FALL 2026
Published by Murray-Media.com
The Official Magazine of the Argyle Independent School District
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A Night to
Remember
2026 2026 2026
Celebrating the Class of
For the first time in Argyle ISD history, graduation came home.
The Argyle High School Class of 2026 celebrated a milestone night on their own campus, becoming the first graduating class to walk across the stage in the new Argyle ISD Stadium. With 396 graduates surrounded by family, friends, educators and members of the Argyle community, the evening marked the beginning of a new tradition and the closing of an unforgettable chapter. Graduation was held on Thursday, May 21, 2026. A light drizzle fell throughout the ceremony, but the rain could not dampen the excitement, pride and joy that filled the new stadium. From the processional to the turning of the tassels, the Class of 2026 celebrated with the spirit that has defined their journey of soaring together. The new stadium provided a memorable backdrop for a night filled with cheers, proud families, longtime friendships and dreams of what comes next. As the Class of 2026 stepped into their future, they also became part of Argyle ISD history. This class will forever be remembered as the first group to graduate at home in the new stadium. It was a celebration of a community, a class and a new tradition for Argyle ISD while showcasing a symbol of the district’s growth and future. Congrats Eagles! Keep soaring into your next adventure!
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 3
ARGYLE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES Leigh Ann Artho Board President
Dr. Leona McDade Vice President
Matt Slaton Secretary
Rich McDowell Trustee
Frank Dixon Trustee
Justin Ford Trustee
Sam Slaton Trustee
The Argyle School Board meetings are scheduled for the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Argyle ISD Dr. Telena Wright Administration Building, 6701 Canyon Falls Drive, Flower Mound, Texas 76226. Time is allotted each meeting for public comments. For additional information and the next meeting, contact the Superintendent’s office at 940.464.7241.
Dr. Courtney Carpenter Superintendent
Dr. Chris Daniel Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Dawn Jordan Assistant Superintendent
Elizabeth Stewart Chief Financial Officer
Rick Herrin Chief Communications Officer
Renee Funderburg Director of Special Programs
Tommy Ledford Executive Director of District Operations
Greg Royar Chief Technology Officer
Jeff Koehn Construction Manager
Holly Williams Hilltop Elementary Principal
Kristen Haynes Argyle South Elementary Principal
Katie Haydin Argyle West Elementary Principal
Hillary Laird Jane Ruestmann Elementary Principal
Heather Van Noy Sixth Grade Center Principal
Whitney Wheeler Scott Gibson Middle School Principal
Coby Pelt Argyle Middle School Principal
Dona Lumsden Argyle High School Principal
Todd Rodgers Athletic Director & Head Football Coach
Chance Westmoreland
Jason Bird AISD Band Director
Angel Garcia Maintenance Director
Brady Bell Transportation Director
Tyler Sullivan Student Nutrition Director
Eli Davis AISD Police Chief
Asst. AD & Girls’ BB Coach 4 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
Table of contents
PUBLISHERS Murray Media & Marketing, LLC EDITORS Jana Melton Rick Herrin Christopher Sayler Bobbi Byrne CONTRIBUTORS Argyle ISD The Talon News ADVERTISING Jana Melton jana@murray-media.com
LEAVING A LEGACY See more on Pages 12 & 13
IN THIS ISSUE OF INSIGHTS 03 Graduation—A Night to Remember
19 Soaring Partners Program
04 Board of Trustees & Argyle ISD Staff
20 Sixth Grade Center Principal's Letter
06 First Day of School in Argyle ISD
21 Laird Flight Academy
08 Superintendent's Letter
22 Hilltop Elementary Principal's Letter
09 Officers Earn Graduation
23 2026-2027 School Calendar
10 Argyle High School Principal's Letter
24 Argyle South Principal's Letter
11 Texas Boys State
25 Booster Club Rebrands
12 Leaving a Legacy
26 Argyle West Principal's Letter
14 Argyle Middle School Principal's Letter
27 AISD Convocation
15 Football & Volleyball Schedules
28 Jane Ruestmann Elementary Principal's Letter
16 New AISD Stadium Opens
29 AISD School Board Approves Raises
18 Scott Gibson Middle School Principal's Letter
30 Argyle Education Foundation
PRODUCTION Graphic Designers Shannon Robb | Lead Randee Paraskevopoulos Steve Wulf Ronnie Duwe LETTERS AISD Insights welcomes reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Send to artwork@murray-media.com. All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media & Marketing, LLC.
Contact Us Editorial and advertising inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email your photos, stories, student spotlights and suggestions to artwork@murray-media.com for your chance to be featured. Address: 3513 Yucca Drive, Suite 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028
Published by Murray Media & Marketing, LLC. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or the Argyle Independent School District. AISD Insights is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2026 Murray Media Group. Murray-Media.com
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 5
Fall 2026 First Day of School
6 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 7
WE’RE OFF TO AN
Incredible S tart!
T
here is something special about the energy of a new beginning, and it has been evident across Argyle ISD.
I have truly enjoyed spending time on our campuses, meeting new students, welcoming back familiar faces, and hearing about summer adventures and experiences. From our youngest learners beginning their school journeys to our seniors experiencing their final first day in Argyle ISD, it has been a great reminder of why we do this work. GROWING WHILE STAYING FOCUSED ON THE CLASSROOM We welcomed 6,676 students across our eight campuses on the first day of school and ended our first week with 6,739 students. That represents an increase of 123 students from the 6,616 students enrolled on the final day of the 2025–2026 school year, reflecting continued growth across Argyle ISD.
KEEPING RESOURCES FOCUSED ON THE CLASSROOM As our district continues to grow, maintaining appropriate class sizes and ensuring resources remain focused on the classroom remain priorities. In Texas, PreKindergarten–4th-grade classrooms are subject to a 22:1 class-size limit ratio (22 students per one teacher), and districts must seek an exception if a classroom exceeds that limit. In Argyle ISD, our goal is to staff classrooms below the 22:1 threshold whenever possible, recognizing that enrollment fluctuations and available classroom space can sometimes affect individual class sizes. For the 2025-26 school year, our Board of Trustees demonstrated its commitment to this priority by approving more than $3 million in additional teaching positions to reduce class sizes and strengthen classroom support. This investment was made with the understanding that enrollment
growth would continue and that we needed to maximize both our staffing resources and every available instructional space. Today, every available classroom at our elementary campuses is being utilized. As we continue to welcome new students throughout the year, we will closely monitor enrollment and class sizes while remaining focused on allocating resources where they have the greatest impact—in our classrooms with our students and teachers. HANDS-ON, MINDS-ON Our Hands-On, Minds-On: Back to the Basics & Learning Forward focus is also coming to life in classrooms. New this year, student workbooks are being delivered to campuses to support more opportunities for students to write, solve, create, annotate, discuss, and engage directly with their learning. Our commitment is to ensure students are actively thinking and doing—not simply watching and clicking. LOOKING AHEAD Thank you to our teachers, staff, students, families, and community for making our start to the year such a positive one. Opening eight campuses and welcoming thousands of students takes extraordinary preparation and teamwork, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make it happen!
8 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
Argyle ISD Police Officers Graduate
T
hree members of the Argyle ISD Police Department were honored Aug. 7 as graduates of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) School-Based Law Enforcement (SBLE) Master Training Class #8. The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) held the graduation ceremony in San Marcos, Texas. Argyle ISD Police Chief Eli Davis, Hilltop Elementary Officer Gilbert Velo, and Argyle Middle School Officer Paul Inman are new master class graduates! Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Courtney Carpenter and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Chris Daniel attended the graduation to support the three officers and recognize their achievement.
ipants to be leaders in the field of Texas
strategic planning, and effective
school-based law enforcement, studying
leadership strategies.
best practices and evidence-based
The training prepares participants to
models of policing to improve safety and security for the schools and communities they serve. Throughout the training series, partic-
be leaders in Texas school-based law enforcement, studying best practices and evidence-based policing models to improve safety and security for the schools
ipants engage with a wide variety of
and communities they serve.
topics, including youth mental health,
Congratulations to Chief Davis, Officer
the development of the adolescent brain,
Velo, and Officer Inman on this significant
suicide prevention, restorative justice,
achievement and their commitment to
bullying and cyberbullying, gang aware-
strengthening safety and security across
ness, social media investigations,
Argyle ISD!
The Master Training is the capstone of the TxSSC’s summer SBLE training series, which consists of four 32-hour trainings totaling 128 hours of training accredited by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Participants must complete the Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced training before attending the Master Training. The training prepares partic-
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 9
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL ARGYLE HIGH SCHOOL We are off to a great start at Argyle High School!
and it is pretty special.
Students and staff are reconnecting, freshmen are finding their way, and there have already been so many positive interactions. I’m loving every second of it!
At the Schedule Walk before the start of the year, I had the chance to talk with some freshmen and sophomores who were my students when I served as the Principal at Hilltop Elementary.
We recently received our state rating, and it is no accident that this staff and these students have earned another A rating. I was able to spend some time in classrooms during the first week of school, and I’ve already seen engaging conversations, students thinking, and teachers doing what they do best. I can’t wait to watch that continue to grow throughout the year.
We joked that I guess I’ll be going to college with them in four years, and that they should let me know where to apply. I’m not actually going to do that, but it made me realize again what a special journey it has been to be alongside some of these students for so many years. Getting to watch them grow and then continue that journey with them at AHS is something I don’t take for granted.
Several of our teams and organizations are already jumping into competitions and preparations.
As we head into this year, I’m excited to be in a place where people aren’t afraid to challenge themselves, where we chase excellence rather than the easy route, and where we believe we can always get better. That is what makes this district special, and I can’t wait to work alongside you as we watch that unfold this year.
I honestly can’t explain the joy that comes from watching students do something they love - and then seeing them excel at it. That has always been one of my favorite things about high school, and here I am, falling in love with it all over again. Our kids are SUPER TALENTED! As a school, we get to witness that firsthand,
Your students are the highlight of our day. We hope they come home to you each day having grown a little, learned something new, and feeling proud to be an Argyle Eagle. And as always, if you have a question, need something, or just aren’t sure who to ask, please reach out to us. We are here to do this alongside you - for our students, our staff, our families, and our community.
Here we go AHS!
Dona Lumsden
10 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
S Y O B S A X TE
State
Congratulations
to 10 outstanding Argyle High School students who recently represented AHS at the American Legion Boys State program in Austin.
R
ecognized as one of the nation’s most respected and selective educational leadership programs, Boys State provides high school students with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in government, leadership, and civic responsibility.
Throughout the week, participants take part in a hands-on learning experience where they establish and operate local, county, and state governments through elections, leadership positions, legislative activities, and public service initiatives. The program helps students develop leadership skills, strengthen their understanding of government, and build relationships with peers from across Texas. We are incredibly proud of these Eagle students for representing Argyle High School with excellence while embracing this valuable educational experience, and expanding their leadership abilities.
CALL US FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TODAY!
Dr. Kimberly Gronberg, DDS, MS
Dr. Charlene Sugay, DDS, MS
Making Each Person Smile
Thank You For Voting Us BEST ORTHODONTIST
GronbergSugayOrtho.com • (972) 966-2326 • 3000 Village Pkwy., Ste. 430, Highland Village, Texas
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 11
AISD opens a second middle school, honoring the memory of a beloved principal. 12 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
A
new chapter in Argyle ISD history began with the opening of Scott Gibson Middle School, the district’s newest campus and second middle school.
Deacon Barry Sweeden of Immaculate
Serving students in grades 7–8, Scott Gibson Middle School opened its doors this fall to students in the district’s West Zone, providing a new campus designed to support learning, connection, and the continued growth of the Argyle community.
Whitney Wheeler welcomed guests be-
But while the building represents the future, its name serves as a lasting reminder of a man whose impact on Argyle ISD continues to inspire.
Artho spoke about Gibson and the signif-
Conception Catholic Church in Denton, a longtime friend of Gibson through their work with the ACTS program, opened the ceremony with a prayer. Principal fore introducing a special performance by the middle school band and choir of one of Gibson’s favorite songs, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Superintendent Dr. Courtney Carpenter and School Board President Leigh Ann icance of the new campus, followed by Keith Cummins of Corgan Architects and Jason Davis of Pogue Construction.
The campus is named in honor of the late Scott Gibson, who served as Argyle Middle School Principal from 2009 to 2024 after first becoming an Eagle in 2006 as an assistant principal. A dedicated and engaging leader, Gibson inspired staff, built lasting relationships, and created a positive environment for generations of Argyle students.
The ceremony culminated in remarks
Gibson also played a role in the development and design of the new middle school before his passing, making the campus that now bears his name an especially meaningful part of his legacy.
School represents Argyle ISD’s continued
On Sept. 2, students, staff, family, friends, and community members gathered in the school’s gymnasium to officially dedicate Scott Gibson Middle School and celebrate the life and legacy behind its name.
that give it meaning.
Throughout the new campus, Gibson’s legacy is evident beyond its name. The words “Don’t Stop Believin’” are displayed prominently on the gymnasium walls, reminding students to dream boldly, persevere through challenges, and believe in themselves and what is possible.
from Gibson’s wife, Jodie Gibson, and son, Andrew Gibson, before family, district leaders, students, and community members gathered for the official ribbon-cutting inside the gym. With modern learning spaces, collaborative areas, and facilities designed for today’s students, Scott Gibson Middle growth. But its Sept. 2 dedication was also a reminder that a school is more than a building. It is the people, relationships, and legacies And for generations of Eagles who will walk these halls, one message will remain:
Don’t stop believin’
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 13
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL ARGYLE MIDDLE SCHOOL It is an exciting time at Argyle Middle School as we begin a new chapter in our campus’s history! This year, our students and staff have the unique opportunity to be the founding RedHawks and help establish an identity and traditions that will shape AMS for years to come. There is something special about being the first, and I hope our students recognize the important role they play in setting the standard for those who will follow. There are plenty of things that look different around campus this year. The addition of blue alongside our traditional red and white has given the building a fresh look, and our renovated spaces have brought new energy to the campus. One of my favorite additions is our refinished gym floor featuring the new RedHawk logo at center court. Seeing our new colors and identity come to life throughout the building has made the start of this year even more exciting. While our mascot and colors may be changing, our commitment to the tradition of excellence in Argyle ISD remains the same. Our goal is to continue the high standards our community has come to expect in academics, athletics, and fine
arts while creating an outstanding middle school experience for every student who walks through our doors. We want our students to work hard, challenge themselves, get involved, build meaningful relationships, and leave AMS prepared for whatever comes next. We are also taking a closer look at how our students learn. One area of focus this year is reducing screen time and returning to pencil and paper when technology does not add meaningful value to instruction. Technology is an important tool, but we want to use it purposefully. Sometimes the best tool for learning really is a pencil, a piece of paper, a good book, and a conversation with the people around you. Our staff is ready to make this a great year. We have a strong combination of veteran educators who have served Argyle ISD for many years and talented educators who have more recently joined our district. That blend allows us to carry forward the traditions and expectations that have made Argyle special while also bringing new ideas and perspectives to our campus. Most importantly, they share a commitment to doing what is best for our students. On a personal level, it is incredibly meaningful to begin my first year as principal at the campus where I started my career in education. AMS and the Argyle community have been an important part of my life for many years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this campus in my new role. Our students and staff have the honor of being the first Argyle Middle School RedHawks. Together, we will carry forward the excellence and tradition
14 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
of Argyle ISD while building something uniquely ours. I could not be more excited about what we will accomplish together this year and the legacy this founding group will leave for every RedHawk who follows.
Coby Pelt
DATE
OPPONENT
H/A
8/21/26
LOCATION / EVENT
Eaton (Scrimmage)
H
Argyle ISD Stadium Scrimmage
8/28/26
Oak Ridge (CA)
H
Argyle ISD Stadium AISD Stadium Opening
9/4/26
Terrell
7:00 PM
A
Terrell Memorial Stadium
7:00 PM
TIME 7:00 PM
9/11/26
Somerset Academy (NV)
H
Argyle ISD Stadium
9/18/26
Highland Park
H
Argyle ISD Stadium AEBC Sponsor Night
9/25/26
*Grapevine
H
Argyle ISD Stadium Homecoming
10/2/26
*Eagle Mountain
A
Knight Stadium - Eagle Mountain
10/9/26
*Lovejoy
H
Argyle ISD Stadium Band / Drill Senior
10/16/26 *The Colony
A
Tommy Briggs Stadium (Fall Break Week)
10/23/26 *Colleyville Heritage
H
Argyle ISD Stadium Football / Cheer Senior
10/30/26 *Community
A
Braves Stadium - Community HS
—
—
11/6/26
BYE WEEK
Regular Season Schedule
7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM HS Pink Out
7:00 PM
Night
7:00 PM 7:00 PM
Night
*Denotes District 3-5A DII Games
7:00 PM 7:00 PM —
*Schedule Subject to Change - Last Updated : 6/12/26 HEAD FOOTBALL COACH/ATHLETIC DIRECTOR ARGYLE ISD SUPERINTENDENT: Dr. Courtney Carpenter Todd Rodgers ARGYLE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: Dona Lumsden HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STAFF ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Kelli Jake Gregory - Shay Nanny - Steve Chancelor - Cale Perkins Nanny - Caleb Hunt - Derek Thompson - Jeff Bryant ARGYLE ISD SPORTS PERFORMANCE: Matt Sokoloski Daniel Lundy - Ricky Griffin - Marc Koke - Storm Griffin - Casey Williams - David Brazil - Freddy Ortega - Troy Lafayette
ARGYLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS - 6611 CANYON FALLS DRIVE - ARGYLE, TX 76226 PHONE: 940.262.7777 - FAX: 817.977.5862 - WEBSIT E: www.argyleeaglessports.com - X: @argylegridiron
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 15
New Home —UNDER—
Friday Night Lights
The 2026 Argyle Eagle football season marked a milestone on Friday night, August 28, as the Eagles took the field in a NEW location!
16 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
The Eagles played their first-ever game in the new
Argyle ISD Stadium officially opening a new home for Eagle football. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for Argyle ISD athletics on the campus of Argyle High School.
For the first time, the Eagles weren’t turning on the lights at Eagle Stadium on a Friday night. Instead, the action was just south down US 377 at the new state-of-the-art facility featuring 7,500 seats, a 5,000-seat home side, and a spectacular video board designed to bring the excitement of Eagle football to an entirely new level. With the stadium decked out in red for Red Out Night, thousands of students, fans and community members filled the stands, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for the historic opening. Argyle welcomed Oak Ridge of California for the inaugural game, battling until the final seconds before falling just short 27–26. The night also provided an opportunity to honor the 2003 Argyle Eagles football team, a foundational group that helped establish the Eagle tradition that continues today. The 2003 season was the beginning of Coach Todd Rodgers’ era at Argyle, launching a remarkable chapter of Eagle football built on championship expectations, strong character, and a commitment to excellence. The Eagles will host six games this season in the new stadium, which also includes programmable colored lights that are choreographed to songs! Be sure to catch Eagle football this season and enjoy the new stadium! Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 17
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL GIBSON MIDDLE SCHOOL Our Story Begins! The first week of school at the new Scott Gibson Middle School was one of those weeks I’ll never forget. It’s hard to describe what it feels like to watch months of preparation turn into a school filled with students, teachers, and families. For months, our team planned, unpacked, organized, adjusted, solved problems, and prayed over every detail. Then, in what felt like the blink of an eye, our hallways were filled with backpacks, smiles, laughter, and the excitement that only comes with the first days of school. And just like that, Scott Gibson Middle School came to life! There is something incredibly special about being the “first.” Our first students. Our first morning announcements. Our first classroom lessons. Even our first traffic jams! (Thank you for hanging in there with us as we all learned the dance of drop-off and pick-up together. I promise we’re getting better every day.) Your patience, encouragement, and grace have meant more than you know.
As I walked through the building this week, I was reminded that while this building is beautiful, it isn’t what makes Scott Gibson Middle School special. It’s the people inside. Watching students make new friends, teachers greet their students by name, and classrooms come alive reminded me that schools are built one relationship at a time. Those relationships have already begun, and that is what made this first week so meaningful. It is impossible to open this campus without thinking about the man whose name is above our front doors. Scott Gibson believed deeply in people. He believed every child deserved someone in their corner, every teacher deserved encouragement, and every school should be a place where people felt seen, valued, and supported. One of his favorite songs was Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’. As I reflected on those words this week, I realized they describe exactly the kind of school we hope to be - a place that believes in students before they believe in themselves and believes every child can grow and succeed. To our parents, thank you for trusting us with your children and for partnering with us through the excitement, and yes, the growing pains, of opening a brandnew campus. Your support and grace have meant the world to us. To our students, thank you for bringing this school to life. And to our incredible staff, thank you for creating a place where every student feels welcomed, known, challenged, and cared for. If this first week taught me anything, it’s that we’ve already begun building some-
18 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
thing special, not because the building is new, but because of the people who fill it each day. Our story is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see what this year holds for our GMS Eagles. Here’s to believing in one another, believing in our students, and building a school that honors the legacy of Scott Gibson every day.
Whitney Wheeler
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 19
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL SIXTH GRADE CENTER There is something truly special about the beginning of a new school year! New school supplies, fresh starts, new friendships, and endless possibilities remind us that every August is filled with hope and excitement. At the Sixth Grade Center, we are ready to welcome another incredible class of Eagles and begin a year that will be filled with learning, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. As we prepare to open our doors, I can’t help but reflect on the amazing moments we shared last year. Our students challenged themselves academically, celebrated impressive growth on MAP assessments, explored new interests in fine arts and athletics, competed in kickball tournaments, participated in service projects that gave back to our community, and filled our hallways with school spirit. Whether it was celebrating student success with Sonic drinks and pizza, cheering each other on during campus events, or watching students step outside their comfort zones to try something new,
every moment reminded us that the Sixth Grade Center is much more than just a school…WE ARE FAMILY! This year promises even more opportunities for our students to discover who they are and what they are capable of becoming. Our teachers have spent the summer planning engaging lessons, creating welcoming classrooms, and preparing meaningful experiences that will challenge, inspire, and encourage every learner. We are committed to ensuring every student feels known, valued, and supported as they navigate this exciting transition into middle school. Our campus theme this year, “One Last Rodeo,” serves as a reminder to make the most of every opportunity, celebrate every milestone, and enjoy every moment together. As the final sixth-grade class to call our current campus home before the district’s exciting growth and transition, we’re determined to make this year one to remember. Thank you for partnering with us and trusting us with your children each day. Your support, encouragement, and involvement make our school community stronger. Together, we’ll celebrate successes, overcome challenges, and help every Eagle grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Sixth Grade Center. Saddle up, Eagles, it’s going to be an unforgettable year!
Heather Van Noy 20 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
AHS Student Attends Elite Flight Academy
T
his summer, Argyle High School junior Landry Laird had the incredible opportunity to attend the Aim High Flight Academy, a three-week aviation program sponsored by the U.S. Air Force and hosted by California Aeronautical University. Landry earned a scholarship to participate, where he received hands-on flight training and learned what it takes to become a pilot. During the academy, Landry learned about aircraft systems, flight procedures, aviation safety, and the fundamentals of piloting an aircraft. Most excitingly, he logged 15 flight hours toward earning his pilot's license and learned to fly an airplane, including taking control of takeoffs, maneuvering, and landings.
"I am grateful for the opportunity, and it was an incredible time. Day two, I was surprised to already be flying the plane AND landing it myself!" Landry said. "The instructors were amazing and helped us believe we could do it." The experience strengthened Landry's desire to pursue a future of service through the U.S. Air Force while building his confidence, STEM skills, and passion for aviation. Aim High gave Landry the opportunity to experience firsthand what it means to be a pilot and showed him that with hard work and determination, the sky really is the limit.
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 21
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL HILLTOP ELEMENTARY Hello Hilltop RedHawks! We are off to a great start for the 2026– 2027 school year! I am so delighted to serve as the principal of Hilltop Elementary and excited to start my second year in this role. This campus holds a special place in my heart, since I had the privilege to teach here before moving into administration. It is an honor to lead this incredible group of educators and partner with our families to provide the very best learning experience for our students from Pre-K through 5th grade. By the time this is published, you will know that Hilltop received an Overall Accountability Rating of “A” and an “A” in Student Achievement! When you look at the full accountability report, please note that our campus improved by one letter grade across all six areas. This is the first time since 2019 that Hilltop has earned an overall “A” rating, and I could not be prouder of our staff and students. Their hard work, commitment, and focus on student growth made this achievement possible. We are celebrating this success while continuing to look for ways to grow and improve for every student.
At Hilltop, we are guided by the Argyle ISD Vision: To inspire students to reach their full potential as leaders, prepared to meet future challenges. Our District Mission reminds us of the “why” behind our work: Argyle ISD, a district built on tradition and values, is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for each student through meaningful opportunities in a safe and caring environment. These words come to life each day through the dedicated work of our teachers, staff, students, and families. Our dedicated staff works together each day to create a place where every student feels supported, challenged, and encouraged to do their best. Along with strong academics, we are focused on living out the Hilltop Promise each day: I will do what’s RIGHT. I will do my BEST. I will show others I CARE. These simple words help guide how we learn, work, and treat one another. We also want Hilltop to be a place where students make memories and feel connected to their school. From Safety Patrol, Watch D.O.G.S., Senior Buddies, and High School PALS to special events, theme days, and cherished Hilltop traditions, our goal is for every child to feel safe, valued, and proud to be a Hilltop RedHawk. Our partnership with families continues to be an important part of our success. We encourage you to stay connected, attend events, volunteer when possible, and maintain open communication with your child’s teachers and our campus. When our school and families work together, our students benefit. We have so much to celebrate at Hilltop, and even more to look forward to this
22 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
year. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work together to make Hilltop the best place for kids to learn, grow, and lead.
The RedHawks are ready to take flight! Warm Regards,
Holly Williams
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 23
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL ARGYLE SOUTH ELEMENTARY There is something truly special about the beginning of a new school year. Classrooms are freshly decorated and filled with possibilities. Smiling faces are walking through our doors. The excitement of new beginnings reminds us why Argyle South Elementary is such an incredible place to learn and grow. As we welcome students and families back for another amazing year, our staff is energized and ready to make this our best year yet. Our theme for the 2026-2027 school year is South Forever—a celebration of the friendships, traditions, and unforgettable experiences that make our school feel like home. At Argyle South, we believe the lessons learned, relationships built, and memories created last a lifetime. Once you’re part of the South family, you’re always part of the South family. As principal, I am honored to serve this incredible school community. Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the unwavering support of our families. Together, we have created a campus where children are encouraged to dream big, work hard, and know they belong. It is a joy to lead a school filled with so much heart, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together this year.
We are fortunate to continue serving alongside our outstanding Assistant Principal, Chandler Putman, whose dedication to students, staff, and families helps create the positive culture that defines Argyle South. Her leadership, compassion, and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of our campus. We’re also thrilled to welcome Jordan Hryekewicz as our new school counselor. Jordan brings a passion for supporting the whole child and helping students develop the confidence, resilience, and skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. We know our students and families will quickly appreciate the care and encouragement Jordan brings to our school community. Another exciting addition this year is Kailee Hawthorne, who steps into the brand-new role of Dean of Student Support. This position allows us to provide even greater support for student success by strengthening relationships, encouraging positive behavior, and helping every child reach their full potential. Kailee’s heart for students, positive energy, and commitment to building a strong campus culture make her the perfect person for this important role. Of course, the heart of Argyle South has always been our exceptional teachers and staff. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence create classrooms where students are challenged, supported, and inspired every day. We are incredibly grateful for the partnerships we share with our families, whose encouragement and involvement make our school community stronger. As we begin this new chapter together, we look forward to creating memories
24 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
that will last forever. Whether this is your first year at Argyle South or your family has been with us since the beginning, we are honored to be part of your child’s educational journey.
South Forever!
Kristen Haynes
Booster Club Rebrands to Argyle Athletics Booster Club How will the process work?
T
his school year, Argyle ISD opened its second middle school, Scott Gibson Middle School. Next year, the district will welcome Legacy High School, the district’s second high school. As the district continues to grow, so does the opportunity to strengthen booster club support for all student-athletes while preserving our tradition of excellence and meeting our community's expectations.
Coaches at both the middle and high school levels will continue to identify their programs' needs and submit funding requests through a shared process. Requests will be evaluated based on their impact on student-athletes, alignment with program priorities, and responsible stewardship of community contributions. This approach helps ensure resources are allocated strategically while supporting the long-term success of athletics across Argyle ISD. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our athletic booster club volunteers, parents, coaches and community members. Your generosity and commitment have played a tremendous role in the success of all Argyle athletic programs, and we look forward to building an even stronger future, soaring together as Eagles & RedHawks!
After thoughtful discussion and planning, we're excited to announce the launch of the Argyle Athletics Booster Club.
A unified athletic booster club will help us:
AABC is one unified support organization for all athletic programs across Argyle ISD and is a rebrand of the current Argyle Eagles Booster Club (AEBC).
•
Create one shared vision for supporting Argyle ISD athletics.
•
Bring fundraising efforts together to maximize resources for student-athletes.
•
Share resources and volunteers, allowing us to maximize our impact and reduce duplication of efforts.
•
Ensure that every athletic program is subject to the same fair and thoughtful review process while recognizing the unique needs of each campus.
•
Support stronger community partnerships and sponsorships by presenting one unified organization to local businesses and supporters.
•
Continue the traditions and pride that have always defined Argyle athletics while embracing our future.
Uniting athletic booster club efforts will help us work more efficiently, strengthen collaboration, and create consistency as our district continues to grow. It also allows us to maximize the impact of community support by aligning funding with program needs and thoughtfully allocating resources across all middle school and high school athletic programs.
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 25
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL ARGYLE WEST ELEMENTARY Howdy, Argyle West! Welcome back to the 2026–2027 school year! We are so excited to have our Eagles back home and ready for another incredible year at Argyle West Elementary! We left last school year celebrating incredible strides, growth, and accomplishments, and we are carrying that momentum right into this year. While we are proud of where we have been, we are even more excited about where we are going! This year, we are thrilled to welcome three incredible leaders to our administration team: Cathy Baker, Kristin Hubbard, and Emily Denison. They each bring unique strengths, passion, and a heart for serving students and staff, and we are so grateful they have joined our AWE family. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue finding new ways to grow our students both academically and personally. We are focusing on writing across all content areas, creating opportunities
for students to discover new interests through student clubs in partnership with our amazing PTA, and continuing to strengthen our positive behavior supports throughout our school. At the heart of it all is our Eagle Promise: I will do what’s right. I will do my best. I will show others I care. Those words are more than just a promise—they are who we want to be as an Eagle community. Our school is truly special because of the people who fill it. We are incredibly thankful for our dedicated staff who show up each day ready to love, teach, encourage, and challenge our students. We are thankful for our families who partner with us and trust us with what
26 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
matters most. And most of all, we are thankful for our students, who bring so much joy, energy, and personality to our halls every single day. Argyle West is more than a school. It is a community, and we are so blessed to be part of it. So, saddle up, Eagles! We have an incredible year ahead of us, and I cannot wait to see all that our students will accomplish. Here’s to a year filled with growth, joy, learning, relationships, and lots of Eagle pride!
Let’s make it our best year yet!
Katie Haydin
Argyle ISD:
Red, White,
&
You!
Argyle ISD kicked off the 2026–2027 school year with an unforgettable Convocation! The all-staff pep rally was filled with great outfits, energy, pride and inspiration. Celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of America, the theme “RED, WHITE & YOU” brought staff together to celebrate the incredible people who make Argyle ISD special. From Remedy performing the National Anthem to our Cheer, Majestics and Band performing, it was great to see our students in action ahead of the start of school. We also had outstanding MCs, led by junior Morgan Kempton and senior Guillermo Hernandez. We were joined by special guest speaker Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, who inspired staff with her powerful message of leadership, resilience, teamwork and the importance of serving others. It was the perfect way to launch a new school year and remind everyone that YOU are an important part of the Argyle ISD story.
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 27
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL JANE RUESTMANN ELEMENTARY There is an incredible sense of excitement at Jane Ruestmann Elementary as we have officially started the 2026–2027 school year and our third year as a campus! What began as Argyle ISD’s Elementary #4 in 2024 has quickly grown into a campus known for its high expectations and commitment to students. We are off to a great start, and our staff is excited about all that this year will bring! As the new principal of Jane Ruestmann Elementary, I am truly honored to be part of such an outstanding school community. Our teachers and staff go above and beyond each day to ensure our students and families feel safe, supported, and welcomed while providing the very best learning experiences. Most importantly, we want our Eagles to love coming to school and love learning! We are excited to continue our partnership with our incredible PTA, whose dedication enriches our campus through events like STEM Night, the Talent Show, special programs, and volunteer hours. This year, they are introducing a new book vending machine to reward students
and encourage a lifelong love of reading, as well as student PTA memberships to help students become even more connected to their school. We encourage every family to join our PTA and support the amazing work they do to support our Eagles. Every membership and volunteer makes a difference! In addition to our PTA, we are also incredibly grateful for our many community members, businesses, and Soaring Partners who show JRE so much love and support. We are also excited to continue our partnership with the talented and servant-hearted Jane Ruestmann herself. Mrs. Ruestmann’s passion for education, love for children, and commitment to serving others reflect the very heart of our school. We are grateful for her continued support and look forward to honoring the legacy her name represents. As we begin this new year, we are also grateful for our wonderful staff, including Assistant Principal Ashlee Smith and Dean of Students Garret West, who work alongside our teachers and staff to make each day successful for our students and families. Everything we do this year will be guided by our campus mission: Joy in the Journey, Rooted in Relationships, Excellence Together. These words represent who we are and what we strive to be every day; it’s The JRE Way! The future is bright at Jane Ruestmann Elementary, and we are so excited for another year of learning, growing, serving, and soaring together!
Hillary Laird 28 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
AISD BOARD
APPROVES 3% RAISES
& ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION
AT
the June 16 meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the 20262027 Teacher and Staff Compensation Plan, reinforcing Argyle ISD's commitment to attracting, supporting, and retaining exceptional employees. The approved compensation plan includes: •
A 3% midpoint raise for all teachers, equating to a $2,080 increase, along with market adjustments for select experience levels.
•
A 3% midpoint raise for all other employee groups, including market adjustments for certain job categories.
•
An additional $50 per month increase in the district's health insurance contribution.
•
Expansion of the district's free Pre-K program for all staff.
•
Increased stipends for qualifying Special Education teaching positions.
As shared during this spring's State of the District Tour, employee feedback from the mid-year Superintendent Survey played a significant role in shaping budget priorities. Staff identified four key areas of focus: 1.
Strengthening employee compensation
2.
Maintaining class size ratios
3.
Increasing campus and instructional support positions
4.
Presenting a balanced, responsible budget
and instructional support positions designed to enhance the student and employee experience.
The compensation plan approved by the Board represents meaningful progress in each of these areas.
These investments, combined with disciplined financial planning, positioned the district to present a balanced budget for Board adoption in August.
This year's compensation recommendations were informed by a comprehensive review of district priorities, employee feedback, market data, and the TASB Pay Review Process. The review examined current pay structures, regional comparisons, and long-term compensation strategies to ensure Argyle ISD remains competitive while maintaining responsible financial stewardship.
"This plan reflects our commitment to the people who make Argyle ISD exceptional," said Superintendent Dr. Courtney Carpenter. "I'm grateful for the feedback our employees provided throughout the year and for the Board of Trustees' continued support of investing in our staff. Together, these decisions help ensure Argyle ISD remains a destination district for both employees and families."
In addition to compensation enhancements, Argyle ISD continues to invest in staffing to support the district's rapid growth. Through the district's threephase staffing plan, approximately $5.2 million in new positions are being added, including staffing for the opening of Gibson Middle School, additional classroom teachers, campus support staff, operations personnel,
Thank you for your professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students. Your work is the foundation of Argyle ISD's success, and we remain committed to supporting you in meaningful and measurable ways.
Fall 2026 • Argyle Insights • 29
30 • Argyle Insights • Fall 2026
Germaine Vlok Photography
Dr. Matt Artho is an Argyle Resident, and his kids attend Argyle ISD Schools
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