conflict since the Korean War. The veterans watched a video honoring their service prepared by James McNair, (AMS band instructor), who was also a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. Mrs. Funderburg, AIS Principal, Brady Bell, AIS Assistant Principal, and Ron Veit, AIS Counselor spoke to the group of men, women, and students. Many of the veterans also spoke about their experiences and passed them along to the other people in attendance. The highlight of the reception was when Franklin Arrington, AIS student, sang God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood. Hundreds of beautiful cards for the veterans were prepared by students (5th grade bible study, Mrs. Ellis, Mrs. Whaley, & Mrs. Dunn and others) and displayed on the tables and other areas of the room. “The Veterans Day Reception is always one of our very favorite activities at AIS,” stated Veit. The wall of veterans continues to be on display in their hallway to remind them of the sacrifices and service our veterans have provided and continue to provide to keep our country free. God Bless Our Veterans! Info above provided by AIS Counselor Mr. Ron Veit *Photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

Perot Museum

Experiment A rgyle Intermediate School was happy to have Perot Museum of Nature and Science demonstrate some experiments to some very eager students.

ctober was National Principals Month. Argyle

ISD joined the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of School Principals and the American Federation of School Administrators in October recognizing the hard work and dedication of the principals in the district. The principals were recognized

Thank You to the AIS PTO for sponsoring this educational event.

with a gift card on behalf of the Argyle Chamber of Commerce, a spirit shirt on behalf of Argyle Spirit Wear and received special recognition at a School Board Meeting. A special video was created by AISD PR & Communications that highlighted each principal in the district.

Living Wax F

Museum

ifth graders at AIS presented a “living wax museum” exhibit. The halls at AIS were lined with decorated presentation board displays. The “living wax museum” was a collection of visual displays where students, dressed as famous individuals and stood at attention, while visitors walked around and toured the exhibits illustrating the life of the person represented. Figures came to life as the students presented facts about them. Please check out more photos on the Argyle Independent School District Facebook Page.

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

Fall / Winter 2017 • Argyle Insights •

Red Ribbon Week

uring the week of October 23rd-27th, each campus in Argyle ISD held theme

days. Each theme day allowed the students

AMS recognized Red Ribbon Week the week following. Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest

a message they will remember for a lifetime. During the first day of Red Ribbon Week at AIS, every child was given a Red Ribbon to wear with this year’s Red Ribbon statement. The students were given a theme-based sticker and other giveaways each day to highlight each day’s activity. The students had a fun and exciting week

and staff to dress up in fun outfits while

drug prevention campaign in the nation,

important anti-drug campaign messages were

reaching millions of young people across the

shared each day. Hilltop Elementary, Argyle

country. Argyle Intermediate School’s Red

Intermediate School and Argyle High School

Ribbon Week was sponsored by the AIS PTA.

recognized Red Ribbon Week while Argyle

AIS hopes these events and their focus on

week’s events. A big “Thank You” to the AIS

Middle School recognized Anti-Bullying Week.

drug prevention will inspire students and send

PTO for sponsoring their Red Ribbon Week.

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

of activities. On the last day, AIS received a visit from a very special guest speaker, Miss Texas 2017, Margana Wood. She highlighted the

Greetings from Principal

Gibson

ommunication has definitely changed

AMS is with the addition of AMS News. April

over the years. When I was a student, the

Dominguez, our 7th grade English teacher,

ability to see student grades on a computer would have seemed like science fiction. Registering a student for school online was not heard of until recently and the internet

works with students to broadcast weekly news updates on middle school students via YouTube. These broadcasts have become

has definitely changed the way we see things

increasingly popular as our students have

and communicate.

more views with each program. Broadcasters

One of our goals this year at Argyle Middle School is to improve communication and have information readily accessible for parents. Therefore, we have made a strong effort

show video highlights from the week’s sporting events and discuss any upcoming events like our Veterans Day program. The news then has

to make sure our website reflects updated

a segment titled, “My favorite teacher” where

information for staff, students, parents, and the

students say who their favorite teacher is and

community. The website is updated daily by counselor receptionist, Wendy McCue. She will update schedules and calendars for academics, athletics, and our fine arts programs, and

why they chose that teacher.

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

Clearly times are changing in the way we communicate. Students and staff at AMS are

our hope is that this website will be a way

working diligently to make sure we use as

for anybody needing information on Argyle

many forms of communication as possible.

Middle School to be able to find it without having to call the school for every question. This website has now become a very reliable resource to find needed information on AMS. Another communication tool used at

Scott Gibson Principal Argyle Middle School 940.246.2126 Ext. 3002

Fall / Winter 2017 • Argyle Insights •

AMS

Carnival Information provided by Mrs. Jayne Kraus and photos provided by AISD PR & Communications

hether it was climbing a spider web, scaling a palm tree or hanging on to a mechanical bull, memories were made at the 2017 Argyle Middle School Carnival on Sunday, September 24th. “I can’t decide what was more fun, winning a gold fish, bouncing off the big ball obstacle course or hanging upside down from the Velcro Wall!” said Hilltop third grader Trent Bunnell. There were activities for all ages with Midway games, inflatables, train rides, climbing walls, cake walk, photo booths, and lots of food! Many students split their time at the Carnival between playing games like Knockerball, shooting targets with the Archery

Club, conquering the various attractions and then volunteering at those same events! High School students earned National Honor Society service hours and middle students earned National Junior Honor Society service hours volunteering at the Midway games and activities. The Argyle Chapter of YMSL, Young Men’s Service League, provided volunteers at the larger attractions. Argyle Education Foundation sponsored one of the most popular booths- the dunk tank. Not for the faint-hearted, volunteers got soaked for a good cause! Wendy McCue, AMS attendance, demonstrated her team spirit, “It was a privilege to be submerged over and over- it was really cool.” Many Argyle Middle

School teachers and staff volunteered to be a part of the action supporting booths for the middle school clubs. The Library Book Fair was open during the Carnival and offered refuge from the heat and another great opportunity to support AMS. Sales were unprecedented and many parents and grandparents appreciated having a quiet place to sit while the students enjoyed the Carnival. In N Out Burger made its first appearance at the AMS Carnival. Besides making an excellent burger, 75% of gross proceeds from food combo sales were donated to AMS. Kona Ice served up their famous shaved ice and Ms. Piggy Food Truck provided a wide array of fun Carnival foods like deep fried oreos, funnel cakes, chicken strips and of course, corn dogs! It’s been said that “Team work makes the dream work!” Our AMS PTO & Staff, Argyle community and local businesses came together to create a safe and fun atmosphere for all ages where parents could relax and enjoy the experience while their children made lifelong memories. Thanks to business sponsorship, incredible family support, and a lot of hard work, Argyle Middle School had an unforgettable Carnival and the proceeds funded AMS book purchases, supplies, teacher and counselor conference and enrichment fees, and technology additions.

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

When Philanthropy Turns into

Entrepreneurship by Susan Neuhalfen

rgyle Middle School 7th grader Darian

practice so Mondays are very busy. He goes

Donating to the DCVC not only fit in with

Doyle was in a unique situation. His

straight from school to football practice and

his community service goals, but with the way he was raised. “We’re a big giving family,” said Marcus. “We’re firm believers that you have don’t have to wear a uniform to serve.” The experience has been invaluable and to think it all stemmed from a school commitment. “The best part is that at the end of all of this, he’ll know how to run a business as well,” said his father.

recent induction into the AMS National Junior

then to the soccer field to first put up the

Honor Society required him to complete 30

goals and get the fields set up and then he

hours of public service work. While that might

runs his concession stand. After that is done,

not seem like a lot, remember that many

around 8pm, he starts on his homework.

places won’t allow 13 year-old volunteers. Instead of looking at this as a challenge,

“He keeps a log of everything he’s sold so he knows exactly how much money he made,”

Darian looked at it as an opportunity. As a

said Marcus. “Every penny of it will go to the

result, this student has found a way to not only

new Denton County Veterans Center.”

serve his community but also to raise money

Choosing the beneficiary was probably

for a cause that is very important to him

the easiest thing for Darian. His father and

and his family. He’s doing all of this while he’s

grandfather were both veterans and so he

learning one of life’s most important lessons:

visited the center to meet with the staff and

how to run a business.

see exactly what it is that they

One Monday night, Darian was at the

need. While it’s easy to just

AYSA/Liberty Christian youth sports programs

write a check, he was

on the soccer field watching his younger

curious to know how

siblings play and his father coach. He quickly

the money would be

realized that there was no concession stand

used. They told him

there for families so he had the idea to

it would be used to

start one.

purchase bus passes,

“Before he asked permission, I had him put

gas cards and

together a business plan,” said Darian’s father

bicycle locks.

Marcus, a business owner in Argyle. “Once he began looking at it as a business, his whole perspective changed.” In his business plan he had to figure out what supplies he needed as well as how he would get the money to start the business. His dad loaned him the tent / canopy and coolers and Darian figured out how he would pay for supplies. The biggest drain on his budget was how much ice he would need, so Darian talked to the manager of Fuzzy’s and they agreed to donate the ice from their machine so he wouldn’t lose all of his profits in ice. Darian got permission from both organizations to open his business, “Double D Concessions”, for 6 weeks (each Monday night). After school Darian has football Fall / Winter 2017 • Argyle Insights •

me Back o c el

oo l

K C U TL

h Sc Ar e gyle l Midd

The AMS PTO hosted the “Welcome Back” potluck event at the beginning of the school year by asking parents to bring a dish to share. AMS staff spoke with parents at the dinner and placed classroom items on a “wish list” for volunteers to purchase. Over 200 teachers, parents, and students participated in the event. Sponsored by AMS PTO. Photos courtesy of Mrs. Edie Collins

In Support of - The Argyle Education Foundation

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

Evan ate from

d Band Up

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The All-Region Band Concert will be held Saturday, January 19, 2018 at Argyle High School.

All-Region Band The Argyle Middle School band set a new record as they nabbed 44 of the 144 total spots available for ATTSB Region 2 All-Region band. That means that 39% of the all-region band is made up of Argyle Middle School students. 80% of the students from AMS who auditioned earned a spot. They also had nine students named to first chair spots. Here is the complete list of students who made the Region 2 All-Region Band: Name Instrument Chair Reiter Artho Euphonium 2 Sai Baki Bb Clarinet 11 Tristan Ball Horn 9 Park Bassinger Tuba 7 Simon Bechtel Bassoon 1 Anusha Biswas Percussion 6 Zander Eades Bb Clarinet 5 Corbin Fanning Percussion 8 Katherine Garner Flute 3 Nathan Garner Trumpet 3 Cameron Hall Tuba 1 Avery Hanson Flute 9 Evan Harbach Alto Sax 1 Quiency Harrell Trombone 6 Daniel Hendricks Bass Clarinet 3 Tyler Lansberry Trombone 8 Santiago Lara Trumpet 10 Morgan Lemish Horn 8 Jacob Lemons Percussion 4 Nicholas Lessley Tuba 4 Savannah Lund Trumpet 4 Chloe Martin Euphonium 5

Name Instrument Chair Maya Medrano Flute 7 Amos Muniz-Gomez Bass Trombone 3 Amitai Muniz-Gomez Trumpet 13 Sam Mykel Bassoon 3 David Neuhalfen Trombone 1 Christian Oliver Euphonium 1 Campbell Owen Trumpet 1 Levi Pabst Oboe 1 James Ragan Percussion 2 Ellie Richardson Bb Clarinet 2 Ryan Ruth Percussion 5 Micah Splain Alto Sax 4 Zachary Tait Bb Clarinet 1 Jorge Terrazas Alto Sax 2 Perla Villalobos Trumpet 12 Noel Weidner Flute 5 Conner West Trombone 7 Matthew Williams Tuba 2 Ryan Wilson Trumpet 16 Isabella Yarnall Bari Sax 1 Caden Yates Bb Clarinet 14

Fall / Winter 2017 • Argyle Insights •

MIDDLE SCHOOL

SPORTS Schedules

Basketball

Band

Boys DATE

OPPONENT

DEC 14

vs Sanger

5:30

6:30

5:30

6:30

JAN 11 vs Krum

5:30 6:30 5:30 6:30

JAN 13

TBA

@ Braswell Tournament

JAN 18 @ Gainesville

5:30 6:30 5:30 6:30

JAN 19-20

@ Decatur Tournament

TBA

JAN 20

@ Lewisville Tournament

TBA

TBA TBA

JAN 25 @ Sanger

5:30 6:30 5:30 6:30

FEB 1

vs Azle

5:30 6:30 5:30 6:30

FEB 8

vs Lake Worth

5:30 6:30 5:30 6:30

FEB 12 @ Decatur

5:30 6:30 5:30 6:30

December 14 Argyle Middle School Beginner Band VIP Pizza Party December 15 Argyle Middle School Red Band gives tour to Argyle Intermediate School students December 16 Argyle Middle School band trip to Six Flags Holiday in the Park January 16 Argyle Middle School beginner band Olympics

Girls DATE

OPPONENT

DEC 14

@ Sanger

6:00

5:00

6:00

DEC 18

@ Ponder

JAN 11 @ Krum JAN 12-13

December 11 Argyle Middle School Winter Concert

5:00

6:00

6:00 5:00 5:00 6:00

@ Harpool Tournament

TBA

JAN 18 vs Gainesville

5:00 5:00 6:00 6:00

JAN 25 vs Sanger

5:00 5:00 6:00 6:00

FEB 1

@ Azle

5:30 6:30 5:30 6:30

FEB 8

@ Lake Worth

6:00 7:00 6:00 7:00

January 18-19 All-Region Clinic / Concert January 26 Advanced Bands Galleria trip February 1 Beginner Band Olympics Ends February 22 Argyle Ensemble Contest February 23 Argyle Middle School Band Game Night

More sport Schedules are available at www.argyleisd.com 22

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

at Argyle Middle School

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

Fall / Winter 2017 • Argyle Insights •

Band Aides help make things stick! by Susan Neuhalfen

he band program at Argyle Middle School is complex to say the least. There are so

He went on to say that instead of one

The Band Aides give individualized feedback

teacher having to comb the whole room full

to each student and are taught to do this in

many moving parts beginning in 6th grade, and

of new clarinet players, the band aides each

the positive manner that is demonstrated by

the only way to stay on top of the game as

take a row of students to help to make it

their directors.

they do, is to divide and conquer.

easier to get through the period. Zander,

“This is a great way for these kids to learn

for instance, walks the aisles holding up the

as early as middle school how to interact with

Enter the Band Aides. These are 8th grade band students who choose an elective period

proper hand position to help the students and

to help the new 6th graders learn their

listening for a chance to help. He also plays

instruments and welcome them into the band

the notes as examples for

family. The Band Aides are instrument experts

the students.

that help the instructors with the beginner students. “The Band Aides know their respective

“In a class with over thirty students, it would take us three times as long to teach

instruments well and help us to teach the

the class without the Band

younger students,” said AMS Director of Bands,

Aides,” said Mr. Fletcher.

Mr. Fletcher. “When you talk about a level of

First the 6th graders are taught how to properly

are at the highest level of understanding on

assemble and care for the

their instruments.”

instrument. Students are actually rewarded for taking proper care of their instruments - it’s

Tait (clarinet), Tristan Ball (French horn), Katie

part of their grade. After they master that,

Garner (flute), Campbell Owen (trumpet),

they learn to read music and the band aides

Simon Bechtel (bassoon), David Neuhalfen

are instrumental in helping.

(trombone) and Matt Williams (tuba). These students help teach over four

“As the students move up from the Intermediate school, they have a vast

different class periods, depending on

knowledge of notes and reading music,” said

their instrument.

Mr. Fletcher. “However, we also have students

“I really like interacting with the sixth

who are new to the district and may not

graders,” said Zander. “It’s fun to watch them

come with the same skill set. That’s why it’s so

really improve.”

important to have help.”

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

Mr. Fletcher. “They develop relationships with the younger kids and become

"Going from knowing nothing about instrument to first concert is exponential,"

comprehension, these are band members that

Band Aides include: Zander Eades, Zach

people and develop interpersonal skills,” said

role models. This knowledge is invaluable.” 6th graders are already learning their first complete song for their World Premiere at the Argyle Middle School Fall Concert on October 24. At that time, the 6th graders will also

perform a class demonstration song and full band piece, Beethoven’s Ninth. “Going from knowing nothing about instrument to first concert is exponential,” said Mr. Fletcher. “The parents will get to see the result of their students’ hard work. We couldn’t do that without the Band Aides.”

“Work Hard Today. The Streak Doesn’t End With Us”

by Coach Curtis King

hen the 2016 Argyle Middle School football season ended, our teams

could hold their heads high because they had just completed a perfect 36-0 season.

7th grade class. This group has made a lot of improvement since the first day of school on the field and in the weight room. The coaches have never talked about the streak, but the coaches can tell it means something to the kids. One of the coaches walked into the weight

to be fun to watch in high school,” Coach

room and noticed what one of the players

Curtis King said. The 8th graders are leaving

had wrote on the wall mirrors. “Work Hard

the streak in good hands with the current

Today. The Streak Doesn’t End With Us.”

Needless to say, every player started 2017 with one goal – Don’t End The Streak. Even though there were a couple of close calls in the 7th grade games, the 2017 teams kept the streak alive by again going a perfect 36-0. That puts the streak at 72-0 over the past two seasons. We all thought the 2016-17 8th grade group was special, and everyone is saying the same thing about this year’s class. “It has been a lot of fun watching these kids grow up. They have great work ethic and play the game hard, fast, and with a lot of pride. They are going

photo by Rodney Black

Fall / Winter 2017 • Argyle Insights •

Choir Argyle

by Mr. William Griswold

ll-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. Over 1,700 students are selected through a process that begins with over 64,000 students from around the state vying for this honor to perform in one of 15 ensembles (bands, orchestras, and choirs). This competitive process begins throughout the state in auditions hosted by 33 TMEA Regions. Individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. From this ranking, a select group of musicians advance from their region to compete against musicians from other regions in eight TMEA area competitions. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA area competitions qualify to perform in a TMEA All-State music group. These all-state students participate in three days of rehearsals directed by nationally-recognized conductors during the annual state TMEA Clinic/Convention. Their performances before thousands of attendees bring this extraordinary event to a close. This year, Argyle High School choir had three students audition for the All-Region Choirs and all three were selected to perform at the Region Clinic and Concert on November 4th at Texas Woman’s University. These students, Kassidy Rosengren, Charis Reivitt, and Madi Mills, performed an incredible concert as part of the culmination of the All-Region Process. Two of these students will be continuing on in the all-state process with the goal of being selected for the Small-School All State Choir, the top Choir in the state. We wish these girls good luck in their upcoming auditions! The Argyle Middle School choir was also fortunate to have one student selected to the Middle School All-Region Choir. Sheridyn Ostler ranked 18th out of over 700 students who auditioned for the choir! The process was extremely competitive and she had the incredible opportunity to perform at the Middle School All-Region Clinic and Concert on November 11th at Denton High School. It was a huge success! All of our students who auditioned worked so hard to prepare and we will continue to see more and more students selected to the All-Region and All-State choirs every year. Thanks for your continued support of our growing program. We will see you at our next concert on Tuesday night, December 19th at Argyle High School!

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

Congrats Sheridyn Ostler

ongratulations to AMS student, Sheridyn Ostler for making All Region Choir.

Congratulations Congratulations to Madi Mills, Kassidy Rosengren and Charis Reivitt for making All Region Choir.

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www.Murray-Media.com 972.899.3637 Fall / Winter 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Argyle Insights â&#x20AC;˘

Hello Eagle Students, Parents, and Families

will be half days with students being released at noon. We do not allow early exams, so if your child is absent on one of those days they will need to arrange a time with their

he Fall Semester is winding down and

Eagle Volleyball Team earned a tie for 2nd

teacher to come in after the break to take

we are quickly approaching the holiday

place in district and finished runners-up at

their exam. Following Christmas Break, the

season. We have a lot to be thankful for here

the state tournament. The Varsity Football

at Argyle High School. We are very blessed

Team is currently undefeated and will again

to live in a supportive community that values

be district champions for the 9th year in

education. We are blessed with dedicated

a row. They have won 27 straight home

teachers and staff that work long hours to

games. Unfortunately, they lost in the third

ensure our students are successful. Finally, we

round of playoffs. Cross Country sent

are blessed with amazingly-talented students

three runners to the State Meet in Austin

who come to school wanting to learn and to

recently and all three had fantastic finishes.

achieve their very best.

The Boy’s and Girl’s Tennis Teams won the

I want to share a few highlights from this

district championship in team tennis. Last but

semester. Argyle High School’s inaugural drill

not least, the Argyle High School Theater

team, The Majestics, took the field for the

Department put on another stellar musical,

first time this fall. The Argyle Eagle Marching

Legally Blonde!

Band earned straight Division 1 ratings at

Semester Exams will begin on Tuesday,

the UIL Region Contest recently. The Lady

December 19th and will finish on Thursday,

December 21st. December 20th and 21st

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

Spring semester will be even busier with Basketball and Wrestling ramping up, and our Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Track, and Academic UIL teams getting started. Please contact us if you have any questions or need anything. Thank you and GO EAGLES!

James Hill Principal Argyle High School

AHS Challenge Day Club

Gives Back A

article and photos provided by Mrs. Jeanna Sutton

rgyle High School students wanted to do something to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, so they began collecting items to help them: diapers, formula, disinfectant wipes, cleaning supplies, water, hygiene products, etc. AHS Teacher and Challenge Day Sponsor, Mrs. Gina Sutton was in contact with the baseball coach from Kingwood High School, Kelly Mead. Kingwood High School was totally destroyed, and at the time was sharing a school with Summer Creek High School. Summer Creek would go to school in the morning and Kingwood would go to school in the afternoon. Coach Mead and the baseball program there lost everything: lawnmowers, pitching machines, uniforms, equipment, etc. The entire school was is in the same boat. The band lost $400,000 in sheet music, expensive instruments, etc. while the drill team and all other sports teams had no books, computers, etc. Mrs. Sutton and her Challenge Day group took supplies they collected to Kingwood Mission East, and they met Coach Mead and his baseball team to unload all the supplies they brought. The mission was so grateful to get all the things they had collected; they were told that 90 families a day were coming in to get supplies since the hurricane had damaged their homes. After they unloaded all the supplies, Coach Mead gave them a tour of Kingwood so they could see firsthand all the damage. It was truly hear tbreaking. Some of Coach Mead’s baseball players lost their homes and were either living in apar tments or with family or friends. “It was so sad to hear their stories of loss. Many lost everything they owned,” Sutton said. The students of AHS truly made a positive difference and made some friends for life! They are hoping that the Kingwood Baseball Team will make it to the state tourney, so Argyle High School can go cheer on their new friends. Coach Mead and his boys spent only 5 hours with Mrs. Sutton and her group, but she stated that their hear ts and lives will forever be changed.

Fall / Winter 2017 • Argyle Insights •

Senior Pep Rally

photos provided by: AISD PR & Communications

• Argyle Insights • Fall / Winter 2017

Special Senior & Grandparent Recognition

Fighting

FEVER T

he winter season is synonymous with illnesses. I get many calls from worried

make your child feel better.

parents with febrile children seeking advice.

Fevers can make kids feel pretty lousy.

Hopefully these few facts will help calm fears

Children can have altered sleep, unusual

of fever. Please note: The following facts are NOT true for infants under the age of 3 months. Please talk to your pediatrician about newborns with fever.

behavior, and poor oral intake. If these

Let’s first define fever…a temperature at or greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. A temp in the 99s is NOT a fever. • There is no “number” on a thermometer that requires a trip to the ER. Fever is a normal, healthy way for the body

symptoms are upsetting to your child, please give a fever-reducing medication. Treating the fever does provide comfort and may decrease the risk of dehydration. • Dose your child correctly. As many as one-half of parents do not administer the correct dose of feverreducing medication to their child. This includes both under-dosing and over-

to fight common infections. Bacteria and

dosing. Medications should be dosed

viruses that attack our bodies love normal

according to your child’s weight, not age.

body temperature but cannot successfully

Use only a standard measuring instrument

replicate in hotter conditions. Seeing a

(syringe, medicine cup). Household

high number on the thermometer means

spoons and measuring spoons are not

your child’s body is doing its job to fight an infection. • The severity of fever does not always