Argyle ISD Insights Spring 2024

We invite you to join us for an evening of dinner, We invite you to join us for an evening of dinner, dancing and fun! Come dressed in your elegant island dancing and fun! Come dressed in your elegant island wear and get ready to slip away into paradise as we wear and get ready to slip away into paradise as we raise money for AISD! raise money for AISD!

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Jason Bird AISD Band Director

John King Argyle High School Principal

Dr. Dawn Jordan Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Courtney Carpenter Superintendent

Chris Daniel Deputy Superintendent

Elizabeth Stewart Chief Financial Officer

Dona Lumsden Hilltop Elementary Principal

Kristen Haynes Argyle South Elementary Principal

Renee Funderburg Argyle West Elementary Principal

Greg Royar Chief Technology Officer

Chance Westmoreland Asst. AD & Girls’ BB Coach

Rick Herrin Communications Director

Todd Rodgers Athletic Director & Head Football Coach

Albert Rutledge Transportation Director

Eli Davis AISD Police Chief

Amy Bresnahan Student Nutrition Director

Tommy Ledford Executive Director of District Operations

Sam Slaton Board President

Craig Hawkesworth Vice President

Matt Slaton Secretary

Leigh Ann Artho Trustee

Josh Westrom Trustee

Dr. Leona McDade Trustee

Ritchie Deffenbaugh Trustee

Angel Garcia Maintenance Director

Dr. Mark Ruggles Special Education Director

Holly Williams Sixth Grade Center Principal

Jeff Koehn Construction Manager

Scott Gibson Argyle Middle School Principal

Jane

School Board Calls for BOND ELECTION

Election Day May 4, 2024

The Argyle ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved calling a bond election for May 4, 2024, during a Special Meeting on Monday, Feb. 5.

Trustees approved the community-led Bond & Growth Planning Committee’s recommendation of a $511,540,000 bond proposal which will be presented to voters in three propositions. The bond election, if approved, will maintain the current tax rate. During this planning process, the BGPC focused on a longrange, 10-year bond program, as compared to previous bonds that focused on short-term projects.

The BGPC was composed of 50 members including parents, Argyle ISD teachers and high school students, business leaders, and community members. The committee had six meetings starting in October 2023 and closely evaluated the district’s enrollment growth, finances, building capacities, facility assessments, bond capacity, capital needs, while also touring facilities.

also includes capital improvements throughout the district. The proposed middle school would serve grades 6-8, with a capacity of 1,200. The elementary school would serve Pre-Kindergarten-5th grade with an 850-student capacity.

The bond package addresses instructional space needs for enrollment growth at the elementary, middle school and high school levels, district technology, and a baseball/softball complex at Argyle High School with the district’s future shift to two 9-12 high schools.

PROPOSITION A ($432,385,000) includes Middle School #2, Elementary School #6, and increased capacity at Argyle High School in Canyon Falls and Argyle Middle School on Highway 377 (which will transition to a 9-12 high school in the future). This proposition

PROPOSITION B ($22,655,000) includes the addition of a baseball/softball complex at Argyle High School in Canyon Falls. This was included by the BGPC to align with the district’s future of operating two grade 9-12 high schools. Currently, AHS plays varsity and sub-varsity games at the facilities at AMS. The middle school served as the district’s first high school until the Canyon Falls campus opened in 2021.

PROPOSITION C ($6,500,000) includes a technology refresh to sustain a 1:1 student device program for grades 6-12 and addresses growth with the future opening of an elementary school

in 2024 and middle school in 2025.

The BGPC recommendation was slightly modified prior to approval to adhere to the vision of the 10-Year Strategic Growth Plan, which was adopted in January 2023 by the School Board. Due to many variables in the 10-year future enrollment forecast, a seventh elementary school was removed from the bond proposal. Additionally, projects to increase capacity at the Highway 377 campus were added to pair with the goals of the 10-Year Strategic Growth Plan.

The School Board was first presented the bond recommendation by members of the BGPC at the Jan. 16 regular meeting and the proposal was further discussed at the Jan. 23 Board Workshop. The workshop, which included input from BGPC members, and the regular

meeting are both available on Argyle ISD’s YouTube channel.

Early voting for the May 4, 2024, election begins Monday, April 22, and closes on April 30. The last day to register to vote — or to update your name or address — is April 4. Election Day is Saturday, May 4.

School officials will provide informational presentations throughout the community during the spring leading to the May 4 election.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a bond presentation for your organization or neighborhood, contact Rick Herrin, Argyle ISD Director of Communications, at 940-464-7241 or email at richard.herrin@argyleisd.com.

Argyle ISD’s last bond election was in 2022 when voters approved a

$267,885,000 bond that included three propositions.

BOARD REVISES 10-YEAR STRATEGIC GROWTH PLAN

The two revisions in the plan focus on the guiding parameters. The Board approved revising two parts of the high school configuration. One approved revision is Argyle will remain one high school until AHS approaches Class 6A UIL classification status based on the Fall 2023 demographer report. Class 6A is the state’s largest classification and the AISD community does not desire large graduating classes from feedback received since 2022.

Also, the Board approved the revision to align the future high school split with a mid-year UIL realignment, determined most appropriate for student success.

Tullos to Lead New Jane

Community Leaves their Mark on Beams

Argyle ISD has hired Mrs. Lauren Tullos as the new principal of Jane Ruestmann Elementary, which was Elementary School #4 at the time of the announcement.

The school will bear the name of Jane Ruestmann, the former Hilltop Elementary art teacher who taught for more than 40 years in the district, Argyle ISD announced in December.

Both Mrs. Tullos and Mrs. Ruestmann were on hand for a community beam signing event on February 14. Those beams will be part of the foundation of the building, which will open to Pre-K to 5th grade students in August 2024.

Mrs. Tullos

Mrs. Tullos has served the past two years as an Assistant Principal at Argyle West Elementary.

Mrs. Tullos will begin transitioning to her new role in January with a focus on staffing and connecting with students and families who will be attending the school. The campus is located in the Harvest community near West Elementary.

“I am very excited to announce Mrs. Tullos as the principal of our new elementary school in Argyle ISD,” Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Courtney Carpenter said. “She will do an excellent job guiding the school opening as an experienced instructional leader while building a culture of strong connections with students, families, and staff.”

Mrs. Tullos has served in Argyle ISD since 2021 and has 15 years of experience in education. She started in Argyle ISD as a counselor at the former Argyle Intermediate School. Before arriving in the district, Mrs. Tullos worked from 2010-2021 in Dallas ISD as an elementary school counselor and also has educational experience as a Behavioral Interventionist.

“I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to embrace this exciting opportunity of leading Elementary School #4 as its new principal,” Tullos said. “I look forward to fostering a vibrant learning community where excellence is nurtured, and every student can flourish.”

While serving at Argyle West Elementary, Mrs. Tullos has piloted innovative instructional programs and developed the Response To Intervention process to support students in their academic growth.

She also initiated the “Staff of the Week” recognition program, showcasing the appreciation and celebrations of teachers and staff. Mrs. Tullos has helped West Elementary excel by building strong connections with staff, students, and families.

Mrs. Tullos is a graduate of Richland High School and Tarleton State University in Stephenville. She has a Master of Education in Educational Administration and School Counseling from Tarleton State.

Ruestmann Elementary

MRS. TULLOS Q&A MRS. RUESTMANN Q&A

What excites you most about your new campus?

Being the principal and inaugurating Jane Ruestmann Elementary is a thrilling opportunity for various reasons. The prospect of fostering a nurturing educational environment where students can flourish is immensely exciting. The enthusiasm for establishing a unique identity for Jane Ruestmann Elementary and is a source of great anticipation.

What was your first reaction when you learned that the new elementary school will be named in your honor?

I was absolutely shocked. I was honored that my name was in the top five, but believed it would be Argyle North Elementary.

How do you hope your legacy as an educator will be remembered at the new school?

What led you to a career in education?

My path towards a profession in education has been shaped by a dedication to bring about positive transformations in individuals’ lives. My choice in the field of education is an embodiment of authentic enthusiasm for learning, paired with a whole-hearted commitment to playing a role in the intellectual and personal evolution of students and staff.

Could you share how prior positions within Argyle ISD prepared you for the current role at Jane Ruestmann Elementary?

My prior roles in Argyle ISD, including counselor at the Intermediate and Assistant Principal at West, gave me insight into the community’s educational landscape and needs. Collaborating with educators and community members, I gained skills for leading Jane Ruestmann Elementary in line with district values, ensuring a smooth transition and effective leadership.

What does it mean to be an Argyle Eagle?

Being an Argyle Eagle means embodying excellence, resilience, and camaraderie. We’re committed to academic success, personal growth, and supporting each other. Together, we confront challenges, celebrate triumphs, and uphold our proud tradition of community and pride.

How do you envision moving forward and building on Argyle ISD’s legacy of excellence?

My strategy is to advance thoughtfully, building on Argyle ISD’s legacy of excellence. I’ll foster collaboration, innovate education, and ensure every student thrives. By refining programs and strengthening partnerships, we’ll adapt to students’ evolving needs and provide comprehensive support.

I believe that art education is an integral part of a child’s education. It’s so important that it is a positive experience. Children need to feel good about what they are creating, so they can recognize and appreciate art throughout their lives. Not everyone can be an artist, but they can appreciate the beauty, and effort that go into art. I hope JRE can foster that.

What are your most memorable moments or experiences from your time as an art teacher?

When I saw children move from insecurity to confidence, watching them become independent artists.I loved seeing former students bring their children to be enrolled!

What does it mean to be an Argyle Eagle?

An Argyle Eagle is a symbol of excellence. Students are proud to be Eagles. They are lifelong learners, striving to excel, growing up confident and compassionate.

What led you to a career in education and art?

I remember coloring in kindergarten, building with clay in fourth grade, taking arts and crafts in junior high, and printmaking and sculpture in high school. My dad was a huge influence. He was an amateur photographer. He always built a darkroom in each home we owned, and I loved spending time with him there. Sadly he passed before I started at Argyle.

As someone who dedicated 40 years to Argyle ISD, how do you see the district growing and building on its tradition of excellence?

I see the huge growth, and I’m impressed with the recognition of students, faculty and administration that I see daily in social media. I love being able to find out how things are going. I see positive progress! The core values the school had 45 years ago are still holding strong,

Eagle

Honoring Eagle Excellence

What a great night of celebrating the excellence of our Eagle students and staff! The Argyle ISD Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Wednesday, December 13, to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Argyle ISD students and staff.

The School Board Fall Recognitions Night was held in the Argyle High School auditorium. This event, held twice a year in the spring and fall, will replace recognitions during regularly scheduled monthly Board meetings. This was an exciting first event and we greatly appreciate all the students, staff, coaches, directors and families who were part of this night.

Argyle ISD will host the spring recognition Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

The Board recognized more than 100 students and staff including...

• National Merit Semifinalists

• AHS Team Tennis

• AHS Girls’ Cross Country

• AHS Boys’ Cross Country

• Lady Eagle Volleyball

• Eagle Football

• UIL Congressional Debate

• AHS Marching Band

• Soaring Star Staff Award Winners

• College Board Academic Award Winners

New AMS Principal

Takes the Helm in Fall

Argyle ISD has named Dona Lumsden as the new Argyle Middle School Principal starting in the 2024-2025 school year.

Mrs. Lumsden currently serves as the Hilltop Elementary Principal in Argyle ISD. She started her career in public education in 2004 and has more than 15 years of combined experience in secondary administration and teaching. She joined AISD as an AMS Assistant Principal in 2018.

Mrs. Lumsden, who will begin her new role next school year, also served 14 years at Lake Dallas Middle School. She takes over the role previously held by Scott Gibson, who served as AMS Principal for 15 years until his tragic passing on January 27.

Mrs. Lumsden served as an Assistant Principal under Mr. Gibson at AMS from 2018-2020.

“Argyle Middle School is where I fell in love with Argyle ISD, and I’m honored with the opportunity to return,” Mrs.

Lumsden said. “I know firsthand that it’s special to be a part of the AMS staff, and I’m excited to serve our students, families, and community with them.”

She added, “It will be important to me to honor Scott Gibson and never forget the incredible legacy he has left for us to carry on.”

Mrs. Lumsden will remain at Hilltop Elementary through the end of the school year as she prepares for the transition to AMS. The process for hiring the next

Hilltop Principal will begin in March.

“We are confident Mrs. Lumsden exemplifies the characteristics that the AMS teachers, parents and students prioritize and is committed to honoring the legacy of Mr. Gibson,” said Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Courtney Carpenter. “She is an excellent leader, fosters relationships, and her valuable experience at the secondary school level will be instrumental to the continued success of AMS.”

Remembering Mr. Gibson

In loving memory of Argyle Middle School Principal Scott Gibson (19742024), a cherished leader whose legacy continues to resonate throughout the Argyle ISD community.

Mr. Gibson, 49, dedicated nearly 30 years to public education, serving as a teacher, coach, and administrator before joining Argyle ISD in 2006. He transitioned from Assistant Principal to AMS Principal in 2009, leaving an indelible mark on students and colleagues alike.

Throughout his career, Mr. Gibson embodied a philosophy centered on making a positive impact in the lives of every child. He believed in fostering a nurturing environment that addressed

students’ academic, social, and emotional needs, guided by the trust built through genuine relationships.

His commitment to excellence and passion for education leave a lasting legacy of compassion and integrity at Argyle ISD. As Principal Gibson said, “The top priority of an educator is to work to make a positive impact in the life of a child.”

A heartfelt Celebration of Life took place at Argyle Middle School on Feb. 10, 2024, honoring the memory of Mr. Gibson, who not only served as principal of AMS but also coached his daughter’s youth basketball team.

The event was a poignant tribute, where those lives Mr. Gibson touched

shared cherished memories captured in a myriad of photos and heartfelt testimonies. The gathering drew more than 1,000 from the local community, including his fellow church members, cherished friends, and family, all coming together to honor his remarkable legacy.

Mr. Gibson leaves behind a deeply beloved family, including his immediate family, ensuring his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he held dear.

If you would like to assist the family or a charitable organization dear to Scott Gibson, scan the code to go to the Argyle ISD website page for more details.

District Launches Soaring Hearts Program Honoring Mr. Gibson

As a tribute to AMS Principal Scott Gibson, Argyle ISD is launching the Soaring Hearts program. It is an initiative aimed at supporting students and families in need that are right here in our community. Inspired by Mr. Gibson’s giving and compassionate spirit, the program will run as an ongoing monthly donation drive, embracing his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of students.

Starting in February, the Soaring Hearts program launched with a Hoodie Haul, collecting brand-new hoodies, sweatshirts, sweaters and jackets during the month to distribute to our Eagles in need. Each month will continue with a different donation item or theme.

Collection boxes are located at each campus in the front entrance vestibule. Please consider supporting this program, embracing our community’s commitment to supporting its own, and honoring Scott Gibson’s legacy by showing that our community’s heart continues to soar.

TSoaring to Success! Elementa ry Campuses Compete at UIL Academic District Meet

his is where it all starts in Argyle ISD. Call it the origin story of Argyle ISD’s UIL Academic competition success!

Congratulations to our outstanding Elementary UIL Academic students on the success of their recent District Meet!

It is a long-standing tradition in Argyle ISD and it continues to be the foundation of the incredible UIL Academic achievements at the secondary level.

Over 300 students in grades 2-5 from all three of the Argyle

ISD elementary campuses competed in events including art, chess, creative writing, number sense, music memory, and much more.

Special shout out to UIL Coordinators Shelly Moses, Hillary Laird, and April Torres, and to the many coaches that work so hard and are so dedicated to making this contest so successful.

Huge thank you to Eagle Partner Argyle United Methodist Church for graciously opening their doors for this event.

AMS One-Act Steals the Show!

What a great job by the Argyle Middle School One-Act Play cast and crew for winning the UIL Invitational OAP Contest in Feburary at AMS!

The “Peter and the Starcatcher” production has been both challenging and extremely rewarding for our talented students. Congratulations to these outstanding Eagles and we are so proud!

Morgan Kempton - Best Performer

Ty Turek - All-Star Cast

Kobe Clark - All-Star Cast

Jaycie Callaway - Honorable Mention All-Star Cast

Chloe Matwijiw - All-Star Technician

Argyle High School Moving UIL Districts

The University Interscholastic League’s (UIL) Biennial Realignment and Reclassification was released on Feb. 1.

The new district alignments will compete in the 2024-2025 and 20252026 school years.

Argyle High School will be moving into the new District 3-5A in Class 5A Division II Region II. The Eagles will be competing against a variety of different schools for the next two school years. The rest of the 9-team district includes: Arlington Seguin, Burleson, Colleyville Heritage, Everman, Grapevine, The Colony, Mansfield Summit and Mansfield Timberview.

With nine teams in the district, Argyle will have just two non-district football games. Argyle will play Frisco Lone Star and Midlothian Heritage.

All remaining Argyle sports will compete in the new District 6-5A. The 7-team league is very familiar to the current district and includes Colleyville Heritage, Grapevine, Denton, Denton Ryan, Birdville, and Richland.

“We are excited to continue rivalries with teams from our current district,” said Chance Westmoreland, Argyle ISD Assistant Athletic Director and Girls Basketball Coach. “Our current district is one of the most competitive in the state, and we have done a great job of adapting to 5A competition. We look forward to continuing to compete with these schools.”

ANo Debating It! AHS Senior Soars to 13th at State

rgyle High School senior Caleb Leonard knows his way around the State Capitol Building! He made his third consecutive trip to the UIL Congressional Debate State Tournament during January.

After eight hours of debate competition, Caleb finished 13th overall at state. To put that number into perspective, about 700 students competed at the region level in Class 5A and only 51 students qualified for the state meet. Caleb finished in rare debate company at AHS with a top-15 finish and ended his high school career with three consecutive trips to the state meet.

So how tough is it to reach the state meet? They were soaring together with this effort!

The rest of the Argyle congress team put in countless hours of prep work to help Caleb get to the state finals. Congress required students to research and prepare speeches on 20 different bills and resolutions.

Each bill or resolution has its own unique topic and policy that it is trying to create. There is only about a month to prepare and two weeks of that is Christmas break, so it is always a very tight turnaround to get all of the prep finished. All five of these students came together and spent countless hours researching and writing speeches to help Caleb to succeed. They wrote over 150 pages of speeches for this state meet.

We also congratulate Debate Coach Jessica Reynolds and debate team members Grant Parris, Addison High, Jack Dillon, and Liyah Cha

AHS Musicians Soar!

ALL-STATE CHOIR

Big news for AHSl Choir! Junior Griffen St. James has been named to the 2024 All-State Tenor Bass Choir!

With this honor, Griffen traveled to San Antonio from February 7-10 to be part of this very elite choir. Griffen has put in countless hours of work and competed against hundreds of singers for this opportunity. We are so proud of Griffen for this outstanding achievement. He is also a member of Remedy A Capella.

Congratulations, Griffen!!

ALL-STATE & ALL-AREA BAND

Congratulations to the Argyle High School band students who recently auditioned for the prestigious TMEA All-State Band. They will proudly represent Argyle in the Class 5A All-State Band in February.

Breaking records, the AHS Band program celebrated an incredible achievement with a total of 16 students who qualified to audition for the All-State band. They also had the highest number of 5A students qualifying for the State Ensemble.

Congrats to the musicians who soared in competition (see photos to the right).

ALL-STATE BAND STUDENTS

• Ava Sankey - Flute

• Rayne Haesley - Flute

• Ethan Duncan - Clarinet

• Aidan Nam - Alto Saxophone

• Pascal Omotayo - Tenor Saxophone

• Pierce Lowe - Percussion

ALL-AREA BAND STUDENTS

• Bradley Gover - Flute

• Braden May - Clarinet

• Alexis Nam - Clarinet

• Jacob Bird - French Horn

• Stephan Omotayo - French Horn

• Hudson Miley - Trumpet

• Addison Crawford - Trombone

• Jonah Bird - Trombone

• Hayden Blakcmon - Euphonium

• Efren Moreno - Tuba

Grand Champion

The Argyle High School and Argyle Middle School Majestics combined to produce amazing performances during the beginning of competition season in late February.

Congratulations to these outstanding Majestics dancers for their performance at the Showtime International Competition.

“The girls have worked incredibly hard for these competitions, putting in countless hours, early mornings, and community perfor mances to prepare,” said Majestics Director Haley Martinez.

“These girls are not only performers, but athletes, and I could not be more proud to call myself their director — from getting to start this program seven years ago with only 11 dancers, to now almost 70 when all three teams are together. I could not be more thankful for the support that the community has sent us.”

VARSITY AWARDS - Individual Awards

Averie Fleck — HS Solo Winner

Overall Highest Scoring Solo receiving a scholarship

Ellie Burt HS — Solo Runner-Up

Senior Ensemble — 1st Place

TEAM AWARDS

Sweepstakes and Judges awards for all routines

Varsity Team Jazz — 1st Place

Varsity Team Novelty — 1st Place

Varsity Team Pom — 1st Place

JV AWARDS

Sweepstakes and Judges awards for all routines

JV Team Jazz — 1st Place

JV Team Pom — 1st Place

JV Team Novelty — 1st Place

Overall Grand Champion JV Team

MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS - Individual Awards

Isla Barnhill — 1st Place MS Solo

Libby Burt — 2nd Place MS Solo

Madeline Vissers — 3rd Place MS Solo

Small Ensemble — 1st Place

TEAM AWARDS

Sweepstakes and Judges awards for all routines

Middle School Team Jazz — 1st Place

Middle School Team Pom — 1st Place

Overall Grand Champion MS Team

Non-Varsity At Large — 2nd Place

Let’s Hear It for AHS! AHS Cheer Takes 8th at State

Ah uge round of applause to the AHS Cheerleaders for their outstanding 8th -place finish at the UIL Spirit State Championships in early January.

The competition, held at the Fort Worth Convention Center, included 66 teams competing in the Class 5A Division 2 Division. Erin Lemish and Diana Nolasco coach the cheerleaders.

The competition was intense, with two rounds, including prelims on day one. Our amazing cheerleaders secured a spot in the top 20, advancing to the Day Two Finals. The cheer performance included a three-minute routine incorporating a band dance, crowd-leading cheer, and fight song.

“Dedicating all of our time and energy to both our competition preparation and supporting all of our other AHS programs, we are very excited about our finish this year,” Coach Lemish said. “Our commitment to improvement drives us, and we look forward to raising the bar each year.”Congratulations to the entire AHS cheerleading team for this incredible achievement!

Great Honor Journalism & Media Advisor Wins State Recognition

What a great honor!

Argyle High School Journalism teacher and The Talon media advisor Stacy Short has been named a recipient of the prestigious Edith Fox King Award by the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC). The award will be presented during the ILPC State Convention at The University of Texas at Austin, scheduled for April 19-21.

The ILPC is one of the nation’s largest state high school associations of student newspapers, broadcasts, yearbooks, and online news programs. Short’s exceptional contributions to scholastic journalism in Texas and her dedication to her students earned her this esteemed recognition.

The Interscholastic League Press Conference, an affiliate of the University Interscholastic League, is one of the nation’s largest state high school associations of student newspapers, broadcasts, yearbooks, and online news programs.

Short received the award for her outstanding contributions to scholastic journalism in Texas and dedication to her students.

The EFK Award is truly a special award because teachers are nominated by their colleagues. Lewisville ISD journalism teacher Corey Hale, who nominated Ms. Short, said: “Her students have won many big-time awards, but just seeing their constant presence at state and national workshops and conventions, it’s clear how much Stacy and Argyle journalism have made an impact on numerous lives at Argyle High School.”

ILPC director Alyssa Boehringer agrees.

“Through my own career as a journalism teacher and as director of UIL journalism, I could always depend on Stacy to help students and advisers and share helpful resources to make us all better teachers,” she said. “Whether it be in print journalism, online news, broadcasting, film or UIL journalism contests, Stacy developed her students into fierce competitors and incredible storytellers. She is more than deserving of this award.”

Stacy Short

Excellence at AHS

UIL Honors Outstanding Sponsors

Drop the confetti! It’s time for a huge celebration! Argyle High School’s Rashidur Rahman has been chosen to receive the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Sponsor Excellence Award.

Mr. Rahman is our UIL Accounting, Computer Science, and Computer Applications coach and has been a huge part of the academic team’s success since he has been with Argyle. His accounting teams regularly have the highest scores in the state. He is beloved by all who know him and is one of our hardest workers!

While consistently guiding his students to the UIL Academic State Meet, the last three years have witnessed remarkable success in these events.

Under Mr. Rahman’s leadership, the accounting team secured the state title, achieving the highest team score across all conferences. In computer science, his teams have consistently placed in the topthree each year. This collective success has significantly contributed to AHS, which has won the Academic Team State Championship an impressive 16 times in Mr. Rahman’s 20 years of coaching.

The UIL announced the 15 distinguished recipients of the 2023 UIL Sponsor Excellence Award for educators who have demonstrated unparalleled commitment to students’ extracurricular development in Texas.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges in the areas of academics, athletics and music from nominations submitted by school principals and superintendents across the state.

The award, now in its 33rd year, was created to identify and recognize outstanding sponsors who enable students to develop and refine their extracurricular talents to the highest degree possible.

“The commitment and dedication of sponsors, coaches and directors, exempli-

Rashidur Rahman

fied by these award winners, are the driving force behind the invaluable benefits of interscholastic competition and student performance,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt.

“The UIL takes pride in acknowledging and honoring these exceptional individuals with this prestigious award.”

Each winner will receive $1,000 and a

symbolic memento from the UIL in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the pursuit of educational excellence through interscholastic competition.

The League continually strives to strengthen and promote the role of extracurricular activities in Texas through programs like the UIL Sponsor Excellence Award.

School Board Approves Next Year’s Calendar

The Argyle ISD 2024-2025 School Calendar was approved by the Board of Trustees during the Jan. 16 regular meeting. Be sure to view the calendar for key dates for the next school year.

The first day of school will be Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Here are some noteworthy dates:

• First Day of School — Wed., Aug. 14

• New Eagle Academy (new teacher orientation) — Aug. 1-2 & 5

• October Student Holidays Oct. 11-16

• Thanksgiving Break — Nov. 25-29

• Winter Break — Dec. 20-Jan. 6

• Spring Break — March 10-14

• Bad Weather Days —March 9 & April 21

• AHS Graduation —Tues., May 20 at UNT

Have A Question?

This is your platform to ask questions, seek clarification, or report any inaccuracies you come across regarding Argyle ISD. Whether it’s about information you’ve seen or heard, or you need more details about a topic, we’re here to help. Fill out the Just Ask Argyle Form at argyleisd.com. Or you can send your message, including any screenshots other attachments to ask@argyleisd.com.

OARGYLE ISD NEEDS YOUR HELP!

ur high-performing district is at risk of significant funding reductions that could impact AISD’s ability to appropriately plan for growth, as well as adequately offer award-winning programs and innovative student opportunities.

Please continue sending emails via TakeActionArgyle.com. We still need your phone calls! Contact our Governor, Senator, and State Representatives to advocate how critical it is to add public school funding to this special session.

Argyle ISD is providing our stakeholders with a phone script on what to say and who to contact on TakeActionArgyle.com to make this process easier for each of you.

Throughout the 88th legislative session in Texas, and again in four special sessions, our leaders did not agree on legislation that would fully fund Texas public schools. Presently:

• Argyle ISD is one of few districts in the state that has received the Formula Transition Grant since 2019 and faces a significant funding cliff beginning with the 2024-25 fiscal year when FTG expires,

• Argyle ISD is still subject to losing approximately $250,000 via the Robin Hood formula of “recapture,”

• And there has been NO CHANGE to the basic allotment despite 40-year record inflation.

New Silver Eagles Program

Argyle ISD held its first SILVER EAGLE meeting during the fall semester! We were so excited to welcome nearly 30 members to the opening kickoff meeting!

This is the first year of the district-level Silver Eagles. The purpose is to connect and engage with these community members and keep them informed about Argyle ISD.

We are making plans for a second meeting during the spring to tour the campuses! The program is exclusively available to Argyle ISD residents aged 60 and over.

During the first meeting, the Silver Eagles were treated to a special performance by Argyle High School’s Remedy A Cappella group! Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Courtney Carpenter also shared a district presentation, and we got to know a little about each Silver Eagle.

Silver Eagles also received a membership card, which includes free access to all Eagle home athletic events.

If you know someone interested in joining the Silver Eagles program, please contact the Argyle ISD Communications Department at communications@argyleisd.com.

#TogetherWeSoar

Do you know a SOARING STAR that’s making a difference? Nominate them for the Soaring Star! Join us in celebrating the incredible contributions of Argyle ISD employees who strive to make a difference in the lives of our students and community. Together, we can acknowledge and honor those who make Argyle ISD an exceptional place to learn and grow.

To make this recognition even more special, the SOARING STAR AWARD winner will receive a $100 gift card, generously sponsored by our district Eagle Partners. Argyle ISD is dedicated to fostering a culture of appreciation and support throughout our educational community.

Who can nominate a teacher or staff member?

Fellow staff members, students, parents, and members of the community.

Please complete the form by scanning the QR code below and include a detailed description on how your nominee displays Argyle ISD’s Core Values.

1. Excellence - We believe in the tradition of excellence based on the highest levels of integrity, innovation, and personal achievement.

2. Respectful Relationships - We believe in a community of supportive and positive relationships because together we are stronger.

3. Honest Communication - We believe in the dignity of all people and communicating with honesty and respect.

4. Security - We believe in the highest quality safety resources and services that foster an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.

5. Kindness - We believe in a welcoming environment that cultivates compassion and a sense of belonging.

Don’t Miss Ranger Night

Get your tickets now! We are excited to announce the Texas Rangers are hosting Argyle ISD Night again this year! That’s your World Champion Texas Rangers!

It’s a great time of year to enjoy this night. School will be out and this special night is Monday, June 3 at 7:05 pm when the Rangers face the Detroit Tigers at Globe Life Field. If you have never been to the new park, here’s your chance. Wear your Argyle Eagles gear and represent Argyle Nation at the park!

This event also includes the special Argyle/ Ranger branded hat promotion. Each year it’s a new hat and there’s a cool new look for this year’s version. Hats are only available through the ticket promotion online. So be sure to use the special portal link during the purchasing process. The hats will be available for pickup at the gate.

Show off your new Argyle/Rangers hat at the game, take a pic and share on social media!