Argyle Insights, Spring 2023

SPRING 2023

Learning to Soar! Learning to Soar!

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ARGYLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

dr. wright A message from

ARGYLE ISD CELEBRATES MONUMENTAL MILESTONE

Iwasable to celebrate a monumental milestone with Savannah Ray, a third grader at Hilltop Elementary School on January 10. Savannah became the 5,000th student to enroll in Argyle ISD, and she was honored with a gift bag and balloons. I was so excited to have her parents and sister also participate in the excitement at Hilltop.

On May 30, 2003, 20 years ago this upcoming May, AISD had 1,257 students enrolled. With today’s enrollment at 5,042, this district has more than quadrupled in a 20-year period.

AISD became a University Interscholastic League UIL Class 5A district for the first time this school year. The classification system in Texas is based on how many students are enrolled in a high school the last Friday in October which is called a snapshot date. With the change to 5A, the group of schools in the UIL districts for athletics and UIL academics has changed. AHS has been very successful in the new classification this year.

It was a successful night for AISD. Multicultural Night in Argyle ISD was held on November 15. This event celebrates the diversity within AISD. Each of the five campuses in the district was represented and had several students and parents with booths. Multicultural Night is a celebration of AISD’s ethnic and cultural diversity and is an opportunity for members of the community to share the music, dance, food and traditions of their heritage. Students of all ages are encouraged to perform during this very popular family event and everyone is invited to enjoy international cuisine.

As we look towards the future, we are excited to see what other achievements and milestones AISD will accomplish.

Dr. Telena Wright Argyle ISD Superintendent

ARGYLE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Argyle School Board meetings are scheduled for the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Board Room of the AISD Administration Building, 6701 Canyon Falls Drive, Flower Mound, Texas 76226. Time is allotted each meeting for public comments. For additional information and the next scheduled meeting, contact the Superintendent’s office at 940.464.7241.

ARGYLE ISD

Jason Bird AISD Band Director

Sam Slaton Board President

Craig Hawkesworth Secretary

Matt Slaton Trustee

Dr. John Bitter Vice President

Josh Westrom Trustee

Dr. Leona McDade Trustee

Scott Gibson Argyle Middle School Principal

John King Argyle High School Principal

Dr. Deana Steeber Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Telena Wright Superintendent

Chris Daniel Deputy Superintendent

Elizabeth Stewart Chief Financial Officer

Dona Lumsden Hilltop Elementary Principal

Dr. Dawn Jordan Argyle South Elementary Principal

Renee Funderburg Argyle West Elementary Principal

Greg Royar Technology Director

Chance Westmoreland Girls Athletic Coordinator

Rick Herrin Communications Director

Todd Rodgers Athletic Director & Head Football Coach

Albert Rutledge Transportation Director

Scott Collins AISD Police Chief

Amy Bresnahan Student Nutrition Director

Tommy Ledford Executive Director of District Operations

Ritchie Deffenbaugh Trustee

Angel Garcia Maintenance Director

Dr. Mark Ruggles Special Education Director

Table of

PUBLISHERS

Scott & Kelly Murray

EDITORS

Jana Melton

Rick Herrin

Bobbi Byrne

Sydney Bottum

Christopher Sayler

CONTRIBUTORS

Argyle ISD

The Talon News

ADVERTISING

Kelly Murray

kelly@murray-media.com

PRODUCTION

Graphic Designers

Nancy Winberg

Cayla Thompson

Jessica Seitz

Letters

AISD Insights welcomes reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email 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

Argyle ISD's 5,000th

STUDENT

Savannah Ray and her family arrived in Argyle ISD and didn’t realize how historic their move to a new district was. Savannah joined the district in early January following the holidays and enrolled at her new school Hilltop Elementary.

The timing of her joining the district was very special. Savannah became the 5,000th student to enroll in Argyle ISD! The arrival of this new third grader provided another signal of the district’s rapid growth and shift from the once-rural Denton County school district.

Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Telena Wright, Hilltop Principal Dona Lumsden, Hilltop Assistant Principal Kimberly McCage, and staff surprised Savannah in her class along with her family. Argyle ISD continues to grow and opened its fifth campus this fall with Argyle South Elementary. The fourth elementary is scheduled to open in 2024.

The district grew 13 percent from the last school year to the start of the 2022-2023 year. “Enrolling the 5,000th student in AISD was a

5,000th

very exciting event,” Wright said. “The district’s growth continues as we welcome students from surrounding communities as well as other states and countries."

During the 2022-2023 school year, Argyle ISD has gained 179 students (as of March 1), including 113 at South Elementary School.

Argyle ISD’s current enrollment growth rate creates the need for additional instructional space. The voter-approved 2022 bond addresses elementary and middle school capacity. The bond package includes two elementary campuses and a new middle school.

In 2018-2019 the district topped the 3,000 student mark and eclipsed 4,000 in 2021-2022.

Argyle is regarded as a fast-growth district and is expected to top 8,000 students in 2028-2029.

The Argyle ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the adoption of a 10-year strategic growth plan at the Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 regular School Board meeting.

The plan includes elementary, middle and high school growth strategies and priorities. Among them, the high school configuration would include the district splitting into two separate 9th-12th grade high schools when AHS reaches 2,700 students enrolled. AHS currently has 1,474 students in grades 9-12.

District administration and the Board of Trustees will review and revise the growth plan as needed. Both will also have regular collaboration with the district’s demographers and financial advisor.

“Our greatest intention is to provide the best opportunity for our children to be well educated and well-rounded citizens that will one day be leading us,” School Board President Sam Slaton said.

“This 10-year Strategic Growth Plan, presented by district administration and adopted unanimously by the Argyle ISD Board of Trustees, is a living document that will serve as a guide to address the future growth needs of our district.”

The plan was developed to strategically manage Argyle ISD’s rapid growth. The district has grown 13% percent in student enrollment since the end of the 2021-2022 school year. In 10 years, the district is expected to serve nearly 12,000 students, per the demographic reports.

This increase in enrollment continues to create a need for additional instructional space to serve students.

Argyle ISD recently enrolled its 5,000th student and overall student enrollment has more than doubled since May 2017.

In an effort to maximize the use of current facilities and be fiscally responsible, the plan focuses on specific growth strategies and priorities. This includes repurposing existing facilities and maximizing use of additional spaces on all campuses. Argyle ISD will re-open the former Argyle Intermediate School (800 Eagle Dr.) as the new Sixth Grade Center in the fall of 2023.

To manage growth at the elementary level, campuses will continue to maintain an 850-student capacity. The middle school strategy includes new buildings designed for 1,200-student capacity (reduction from the original plan of 1,400 due to rising costs). One middle school will serve grades 6th-8th and the second would utilize the Sixth Grade Campus and a 7th-8th campus.

With this need for additional instructional

space, Argyle ISD is expected to have a bond election in 2024 or 2025. This bond would include elementary No. 6, middle school No. 2 and high school additions at the Canyon Falls campus and US 377 campus. The two high school configuration includes the utilization of the campuses at Canyon Falls (AHS) and US 377 (current middle school). With future expansions, the capacity at Canyon Falls can be increased to 2,250 and 1,750 at the US 377 campus.

The voter-approved May 2022 bond election included elementary No. 4 & No. 5, middle school No. 1 and a high school stadium and indoor activity center at Canyon Falls.

Mr. John King

AHS Principal Update

The fall semester at Argyle High School is now in our rearview mirror, and we turn our sights to the opportunities that the spring semester will bring.

This spring has already been filled with some amazing events, and I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate some of these huge accomplishments.

In early February, our band and directors traveled to San Antonio to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) conference. Only the very elite bands in the state of Texas are chosen to perform at this event, and what a performance it was! Congratulations to AHS Band Director Mr. Bird, his staff, and his amazing band members. Everyone in our community is extremely proud of you.

Also in the fine arts world, our a Cappella group, Remedy, traveled to Rockwall and placed second in the ICHSA Southwest Quarterfinals. This performance advances them to the semifinal round at Marcus High School in late March. Good luck to Remedy!

In our academic world, Argyle High School’s debate team advanced to the Congressional Debate State Meet in Austin in early January. Jennifer Ochoa, Srimaan Kolanakuduru and

Caleb Leonard all advanced to the final round of the meet, and Jennifer went on to place 3rd overall. She was also named Outstanding Presiding Officer for conference Class 5A! Congratulations to all of these students.

Also in the world of academics, AHS had five films advance to the UIL State Finals in Austin. This year’s films were directed by Ashley Henderson, Rylie Halk, Sam Gassaway, Collin Norvell, and Gracie May. The state competition is in late February, and we have very high hopes for each of these films. Good luck at the state meet!

Finally in academics, Argyle High School is proud to announce that we have five National Merit Finalists - Isaac Fisher, Ryan Mackereth, Levi Pabst, James Ragan and Daniel Roberts. This is the most National Merit Finalists that we have had in any one year in school history, and we could not be more proud of these students.

John King - Principal Argyle High School

AHS PRODUCES 5 National Merit Finalists

Argyle High School has earned a school record for students receiving National Merit Semifinalist and Finalist recognition.

Isaac Fischer, Ryan Mackereth, Levi Pabst, James Ragan and Daniel Roberts have been recognized as 2023 National Merit Semifinalists.

These seniors are five of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. The five Semifinalists broke the previous record of four for AHS set last year.

"We are extremely proud of our five seniors that have been named National Merit Semifinalists," Argyle High School Principal John King said. "This is a huge accomplishment and is the result of years and years of hard work and dedication. We wish each of these students the best of luck as they continue their journey to be National Merit Finalists."

That journey was a rewarding one! All five students advanced to National Merit Finalists in February. These outstanding

The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highestscoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

"Receiving the honor of being a National Merit Semifinalist is a monumental accomplishment," Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Telena Wright said. "I am so proud of the AHS students who have achieved this recognition."

scholars will be considered for National Merit Scholarship Awards in 2023.

High school juniors entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

“Receiving the honor of being a National Merit Semifinalist is a monumental accomplishment.”

─ Dr. Telena Wright Superintendent

Learning to Soar!

UIL ELEMENTARY ACADEMICS

Argyle

ISD Elementary campuses including Hilltop, Argyle South, and Argyle West recently concluded a wonderful UIL Academic season with a successful District Academic Meet.

Over 300 student participants from grades 2nd through 5th competed in 13 different events in subjects such as Spelling, Art, Music Memory, Chess, Number Sense, Maps and Graphs, Writing, Reading, and Storytelling.

The top six scoring students in each event from each grade level were presented medals at the awards ceremonies that were conducted on each elementary campus recently. Campus coordinators are April Torres at Hilltop Elementary, Shelley Moses at Argyle West Elementary and Hillary Laird at Argyle South Elementary

The elementary UIL academic program is designed to complement and expand on what students learn in

the classroom. Argyle ISD takes great pride in its extremely successful UIL Academic program at the high school level therefore they recognize that educational excellence must begin at an early age. The elementary competition is an important stepping stone for students and their preparation. “Our elementary UIL program is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain confidence and poise as well as participate in teamwork while striving for academic excellence,” UIL Elementary Academic Coordinator Hillary Laird said. “We hope that the elementary program creates an excitement to continue participating at the middle and high school levels.”

The following students were recognized at the Argyle ISD School Board Meeting in February as being the top scorer at their campus for their grade level.

Hilltop Elementary

✓ 2nd Grade

Wyatt Sessions - Chess

Cash Kennedy - Storytelling Ayo

Makinwa - Music Memory

✓ 3rd grade

Bukumni Makinwa - Music Memory

Charlotte Smith - Storytelling

Swanik Edukalanti - Chess

✓ 4th grade

Aubrey Wakefield - Art

Case Grant - Chess

Olivia Crowell - Spelling

✓ 5th grade

Ryann Chapman - Oral Reading

Elizabeth Browning - Music Memory

Bo Turner - Chess

West Elementary

✓ 2nd Grade

Suren Bheemanlingam - Chess

Penelope Hand - Music Memory

Jeremy Oh - Music Memory

✓ 3rd Grade

Kawin Suresh - Chess

Ana Clara Kuster Silva - Music Memory

Harper Ames - Ready Writing

✓ 4th Grade

Charlotte Oliver - Oral Reading

Riya Anand - Ready Writing

Padma Bheemalingam - Spelling

✓ 5th Grade

Ytharth Kaul - Art

Avyay Buchipudi - Chess

Kenzie Yates - Listening

Argyle South Elementary

✓ 2nd Grade

Inaya Noshin - Storytelling

Shimran Pattanayak - Storytelling

Bruno Alonso - Music Memory

✓ 3rd Grade

Ryder Griffin - Ready Writing

Natasha Dwivedi - Spelling

Mok Parimi - Spelling

✓ 4th Grade

Emma Saccammano - Music Memory

Eva Saccammano - Music Memory

Bear Rusk - Number Sense

✓ 5th Grade

Chloe Maeng - Art

Skaria Kalluliyal - Music Memory

Zain Burney - Spelling

The Argyle High School Wind Ensemble was selected as the Texas Music Educators Association AAAA Honor Band and performed in San Antonio at Lila Cockrell Theatre on Friday, Feb.10, in conjunction with the annual TMEA convention. The Argyle High School Wind Ensemble was one of only three High School Concert Bands state-wide to perform as an Honor Band this year. Over 20,000 music educators from across the state and country were in attendance.

“This is such a huge honor for our band program, school district, and community,” AHS Band Director Jason Bird said. “The extraordinary efforts of students, parents, alumni, administration, faculty, staff, and all stakeholders are what make this entire performance possible.”

This is not the only time an Argyle ISD group has performed at this prestigious event. Previous TMEA performances include the 2022 Invited Choir under the direction of William Griswold. 2009 AAA Honor Band under the direction of Kathy Johnson, the 2006 AA Honor Band under

San Antonio

the direction of Cindy Mikel, and the 2005 C Honor Band under the direction of Chris Burk.

Here is what some of the students said about being part of this event:

“Getting to perform as an Honor Band for TMEA has been such an amazing opportunity for our ensemble,” said Maya Medrano, a senior flutist.

“Being named the TMEA Honor Band is such a high honor, and I’m so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to perform alongside my friends and amazing musicians, said Morgan Lemish, a senior french hornist.”

“It is an absolute honor to perform as the TMEA Honor Band. The dedication and sacrifices that have been made for this performance is incredible,” said Jonah Bird, a junior bass trombonist.

The concept of the Honor Band originated during the term of Joe Frank, Sr., who served as the TMEA Band Division Chair from 1958 to 1960. The purpose was twofold. Many educators believed

that through the process of hearing and observing the results of quality teaching, directors could develop their own instructional skills to a higher level. In addition, selection of an honor band in each classification recognized communities and school systems that successfully supported music in education through their instrumental music programs.

Through the years, participation has been active, and the recognition of exemplary programs through the Honor Band selection process has become a most sought-after goal by many directors. As a result, the quality of honor groups has remained high, and the original purpose of growth and development through observation of superior teaching and performance has been addressed annually and maintains its validity. Teachers throughout the state have definitely had the opportunity to learn from master teachers by attending honor band performances and clinics.

Argyle West

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL RENEE FUNDERBURG

The new year is off to a great start at Argyle West!

Iwouldlike to take this opportunity to welcome new families to Argyle, and wish everyone a very Happy New Year! May this year bring you, and your family, great happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health. I thank you for your support and partnership in working together for your children.

This semester is flying by and we are quickly approaching our busiest time of the year. The weather hasn’t been very cooperative and we’re hoping we won’t need to use our bad weather day scheduled for April 10. Spring is packed full of events so be on the lookout for communication from us as those things begin approaching.

As always, the spring will be a busy one at Argyle West Elementary. Each class has begun new units of study with thoughtprovoking and enriching concepts. We are focusing on student engagement, authentic work, student collaboration, integrating technology, and higher-level thinking skills when we prepare lessons. These are 21st-century learning skills that many business leaders have stated the workers of tomorrow will need to be successful in our global economy. We are preparing our students for a future THEY will create.

We are diving head-first into the testing season. Please make sure your students get a good night’s sleep, eat a good

breakfast and come prepared for test days. Also, I ask that you try to avoid scheduling doctor and dentist appointments on these days:

• Tuesday, April 25 - 3rd Grade STAAR Reading

• Wednesday, April 26 - 4th & 5th Grade STAAR Reading

• Tuesday, May 2 - 3rd Grade STAAR Math; 5th grade STAAR Science

• Wednesday, May 3 - 4th & 5th grade STAAR Math

We know that the STAAR test is just a snapshot of the academic life of your child. We don’t use this evaluation as the determining factor for student success.

We look at many data points when deciding if a student has completed a successful school year. Standardized tests are used as a gauge for student learning. It also helps us pinpoint areas of strength and weakness to help us plan instruction to meet any areas of need. It also helps us as a school to evaluate our instructional practices and curriculum progress.

Please don’t stress about this test and don’t let your child stress about it either. While we work hard to ensure that every student is successful on the test, our main goal is that every student makes a year’s growth from one year to the next.

Thank you for entrusting your child to us every day. We take that endeavor very seriously and we work hard to help your child be successful. Please feel free to call or email if you have any questions or concerns.

Renee Funderburg - Principal Argyle West Elementary

NIGHT MULTICULTURAL

What a great celebration at this year's Multicultural Festival at Argyle South Elementary! This new annual event, which started during the 2021 2022 school year, was an exciting night celebrating all the many cultures, foods, and traditions of our Argyle ISD families from all around the world.

The event included food samples from different countries, arts and crafts, games, photo backdrops, and dance performances from several students. This marked the event's second year after it was held at Argyle Middle School last year.

So many families attended and participated, which made for an

outstanding community event that is expected to be even bigger next year. The cafeteria was packed with guests, and the hallways were lined with food samples from many different cultures.

Special thanks to the Argyle ISD Student Nutrition Department for preparing tamales, rice, chicken & vegetable egg rolls, pork roast, and more!

Girls' Basketball

TheArgyle ISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Holly Williams as the new Sixth Grade Center Principal during the Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 regular meeting.

Williams has served as an Argyle Middle School Assistant Principal since 2020. The new Sixth Grade Center, located at 800 Eagle Dr., will open at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

Williams has worked in Argyle ISD since 2004 and taught multiple grade levels and subjects, and served on the Hilltop Elementary campus leadership team. She started her career as a sixth grade teacher in Kansas and also taught in Arlington ISD.

center sixth

New Principal

“She values communication and fostering positive relationships with students, employees, and parents and will be a huge asset to the AISD administrative team.”

“Mrs. Williams has an extensive background in teaching elementary, working with Emergent Bilingual Learners, and secondary administration,” Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Telena Wright said. “She values communication and fostering positive relationships with students, employees, and parents and will be a huge asset to the AISD administrative team.”

The Sixth Grade Center is currently being renovated and previously served as the former Argyle Intermediate School,

AISD administrative offices, and School Board room. Due to Argyle ISD’s student enrollment growth, Argyle Middle School is reaching capacity and this shift in configuration will help accommodate the need for additional instructional space.

“I am incredibly honored to be chosen as the principal of the Sixth Grade Campus,” Williams said. “Argyle ISD is the best district in the state of Texas, and I have had the privilege to be a part of it for the last 19 years. I am looking forward to working with our fantastic 6th grade teachers, the Argyle ISD community, and our incoming 6th grade students.”

A MESSAGE FROM AMS PRINCIPAL Scott Gibson

Inpast years the middle school shared the current campus on Highway 377 with the high school before opening phase one of the current high school in Canyon Falls in 2016. The middle school then returned to this campus on 377 in 2021.

The year 2023 will see more change for the middle school campus with the opening of a renovated Argyle Intermediate School and Argyle ISD administration wing as a Sixth Grade Center. Construction is underway to repurpose this campus in time for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. This movement will completely change the dynamic of the

middle school by moving the sixth grade team to this new campus to best utilize our existing facilities.

The new Sixth Grade Center will temporarily relieve our growing pains. We are thankful our voters passed a bond last May that will allow for the building of a new middle school. The land has been secured on FM 407 east of Interstate 35W for a middle school and a future elementary school. The new middle school has a projected timeline to open in 2025.

The chain reaction from the opening of the Sixth Grade Center and then a new 7-8 middle school would allow the building on 377 to take the overcrowding away from the high school.

As we look to our next school year, the

configuration of the current middle school will be a 7-8 campus with approximately 950 students. The Sixth Grade Center would have an estimated 440 students. This continued growth makes for very exciting and challenging times. The next few years will be fun to experience. Have a great second semester AMS Eagles!

Growth in Argyle has fueled much change in recent years.

LET'S GO BIG RED!

AHS CHEER

EARNS TOP-10 AT STATE

Whata great year for Argyle High School Cheer in its first year in Class 5A. Argyle earned a 9th-place finish last Saturday at the UIL Spirit State Competition at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Argyle, which moved up to 5A Division II this year, reached the finals on Saturday as one of 20 teams to advance out of 70.

This year’s Argyle team included 30 cheerleaders that continued the

program’s tradition of success at the state competition. AHS finished as state runner-up the past two years in 4A and have placed in the top 20 for eight consecutive years. Congratulations to the team and head coach Laura Truebenbach and assistant coach Erin Lemish!

“We entered into the competition with a goal of placing in the top 10 of our division. We achieved that, placing ninth, so we are very proud of our

accomplishment,” Truebenbach said. “Being our first year as a 5A DII competitor, we knew it would be a learning experience. With the transition into a larger classification, the 5A Division allows for 10 more athletes on the mat and the competition is considerably higher. We enjoyed the challenge and we look forward to the growth and improvement that is ahead of us in the future!”

HELLO from Hilltop

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL DONA LUMSDEN

We have started the second semester with many events and activities. After spring break, we will definitely need our running shoes to finish the year.

We began this semester with National School Counselors Week. Mr. Ball is such a huge part of Hilltop and so important to our staff, families, and our students. I’ve included pictures highlighting that week in this article. Of course, I want to highlight this because of how great Mr. Ball is, but more than that, it’s about this campus and how we support each other. This is just one example of how we really care for each other at Hilltop, staff, families, and students, all included.

Hilltop’s STEM night will kick off our spring events. By the time this is printed, I’m sure this event will have proved to be a great success because of the fantastic planning by our teachers. Our Spring Fests will be coming up at the end of March, and we are looking forward to having students and families on campus again. In April, we will have our field day, which the students enjoy. We love these times when we can get families with us to enjoy what we get to see every day.

Our PTA comes through in the spring with many fun activities for the students also. We are very thankful for the bounce house day they provide. This year was our second annual bounce house day, and it is a favorite for the kids. This is a reward for PTA enrollment, and we couldn’t do it

without the support of our great parents and PTA. I hope all of you are planning on attending the Touch a Truck event in April. The first event was last year, and it will be an evolved version this year (and last year was already great). Check out the PTA website for information on that and other things they are doing.

As we get ready to enter the home stretch of this year, we couldn’t be prouder of our students. We see growth every single day. These kids show up to work and do their best day in and day out. The Hilltop families are so wonderful to work with the entire staff, and I am so thankful for that on a daily basis. Never hesitate to reach out to any of us with any questions you might have.

It’s a GREAT day on the Hill!

Dona Lumsden - Principal Hilltop Elementary

TMEA Region 2 All-Region Band

Beginning in December, thousands of students across the State of Texas audition for placement in the All-State Band. Less than 2% made the ensemble. Aidan Nam was named 4th chair Tenor Saxophone. Aidan performed with the 5A All-State Band at the Texas Music Educators Conference in San Antonio on February 11th.

The Argyle High School Band had 16 students audition, make, and perform in the TMEA Region 2 5A Band. These students are the best high school musicians across the Northern DFW area. Premier conductors from around the State of Texas worked with these students in early January to prepare a concert on January 14th. It was a special clinic and concert for these students.

Of the 50 musicians that made the All-Region Band in December, 29 students advanced to the area round on January 8th. Congratulations!

EAGLE BAND

ATSSB All-State Band Students

TheArgyle High School Wind Ensemble performed exceptionally on San Antonio’s grand stage on Friday, February 10th. The ensemble was one of only three High School Concert Bands state-wide to perform as an Honor Band this year. As the class AAAA Honor Band, the group performed in front of 1800 music educators and fans in San Antonio at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. It was a stunning performance!

In December, the Argyle High School Band had 16 students audition, make, and perform in the Texas Music Educators Association Region 2-Class 5A Band.

These students are the best high school musicians across the Northern DFW area. Premier conductors from around the state of Texas worked with these students in early January to prepare a concert on

January 14. It was a special clinic and concert for these students.

Of the 50 musicians that made the All-Region Band in December, 29 students advanced to the area round on January 8. Congratulations, Eagles!

Aidan Nam

Earns Recognition Student Nutrition

Argyle ISD is very proud to recognize its Student Nutrition Department! Through an administration review by the Texas Department of Agriculture, Argyle ISD earned a PERFECT review with zero findings! The review covered critical areas of review both district-wide and a site visit at Argyle West Elementary.

The department received a letter from the state recognizing the department and its commitment to the highest standards of care and service by teaching children the relationship between proper eating and good health.

“We are proud of our team for achieving their second consecutive zero findings audit,” Student Nutrition Director Amy Bresnahan said. “We know this is the result of the hard work they do each day to ensure all guidelines are met while also providing high-quality meals to the students of Argyle.”

The USDA administrative review process for the National School Lunch

program is an intensive 12-week review process that audits all aspects of the program, including procurement processes, financial responsibility, menu planning, distribution of meals, food safety, wellness policy, and much more.

Most of the audit process is conducted off-site and requires our administrative staff to work closely with TDA auditors to compile and submit all required documentation. The audit ends with a one-day on-site visit where auditors observe meal preparation, meal service, and food production documentation practices.

Creating a School Culture

Our students had top finishes at both the elementary UIL competition and at the Cupid’s Challenge Archery Tournament. We are very proud of the confidence and courage all the competitors displayed. These events prepare our students to participate in high school competitions that can lead to scholarships and other accolades.

As part of our motto of “South”ern hospitality, the ASE Student Council planned a Kindness Week. The theme was “Flood the Halls” with kindness and included ways to meet new friends, share words of encouragement, recognize acts of kindness in others, and lend a helping hand.

Paper hearts filled the hallways recognizing all the students caught being kind. These kind acts did not stop at the end of the week. The students get ongoing lessons with our counselor, Mrs. Edge, on how to make our school a warm, fuzzy place all year. Mrs. Edge reminded students about kindness by wearing

100 warm fuzzies on her shirt on the 100th day of school. We love our school counselor! The Dennis Lee show visited our campus to reinforce the message of kindness. The students had so much fun in this assembly!

Our tiniest Eagles get a chance to participate in activities as well. Mrs. Caldwell, the school librarian, hosted a Tiny Eagle Storytime each quarter as a way to encourage a love of reading and to get comfortable in the school environment. Toddlers from the neighborhood come with their parents to hear a story in the library and make a craft. These little ones are excited about coming to school! Mrs. Caldwell also brought the author, Bridget Heos, here to sign books and to speak to students about her stories such as Mustache Baby and Stegothesaurus. This semester will bring more fun and educational opportunities for students and their families. We are hosting an Art Night, a STEM Night, and Springfest in the upcoming months. We love opportunities

to interact with our school families and showcase our student’s talents! We have almost finished our first year in a new building. It has been an amazing and positive experience for all of us. We are blessed and thankful for the unwavering support of our parents and community. This support has been instrumental to our students' success, growth, and happiness. We are looking forward to our continued journey together at Argyle South Elementary!

Dr. Dawn Jordan - Principal Argyle South Elementary School

DaySIGNING

Celebrated Athletes

Keira Inman - Softball - Maine

Ava Edwards - Softball - Regis University

Maya Bland - Softball - Oklahoma

Regan Dillon - Softball - Lafayette College

Gaven Lane - Golf - Oklahoma State

Jason Crowder - Football - Stephen F. Austin

Dax Horany - Football - Sam Houston State

Riley Van Poppel - Football - Nebraska

Michael Madrie - Football - Boise State

Grant Mirabal - Football - Oklahoma State

Wayne Pritts - Football - Navy

Wes Tucker - Football - Baylor (signed in December)

Caden Yates - Football - North Texas

Noah Weeks - Football - Southern Arkansas University

JC Davis - Baseball - Weatherford College

Hunter Sandifer - Baseball - Frank Phillips College

Kaylee McLeod - Tennis - Howard Payne

Itwas a very proud day at Argyle High School on Feb. 13, 2023 as 17 Eagle student-athletes signed athletic scholarships with colleges and universities. Family, friends, teammates and Eagle staff filled the Argyle High School gym to celebrate this outstanding accomplishment. The coach of each sport shared some of the highlights regarding each student-athlete. Argyle High School student-athlete signees represented five different sports. The campus hosts a signing during the fall, winter and spring.

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