Argyle Insights Summer 2021

SUMMER 2021

SUMMER 2021

Published by

1 2 ’ S R O I N E S The Official Magazine of the Argyle Independent School District

www.Murray-Media.com

Senior

CHOIR left to right Mariah Airey, Amanda Cheatham, Payton Connatser, Amanda Cox, Peyton Deffenbaugh, Savannah DeShazo, Alex Govea, Jenn Hartjen, Mattie Kelton, Danica Kuchta, Ava Martin, Wade Paquin, Kassidy Rosengren, Austin Rusk, Cole Weeks, Adrianna Woolums, Heather Roberts, Isabel Hille Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

3

ARGYLE

BOARD OF

TRUSTEES

GET TO

KNOW ARGYLE ISD

T

he Argyle Board meetings are scheduled for the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the AISD Administration Building, 800 Eagle Drive, Argyle, Texas 76226.

Time is allotted each month for public comments. For additional information and the next scheduled meeting, contact the Superintendent’s office at 940.464.7241.

Craig Hawkesworth Secretary

Jeff Williams Trustee

Dr. Deana Steeber Assistant Superintendent

Renee Funderburg Argyle West Elementary Principal

Dr. Dawn Jordan Argyle Intermediate School Principal

Scott Gibson Argyle Middle School Principal

John King Argyle High School Principal

Todd Rodgers Athletic Director & Head Football Coach

Chance Westmoreland Girls Athletic Coordinator

Jason Bird AISD Band Director

Rick Herrin Communications Director

Pamela Arrington Marketing Director

Greg Royar Technology Director

Dr. John Bitter Vice President

Brad Lowry Trustee

Dr. Leona McDade Trustee

Ritchie Deffenbaugh Trustee

4

Chris Daniel Deputy Superintendent

Dona Lumsden Hilltop Elementary Principal

Elizabeth Stewart Chief Financial Officer

Sam Slaton Board President

Dr. Telena Wright Superintendent

• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

Albert Rutledge Transportation Director

Tommy Ledford Maintenance Director

Amy Bresnahan Student Nutrition Director

Chief Cairney AISD Police Chief

TABLE OF PUBLISHERS Scott & Kelly Murray EDITORS Jana Melton Bobbi Byrne Rick Herrin CONTRIBUTORS Argyle ISD Steve Gamel The Talon News ADVERTISING Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com PRODUCTION Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Cayla Thompson Fernando Gomez

Student Spotlight:

Valedictorian & Salutatorian Isabelle Gilbert

Sarah Crowder

Read More on Page 14

Letters AISD Insights welcomes reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@argyleinsights.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Argyle ISD News

03 06

AHS Choir

25

AHS Soccer & Softball News

Contact Us Editorial and advertising inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email your photos, stories, student spotlights and suggestions to artwork@argyleinsights.com for your chance to be featured

by August 12, 2021.

A Message from Dr. Wright

26

Argyle Middle School Principal

27

AIS 4th Grade Water Project

07

AHS Principal Update

08

Santé Center For Healing

28

AHS Retirees

12

AHS Wrestling

29

Argyle West Elementary Principal

30

Argyle High School Cheer Update

13

AHS Hires New Volleyball Coach

14

Student Spotlight - Valedictorian

32

AHS UIL Academics

and Salutatorian

34

Argyle Education Foundation

15

AHS Debate Team

36

Argyle ISD Transitional Plan

15

NJHS Rock Project

37

Argyle Vaccine Shot Clinic

42

Hilltop Elementary Creates Virtual Zoo

16

AHS Band Update

17

AISD School Board Update

42

AHS Top Ten Seniors

18

Argyle Intermediate School Principal

43

AISD 2021-2022 Calendar

19

Eagle Partners

44

Hilltop Elementary Principal

20

Argyle State Champions

45

AHS One-Act Play

46

Argyle High School Majestics Drill Team

21

District Hires New Special Education Director

22

Eagles Basketball Wins State Championship

AHS Eagle Stadium Graduation

25

Photo Pages

38

AHS Seniors 2021 Snapshots Through the Years

Address: 3513 Yucca Drive, Suite 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028

Published by Murray Media Group.

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. © 2021 Murray Media Group. www.Murray-Media.com

Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

5

A ME SSAGE FROM

Dr. Wright W

hat does the end of the 2020-2021 school year look like for Argyle ISD? And what does the beginning of 2021-2022 school year look like?

At Eagle Stadium on Tuesday, May 18, Argyle High School seniors will receive their diplomas. This is the 19th graduation for AHS, but the first at Eagle Stadium. The first 17 were held at the University of North Texas Coliseum.

Last year’s graduation was held at Texas Motor Speedway. Masks will be optional at this year’s graduation for both spectators and our graduates.

Last year, a senior tribute parade was started and will continue this year along with the senior slideshow.

As for the 2021-2022 school year, we hope to experience it without masks.

Campus configurations will change somewhat in the fall. Hilltop will become a PreKindergarten-4th grade campus rather than PreK-3. Argyle West will become PreK-4th also rather than PreK-5.

Argyle Intermediate will have a new identity as the AISD 5th Grade Center.

All 5th-graders in the district will be on the AIS campus. What a great opportunity for all 5th-graders to grow and learn together as they journey toward middle school.

Middle School will remain 6th-8th grade but will move to the current high school on Highway 377. High School

6

• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

will remain 9th-12th but will move to the campus on Canyon Falls Drive.

The exchange will happen during the summer of 2021. The bond of 2017 was utilized to build Phase 2 of the high school. Phase 1 was built with 2014 bond funds.

A sixth campus is slated to open in 2022. This will be an elementary campus and configured for students PreK-5th. It will accommodate 850 students.

AISD is initiating an independent special education department this upcoming school year. Previously, the district has been a member of Denton County Special Education Coop.

Through challenging times this year, the students have excelled. Athletics, band, and academic competitions have been very successful. We are looking forward to an exciting new school year starting in August!

Dr. Telena Wright Argyle ISD Superintendent

AHS PRINCIPAL UPDATE

MR. JOHN KING T

he 2020-2021 school year will come to a close in just a few short days. While the year has certainly been one for the record books with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also been a record year for the students of Argyle High School.

Together, we have persevered and have continued to show what it truly means to be an Argyle Eagle. I am so proud of each of you.

For my last article for this school year, I want to take a moment and personally thank several groups of people for helping make the most of this very challenging year. First of all, I want to thank the teachers and staff of Argyle High School.

You went above and beyond every day to provide our students with a safe learning environment. I cannot begin to express my full gratitude for your diligent work and continuous support of our students. I know I speak for the entire community of Argyle when I say thank you for being so awesome.

Next, I would like to thank our student body – especially the Senior Class of 2021. This year was different in so many ways, but you accepted the challenges that COVID brought your way and

continued to excel in the classroom, on the playing fields/courts, and in all of your fine arts endeavors. You not only continued the tradition of excellence that we have come to expect in Argyle, but you did it with character and class. I am so proud of each of you, and I know that you will take the experiences you have had this year and use them to conquer your future hopes and dreams.

Another group that deserves a huge “Thank You” is the Argyle ISD Board of Trustees. You listened to the community and took a huge leap of faith by allowing our students to start school face-to-face back in August when other school districts made the decision to only offer virtual learning.

Your guidance and leadership is very much appreciated, and we thank you for the way

that you invest your time and abilities into the lives of the students of Argyle.

Finally, I would like to thank the parents of our high school students. Your constant support of our teachers and school administration has helped us reach the finish line of the 2020-2021 school year.

We appreciate you letting us work with your child this year, and we look forward to the opportunity of teaching your student again next year.

I certainly hope that you enjoy your summer break – you have definitely earned it. See you in August. Until then…

John King Principal Argyle High

Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

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CELEBRATING

25 YEARS

SANTÉ CENTER FOR HEALING NEW EAGLE PARTNER

O

ver the past 25 years, Santé’s collaboration, innovation and extensive recovery continuum of care continue to evolve in the spirit of excellence, yet the organization has not lost its sense of self. They are still owned by the two families who founded the center. Their founders were therapists who wanted a place where decisions were based on what was best for the client and not solely what was best for the com­pany, as they had experienced elsewhere. The foundation for it all was and is Santé’s integrity.

Since 1996 Santé’s clients have

for poly-addiction and dual diagnosis.

found themselves surrounded by

The result… 25 years of miracles, one

ethical, professional and compassionate

day at a time.

staff who simply will not give up on

Perched on a hilltop in Argyle, clients

employees live, work, play and grow; they love supporting the individuals, students, families and businesses within and around Argyle ISD. Santé Center for Healing’s medical and clinical staff have worked individually with adult clients to identify and address their core, trauma-level issues.

These core issues are often the root problem resulting in substance use disorders, eating disorders, problematic sexual behavior, compulsive behaviors,

them. The values remain the same:

find serenity and space needed for

12-step foundation; evidence based

reflection, restoration, education,

therapeutic and medical treatment;

preparation and connection. Community

expert staff pursuing ongoing

engagement and corporate citizenship

education/certification; individualized,

extend beyond the gates of the center.

customized care in a supportive,

In addition to organizations within

each client. Whether it is medical detox,

therapeutic community; working on

the addiction field, Santé sees it as

residential program, Intensive Outpatient

the core trauma-level issues underlying

a privilege to be a strong corporate

Program, Transitional Living, outpatient

addiction; and simultaneous treatment

citizen. This is where so many of their

clinic services or intensive workshops,

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• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

co-occurring psychiatric disorders, and professional and safety-sensitive issues.

Santé’s initial assessments establish the appropriate level of care, and all treatment plans are individualized to

Left to right: Chief Operating Officer Sam Slaton, M.Ed., LPC-S, MBA, Director of Outpatient Programming Adam Karazuba, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Director Avery Rowles, MA, LPC, CSAT, Medical Director Melissa Pennington, DO, FASAM, CEDS, Director of Intake and Admissions Michelle Luttrell, MA, LMFT-S

they are all followed with life-long aftercare/alumni support.

Their clients and their families trust

“On the clinical expertise front, our uniqueness is in

Santé as an internationally renowned

part from the range

dual-diagnosis, poly-addiction treatment

of addictions and

facility where they can take crucial steps

diagnoses treated, the

towards long-term recovery. “This is

wide continuum of care

one of the most important decisions

and the prioritization of

of an individual’s life, as addiction is a

individualized treatment,

chronic and progressive disease that

meeting clients where

left untreated can be deadly. It takes

they’re at rather than

courage to seek treatment for the

painting patients with a

overwhelming disease of addiction,” said

broad brush,” says Adam

Michelle Luttrell, LMFT-S, Director of

Karazuba, LMSW, Director of Outpatient

Intake & Admissions.

Programming.

“Only a mixture of boldness and

Sam Slaton, COO, believes that

of addiction. “Their success starts with their Santé family; they intentionally choose individuals who show an intrinsic desire to serve others well and innately

vulnerability can resurrect hope; hope

what has made them successful is the

that life can and will be better and that

relentless pursuit to provide exceptional

it is possible for individuals and families

care for their patients and their

Addiction is a relentless, ever-evolving

to regain the vitality to heal,” said Hollie

families in a battle against the chronic,

opponent; they have shown for over two

Higgins, Development Director.

progressive and life-threatening disease

decades that a customized, evidence-

represent their values and principles.

Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

9

based holistic treatment and recovery continuum of care can lead to individuals living a life of freedom, hope and purpose,” he said.

Santé Center for Healing’s staff believes in the value of providing life-long recovery to individuals and their families who seek hope, health, and healing. Integrity and quality are Santé’s cornerstone, part of everything they do as a company and for fellow colleagues.

The Santé employees know that the work they do today and tomorrow has the potential to deeply and powerfully impact individuals, families and communities for generations to come.

Santé team members are passionately and consistently committed to each other and those they have the privilege to serve. Their dedicated team – medical, clinical and operational experts numbering just over 100 – provide care day and night.

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• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

SANTE ALUMNI QUOTES PROVIDED ON 2020 CLIENT SATISFACTION SURVEYS AND ALUMNI FOLLOW-UP SURVEYS These are just a few words representing the more than 5,200 clients we have had the pleasure to walk alongside in 25 years.

Santé saved my life.

Staff was generally knowledgeable and medical staff was helpful and demonstrated expertise in their field of training.

The entire experience was great for establishing a new life and habits.

Staff and treatment are excellent. I’d recommend to anyone. Thank you kindly.

Personalized and unique approach has been the most successful results I’ve had in 15 years.

Santé treatment approach was amazing for meeting my needs. The group sessions and individual sessions met all the areas of growth that I was seeking.

Santé gave me the chance to get my mental health stable and begin a new phase of my life. I am grateful for what I have learned here.

Santé has been one of the best experiences of my life.

My overall experience at Santé has provided me with a solid foundation for my recovery.

I feel that I was given all the tools and resources in the residential program that will assist me in being successful as I move forward into the transitional living and IOP program.

Santé was a turning point in my life and recovery journey. I greatly valued that time and would do it all over again and will if needed in the future.

For more information visit SanteCenter.com, or call us at 1-800-258-4250.

Sleep HOW YOURS CHILD’S

AFFECTS THEIR BRAIN

S

leep is vital for everyone’s brain health,

getting the right amount of sleep. Even if you

especially for growing and developing

put your child to bed at the right time, they

• Create a good sleep environment. The

kids. Without enough sleep, certain cognitive

may have trouble falling asleep. A child who

(brain) functions may not work as effectively

can’t fall asleep or wakes up often during the

right sleep environment can help your

as they otherwise could.

night may have a sleep disorder, or this may

If children do not get enough sleep,

simply be indicative of anxiety. Fear of the

you may see negative effects on attention

dark and/or fear of having nightmares are

and emotional regulation. The brain needs

common issues, as well.

enough ‘brainpower’ to be able to control those automatic, knee jerk, emotional reactions. Kids without enough sleep may have trouble with regulation of impulsivity and may contribute to frustration and irritability.

Children who aren’t sleeping enough may also have trouble paying attention in school.

They may start to have behavior problems, such as tantrums or extreme reactions to small events, at both school and home.

HOW MUCH SLEEP DOES YOUR CHILD NEED? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your child should sleep: • 12 to 16 hours per day (including naps) between ages 4 months and 12 months • 11 to 14 hours per day (including naps) between ages 1 and 2 • 10 to 13 hours per day (including naps) between ages 3 and 5 • 9 to 12 hours per day between ages 6 and 12 • 8 to 10 hours per day between ages 13 and 18 It can be difficult to tell if your child is

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD GET ENOUGH SLEEP If you think your child isn’t getting enough sleep, the first step is to talk to them about

into thinking it should still be awake.

child fall asleep and stay asleep. Your child’s bedroom should be: • Dark, with only one dim nightlight if necessary • Cool, ideally below 74 degrees • Quiet, with only a small amount of white noise (e.g., a fan), if necessary • Screen-free, including televisions,

their sleep experience. Ask how long it takes

smartphones, computers, and tablets

them to fall asleep, how often they wake up

• Avoid late-night treats. Avoid sugary

in the middle of the night, and how long they

foods for a couple of hours before

are awake when they do wake up. Quietly checking on your child or setting up a video monitor in their room may help you determine if any issues are occurring.

TRY THE FOLLOWING TIPS FOR BETTER REST: • Move up bedtime. Set your child’s bedtime earlier.

• Establish a routine. Follow a regular

bedtime to help him/her rest easier.

Caffeinated drinks should not be consumed within six hours of bedtime. **If sleep patterns do not improve, a further workup with your pediatrician may be warranted to determine an underlying medical cause.**

bedtime routine – such as taking a bath, brushing teeth, and then reading for a short period of time. A routine can be calming for children.

• Avoid screens prior to bedtime. Lights from electronic screens within a couple hours of bedtime can disrupt the brain’s circadian rhythms and contribute to sleep difficulties by tricking the brain

940.455.7200 | www.LantanaPediatrics.com | 74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226 Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-5pm | Wed: 7:30am-12:30pm | Fri: 7:30am-4pm | Sat: 9am-12pm

Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

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ARGYLE HIGH SCHOOL

WRESTLING

W

hat a way to finish a high school career!

Argyle senior wrestler Cullen Davee

Davee (18-0) earned a pin in his first match and then won 6-4 and 4-1 in the championship against Kale Farrington from

added to what has been an incredible

Canyon Randall. Davee finished third in

year of excellence in athletics for the

2020 and 2019. It marked Argyle’s first

Eagles. Davee capped an undefeated

title since Heath Roth won in 2019.

season with a Class 5A state championship

Davee’s teammate Jax Ernest, a junior,

in the 170-pound weight class on Friday,

also had an impressive showing and

April 23 at the UIL State Wrestling

reached the medal stand. Ernest finished

Championship at the Berry Center in

fifth in the 182-pound class and won

Cypress. It also completed a decorated

three consecutive matches after falling in

wrestling career at Argyle as he finished

the quarterfinals.

as a three-time state medalist.

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• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

“I am so proud of how both of them

competed this year,” Argyle wrestling coach Bobby Morse said. “Cullen has fallen one match short for the past two years to finish third. This year, he battled through an unprecedented and chaotic season as well as a senior injury to claim the top spot on the podium.

“Jax had a tough loss in the quarterfinals, but came back to win three straight matches to claim his spot on the podium in fifth,” Morse added.

“These guys have both shown the grit and determination that it takes to achieve success in wrestling.”

AHS

Hires New

VOLLEYBALL COACH “ I will bring a lot of enthusiasm and positivity accompanied with a fast pace and focused atmosphere.

This is going to be one of the best seasons yet.”

T

he Argyle ISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Taryn Hill to lead the Lady Eagles’ volleyball program.

Hill previously served as an assistant coach at Frisco Liberty for the past four seasons. During that time, Frisco Liberty reached the Class 5A area playoffs three seasons and earned district championships in 2018 and 2019. Frisco Liberty was named the coaching staff of the year in both of those seasons.

“Meeting with the team this week solidified that I am in the right place at the

right time,” Hill said. I felt very welcomed by the staff. I really enjoyed meeting the girls, and I can’t wait to get started with them. I will bring a lot of enthusiasm and positivity accompanied with a fast pace and focused atmosphere. This is going to be one of the best seasons yet.”

She began her career as a volleyball head coach at Corrigan-Camden from 2013-2015 and led the team to the Class 4A playoffs in 2014. Hill also served at Pearson Middle School in Frisco ISD as the Girls’ Coordinator and was the head

coach of volleyball, cross country, and track. She has eight years of experience in public education as a coach and teacher.

“I think she has incredible experience from very successful programs,” Argyle ISD Athletic Director Todd Rodgers said. “She is the missing link for helping us transition soon to the move to 5A. I think she brings a wealth of leadership and success to our program.”

Hill is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin and Carrollton Newman Smith High School.

Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

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VA L E D I C T O R I A N & S A L U TAT O R I A N

Student Spotlight Valedictorian

I

ISABELLE GILBERT

sabelle Gilbert is the daughter of Michael R. and Martha Gilbert. She has one brother, Michael J. Gilbert. Isabelle has enjoyed being involved in the AHS Wind Ensemble, Marching band, and UIL Math and Science.

Isabelle has had the privilege of being at Argyle ISD since her 7th-grade year. “Argyle ISD has been a great place to grow up, a place to form strong friendships, make happy memories, and learn a tremendous amount.

I believe these great sources of joy are due to the incredible teachers, students, staff, and community present here, all of whom have made it easy to reflect on what I’ve loved most about being here: the people.”

Isabelle’s favorite class was her UIL Math and Science class because it was a fantastic outlet for Isabelle to explore the sciences and study incredible topics.

This fall, Isabelle will be attending the University of Texas at Austin and majoring in Biomedical Engineering. In 10 years academically, she hopes to be taking part in some extraordinary and new research, having obtained her Master’s degree and Ph.D. Personally, she has a goal to have seen a considerable portion of the world through traveling or studying abroad or catching any chance that flies by. “I can’t wait to see what the world has to offer and the beautiful landscapes across the globe.”

Salutatorian

S

arah Elizabeth Crowder is the daughter of Bryan and Erin Crowder. She has one brother, Jackson Crowder. Sarah has enjoyed being involved in the AHS Marching and Concert Band, The Talon News, UIL Journalism, and National Junior Honor Society. Sarah’s favorite classes in high school were Journalism and World/US History. She will attend the University of Texas in Austin in the fall and major in Journalism. In 10 years, she hopes to have a family and be telling people’s stories – one way or another.

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• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

SARAH CROWDER

DEBATE

AHS

TWO BEST OF THE

Debate State Qualifiers

T

he 2020-2021 school year has definitely been a memorable one for Argyle High School. One team that joined in on the celebrating was the AHS Debate team. Eagle debate team members Billy Mykel and Tristan Ball had history-making performances in the UIL Virtual Cross-Examination Debate State event.

Mykel, a senior, won the Silver Gavel, which honors the second-place overall speaker.

Mykel is headed to Texas State University next year. Ball, a junior, took fifth-place speaker honors.

Both competed in four preliminary virtual rounds to begin the championships. Speaker

points are awarded from judges based on style and delivery during the debate rounds.

Additionally, Mykel and Ball became the first Cross-Examination team from Argyle High School Debate to win speaker awards at state!! They also placed 5th overall as a team.

NJHS STUDENT

ROCK P R O J E C T

N

JHS students at Argyle Middle School were joined by art and SPED students in painting rocks for the school garden. Community members and virtual students were also invited to join in, as rocks were left in the foyer for anyone to take.

For some, the painting of rocks was a fun way to contribute to the larger

project. For others, it was a meaningful way to honor someone who had lost their lives in the pandemic.

The idea for the garden was a collaboration between NJHS Sponsors, Mrs. Kori Eubanks and Mrs. Alicia Deranger, whose students and former students had lost parents, grandparents, and extended family to COVID-19.

“Sometimes words are simply not enough to express how deeply we all sympathize and support our students and their families. We wanted a way to commemorate a difficult year in which the rocks symbolize the strength we all have to endure, and the color symbolizes the beauty our lost loved ones brought to our lives,” the sponsors said.

Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

15

tes a d p U

HIGH SCHOOL BAND This spring, the Argyle Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band have been hard at work preparing music for the UIL Region 2 Concert and Sight Reading Evaluation.

This year, the contests were held virtually.

We are proud to announce that both ensembles were awarded straight superior ratings, and the Argyle High School Band was awarded their 20th consecutive sweepstakes.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND The Argyle Middle School Bands

GREETINGS FROM THE BAND HALL! competed in the Region 2 UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest this spring. At the time of the issue, the Argyle Honor Winds was awarded straight superior ratings, and the Symphonic Band is still awaiting their scores. Congratulations to all! What a performance it was!

feedback and ratings. In addition to the solo contest, several high school students are competing in the first ever Argyle ISD Concerto Contest. The winners of this contest will be featured at the Argyle High School Band Spring Concert.

ARGYLE ISD SOLO CONTEST

The beginner band is split into small groups during the day, so when they get together, they get excited. Pictured below is the beginner band preparing for their class of 2027 World Premier Band Concert.

The students of the Argyle Band are currently preparing solos for their upcoming solo contest in May. Students will be presenting their solos to nationally-recognized adjudicators for

ARGYLE BEGINNER BAND

Upcoming High School Band Events

>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>

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• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

May 24-25

AHS Wind Music Camp

June 7-11

AHS Color Guard Camp

June 14-18

AHS Percussion Camp

School Board Updates Mask & Quarantine

policies

T

he Argyle ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to update the district’s mask and quarantine policies during the Monday, April 19 Regular Board Meeting.

Trustees voted to amend the district’s COVID-19 protocols making masks optional for all students and employees effective Monday, May 10. Masks will be optional inside all facilities and while riding in school buses for the remainder of the school year.

Trustees also approved making quarantines the responsibility of parents beginning May 10. The current protocols and guidelines for “close contacts” and quarantines will remain in place until this date. The May 10 date is when all employees who had the two doses at the Argyle ISD COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be fully vaccinated.

For the remainder of the year, all additional COVID-19 protocols will remain in place, including social distancing inside facilities and the encouraged use of hand sanitizer and hand-washing. A parent’s decision to quarantine would pertain to well children who have come into close contact with a positive case.

Lab-confirmed positive cases reported to the campus will continue to quarantine.

Nurses will continue to evaluate staff/ students that have COVID-19-type symptoms and will follow COVID-19 protocols in these cases. Campuses will remain closed to visitors for the remainder

of the school year, but parents will be allowed to attend all outdoor end-of-year celebrations for students.

Students participating in UIL extracurricular activities will continue to follow the UIL’s COVID-19 safety guidelines and procedures and must also follow the requirements while competing at an opponent’s venue.

These two approvals to update the policy were made with the district’s goal of beginning the 2021-2022 school year without masks.

“As we have done throughout this entire pandemic, this board believes that there is a strategic process and balance that upholds our mission to provide the best educational experience for our students as well as stay aligned with the partnership we have with our district employees to have in-person learning,” Board President Sam Slaton said. “The opportunity for all district employees to have access to receive the COVID-19 vaccination allows

this board to continue to move forward in the strategic process. Mask choice and parental responsibility for quarantine, as of May 10, is a huge step that helps get our district closer to the goal of beginning the 2021-2022 school year mask-free and in-person.”

The district has also seen a decline in the number of active COVID-19 cases on the five campuses. Argyle ISD currently has two active student cases and no employee cases. Since the beginning of March, the district has had a total of five students and three employees test positive. Last month, Trustees made the first adjustments to the mask protocols as they approved making face coverings optional for students actively participating in PE (PreK-8th grade) and recess (PreK5th grade). They also approved making masks optional at all home UIL events for spectators and graduation on May 18 (for seniors and all guests) at Eagle Stadium.

“I believe the time frame from May 10 to May 21 will provide a valuable transition time for students and staff,” Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Telena Wright said. “We hope to begin the 2021-2022 school year without masks.”

Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

17

ARGYLE INTERMEDIATE

School Principal

W

OW!! What a school year 2020-2021 has been! We have come so far this year, and we could not have done it without the willingness of our students, the determination of our staff and School Board, and the support of our Eagle families.

Through it all, we have maintained our excitement for learning and growing. I am grateful for all of you for meeting the challenges we faced with grace and resilience.

Our theme this year has been “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” We may not have been able to go many places in real life, but we made up for it by providing lots of fun experiences. Both our 4th and 5th-grades visited the zoo via a virtual field trip. They learned about habitats, ecology, and endangered species. The 4th-grade also “visited” places around the world during their cultural awareness day and celebrated Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras. They continued this project by reading A Long Walk to Water and collecting money to fund wells for impoverished families. They gathered enough change to provide fresh water for 64 families for years to come. The 5th-grade students went to “Starbucks” (actually, their transformed classroom) to start their research for the Living Museum Presentation at the end of May. I

stopped by for a treat and a visit with our 5th-graders while they were hard at work!

We have a lot to celebrate this year, and we plan to recognize our students’ efforts in many ways. Each grade level will have a kickball tournament, which is always a favorite activity, and a House party for the winning house of the year. We will also take a school-wide field trip to AT&T Stadium, where students will see how science, social studies, math, and language arts all apply in real world situations.

We are so thankful for the opportunities we have had to learn, have fun, and make new friends. We know that we are very fortunate to be part of an amazing school district and community. We also want to be sure our students realize the importance of giving back. In honor of National Pet Month, our student leaders helped organize an animal shelter

We have maintained our commitment to challenge and inspire all students by providing enriching, engaging, and meaningful learning regardless of unexpected challenges.

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• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

supply drive and collected items the shelters need for all kinds of pets. We incorporated daily vocabulary words such as compassion and empathy as well as virtual guest veterinarians to help bring our project to life. We are proud of our students for their participation and appreciate their generosity.

As our mission statement reminds us, Argyle Intermediate School will challenge and inspire ALL students to reach their full potential by becoming lifelong learners.

We have maintained our commitment to challenge and inspire all students by providing enriching, engaging, and meaningful learning regardless of unexpected challenges. Longfellow said it well when he said, “Perseverance is a great element of success.” Our staff and students are living these words of wisdom through their daily perseverance and outcomes of success. Our students are our joy, and we thank you for sharing them with us this school year. #WeAreArgyle Dr. Dawn Jordan Principal Argyle Intermediate

EAGLE partners

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CONGRATS

ARGYLE STATE CHAMPIONS Class 4A State Champion Lady Eagle Golf Team LEFT TO RIGHT: Claire Jensen, Katie Garner, Madelyn Diomede, Lauren Justice, Madison Wert, Coach Nathan Moses

Class 4A State Champion Pole Vaulter PICTURED ABOVE: Caleb Murdock

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• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

District Hires

NEW SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR

T

he Argyle ISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Dr. Mark Ruggles as the new Director of Special Education during the Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 regular meeting held virtually.

Ruggles previously served as Lake Dallas ISD’s Director of Special Populations, which included the duties of leading the Special Education Department. He became Lake Dallas ISD’s Director of Special Education in 2012 and moved into his latest role

in 2020. He will lead this new locallymanaged department in Argyle ISD, which will begin serving Eagle students in the 2021-2022 school year. The district will be leaving the Denton County Special Education Cooperative following this school year.

Ruggles started his career in Lake Dallas in 2003 and served as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology before he was hired as the district’s Director of Special Education.

While leading the department in Lake Dallas, Ruggles ensured a coordinated continuum of services between responseto-intervention, dyslexia, Section 504, and special education systems. He established community partnerships to support program goals, recruited, selected and trained personnel, and also served as the District Coordinator of School Improvement. He also facilitated the implementation of best practices and research to maximize student growth.

“Being part of a district such as Argyle ISD, known for excellence, is exciting,”

Dr. Ruggles said. “Having a leadership role during the district’s transition to locally-managed special education services is even more exciting. I look forward to serving the students, faculty, and broader Argyle community in this position.”

Ruggles will soon begin the process of hiring personnel for the new department, which will include 17 positions.

“As an experienced director, we are excited to have Dr. Ruggles in Argyle ISD as we transition to building this department locally to best serve the needs of our students and families,” Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Telena Wright said.

“His knowledge of leading and sustaining a successful department will bring great value to our district.”

Ruggles is a graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana and earned his Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas. He holds a doctoral degree in School Psychology from Texas Woman’s University.

Argyle ISD elected to leave the co-op due to the district’s current and projected enrollment growth and the need for providing more locally-managed services to best serve students and families.

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Eagles Basketball

WINS STATE C H A M P I O N S H I P

by Sam Mykel, The Talon News | photos courtesy of Nick West & Katie Ray, The Talon News

T

he boys basketball team took first place in the Class 4A UIL state championship game on March 13. The Eagles entered the game with a near-perfect 30-1 record, leaving with a 31-1 record and a state title. Senior point guard Skylar McCurry was named MVP of the game as the Eagles were able to top off their season with a 49-30 victory over the Huffman Hargrave Falcons in head coach Russell Perkins’ first state title at Argyle.

guarding him. He makes things hard and forces tough shots for them.”

The team was led by its seniors, who were able to guide the young members of the team through the difficult year and the playoffs.

“This team is super special,” senior center Nate Atwood said. “We are all

After having to abruptly leave the state tournament last year, Perkins and the team knew they would have to find a way to get back to the Alamodome.

“To go and win it, it’s just so special,” Perkins said. “To see the progress and the journey of the team, that’s what’s just so fun about it.”

The team’s starters stepped up every game along with the team’s bench.

Although, the starters were what stole the show. The team’s depth showed every game.

“Our guys, our team, they all stay ready to play every night,” Perkins said. “That takes a lot of strength and courage just to get here every day and play to the best of your ability. We have 16 guys who can get after it every game and practice.”

As MVP of the game, McCurry led the way for the Eagles, hitting big shots.

“He was huge. I mean huge for us. He 22

• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

hit big shots at big times,” Perkins said.

“Skylar has done that all year. We just get the ball into his hands for those big-time shots.”

COVID-19 was a huge factor this year, but the team was able to overcome its challenges and stay healthy to secure a state championship.

“Last year, we got stuffed by it, and it really broke our hearts,” McCurry said. “But to come back here and win, especially with it being my senior year, it’s just really special.”

The offense was on fire, but the defense was a huge factor in deciding the winner.

Senior guard Slate McMellian was able to shut down Hargrave’s senior guard, Jacob Harvey, and the rest of the defense shut down Hargrave’s offense.

“He’s a very special player, he does everything right on the court,” Perkins said. “Slate was as good as anybody

super good friends and close together. We have great chemistry, and even though we don’t have the star players that other teams have, we can work together and that’s what makes us special.”

The winning culture in Argyle is clearly evident, and the expectations remain high for the future.

“Ever since I was young and growing up here, all I heard about was Argyle winning,” McMellian said. “It’s really awesome to be a part of that. It’s really special.”

For right now, the team and the city of Argyle are going to celebrate their second boys basketball state championship.

“I’m not very good at celebrating,” Perkins said. “I like making these kids better at everything. I have very high expectations, and I want these kids to feel the experience of what they are getting to do right now.”

COVID-19 WAS A HUGE FACTOR THIS YEAR, BUT THE TEAM WAS ABLE TO OVERCOME ITS CHALLENGES AND STAY HEALTHY TO SECURE A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

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• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

GRADUATION COMING TO

EAGLE STADIUM 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021

A

rgyle High School’s graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021 is coming to the Eagles’ hometown.

This year’s commencement will be held under the lights at Argyle’s Eagle Stadium at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18.

Traditionally, AHS holds its ceremony at the University of North Texas, but this option was not available. Argyle ISD administrators decided the best choice was to bring the event to AHS. “We are so excited to host our

graduation ceremony in Eagle Stadium for the first time,” AHS Principal John King said. “As freshmen, Eagle Stadium is one of our students’ very first high school experiences. It is only fitting that a graduation ceremony at Eagle Stadium is their last experience as an Argyle Eagle.”

The stadium’s capacity is 3,500, and no seating restrictions will be in place.

Seating will be available on the home and visitor sides. Eagle Stadium was a popular

choice for senior families when surveyed regarding potential graduation sites.

More information will be available soon regarding tickets for senior families and other event details.

“I am so excited for the Class of 2021,” Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Telena Wright said. “With so many challenges over the past two years for these seniors, the opportunity to celebrate this special achievement at Eagle Stadium will be so memorable.”

RECORD BREAKERS

Lady Eagle Soccer Lady Eagle Softball It has been a season to remember for the Argyle Lady Eagle softball team. The Lady Eagles have produced the best season in school history in 2021.

Argyle set a school record for victories and earned the school’s first softball district championship. The Lady Eagles defeated Decatur 3-0 in a playoff for the District 7-4A title and the top seed postseason seed. Argyle entered the playoffs with a 19-5-2 record. The Lady Eagles reached the third round of the Class 4A playoffs at press time.

Like the softball team, the Argyle Lady Eagle soccer team had a history-making season. The Lady Eagles set a school record for victories with 21 and produced the deepest playoff run in school history.

The Lady Eagles finished as Class 4A Region I finalists and fell just one game short of the state semifinals. Argyle lost 1-0 in the Region I final to the eventual state champion Midlothian Heritage.

During its playoff run, the Lady Eagles defeated Burkburnett 7-0, Alvarado 4-1, Life Waxahachie 5-2 and San Elizario 5-0 in the region semifinals.

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A MESSAGE FROM AMS PRINCIPAL

Mr. Gibson

I

n more ways than one, the next school year will look very different for Argyle Middle School.

A coordinated effort to move campuses began April 26 with packing boxes arriving on campuses. That will be part of a large switching of campuses with Argyle High School that is needed due to our fast growth.

The middle school will be greatly impacted by this move. Over the course of a month in late April-May, we will have staff pack school items in preparation for a move to the current high school. These items will remain stored in the cafeteria for a few days while the high school teacher items will then be moved to the campus where we are currently housed.

In late May, after the high school items have been removed, the middle school

teacher belongings will be moved into the appropriate classroom.

The move becomes further complicated by band instruments and athletic equipment. Those schedules will be different and will revolve around where the summer activities will take place. The current high school (on HWY 377) will house the summer activities while the new high school (Canyon Falls Drive) is finished this summer.

Painting of common areas (hallways, band halls, gyms) will take place in our new building as well this summer. We are also looking to paint in about 10 classrooms.

This new paint should hopefully give the building a fresh new look. Between the relocation, camps taking place, and painting, this should be a very full summer for the middle school.

I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE OUR STUDENTS IN OUR NEW BUILDING AND WITH ALL THE EXCITEMENT OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR. 26

• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

The start of the 2021-2022 school year will bring new amenities to the middle school as it takes over a former high school campus. We are cautiously looking forward to hosting parents in our new auditorium to talk about the middle school experience. We are also looking forward to resuming pep rallies for 2021-2022 in a gym that can accommodate our entire student population. Having access to an indoor facility will be beneficial for our students to utilize when outdoor conditions are not favorable. All of these items make the move something to look forward to as we leave behind a very challenging year. I can’t wait to see our students in our new building and with all the excitement of a new school year.

Scott Gibson Principal Argyle Middle School

Water Project 4th grade

A

fter the 4th grade students at Argyle Intermediate School read the novel A Long Walk to Water in their English classes, they became inspired by the story. The novel, written by Linda Sue Park, is based on the true story of Salva, one of some 3,800 Sudanese “Lost Boys” airlifted to the United States beginning in the mid 1990s.

After returning to his home in southern Sudan, he established a foundation that installs water wells in remote villages in need of clean water. The 4th-grade students at Argyle Intermediate School decided that they wanted to make a difference and raise money to drill water wells. What started out as a plan for a small fundraiser turned into a large and very successful fundraiser due to the hard work of the 4th-grade students. Students brought gallon jugs from home with the intent to fill them with donations to help raise the funds needed to drill a water well. The jugs represented the jugs that

the Sudanese people use to transport water to their villages each day.

The students decorated their jugs with facts, information, etc., about the Sudanese water crisis and went door to door asking family and friends to donate to this cause. After two weeks, the students brought their jugs back filled with coins, cash, and checks. The total amount raised from all of the jugs ended up being a little over $7,000. They then walked one mile on the trails by AIS, carrying the jugs to represent the idea of walking with jugs filled with water. They discussed how the walk was far from what the Sudanese people go

through to get semi-clean water, but they understood the significance of walking a long distance with a heavy load. If a student did not have a jug, they partnered up with another student and shared the responsibility. Many jugs were filled to the brim with coins and weighed over 10 lbs.

After the fundraiser, Mrs. Slaton contacted Mrs. Cheri Crist, the director of donor relations at Water for South Sudan, Inc. Mrs. Crist confirmed that the donation check was received and that the donation was added to the list of sponsorships for this year’s drilling season.

Initially, the teachers at AIS thought that it was $200 to build a well. But upon further investigation, they realized that $200 was to help with other water-related issues. Therefore, they made the decision to donate the entire $7,000 towards co-sponsoring a well that cost $15,000 total. The well drilling season goes from December to May, as long as weather and other unforeseen circumstances do not delay drilling. AIS' well will be drilled this year. “If the drilling season is affected, our well will be one of the first wells dug in the next drilling season,” Slaton said.

When their well is drilled, a banner and concrete stamp will be created saying that the well was funded by the students of Argyle Intermediate School. Eventually the students will also receive a photograph of the villagers in front of the well holding the banner with their school’s name on it.

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2020 -2021 AISD

Retiree Spotlights Congrats Eagles!

Kimberly Kass

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rs. Kass taught in Argyle ISD for 20 years. She has worked a total of 35 years in education. She has taught primarily AP, dual-credit, and honors level chemistry but has also taught all levels of biology and physical science. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Kass has been an academic decathlon coach (previous district), science department chairperson, UIL science coach, and UIL academic coordinator. What she has loved most about working in education has been working with the students to help them achieve their goals, whether in coursework for college prep or in competitive academics.

She especially loves to hear when former students, who are now chemistry professors, physicians, pharmacists, and chemical engineers, tell her that her class made a difference – either in preparing them for college or that they chose their path because of their high school chemistry experience.

So what will Mrs. Kass do during her retirement? She hopes to spend more time in her garden, visiting out-of-state family members, traveling, and getting some house projects completed. She stated that she is not sure that she can totally give up chemistry, so she likely will also be writing curriculum materials, tutoring, and maybe teaching a college lecture or lab part-time.

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Ron Veit

M Carrie Becker

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rs. Becker has taught three years in Argyle ISD and has worked a total of 22 years in education. She has taught elementary, middle school math, technology education, Instructional Technology, and was the district webmaster for Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. When asked what she has loved the most about teaching, Mrs. Becker said that she loved the kids more than anything.

She loves their personalities. She loves helping them grow and learn and has loved the relationships!

Mrs. Becker obtained her real estate license and now works as an Apartment Locator.

r. Veit has worked for Argyle ISD for 13 years and began working in the district when the intermediate school opened in 2008. He has served a total of 25 years in education. Mr. Veit started out working in education as a Pre-K program director and taught third grade as a classroom teacher. He has been a counselor for grades K-6th in four school districts. What Mr. Veit has loved the most about working in education is helping students work through difficult issues of every kind. He also loves the interaction with students on a daily basis.

Mr. Veit plans on traveling a great deal during retirement. He has purchased a lake home at Lake Texoma, so that means he will be doing a lot of fishing, boating, and golfing when he is home. Mr. Veit has two grown children, their spouses, and eight grandchildren to spend time with.

Argyle West ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

W

ell, what can I say about the end of the 2020-2021 school year? In our first year, we were working in a building still under construction. Last year, we were hit with COVID-19, and school essentially ended in March. Then, this year, opening with COVID-19 protocols in place and doing virtual and in-person learning has been a challenge.

We hope that the third time’s the charm to having a semi-normal year at AWE next year. One thing I have learned from this year is that we have some pretty phenomenal teachers and staff members.

They have shown grace and resiliency through the most difficult times – during a pandemic! We have risen above as Argyle Eagles and come together as a community for the sake of our students. Parents, staff, and students have exhibited positive attitudes and appreciation for each other.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our terrific PTA and executive board. DeLinn Payne, outgoing PTA president, and Stephanie Crawford, current PTA president, have provided

excellent leadership and support to the PTA committees, the school staff and administration, and, most importantly, the students at AWE. Thank you to all the parents on the PTA and the various committees for your endless contributions and dedicating a great deal of time to provide resources to our school even though you were not allowed in. We feel very spoiled and blessed that you take such good care of us. We are very thankful for your generous support, and we look forward to next year.

We have already started the planning and preparation process for the 2021-2022 school year. We are seeing rapid growth and expect to welcome

several new families to our community over the summer. One of the planning areas is to ensure our staffing exemplifies the very best educators who demonstrate a passion for teaching and working with children. We are in the process of interviewing for several new positions and will welcome new staff to the traditions and culture of Argyle West.

Please enjoy the change of pace that summer brings. Have a happy, relaxing, and safe summer with your children. We look forward to seeing everyone upon our return for the 2021-2022 school year.

Please keep an eye on our website for information regarding summer hours and registration information. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Have a wonderful summer!!

Warm Regards,

Renee Funderburg Argyle West

We feel very spoiled and

Principal

blessed that you take such good care of us. We are very thankful for your generous support, and we look forward to next year.

Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

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AMS Cheerleaders T

he AMS Cheerleading Team for the 2020-2021 school year is made up of 20 girls. Their coaches are so excited about the new season and all the fun things they are going to do.

Members of the AMS Cheerleading Team helped the Argyle Education Foundation spread the word about their “Back the Red and Black” campaign at AMS. The girls helped promote by holding signs, passing out flyers and cheering in the car line the day of the kickoff. The AMS Cheerleaders will be attending SMU for their summer camp June 7-9.

THE CHEERLEADERS FOR THIS YEAR ARE M A R LO A N D E R S O N K AT E B R O O K S KEAGAN DELAPORTE MORGAN FLANIGAN ANNIE GAMBLIN GENTRY GIBBS K AY D E N C E G O U G E R O Z LY N H A R D E N ADDYSON HEISER REESE HENNIGAN K AT E L A N E OLIVIA MARTINEZ ALIVIA MICHAELS COHEN OWEN A LY S S A P AT T E R S O N PHOENIX SALEE ADDISON SIMPSON ABBY SWINDELL M I A TO R R E S KACIE TRAIL COACHES T I F FA N Y H A L K & A S H L E Y L AY T O N 30

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CONGRATULATIONS AHS SENIOR CHEERLEADERS

LILA RIGSBY

PA I G E BA X T E R

SAMANTHA GLADYS

AMELIA IRWIN

STEELEE HARPER

AMANDA COX

C AY D E N S I Z E L O V E

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Argyle High School

UIL ACADEMICS

A

rgyle High School found historic success this year in the University Interscholastic League Academic competitions. First, the Eagles won the UIL District 7-4A Academic meet championship in historic fashion. They produced a school-record 1,024 points, distancing from second-place Bridgeport, which finished with 184 points.

AHS then advanced to the UIL Regionals, and 46 students competed for the chance to advance to the UIL State meet in April. The Eagles soared again in the regionals and produced 27 state qualifiers, which represented seven first-place teams and individual events. The state competition was held after this magazine issue’s deadline. State results were posted on the Arygle ISD website and social media accounts. Argyle was also the first-place finisher at the region meet with 546 points.The following are the results from the UIL Class 4A Region I meet:

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• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

Argyle HS – 2021 Region 1 4A ACADEMIC MEET CHAMPIONS ACCOUNTING 1ST PLACE TEAM* 2nd Nate Atwood* 2nd Paige Nicholson* 4th Jorge Terrazas* 5th Rylan Wilson* C A LC U L ATO R A P P S 1ST PLACE TEAM* 2nd James Ragan* 3rd Jasmine Ball* 4th Caroline Deffenbaugh* 5th Vidit Tripathi* COMPUTER APPS 2nd Holden Holmes* 3rd Amanda Cheatham* 4th Jayda Stroik+ COMPUTER SCIENCE 1ST PLACE TEAM* 1st Jasmine Ball* 2nd Vidit Tripathi* 5th Trent Goodpaster* 6th Mark Castle* COPY EDITING 1st Sarah Crowder*

CURRENT ISSUES &EVENTS 4th Tristan Ball+

E D I TO R I A L W R I T I N G 4th Ashlynn Roberts+ 6th Sarah Crowder

F E AT U R E W R I T I N G 3rd Sarah Crowder*

P O E T RY I N T E R P R E TAT I O N

I N F O R M AT I V E S P E A K I N G 2nd Billy Mykel* 4th Tristan Ball+ 6th Karter Hennigan

P R O S E I N T E R P R E TAT I O N

LINCOLN DOUGLAS DEBATE 3rd Joe Thompson* 5th Nick Loveday L I T E R A RY C R I T I C I S M 1ST PLACE TEAM* 1st Gracie Hurst* 4th Abby Adams* 5th Katherine Atkins* Avery Clayton* M AT H E M AT I C S 1ST PLACE TEAM* 1st Vidit Tripathi* 2nd Jasmine Ball* 4th Eli Valentino* 6th James Ragan* NUMBER SENSE 1ST PLACE TEAM* 1st Vidit Tripathi* 4th Evan Harbach* 5th Eli Valentino* 5th Mark Castle* P ERSUASIVE SPEAKING 3rd Nick Loveday* 4th Joe Thompson+

1st Jackson Barnes*

5th Katy Atkins S CIENCE – 1ST PLACE TEAM* 1st Lauren Allen* (1st – bio, chem, phys) 2nd Isaac Fisher* 3rd Danny Roberts* 5th Isabelle Gilbert* SOCIAL STUDIES 2ND PLACE TEAM+ 5th Alex Gomez SPELLING 2ND PLACE TEAM+ 4th Lily Fillhart+ SPEECH OVERALL 1ST PLACE TEAM OA P – 4 T H P L A C E T E A M Best Performer – Jackson Barnes Honorable Mention – Carlin Clark

Argyle HS earned 546 points in the 2021 regional meet (AHS had 510 points in the 2019 regional championship) (state qualifier*, state alternate+)

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argyle

Education Foundation T

he Argyle Education Foundation was not able to host its annual gala to raise the needed funding for AISD, so they changed directions and hosted an online fundraising campaign: AEF Month! In April, the families and businesses of Argyle came together to bring in the dollars needed to continue the many programs that support the students and staff of AISD! The donations are still coming in, so stay tuned to hear the final dollar amount of your gifts!

Did you know that AEF has provided over 1.6 MILLION DOLLARS to Argyle ISD since 2003? AEF works with AISD Administration and the AISD School Board to ensure donated dollars are aligned with the District’s needs. AEF facilitates the district’s Golden Eagle (teacher of the year) Program, provides scholarships to AHS seniors, supports teacher appreciation programs, provides grants to each campus for enhanced learning, and helps fund the AISD STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Teachers!

2021 AISD Golden Eagle Nominees: AHS: Ashley Allen Julie Bayne Mary Betzhold Lindsey Browning Jennifer Fischer William Green Deserae Good Will Griswold Jennifer Hadley Michelle Heyns Kelly Jackson Tobi Jordan Tanya Kosla Terra Lyon Troy McCartney Bobby Morse Russell Perkins Beccie Perkins Jeanna Sutton Marla Warden

Natalie Weber Curtis Williams Matthew Woody AIS: Erin Baker Jennifer Dunn Morgan Gumbert Vanessa Howard Patience Knotts Alexa Mouton Jenna Roub Sarah Slaton Lisa Watson Beverly Wright AMS: Jennifer Augenstein Jennifer Baker Heather Burks Alicia Deranger

April Dominguez Julie Eason Kori Eubanks Evan Fletcher Andrea Gale Bailey Gross Bojan Gutic Kristin Hubbard Stephanie Kelly Ashley Layton Kimberly McCage James McNair Abby Nelson Jon O’Connor Michelle Offner Ann Pape David Peddy Dana Pelt Coby Pelt Jessica Plunk Kristi Thetford

Erin Turek Edith Weimer-Collins Nancy Wilkinson AWE: Bridget Barnes Natalie Belokin Jennifer Black Lindsay Carrier Kati Castellanos Joanna Davila Keely Davis Candis Decker Kelly Dillaman Brittany Donato Angela Forte Mary Claire French Allison Gossett Whitney Hammaker Tara Hartjen Staci Hollar

Kelli Jester Hillary Laird Kelly Little Kim McNulty Connie Mikla Pam Moore Martha Murphy Victoria Netzelman Jordan Nickelson Carey Peddy Rebecca Picquet Kelly Roberts Heather Sayre Amanda Speer Emily Valdez Courtney Vest Jessica Wallis Hilltop: Amy Ball Bethany Barnhart

Loretta Clear Ashley Cooley De Fife Tracy Gipson Kelly Griffeth Anita Gumbert Kenzi Hays Kendra Holder Julie Macias Jordan McCall April Owen Mary Pennington Amber Phillips Jordan Rawls Avery Rodgers Lynn Styles Bailey Sutton Kaylee Sweatt Cecelia Vaughn Lisa West Amy Young

THE AISD TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM IS FUNDED BY THE LISA MZ ENDOWMENT FOR T E A C H I N G E X C E L L E N C E A N D F A C I L I TAT E D B Y T H E A R G Y L E E D U C AT I O N F O U N D AT I O N .

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Argyle ISD

TRANSITIONAL PLAN ARGYLE ISD 2021-2022 ELEMENTARY TRANSITION

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eginning August 2021, all current 4th-graders at Argyle West

Elementary will be transitioning to attend Argyle Intermediate School for 5th grade. AIS will become a 5th-grade ONLY campus during the 2021-2022 school year. Argyle Intermediate, which currently serves 4th-5th grades, is located at 800 Eagle Drive.

- All 5th-Graders in Argyle ISD will attend Argyle Intermediate - Hilltop Elementary will add 4th-grade (to serve its current 3rd graders) - AIS will be a 5th-Grade ONLY campus

This decision was made in January 2020 due to the projected rapid enrollment growth and available capacity of the Argyle West campus. Argyle West’s current enrollment is 917. The current 4th-grade enrollment at Argyle West and AIS combined is 288, which is one of the largest elementary grade levels in Argyle ISD. Elementary School No. 3 is scheduled to open at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year and will serve PreK-5th grade students. The new elementary will be located in Canyon Falls at the corner of Denton Creek Blvd. and Prairie Ridge Rd. With this new campus opening and adding elementary capacity, it will allow Argyle West and Hilltop Elementary to both transition to

2021-2022 ARGYLE ISD CAMPUSES & GRADE LEVELS - Hilltop Elementary PreK 4th-Grade - Argyle West Elementary PreK 4th-Grade - Argyle Intermediate 5th-Grade - Argyle Middle School 6th-8th-Grade (moving to current high school in 2021-2022 on HWY 377) - Argyle High School

PreK-5th grade campuses in 2022-2023.

9th-12th-Grade (moving to current

Additionally, all Hilltop Elementary

middle school in 2021-2022 in

3rd-graders will remain at the campus during 2021-2022 as the school adds 4th-grade to its configuration.

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Canyon Falls)

ARGYLE

VACCINE SHOT CLINIC

D

uring the spring semester, the Flower Mound Fire Department reached out to Argyle ISD to partner in providing a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for all Eagle employees. This provided a great and convenient opportunity for district staff to receive the vaccine within the district. FMFD provided about 20 vaccines to staff during spring break and then about 40 more after school was back in session.

FMFD provided the clinic in the Argyle Middle School library, and the vaccine included two doses. The firefighters returned on April 23 to complete the vaccinations at AMS. Those who received the two doses are expected to be fully vaccinated by May 10. By having those fully vaccinated on this date, the Argyle ISD Board of Trustees approved making masks optional on Monday, May 10. This policy change will remain in place until the end of the 2020-2021 school year. On May 10, masks became optional for all employees and students.

Argyle ISD thanks the FMFD for their outstanding partnership in offering to provide the vaccine for its employees.

“I am very grateful for the assistance of the Flower Mound Fire Department and especially for what Brandon Barth, Emergency Management Officer, made possible for AISD,” Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Telena Wright said. “All employees were offered the opportunity to be vaccinated at Argyle Middle School if they wished.”

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ahs Seniors 2021

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Snapshots through the years

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HILLTOP ELEMENTARY

Creates Virtual Zoo

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ll across Argyle ISD this school year, teachers have had to adjust to new teaching models and help Eagle students adapt to the new learning environment.

Eagle teachers have been resilient and flexible and learned to create new ways to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. Due to district safety protocols, elementary students were unable to make their traditional field trip to the zoo this year.

Just like this entire year, AISD teachers put their creativity to work. At Hilltop Elementary, the kindergarten teachers created a virtual zoo for students. So once you walked down the kindergarten hallway and classrooms, you were walking into an interactive zoo.

“What our teachers did to make this event memorable was incredible,” Hilltop Elementary Principal Dona Lumsden. “Our students were treated with an amazing experience.”

Congratulations

TOP 10 SENIORS LEFT to RIGHT: Joseph Walsh, Peyton Deffenbaugh, Anusha Biswas, Sarah Crowder, Trinity Flaten, Isabelle Gilbert, Archisha Biswas, Lily Fillhart, Lauren Allen, Not Pictured - Mark Mirelez

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• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

ARGYLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Argyle Independent School District 2021-2022 2021-2022School School CalendarCalendar AUGUST 2021 SEPTEMBER 2021 Argyle Independent School District S M T W T F S S M T W T F

JULY 2021

S 4 11 18 25

S 3 10 17 24 31

M 5 12 19 26

M

T

W

T

6 13 20 27

1 2 3 1 7 8 9 10 8 JULY 2021 14 15 16 17 15 T W 22T 21 22 SJULY 23M2021 24 S28 M29 T 30W 31 T F 29 S1

F

S 2021-2022 School Calendar Argyle Independent School District 2 3 4 5 6 7

4 5 116 12 18 13 19 25 20

4 11 18 OCTOBER 2021 25 26 27

T

4 11 18 25

5 (12 19 26

W

T

5 12 7 14 19 21 26

6 1 13 8 15 20 22 27

28

29

F

S

27 14 9 16 21 23 28 30

38 15 10 17 22 24 29 31

91 16 8 2315 3022

38 4 9 5 10 1015 11(16 1217 1722 1823 1924 2429 2530 2631 NOVEMBER 2021 29 30 31

S

18 20 25 27

19 21 26 28

20 22 27 29

M

T

21 23 28 30

3 10 17 24 31

(4 11 18 25

M

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

S

19 26

20 27

S

M

51 128 15 19 22 26

62 13 9 16 20 23 27

T

W

7 14 21 DECEMBER 28 29 30

7 3 14 10 17 21 24 28

48 15 11 18 22 25 29

2021

T

9 16 23 30

F

10 17 24

2321 2422 2523 26 24 27 25 29 30 3028

2221 2322 2928 3029

26 19 26

27 20 27

21 28

19 22 26 29

20 23 27 30

21 24 28 31

22 25

5 2 12 9 19 16 23 26

FEBRUARY 2022

61 8 136 15 13 20 22 20 29 27

7 6 7 14 13 14 2120 21 27 28

W APRIL T F 2022 S

S

6 7 8 3 (4 5 6 (4 13 2 143 15 10 11 12 13 9 10 11 1720 18 2119 22 20 16 17 18 2427 25 2826 29 27 31 23 30

24 31

25

7 5 14 12 21 19 28

26

27

28

W

T S FM ST

20 27

2124 2225 23 26 28 29 30

3 4 5 10 11 312 6 18 7 19 17 10 13 2514 26 24 17

Quarter 1 2 3 Begin 4

Quarter

16 13 4 8 20 11 1527 18

27 14 5 921 12 16 28 19

Begin 16-Aug Quarter 12-Oct

1 4-Jan End 221-Mar

1 2

16-Aug 12-Oct

8-Oct 3 16-Dec 4

3 4

4-Jan 11-Mar Holidays 21-Mar 20-May

1 W 8 15 6 22 13 29 20

20 27

S

M

F1 18 2 8 15 9 1522 1629 22

27 22 28 29

23 29 30

T

S2 2 39 9 16 10 1623 17 2330

W

T

25 29

26 30

3S 4M 101 112 4 5 178 189 11 12 2415 2516 18 19 31 22 23

3024 31

Number of Days

8-Oct Begin 16-Dec

39 End 41

16-Aug 8-Oct 11-Mar Number of Days 46 12-Oct 16-Dec 20-May 43

39

4-Jan 41 21-Mar

11-Mar 20-May

Semester

22

23

24

23 30

24 31

39 Semester 41

1 2

46 43

46 5 7 1 82 6 7 8 9 11 6 13 1214 15 13 14 15 16 18 19 13 20 (21(2122 2223 20 25 26 20 27 30 27 28 28 29 29 27

F

S

20)

24 27 31

21 26 28

25

End

S

FS

Begin 16-Aug 4-Jan

SM

T

56 67 7 12 13 13 14 14 5 6 19 20) 20 21 21 12 27 13 28 26 27 28

19 26

20 27

End

16-Aug 16-Dec End Total 4-Jan 20-May

16-Dec 20-May

80 89

28

4 110 11) 817 18 15 24 25

5211) 3 12 9 18 10 19 1625 17 26

12 4 1911) 26 18

4 11 18 25

Important Dates

25

4F T S F T W

S

22 31 29

23 30

24 31

JUNE W T2022 FJUNES2022

TS1

M2 W

21 26 28

22 27

8 515 722 12 1429 19

19 16 6 8 23 13 15 30 20

29

3 T 10 2 17 7 249 14

11 13 2 18 8 10 9 25 15 16

4 3 11 10 17 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 23 2924 30 25 28 30

Total 80 89

Teacher Contract Days: 187

Important District Staff Development

New16, Eagle First Day of School - August 2021Academy (New Teachers Only)

Dates

Student Early Release Day District Staff Development Important Dates

Teacher Contract Days: 187

Teacher Contract Days: 187

Conference Day for Elementary & Intermediate/Student Holiday First Day of School - August 16, 2021

New Eagle Academy (New Teachers Only) TBD

Bad Weather Make-Up Day - Student/Staff Holiday if not used

District Staff Development

Teacher Comp Days: Oct 11, Nov 22, Nov 23, Nov 24, Apr 15

Student Holiday/Campus Professional Development

S 5 12 19 26

New Eagle Academy (New Teachers Only)

Student/Staff Holiday Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

Student/Staff Holiday (Staff Comp Day)

93 10 7 16 17 14 23 24 (21 31 30

Total

16-Aug 16-Dec 80 Semester20-MayBegin89 4-Jan

1 2

M

Holidays Student/Staff Holiday (Staff Comp Day)

Student Holiday/Campus Development StudentProfessional Holiday/Teacher Workday

S

JUNE 2022

5 T 6 W 7 T 12 3 13 4 14 5 6 7 1910 20)11 21 12 13 14 2617 27 18 28 19

Begin

1 Number2of Days

46 43

Bad Weather Make-Up Day - Student/Staff Holiday if notDay) used Student/Staff Holiday (Staff Comp

Student/Staff Holiday

21 28

3 111 4 2 12 5 3 10 11 12 818 9 19 10 17 18 19 15 16 17 24 2525 26 26

MAYT2022 M W T MAY F 2022 S

Student/Staff Holiday

Holidays

2 10 9 7 17 16 14 24 23

4 11 18 25

MARCH 2022

MAY 2022

2T 19 16 8237 14 15 30 21

End

19 8 6 16 15 13 23 22

18 7 815 14 1522 21 22 28 29

29

S

S

2022 TJANUARY F JANUARY S S M T FEBRUARY W T 2022 F S 2022 S MMARCH T 2022 W MARCH T F2022 S 2022 FEBRUARY M ST M W 1T T W F ST F S S 1M T2S WM SF MS T 1SW M F S4 T 5 F 3 T T4 F W5S T 2T T3 W

APRIL S 2022 M T 5 12 19 26

F

14 621 13 28

W

30

T

T

13 20 5 12 27

2 3 4 NOVEMBER 5 6 2021 1 DECEMBER 2 3 2021 4 DECEMBER 2021 9 NOVEMBER 10 11 2021 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 S S M T W T F S S M T W T F M T T 19F 20 S S12 M 13 T 14W 15 T F16) S 17 17 W18 216 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 18 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 9 8 7 108 11 9 12 10 13 11 12 13 7 58 69 7 8 9 25 10 9 5 6 10 11 26 27 28 29 30 31 1630 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16) 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16) 17 18

APRIL 2022

S

W

7 12 14 19 21 26 28

18 25

S 2 9 16 23 30

T

6 11 13 18 20 25 27

17 24 31

JANUARY 2022

S

10 2 17 9 24(16 3123

M

1 OCTOBER 2 2021 1 6 7OCTOBER 8) 2021 9 7 8 S M T W T F S13 M14 T 15W 16 T F 14 S S 15 1 1 2 20 21 3 224 23 21 22 5 6 7 8) 7 3 4 5 6 7 8) 9 27 112810 11 (12 13 28 14 29 1514 10 (12 29 13 30 14 15 16 17 19 24 26 31

S

1 2 3 4 2021-2022 9 10 11 School 12 Calendar 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 AUGUST 2021 SEPTEMBER 2021 (16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 F S S M T W T F S S M 202127 SEPTEMBER 2021 T 23 24 AUGUST 25 26 28 19 20 21 22 23 W24 T 25 F 2 3M 2 3 T1 W2 T 3 F 4 S 5 S626 M727 T 28W 29 T F30 S1 30S 31

Student Early Release Day Conference Day for Elementary & Intermediate/Student Holiday

Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

First Day of School - August 16, 2021

Bad Weather Make-Up Day - Student/Staff Holiday if not used

Student Early Release Day

Student Holiday/Campus Professional Development

Conference Day for Elementary & Intermediate/Student Holiday

TBD

Teacher Comp Days: Oct 11, Nov 22, Nov 23, Nov 24, Apr 15

Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

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4 11 18 25

Hello From Hilltop!

E L E M E N TA R Y P R I N C I PA L D O N A L U M S D E N

H

ow do you sum up a year like this one? I choose, like any other year, to look back and rejoice about what has been accomplished. It’s easy to think first about all the things that made the year really challenging. It was hard. There’s no denying it. But so much good came out of it, and we’ll use that good to start from next year.

Children were really able to show their resiliency this year. I’m so proud of the students at Hilltop who had to have their routine disrupted many times and still showed significant growth. I think the brightside was - it was hard to get burned out on school this year. We had a lot of periods of missing each other. I think that caused the children to be very tuned in and eager to work when they were here. I feel like many students and teachers had the feeling of the first day of school many times this year, so that excitement about coming to school kept getting refreshed.

Our parents were tremendous partners this year. We may not have been able to be together physically, but the circumstances of this year had you virtually in our classrooms many times. We appreciate the support, help, and work we know you were doing at home to help your children with school. Even though you couldn’t volunteer here on campus, we know and appreciate the time you put into school this year with us.

We faced some issues this year with our school building and flooding caused from the winter storm. But the repairs have been made, and we are grateful to have things close to normal. We have new heating units and a new gym floor. A large portion of the building, including the library had carpeting replaced due to the damage caused by the flooding.

I want to also thank the PTA for all their help and contributions this year.

They have helped us with PE equipment, phonics supplies, a projector, and virtual 44

• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

field trips just to name a few ways they have helped us. For a year where the needs weren’t normal, the PTA found a way to help us in innovative ways. Also, big thanks to them for all the work that goes into the yearbook. That doesn’t just happen easily. Creating a yearbook is a big undertaking, and the time put into that is very appreciated. The PTA and our parents were eager and flexible in helping us during this year like no other. Thanks to you all for that support this year!

Some changes for next year: we have more building renovations coming up this summer. A newly designed entry is in the works. We are making some outdoor improvements as well. We are working on classroom furniture and arrangements to be prepared to welcome 4th-grade teachers back on the campus in the fall.

To end the year, we don’t have to be sad about any of our students leaving because we will get to keep our 3rd-graders as they rise into fourth. That is definitely

something that is making me look forward to next year.

And speaking of next year, this year was my first year, but I feel like next year will be my second first year here at Hilltop. I am very hopeful in a new beginning where things are as they should be. I want parents in the building. I want events. I want open houses. I know I’m not alone in that.

I’m very hopeful that next year gives us all those things. I can’t wait to build real face-to-face relationships with the wonderful parents that go with these students that I have fallen in love with this year.

What a year. We made it. Our children accomplished a lot. We took care of each other. We dug in to help our Eagles get where they needed to be, and will continue to do that.

And now….onto new beginnings.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this year!

Dona Lumsden Hilltop Elementary Principal

Argyle High School ONE-ACT

PLAY I

t was quite a year for Argyle High School’s UIL One-Act Play. The Eagle students participating in One-Act Play had a breakthrough year, becoming the first group to reach the UIL Regional round since 2014.

In the regionals, Argyle High School finished fourth overall, ranking it as one of the top 16 plays in the state. Carlin Clark received Honorable Mention All-Star Cast, and Jackson Barnes was named Best Performer. Both students also earned AHS regional academic points. Before reaching regionals, the Eagles earned several distinguished awards. Dixon Raffo won All-Star Crew. The Honorable Mention All-Star Cast included

Clark, Mikayla Simmons, Peyton Deffenbaugh, and Srimaan Kolanakuduru.

All-Star Cast winners included Grady Henexson and Bella Zindel. Barnes won Best Performer.

Congratulations to these talented Eagles on an outstanding year performing in One-Act Play!

Summer 2021 • Argyle Insights •

45

AHS

MAJESTICS Championship W I N T E X A S S TAT E

T

he Argyle High School Majestics Drill Team did it again! This talented group was crowned Texas State Champions for the second consecutive year at the Showtime International Competition. The event was held in April at Mansfield Lake Ridge High School.

VARSITY RESULTS STATE CHAMPIONS Best-in-Category Lyrical Best-in-Category Novelty Best-in-Category Jazz Best-in-Category Pom Judges Award Sweepstakes Award Applause Award for Team Pom Team Supreme for Team Novelty (highest scoring of the entire competition) Best of the Best 2ndPlace High School Team

OFFICER RESULTS

holding 2021 photo left to right - Ileana Roel, Katherine Burns, Avri Styron, Samantha Holder photos in uniform left to right - Avri Styron, Katherine Burns, Sami Holder, Ileana Roel

“I AM EXTREMELY PROUD TO SAY THAT OUR VARSITY MAJESTICS WON THE SMALL DIVISION MAKING THEM BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPIONS. THESE GIRLS HAVE BEEN PREPARING SINCE OCTOBER AND REALLY SHOWED THE STATE WHAT ARGYLE IS ALL ABOUT. WITH THIS ONLY BEING OUR 4TH YEAR IN EXISTENCE THIS IS A HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR OUR ORGANIZATION.” MAJESTICS DIRECTOR HALEY MARTINEZ

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• Argyle Insights • Summer 2021

STATE CHAMPIONS Best-in-Category Lyrical Best-in-Category Open Best-in-Category Contemporary Judges Awards Sweepstakes Award Officer Supreme Award for our Officer Lyrical (highest scoring of the entire competition) Best of the Best Officers 3rd Place (Overall out of all officer groups in the entire competition)

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS Runner-Up High School Solo - Zoe Sealy State Champion Duet w/Kat Burns & Sami Holder

JV RESU LTS State Champion Runner Up Runner-Up Team Jazz Runner-Up Team Pom Runner-Up Team Novelty Judges Award Sweepstakes Award