AHS
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S.T.E.P. Program
photos courtesy of Michele Heyns
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f you have ever had a chance to see Coach Blake Dunham working in his element at Argyle High School, you would see someone passionate about making a difference in his students’ lives. Another thing that makes his job so special is that Blake is an Argyle ISD graduate and a former football player for the Argyle Eagles. Dunham has been working in the Special Education Department at Argyle High School since January of 2017. He started his career with the district as an Aide in the STEP class. While working as an Aide, he attended school to earn his teaching certification in Special Education. After earning his certification in the fall of 2018, he became the STEP class teacher at AHS. Dunham is also the Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach for football and the Assistant Boys Soccer coach. Before coming to AHS, he worked as a restaurant manager for Radical Hospitality. Radical Hospitality concepts
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• Argyle Insights • Spring 2021
consist of LSA Burger, Barley & Board, Earl’s 377, Bumbershoot BBQ, Kimzey’s Coffee, and, most recently, St. Argyle’s. Blake graduated from the University of North Texas in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts & Science and was a three-year letterman on the UNT football team. He met his wife, Maddie, at North Texas, and they married in June of 2017. Blake and Maddie have a son named Beckett, who will be two years old at the end of February. Their daughter, Birdie, is expected to arrive soon. The STEP program at AHS is a transitional education plan for students, blending academics, social skills, and job training together to set students up for success after graduation. In addition to learning core subjects and electives, students have an opportunity to work on developing different strengths, skills, and building confidence towards furthering their education after high school and earning gainful employment.
“As we have all experienced, 2020 brought many new concerns and challenges. Unfortunately, some of this has limited our ability to do certain activities, trips, and community job instruction that we have done in the past. However, I’m very proud of how well our students have adapted to these changes. They still bring a wonderful attitude to school every day and work very hard. In addition to lessons and preparation for independent living and job training, our students still do a number of different activities and jobs throughout the building,” said Dunham. The STEP class runs Argyle High School’s recycling program. Twice a week, students work together to manage the collection of recyclables from each teacher’s classroom at AHS. The class also makes weekly Sonic drink deliveries to staff members who like a treat on Friday. Students are responsible for collecting the teacher’s money, giving change if needed, and personally delivering the
