Athens ISD

🐝 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

7 months 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!

7 months 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

7 months 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

7 months 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

7 months 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.

🎭 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

7 months 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.

🎭 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

7 months 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.

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

7 months 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!

7 months 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

7 months ago, AHS ELA

👏 BIG WIN for senior Blaine DeShazo: He brought home Reserve Grand Champion in the Hampshire class at the HCLS!!! Way to represent and make us proud, Blaine! #HornetNation

7 months ago, Toni Clay

Blind the shades are showing his pig in the pen

🐝 Hooray for Athens FFA members (l-r) Eddie Cleto, Yahir Medina, Luis Pina, Antony Rondan, and Diego Madera for earning Overall Best Team Showmanship in the Ag Mechanics division at the Henderson County Livestock Show! 🏆 The team built a 14-foot welding trailer almost entirely from scratch — including custom toolboxes and workbenches — and wowed the judges with their deep knowledge of every aspect of the build. From interpreting AutoCAD plans and following safety protocols to presenting their project as a market-ready product, these students showed what hard work, teamwork, and skill look like. We're so proud of you all! 👏 #HornetNation

7 months ago, Toni Clay

Five high school students wearing matching dark shirts and jeans stand in front of a black welding trailer inside a livestock show arena. They are posing proudly, with bleachers and red railings visible in the background.

🔥⚽️ AREA PLAYOFF GAME DAY! ⚽️🔥 Our BI-DISTRICT CHAMPION Lady Hornets take on Spring Hill in the area round of playoffs today, March 25, at 5:30pm at Rose Stadium in Tyler! 🎟️ Tickets are $5 adults; $3 students and available online at: https://tylerisd.hometownticketing.com/embed/all 👜 Clear bag policy in effect. Let’s pack the stands, make a lot of noise and support our team! #HornetNation

7 months ago, Toni Clay

The Athens Lady Hornets soccer team poses for a group photo in front of a goalpost on a turf field. The players are wearing white uniforms with maroon numbers, and the coaching staff stands on either end of the group. The team is smiling and celebrating their bi-district playoff win under a bright blue sky.

👉 What’s in the 2025 Athens ISD bond package? Check out the bond fact sheet for a breakdown and get more details (including answers to some common questions) at www.athensisdbond.com. Early voting is April 22–29 and Election Day is May 3. #HornetNation

7 months ago, Toni Clay

Informational flyer for the Athens ISD 2025 bond proposal. Highlights include a new early childhood center, a new addition for Early College High School, auditorium and library renovations at Athens High School, a new Ag Science barn, traffic relief and new CTE classrooms at Athens Middle School, a covered activity center, and renovations at multiple elementary campuses. The total proposed bond amount is $121.5 million. A bold notice states there will be zero tax rate increase if the bond is approved. Early voting is April 22–29, and Election Day is May 3. Website for more info: www.athensisdbond.com.

👑 Congratulations to the 2025 Henderson County Livestock Show Princess Reese Ann Tappan! Reese, a fifth grader at Central Athens Elementary, is representing our community with grace and charm. We’re so proud of you, Reese — way to shine! #HornetNation

7 months ago, Toni Clay

Reese is smiling for the camera wearing a white jacket in a black cowboy hat with jeans and pink boots that match her pink blouse

Reese is wearing a black cowboy hat and a sheer black blouse with white polkadots and a banner that says Henderson County live stock show Princess

Seniors Cooper Rich (left) and Isaac Hoch are two-time state champions in CX debate! The duo went undefeated, earning unanimous 3-0 decisions in every paneled round. Their victory marks Athens ISD’s sixth state title in CX debate since 2014. What a legacy! #HornetNation

7 months ago, Toni Clay

Seniors Cooper Rich (left) and Isaac Hoch smile while holding their state championship plaque for CX debate. Both are wearing medals and suits, standing in front of a blue UIL backdrop with red and white stars and Texas symbols.

🐂 Class Champion! Central Athens Elementary fifth-grader Reese Ann Tappan and her 2-year-old Red Brahman, Riqa (AKA: Moreno Ms. Lady Riqa 976/3), dominated the ring at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, earning the prestigious title of Class Champion. Last year, Riqa placed second in her class, but this year, the powerhouse duo took it to the next level. As a dedicated member of Athens Junior FFA, Reese is proving that supervised agricultural experiences start young. #HornetNation 👏👏 #HornetNation

8 months ago, Toni Clay

Attention Senior Parents! Time is running out to order a yearbook! And don't forget to celebrate a senior's journey with a personalized ad in the yearbook! Senior ads are the perfect way to honor their achievements, share pride, and give them a keepsake they'll cherish forever. 💡 Why purchase a senior ad? ✔️ Highlight your senior’s accomplishments ✔️ Share heartfelt messages and favorite photos ✔️ Give them a lasting memory of this milestone ⏳ Deadline to purchase ads: March 7 📍 Order now at: yearbookordercenter.com. School code: 6927 Space is limited, so don’t wait! Let’s make this year’s yearbook unforgettable! 🎉📸 #SeniorAds #ClassOf2025 #MemoriesThatLast

8 months ago, AHS Yearbook

👉 If your student receives special education services through an IEP, they may be eligible for a one-time $1,500 grant through the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program! Use the grant for: 📚 Books, laptops, tablets and school supplies 🎨 Sensory & therapeutic items 📖 Tutoring, therapy, social skills classes, and more! 🗓 Application deadline is March 31, 2025. First come, first served! 🔗 Apply & Learn More: https://bit.ly/pdsesGrant

8 months ago, Toni Clay

A digital flyer titled "Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) – Program Overview" outlines a $1,500 one-time grant available to parents of Texas public school students who receive special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled in a Texas public school (PK-12) Must receive special education services through an IEP Must not have previously received a Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) or PDSES grant (one-time grant only) Grant Benefits – What Can Be Purchased? 📚 Educational Goods: Books, laptops, school supplies, tablets, sensory & therapeutic items 🎓 Educational Services: Tutoring, therapy, social skills classes, camps Application Details: 🗓 Application Window: Feb. 3 – March 31, 2025 (First come, first served!) 💻 Apply & Learn More: PDSES.TEA.TEXAS.GOV 📞 Need Help? Call 1-855-773-3839 or email PDSESHelp@Region10.org A note at the bottom reminds families that funds are limited and encourages them to apply as soon as the window opens.

Un volante digital titulado "Servicios de Educación Especial Dirigidos por los Padres (PDSES) – Descripción General del Programa" explica una subvención única de $1,500 disponible para los padres de estudiantes de escuelas públicas de Texas (PK-12) que reciben servicios de educación especial a través de un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP). Requisitos de Elegibilidad: Estar inscrito en una escuela pública de Texas (PK-12) Recibir servicios de educación especial a través de un IEP No haber recibido previamente una subvención de SSES o PDSES (es una subvención única) Beneficios – ¿Qué se puede comprar? 📚 Bienes educativos: Libros, computadoras portátiles, tabletas, suministros escolares, objetos sensoriales, artículos terapéuticos 🎓 Servicios educativos: Tutoría, terapia, clases de habilidades sociales, campamentos Detalles de la Solicitud: 🗓 Plazo de solicitud: 📅 3 de febrero – 31 de marzo de 2025 (Por orden de llegada – cupo limitado) 🔗 Solicita y obtén más información: PDSES.TEA.TEXAS.GOV 📞 ¿Necesitas ayuda? Llama al 1-855-773-3839 o envía un correo a PDSESHelp@Region10.org ⏳ Si tu hijo(a) es elegible, solicita tan pronto como se abra la convocatoria. 🚀

🎉 We're putting the spotlight on the very wonderful Henry Thornton. Mr. Thornton, a former teacher and principal at another district, volunteered for 14 years(!) at Athens High School. He served as a student liaison by befriending hundreds of students — showing kind interest in their lives and encouraging them toward their futures. While he's been absent from the building a few years now, Mr. Thornton still cheers on many of the students he connected with, as well as the staff. We miss you, Mr. Thornton, and we THANK YOU! ❤️👏 #HornetNation

8 months ago, Toni Clay

Photo of an older man leaning back against a recliner holding a plaque that reads: Athens ISD, Mr. Henry Thornton, Athens ISD appreciates your service to our students! 14 years of service as an AISD volunteer.