SPRING IS IN THE AIR IN ALLEN ISD A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT BULLOCK

Each season of the year has a special connection with the school calendar. Fall marks the beginning of a new year, winter sees the closing of one semester and the beginning of another, spring is a time to finish on a strong note, and summer provides everyone a chance to catch their breath before we begin a new school year.

I know opinions will vary, but I consider the spring season to be the best time of the school calendar. The weather is beginning to warm up, students are finishing up another full year of progress in learning, and graduation is on the horizon. Add in special events like prom, field day, and scholarship celebrations and you can almost feel the buzz of excitement throughout the District.

Another great spring tradition in Allen ISD is our end-of-the-year awards banquet for staff members. The banquet, traditionally held in the final weeks of the school year, provides us the chance to celebrate and recognize the outstanding staff members who dedicate themselves to our students.

The District presents a number of awards at this banquet, including recognition of the Teachers of the Year, Paraprofessionals of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Bright Idea Awards (for new and innovative ideas in our District). We also bid farewell to the staff members who have chosen to retire after a distinguished career in education. Having all of those wonderful individuals in the same room creates a special atmosphere that I cherish every year. Our teachers and staff put their students first in everything they do, especially when it comes to celebrations and recognitions. Educators spend so much time honoring the successes of students and are often the last to acknowledge the impact they have made themselves.

This banquet is a chance to slow down, reminisce on a successful school year, and laud many of our award-winning staff.

After we take down the decorations from the banquet, it’s only a few short days until Allen High School’s graduation. If you’ve never witnessed an Allen Eagle commencement ceremony –trust me, it’s truly a sight to behold. The field at Eagle Stadium is brimming with eager seniors in their graduation regalia, and the stands are filled with joyful family members. I have the privilege of shaking hands with each senior as they cross the stage, and the look on each of their faces reaffirms my decision to serve as a lifelong educator. The educational journey of each student is unique, with different classes, different successes, and different struggles creating a one-of-a-kind path for every graduating senior. Regardless of the route they have taken, each graduate will end up with a diploma from Allen High School and limitless opportunities in the future.

Between our awards banquet and Graduation, it’s easy to see why I love springtime. Honestly, it’s a blessing to learn, work, and grow in Allen ISD no matter the time of year.

I look forward to seeing many of you at one of the many exciting springtime events here in Allen ISD. Let’s all finish the school year strong and have a wonderful Summer Break!

Sincerely,

Robin Bullock, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools