Athens ISD

🎯 We're celebrating with Athens Middle School seventh-grader Lee Kessner today! Lee received his plaques for placing 3rd in both target shooting and 3D (animal targets) at the Texas NASP State Tournament in March. His strong performances qualifies him to compete in the upcoming Nationals Tournament! The awards were presented during his lunch period by Texas Parks & Wildlife Archery Specialist Adam Lewis, joined by Archery Coach Jonathan Hill. We're proud of you, Lee! 👏 #HornetNation

about 12 hours ago, Toni Clay

Three individuals stand together indoors against a brick and metal backdrop. In the center, Athens Middle School seventh-grader Lee Kessner holds two award plaques from the Texas NASP State Tournament. On the left is Texas Parks & Wildlife Archery Specialist Adam Lewis, and on the right is Archery Coach Jonathan Hill, both smiling proudly.

Athens Middle School student Lee Kessner stands alone in front of a brick wall, holding two award plaques. One features a bear and reads “Third Place Middle School Male – 3D Challenge,” while the other shows the outline of Texas and recognizes his third-place finish in target shooting at the 2025 NASP State Tournament.

📢 Texas law (HB3) requires all school district bond election ballots to include the phrase “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE" — even if the bond does not raise the tax rate. Athens ISD’s strong tax base would allow the district to make payments, should the bond pass, without increasing the district's debt service tax rate, which has remained at 39 cents per $100 valuation since 2016. In short, no tax rate increase is attached to this bond proposal. #HornetNation

1 day ago, Toni Clay

Graphic explaining that although Proposition A on the Athens ISD bond election ballot will state “This is a property tax increase,” it is not actually a tax rate increase. The top section has a bold heading saying “THE BALLOT WILL SAY:” followed by “PROPOSITION A” and the mandated phrase. Text clarifies that state law requires this language on all school bond ballots, even when no tax rate increase is involved. A note explains that Athens ISD’s debt tax rate will not increase if the bond is approved. The phrase “ZERO TAX RATE INCREASE” is prominently displayed at the bottom in bold text.

Gráfico que explica que, aunque la boleta de la elección de bonos de Athens ISD diga “Esto es un aumento del impuesto a la propiedad” para la Propuesta A, en realidad no habrá un aumento en la tasa del impuesto. En la parte superior, un encabezado en negrita dice “LA BOLETA DIRÁ:” seguido de “PROPUESTA A” y la frase requerida por ley. El texto aclara que la ley estatal exige ese lenguaje en todas las boletas de bonos escolares, aunque no haya aumento de impuestos. Se incluye una nota indicando que la tasa de impuestos de deuda de Athens ISD no aumentará si se aprueba la propuesta. En la parte inferior se destaca en letras grandes: “SIN AUMENTO EN LA TASA DE IMPUESTOS.”

🙌 To no one's surprise, sophomore McCager Smith turned in an outstanding performance at the UIL 4A Region 2 track meet in Commerce, placing second in discus with a powerful throw of 181 feet, 8 inches. Now he’s headed BACK to Austin for the state meet on May 1! McCager brought home the bronze last year. We're so happy to have you represent #HornetNation again, McCager! 🐝

1 day ago, Toni Clay

McCager Smith, wearing an Athens track uniform and a silver medal, stands on the second-place podium at Ernest Hawkins Field. He is smiling beside the first- and third-place finishers at the UIL 4A Region 2 track meet.

🗳️ EARLY VOTING STARTS TODAY! The main location is at the county election office, 201 East Larkin Street in Athens. See the graphic for a list of all locations, dates & times. For more information, visit www.athensisdbond.com.

2 days ago, Toni Clay

The graphic titled “Early Voting Locations” provides details for the Athens ISD 2025 bond election. The main early voting location is the Henderson County Election Office at 201 East Larkin, Athens, with hours April 22–26 from 8 AM to 5 PM, April 27 from 12 PM to 6 PM, and April 28–29 from 7 AM to 7 PM. Branch early voting locations include Mabank City Hall at 129 East Market Street (same hours as the main location), Gun Barrel City Hall at 1716 West Main Street (April 22–25: 8 AM–5 PM, April 28–29: 7 AM–7 PM), Seven Points City Hall (Temporary Location) at 715 S. Seven Points Blvd. (April 22–25: 8 AM–5 PM, April 28–29: 7 AM–7 PM), and First Methodist Church at 501 North Second Street, Chandler (April 22–25: 8 AM–5 PM, April 28–29: 7 AM–7 PM). The website listed is athensisdbond.com. Early voting runs April 22–29, and Election Day is May 3.

🗳️ Early voting for the AISD bond begins Tuesday, April 22 and runs through Tuesday, April 29. AISD voters can cast their ballots at the Henderson County Election Office in Athens (201 E. Larkin) or at branch locations in Mabank, Gun Barrel City, Seven Points or Chandler. Questions about the bond? Visit www.athensisdbond.com #HornetNation

5 days ago, Toni Clay

🗓️ It’s almost time! Early voting for the Athens ISD bond begins Tuesday, April 22.📍Polling places and times can be found at https://athensisdbond.com/voting/ #HornetNation

7 days ago, Toni Clay

👀 🗳️ On Tuesday, April 22 at 5:30pm, Athens ISD welcomes our community members to tour some of the key areas at Athens High School that would be impacted should voters approve the upcoming bond election. 👉 Among the proposals are a new auditorium and a new Early College High School wing. We'll tour the current facilities used by students in those programs. We will also point out the proposed locations for an ag barn, an early childhood education center, and a covered activity center. ⏰ Meet us at 5:30pm on Tuesday, April 22 in the VISITORS PARKING LOT on the SOUTH SIDE of Bruce Field (off Dul Averiette Street). If you have any questions, email communications@athensisd.net. Hope to see you there! 🐝

8 days ago, Toni Clay

Bold words say: Bond Tour. Smaller words say: See areas related to bond proposal

🤔 Wondering how Athens ISD can issue bonds without raising the tax rate? It all comes down to the growth in our community and rising property values. Check out the graphic to see why the proposed bond won’t require a tax rate increase, and visit www.athensisdbond.com for answers to more questions! 👇 #HornetNation

9 days ago, Toni Clay

🐝 Our Athens Middle School Band earned a Sweepstakes at contest today! 🏆 This is the first Sweepstakes for the AMS Band since 2017, making the achievement even sweeter. 🎶 We’re so proud of these talented students and their amazing director, Michelle Stuckey. Way to go, Hornets!

12 days ago, Toni Clay

✨ ENROLLING A NEW PRE-K OR KINDERGARTEN STUDENT IN AISD THIS FALL? Don’t wait! If your child is not currently enrolled in Athens ISD, you can complete most of the enrollment process online now using FASTPASS. Doing this ahead of time means you’ll move through the April 22 Pre-K & Kindergarten Roundup at Athens High School much faster. Be sure to read the attached checklist for important details & what to bring. 👉 Get started here: https://skyward.iscorp.com/AthensISDTXStuSTS/NewStudentEnrollment/NewGuardianLoginRequest

15 days ago, Toni Clay

Flyer with info about Pre-K3/4 and Kindergarten enrollment for new students in Athens ISD. Roundup is April 22 at Athens High School, 5–7 PM. Families can begin enrolling now online through FASTPASS. No cost for qualifying Pre-K students.

Folleto sobre inscripción de nuevos alumnos de Athens ISD para Pre-K3, Pre-K4 y Kinder. Las inscripciones ya están abiertas en línea con FASTPASS. El evento de inscripción será el 22 de abril en la cafetería de Athens High School, de 5 a 7 PM. Sin coste para alumnos que califican.

🐝 From a new Early Childhood Center to major campus upgrades, the proposed bond includes projects that impact every corner of our district. Learn more at athensisdbond.com. Early voting is April 22–29. Election Day is May 3. #HornetNation

16 days ago, Toni Clay

A graphic titled “Proposed Bond Projects” from Athens Independent School District outlines the proposed $121.5 million bond for 2025. Projects include: • A new Early Childhood Center for PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten, located across from Central Athens Elementary • A new two-story Early College High School addition at AHS for PINNACLE students • A new auditorium and library renovation at AHS • An Ag Science Barn with animal pens, a classroom, and a lab • A Covered Activity Center with turf area, storage, and location near sports fields • Renovations to elementary campuses including cafeteria upgrades, window replacements, and general improvements • Renovation of the Annex Gym for dance and cheer programs • Improvements at AMS: traffic relief, new CTE classroom, new outdoor grass field, new gym flooring, and new bleachers The graphic includes icons for each project and notes early voting dates (April 22–29) and Election Day (May 3), along with the website: athensisdbond.com.

👑 Congratulations to Prom King & Queen Jase Warren and Cloey Peters!

18 days ago, Toni Clay

teenage boy and girl dressed in formal attire wearing crowns

🎉 Strike up the band—it’s time to celebrate! 🎺 The Athens High School Varsity Band has earned the prestigious UIL Sweepstakes Award for the first time since 2016! At the UIL Region 21 Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation in Bullard, our Hornet musicians earned 1st division ratings in both concert performance and sight-reading. Paired with their 1st division at the UIL Marching Contest in October, these results secured this top honor! 🏆 This achievement reflects incredible hard work and dedication. We are so proud! A huge thank you also to our amazing squad of band directors, led by Nick Durham, Band Boosters, parents, and our amazing community! 👏❤️ #HornetNation

19 days ago, Toni Clay

Band on stage being directed by Nick Durham, the band director during the contest

band in marching uniforms smiling in front of bus that says proud of the Hornets

🎣 Big shoutout to our AHS Fishing Team! Tyson and Cooper Rich have qualified for the THSBA Regional Competition on April 26 at Lake Palestine! At the qualifying Cedar Creek Lake tournament, Tyson reeled in four fish totaling 8.95 lbs — enough to advance with his teammate and brother Cooper, who couldn’t fish that day because he was busy winning a second state title in UIL CX Debate! Also representing Athens on the water: 🎣 Conner Lewis & Talyn Lewis – 4.08 lbs 🎣 Logan Castaneda & Oscar de La Cruz – 2.92 lbs 🎣 Donna Carpenter & Tenley Teamann – 1.95 lbs Way to go, Hornets! 💪🔥 #HornetNation

21 days ago, Toni Clay

🙌 Our AHS Choir earned straight 1s (Superior—the highest possible rating!) from all six judges at Tuesday's Region 21 UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation! Their performance met some challenging UIL requirements, including singing at least one piece a cappella (without instruments) and following strict guidelines for language, key and voicing. We're incredibly proud of you all! Great job as well to Choral Director Bridget Scott! 🐝#HornetNation

21 days ago, Toni Clay

A large group of high school choir students, dressed in formal black attire, pose together and smile outside a school building. The students are celebrating and making peace signs, with one student holding up a UIL trophy in the background. The sky is overcast, and the setting includes brick walkways and a school campus.

🎭 One of the proposed projects in the AISD bond election is a new 120-seat auditorium. The current auditorium, built in 1956, is not large enough to accommodate the entire student body. It also lacks many modern features, including a fly system, wing space, updated sound and lighting equipment, accessible seating, and a dedicated loading area for stage equipment. Additional limitations include poor acoustics, outdated restroom and concession areas and inefficient climate control. Additionally, the stage is too small to accommodate the full AHS band for performances. #AthensISDbond2025 #HornetNation

22 days ago, Toni Clay

Collage featuring images of the Athens High School auditorium, built in 1956, showing students, staff, and the band using the space. The top row includes a packed audience and a student performance. The bottom row shows modern auditoriums from Mabank High School, Canton Performing Arts Center, and Eustace High School.

🎭 The Athens Creates Theatre program (ACT) made us proud at the UIL One Act Play District competition, earning the title of alternate and bringing home several individual honors: 🌟 Theo Dennis – Best Performer (only 2 selected out of 160!) 🌟 Ady Petty – All-Star Cast 🌟 Tristen Husband – Honorable Mention All-Star Cast 🌟 Kenzie Warren & Dylan Thornton – All-Star Technicians We are SO PROUD of the entire ACT team and shout out to Director of Theatre Heather Berryhill for doing such excellent work with the program! 👏 #HornetNation

23 days ago, Toni Clay

The Athens Creates Theatre (ACT) team poses proudly with their plaque after the UIL One Act Play District competition. The group of students is dressed in coordinated shades of red and black, with several wearing medals, all smiling in celebration of their achievements.

🎓 We see you, Class of 2025! Only 60 days until graduation. Finish strong! #HornetNation

23 days ago, Toni Clay

Group photo of the Athens High School Class of 2025 standing on Bruce Field, the school’s football stadium. The students are dressed in a variety of school spirit shirts and are lined up in rows across the field with the end zone and fieldhouse in the background.

🤔 We've been asked, "How is it possible for the district to not have to increase the tax rate in order to finance payments on a $121.5 million bond if it passes?" Answer: The taxable value within the school district has increased in such a way as to make this possible — due to many large tracts being divided into multiple smaller tracts, the sale of the smaller tracts, the construction of new residences, the construction of commercial properties, and the market appreciation of existing property. 👉 You'll find several more Q&A's, a list of earmarked projects, and much more by visiting athensisdbond.com. Check it out!

26 days ago, Toni Clay

📚 Student Council Book Drive – Donate Your Gently Used Children's Books! 📚 Athens High School's Student Council is hosting a Book Drive for the month of April, and we need your help! We're collecting gently used children's books to donate to the library, helping young readers discover the joy of books. If you have any slightly used children's books at home, please consider donating! Students can bring books to their English teacher throughout April. Thank you for supporting literacy and making a difference in our community! #AthensBookDrive #DonateBooks #ReadersMakeLeaders

26 days ago, AHS ELA