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AISD Newsletters in Text Only Format

2024-25 School Year: AISD Newsletter Text-Only Format

  • September Newsletter – September 6, 2024

    Watch It All Play Out
    And just like that, it’s September. That happened fast! We’re less than a month into the school year, but already, we have a whirlwind of good things to celebrate together, so let’s get started. 

    This week, we brought out the balloons, gathered 105 wide-eyed fifth graders and popped the confetti cannons to celebrate Humphrey’s Highland teacher Kristi Leff. She is one of three finalists for Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year.

    Kristi was named Amarillo ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year in May and Region 16 Elementary Teacher of the Year in July. Now that she’s a finalist for the state honor, Kristi could learn even more big news in October when the state’s Teacher of the Year is revealed.

    Kristi teaches science and English/language arts, but we love a good history lesson. AISD has been home to three former Texas Teachers of the Year: Mary McFarland (1992), Cindy Lewis (2006), and Shanna Peeples (2015), who went on to earn the title of National Teacher of the Year.  

    AISD Athletes Achieve Video Game Fame
    Friday (and Thursday) night lights are back at Dick Bivins stadium, but now thanks to some video game magic, you don’t have to wait until Saturday to watch some local football standouts on the college gridiron. Several AISD players are featured in the new, much-hyped EA Sports College Football 25 video game.

    We’re proud to be the only Amarillo-area district to have athletes featured, so we couldn’t wait to see the oh-so-real likeness of these former AISD athletes in their digital football form playing for TCU, Texas Tech and New Mexico State. We snagged some video of some of them in action. 

    Check it out at https://www.instagram.com/p/C_iyxJjPg0S/

    Tracking the comings and goings of all the AISD athletes playing at the next level can get a little precarious. So, we came up with this mostly thorough but probably not totally comprehensive list of D1 football players from AISD to watch for this fall. Also included is WTAMU, where all four AISD high schools are represented on the roster this season. Good luck to them all!

    D1 Football Players from Amarillo High School:

    • Mason Graham - #87 New Mexico State University

    • Jameson Garcia - #8 University of the Incarnate Word

    • Erik Gray - #55 Stephen F. Austin State University

    • Rylan Leathers - #21 Idaho State University

    D1 Football Players from Tascosa High School:

    • Tayden Barnes - #3 New Mexico State University

    • Avion Carter - #99 Texas Christian University

    • Major Everhart - #13 Texas Christian University

    • Joseph Plunk - #31 Texas Tech University

    • Darius Sanders - #1 University of the Incarnate Word

    AISD Players at West Texas A&M University:

    • AHS

      • Eddy Mpela

    • Caprock

      • Jamel Acosta-Lewis

      • Cason Polivoda

      • Christian Atkins

    • Palo Duro

      • Kameron Brown

    • Tascosa

      • Tre’Alan Luckey

      • Treshun Wilson

    More For Your Student
    In Amarillo ISD, your family is part of a team—a school district—that offers more opportunities, more choice and more possibilities for your student than any other place in the Texas Panhandle.

    There’s so much more to do, see, learn and experience in AISD, from niche opportunities like piano, dance and yoga, to the find-your-future-and-grab-it skills being taught at AmTech. Take a look at https://youtu.be/4RKWEwlluw0

    Good Things Are Happening Here: Students Go Pro
    A whopping 830 AISD students went pro and leveled up in their education, earning professional and industry-based certifications during the 2023-2024 school year. From tax assistance to floral design, dental hygiene, feed yard and cattle care, automotive and emergency telecommunicator, these student certifications represent more than 40 different industry and professional areas of expertise. The certification earned the most by AISD students last year? Sheet Metal Welding.

    Getting InSync With Your Kiddo
    You: How was school today? Child: Good. You: Good. Repeat 'til the end of time. OR try asking a different question! InSync has your back with some after-school questions to help you get to the good part.

    Try asking… “What is something funny that happened today?”

    Totally Valid, Absolutely Real Reviews
    Kids really do say the darndest things. This year, we’ve refreshed our reviews with some very, ahem, honest feedback from students. These are Totally Awesome Valid, Absolutely Real Reviews that won’t make the bumper sticker or the highlight reel, but they do make us laugh and occasionally re-think a few things! 

    From Middle School Students:

    “I know that this school 100% deserves the title of 2nd best middle school in Texas.”

    “Put bagels in the cafeteria, please, and not stale ones.”

    Stories: Short Ones, Old Ones & New Ones
    Our Stories series, which honors the people and programs who make AISD so special, is back… with a new chapter. We’ve got the original Stories video series, Short Stories and now Stories… From the Past. We’re dusting off yearbooks and digging through old records–some that have charred edges from surviving the administration building fire in the 1980s. We’re walking halls and looking for legends. All across the District, our walls can talk, and we’re listening. This is the series where AISD’s colorful history comes to life in black and white.

    ICYMI…

    Calendar Highlights

    Sept. 9 - Physical Therapist Appreciation Day

    Sept. 16 - Palo Duro Homecoming Parade, 6pm

    Sept. 16 - Caprock Homecoming Parade, 7pm

    Sept. 17 - IT Professional Day

    Sept. 19 - Caprock Homecoming

    Sept. 20 - Palo Duro Homecoming

    Sept. 25 – Tascos Homecoming Parade, 5:30pm

    Sept. 27 - Tascosa Homecoming

    Sept. 30 – Amarillo High Homecoming Parade, 6:30pm

     

    Amarillo ISD on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AmarilloISD

    Amarillo ISD Website https://www.amaisd.org

    Amarillo ISD on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/AmarilloISDtx

    Amarillo ISD on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amarilloisd/

    Amarillo ISD on Twitter https://x.com/AmarilloISD

    Past editions of the newsletter are available here (opens in new window)

  • October Newsletter: October 2, 2024

    Doing MORE to Make Schools Safer
    Nothing, absolutely nothing, is more important than safety. That’s why our recent video featuring AISD PD Officer Tinsley resonated with so many in our community. It’s been viewed more than 150,000 times! View the video at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/TA79LQtiD8tA9zdd/?mibextid=oFDknk

    Officer T is one of many in AISD schools every day, doing MORE to ensure students and staff are safe, all while building positive relationships.  

    The AISD PD force is now 17 officers strong, and we’re actively recruiting more officers. Over the last decade, we’ve invested more than $23 million in safety and security upgrades.

    Safety is our top priority. We’re trying to do all we can to make schools safer, but we need your help, too. When you see something threatening, report it, but please think twice before sharing it online or by text. One share can multiply quickly, and then dozens, if not hundreds, of others, see it and make a report about the same post. This causes police and schools to investigate the same post multiple times. Sharing posts bogs down the investigative process and ultimately creates fear and panic, sometimes needlessly.

    Please talk with your student about why sharing these kinds of posts on SnapChat or anywhere online is a bad idea. Simply put: Report it; Don’t Share it.

    Make a report anytime you see something concerning. We take every report seriously and investigate each one thoroughly. We know the See Something, Say Something system works.

    When you or your student see something suspicious, immediately report it to an adult at your school, to police or by using AISD's online reporting form at https://forms.amaisd.org/Forms/SchoolSafetyForm.


    Rare Achievement: The Uncommon Accolade More AISD Students Consistently Earn
    This year, seven senior students in Amarillo ISD earned National Merit honors, joining an elite list that includes US Supreme Court justices, astronauts, banking moguls, and even billionaires like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.

    Jason Vo, an Amarillo High School senior, earned the National Merit Semifinalist designation. Semifinalists represent less than one percent of US high school seniors and include the highest-scoring PSAT test takers in each state.

    Six other seniors from Amarillo and Tascosa High Schools are National Merit Commended Scholars Over the last ten years, more than 100 AISD students have earned National Merit honors. Year after year, we’re the only area school system to consistently produce National Merit scholars.

    National Commended students include:

    • Lance Dykhouse, amarillo hS

    • Elizabeth Griffin, Amarillo High

    • Elizabeth Lewis, Amarillo High

    • Nathanael Smith, Amarillo High

    • Peyton Thompson, Amarillo High

    • Erik Foster, Tascosa High
       

    FutureReady Community Luncheon
    We are excited to announce our inaugural Education & Community Luncheon on Thursday, October 31. The event will be held at AmTech Career Academy, and a complimentary lunch will be provided. 

    This luncheon will offer an overview of AISD’s current state and its vision for the future, addressing key topics that affect local schools and the broader Amarillo community. The keynote speaker for the event is prominent Texas economist Dr. Ray Perryman, who will discuss the changing population trends in the region and the impact these shifts have on the local education system.

    We’re thrilled to welcome the community to join this important conversation about the future of education in Amarillo. Dr. Perryman’s insights will help us better understand the challenges and opportunities ahead as our district adapts to population changes and evolving needs.

    Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation! Tell us you're coming by RSVP’ing online at bit.ly/FutureReadyAISD

     

    Good Things Are Happening Here: Searching for Great Snacks
    The struggle is real when it comes to getting kids to eat food that is good for them. Snack Pak 4 Kids gets it. They’re always in search of nutritionally rich foods that also happen to taste good.

    Some little snacksters at Rogers Elementary recently had the honor of taste-testing brand-new food items that might eventually be included in the weekly Snack Paks provided to thousands of AISD students. Some of the eight items students tested are so new, in fact, they’re not even on the market yet. A few of them, like a honey brown sugar turkey stick, were a hit, and a few others were not so much.

    “I’d definitely do this again,” one student taste-tester told us. That’s the point, says Snack Pak 4 Kids Executive Director Dyron Howell. “We’ve got to give kids a seat at the table and let them help make decisions,” says Dyron. “The most expensive thing in this bag is the thing they don’t eat because they throw it away.”

     

    Getting InSync With Your Kiddo
    Some kids need a little quiet time after school. Sound familiar? If you have a child who needs to wait a while before they feel like chatting, give them some quiet, but don't forget to initiate conversation later on. Because even quiet kids want to know you care about their day. Try asking, “When were you the happiest today?”

     

    Totally Valid, Absolutely Real Reviews
    Kids really do say the darndest things. This year, we’ve refreshed our reviews with some very, ahem, honest feedback from students. These are Totally Awesome Valid, Absolutely Real Reviews that won’t make the bumper sticker or the highlight reel, but they do make us laugh and occasionally re-think a few things!

    One high school student said in a review: “I really like coming here because it gives me a break from my home, like doing chores.”

     

    In Case You Missed It…

     

    Calendar Highlights

    Oct 2 - School Custodian Appreciation Day

    Oct 4  - Amarillo High Homecoming

    Oct 9  - PSAT Day

    Oct 11 - Student Holiday/Staff Work Day

    Oct 14 - Student Holiday/Staff Work Day

    Oct 28 - Occupational Therapist Appreciation Day

    Oct 31 - FutureReady Community Luncheon

    Oct 31 - Halloween

     

    Amarillo ISD on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AmarilloISD

    Amarillo ISD Website https://www.amaisd.org

    Amarillo ISD on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/AmarilloISDtx

    Amarillo ISD on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amarilloisd/

    Amarillo ISD on Twitter https://x.com/AmarilloISD

    Past editions of the newsletter are available here (opens in new window)

  • We are excited to announce our inaugural Education & Community Luncheon on Thursday, October 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held at AmTech Career Academy, and a complimentary lunch will be provided.

    This luncheon will offer an overview of AISD’s current state and its vision for the future, addressing key topics that affect local schools and the broader Amarillo community. The keynote speaker for the event is prominent Texas economist Dr. Ray Perryman, who will discuss the changing population trends in the region and the impact these shifts have on the local education system.

    We’re thrilled to welcome the community to join this important conversation about the future of education in Amarillo. Dr. Perryman’s insights will help us better understand the challenges and opportunities ahead as our district adapts to population changes and evolving needs.

    Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation! Tell us you’re coming by RSVP’ing at bit.ly/FutureReadyAISD

  • November Newsletter: November 8, 2024

    Did You Hear the Commotion?
    If you heard a commotion last week, it was us… Just celebrating our Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year, Kristi Leff, with a parade in her honor. Kristi is a 5th-grade science/English-language arts teacher at Humphrey’s Highland Elementary. She was named Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year on October 25 in Round Rock.

    To welcome her home, Kristi got a luxury ride around the school, escorted by AISD PD officers and the drum line and cheerleaders from Caprock High School. Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley presented Kristi with a key to the City of Amarillo. Check it out here.

    Amarillo ISD has a proud legacy of producing state and nationally-recognized teachers.

    • 1992 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year – Mary McFarland of Amarillo High School

    • 1993 State Finalist for Elementary Teacher of the Year – Donna Hill of Windsor Elementary School

    • 1995 State Finalist for Secondary Teacher of the Year – Kim Beth Buchanan of Crockett Middle School

    • 2006 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year – Cindy Lewis of Whittier Elementary School

    • 2008 State Finalist for Secondary Teacher of the Year – Vicki Mueller of Austin Middle School

    • 2015 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year – Shanna Peeples of Palo Duro High School

    • 2025 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year – Kristi Leff of Humphrey’s Highland Elementary

    View the video on Facebook at https://fb.watch/vznLfRohwM/ .

    Another First for Amarillo ISD
    We celebrate milestone achievements around here so we’re excited to announce Amarillo High School was named to the 2023-2024 AP School Honor Roll. This is the FIRST time an Amarillo ISD school has been named an AP Honor Roll School, and AHS is the only high school in the Panhandle recognized this year as an AP Honor Roll School.

     We’re all about Advanced Academics in AISD and more opportunities for students to earn college credit in high school. The AP Honor Roll recognizes schools doing outstanding work to welcome more students into AP Classes. In AISD, students enter the AP track in middle school, and it expands in high school to 26 AP course options. AHS also earned the AP Access Award for “clear and effective commitment to equitable access to advanced course work.”

    More In AISD Means…
    MORE in Amarillo ISD means more opportunities to be champions. View the video on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9Rqwloeg2Q .

    Superintendent Search Update
    Superintendent Doug Loomis is retiring after the end of this school year. The announcement came last month as Mr. Loomis informed the school board and staff that after 39 years as an educator in AISD, he felt it was the right time and decision for him, his family and the District.

    The AISD Board of Trustees plans to interview search firms to aid in the search for the District’s next leader.

    More Than Just a Meal Application
    It’s called the Free and Reduced Price Meal Application, but did you know it’s actually much more than that? The application is tied to all sorts of benefits for students.

    Download the SchoolCafe App or visit www.schoolcafe.com to fill out the application and potentially unlock these additional benefits:

    • Free and reduced-price meals

    • SAT/ACT Test Costs

    • OnRamps Course Costs

    • AC Dual Credit Course

    • NCAA & NAIA

    • College Applications 

    • AP Exams

    • Internet Services/Computers

    Future Ready: Dealing With Declining Enrollment
    Hundreds from our community visited AmTech Career Academy to hear about AISD’s vision for the future. The inaugural Education & Community Luncheon included information about the changing population trends in the area and the impact these shifts are having on local schools. Prominent Texas Economist Dr. Ray Perryman talked about challenges created by the declining birth rate nationally combined with the population decrease in Potter County. Perryman noted the enrollment downturn in Amarillo mirrors what’s going on in other urban hubs around the state, resulting in the need to consider some tough decisions when it comes to the number of schools the District operates. “There’s not enough students for the buildings. It’s not practical to operate old buildings that are half full. That is what it comes down to; The math just doesn’t work.”

    Superintendent Doug Loomis acknowledged the District will likely need to consolidate some elementary campuses. “Amarillo isn’t immune to the demographic trends being seen across the state, but with careful planning, we can overcome these challenges,” Loomis said. 

    Dr. Perryman told the audience that AISD is one of a handful of school districts in the state to maintain a balanced budget, citing the District is doing a lot of things right. 

    “You start with a situation where this school district has over 70 percent of its students economically disadvantaged, yet it ranks in the top ten of the big school districts in the state. That is a district that has a lot of challenges to work with and yet people consistently perform. The building where this event was held is probably the best career center in the state,” he explained. “There’s nothing more important to any community than its public education. Doing this kind of thing and going through this very difficult process is something that’s hard, but you come out in the end stronger.”

    Good Things Are Happening Here: National Recognition Program
    A whopping 98 Amarillo ISD seniors qualified for National Recognition Program honors. To be eligible, students must meet PSAT or AP exam requirements, certain academic criteria and identify as first generation, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous or Native and/or attend school in a rural area or small town. Read more here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AsYWpBbid/ .

    Getting InSync With Your Kiddo
    November is a great time for THANKS giving. Hearing a simple thank you can mean the world to our kids and help them thrive at school and at home.

    Try saying…

    • "Thank you for being a good sister."

    • "Thank you for helping me with the dishes."

    • "Thank you for just being you!"

    Totally Valid, Absolutely Real Reviews
    “This school is a good overall school, especially about stating the rules over the announcements.”

    – AISD Middle School Student

    In Case You Missed It…
    Our Stories…From the Past series talks with a teaching legend. Read more about it at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EnbnMa3WC/

    Speaking of legends, Stories…From the Past takes on some haunted history at one school. Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/187AHMwTht/ .

    Calendar Highlights
    Nov 11 – Veteran’s Day

    Nov 15 – School Psychologist Appreciation Day

    Nov 18 – Substitute Teacher Appreciation Day

    Nov 25 - 29 – Student/Staff Holiday

     

    Amarillo ISD on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AmarilloISD

    Amarillo ISD Website https://www.amaisd.org

    Amarillo ISD on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/AmarilloISDtx

    Amarillo ISD on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amarilloisd/

    Amarillo ISD on X https://x.com/AmarilloISD

    Past editions of the newsletter are available here (opens in new window)

  • December Newsletter: December 5, 2024

    Enrollment Update
    The Amarillo ISD Board of Trustees received an update this week on the declining enrollment numbers at schools around the District. Schools with low enrollment are not fiscally efficient to operate, especially under the current state funding model. As part of efforts to address these challenges, the District’s guidelines state that when a school’s enrollment decreases to around 300 students, the campus is placed on a watchlist and will begin to be considered for closure and consolidation with another school. If enrollment at a campus drops to approximately 250 students, the school is formally considered for closure, resulting in the consolidation with a paired campus starting in August of 2025. Principals of impacted schools have been in touch with families about what to expect and the next steps in the process. Learn more details about the overall enrollment decline at www.amaisd.org/enrollment.

    Superintendent Search
    The Amarillo ISD Board of Trustees hired a search firm to assist in the hiring of the District’s next Superintendent. Trustees developed the hiring criteria and authorized the firm to facilitate the distribution and collection of applications. In the coming weeks, the Board will release an online survey to allow stakeholders, staff, and students the opportunity to provide feedback on the qualities they would like to see in the next leader of AISD.

    Winter is Coming! Right?
    Wait for it... Wait for it… We assume winter weather is in queue and loading. Whenever that happens, and we wake up to a winter wonderland, we’re ready. Maintenance crews are set to prep our campuses, and our official snow patrol is on standby to assess road and campus conditions at the earliest hours, consult with the National Weather Service for precise forecast information, and then make decisions about school closings or delays. 

    We’ll let parents know of school closings or delays by 6 a.m. If we’re open and you need a little extra drive time that morning, we understand. No tardies on days with inclement weather. 

    AISD’s Winter Weather 1, 2, 3:

    1. We make the call for AISD by 6 a.m.

    2. Check-in for announcements via ParentSquare notification, our District website home page at www.amaisd.org, facebook.com/AmarilloISD, x.com/AmarilloISD, and instagram.com/AmarilloISD

    3. You make the best call for your family

    Good Things Are Happening Here: ‘Tis the Season
    Our schools bring all the warm and fuzzy feels this month. From merry melodies to joyful giving and holiday hallways, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorite things, but you can find a full list on our Fine Arts Calendar at https://www.amaisd.org/488000_3 .

    December 6 - PDHS Orchestra Winter Concert (12 p.m. - 1 p.m., Westgate Mall)

    December 6 - Taste of the Arts (6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Caprock High School)

    December 9 - Living Christmas Tree (7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Austin Middle School)

    December 10 - Tascosa Holiday Pops Concert (6 p.m. - 10 p.m., Amarillo Civic Center)

    December 17 - AHS Band Holiday Concert (6 p.m., Amarillo High School)

    Getting INSync With Your Kiddo
    Report Cards give you and your child a chance to talk about more than just the grades. Try out some of these questions when report cards come home. 

    • “What grade are you most proud of?”

    • “What do you need help with?”

    • “What subject do you have to work the hardest at?”

    Totally Valid, Absolutely Real Reviews
    “I’m gonna drop out of school to pursue pro-Fortnite.” – AISD High School Student

    In Case You Missed It...

    December/January Calendar Highlights

    • December 20 - Student Early Release
    • December 23-27 - Student/Staff Holiday
    • December 30-31 - Student/Staff Holiday
    • January 1-3 - Student/Staff Holiday
    • January 6 - Student Holiday/Staff Work Day
    • January 7 - School Resumes for Students
    • January 9 - Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
    • January 20 - Student Holiday/Staff Work Day

     

     

    Amarillo ISD on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AmarilloISD

    Amarillo ISD Website https://www.amaisd.org

    Amarillo ISD on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/AmarilloISDtx

    Amarillo ISD on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amarilloisd/

    Amarillo ISD on X https://x.com/AmarilloISD

    Past editions of the newsletter are available here (opens in new window)

  • The Amarillo ISD Board of Trustees is beginning the search for AISD’s next Superintendent and would like your input to help guide their decision. Please take a few minutes to respond to the following survey. Thank you!

    Take Survey

2023-24 School Year: AISD Newsletter Text-Only Format

  • May Newsletter – May 3, 2024

    2024 Teachers of the Year
    From celebrating our soon-to-be graduates and cheering on our Teachers of the Year, to saying Hello! to summer break, this month is A-May-zing and we’re here for it! We kicked off Teacher Appreciation Week with a breakfast to celebrate our campus teachers of the year and reveal our Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year honorees.

    Congratulations to Kristi Leff of Humphrey's Highland Elementary School and Larry Martin of Amarillo High School. We will proudly send them on to represent the District this summer in the competition for Region 16 Teacher of the Year!

    Queue the Pomp & Circumstance
    It’s time to con’GRAD’ulate our outgoing seniors including our eight graduates who earned valedictorian and salutatorian honors. You can tune in and watch AISD’s graduation ceremonies LIVE at home on NewsChannel 10. Each ceremony will be rebroadcast the following day at 6 p.m. on NewsChannel 10 Too (Over the air 10.2 or Optimum Cable - channel 6).

    Our Valedictorian and Salutatorian students are:

    Amarillo High School:

    • Garrett Saied, Valedictorian
    • Allison Wu, Salutatorian

    Caprock High School:

    • Alexia Rodriguez, Valedictorian
    • Alyssia Johnson, Salutatorian

    Palo Duro High School:

    • Ja'Zhana Henderson, Valedictorian
    • Nini Le, Salutatorian

    Tascosa High School:

    • Ashlyn Barton, Valedictorian
    • Brynan (Kaid) Malone, Salutatorian

    Celebrating our Community Partners
    There’s no doubt the thousands of wonderful community partners and volunteers whose efforts support our students and teachers year after year just make our schools better. The annual Partners in Education banquet is our opportunity to honor them and recognize their outstanding contributions.

    This year, we handed out 110 awards to volunteers and organizations in our community. The big award of the evening, the Superintendent’s Award, went to State Representative Four Price, who has worked to enhance mental health education and resources in public schools through House Bills 18 and 19. He also played a key role in House Bill 2038, also known as Natasha’s Law, which was landmark legislation to support student-athlete brain health. We are grateful for his support of public education and our Amarillo and Texas Panhandle communities.

    Students Today, Teachers Tomorrow
    C.O.R.E. (Cultivating Our Rising Educators)
    Some of our soon-to-be graduates are the newest members of a select group who will one day return to AISD as teachers. The new CORE cohorts were just announced at all four high schools.

    Each year, 20 AISD high school senior students are chosen from a pool of competitive applicants with an interest in teaching to enter the CORE cohort. They’ll receive mentorship and training throughout their college years at AC and WTAMU. When they graduate from college with a Bachelor’s degree, obtain a Texas Educator Certification, meet the high standards of AISD and receive school board approval, they’ll become AISD teachers. We can’t wait to welcome them back!

    Adventure Awaits in Amarillo ISD!
    Safari Pre-K and Kindergarten Event May 16, 2024 5:30 p.m.
    Future AISD Pre-K and Kindergarten students, who will be 3, 4, or 5 by September 1, 2024, and their parents are invited to take a trip to their neighborhood elementary school for our Pre-K and Kindergarten Safari. Our “tour guide” teachers will be there to answer questions and help with enrolling your student.

    You can learn more by visiting the AISD Safari event web page at https://www.amaisd.org/safari (opens in new window).

    More in Amarillo ISD
    More opportunities that inspire students to keep coming back for more...
    More in AISD isn't just about more choices and opportunities. It's also about what happens for a student when those things come together with teachers who inspire. Watch our latest video on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPOgN2ZrZxk (opens in new window).

    More in AISD isn't just about more choices and opportunities. It's also about what happens for a student when those things come together with teachers who inspire.

    In Case You Missed It… 

    InSync Conversation Starter
    Make May a month to remember with conversation starters that help your kiddo recap the school year.

    • “What is the best thing that happened at school this year?”
    • “Who will you miss most over the summer break?”
    • “What did you learn this year that I might not know?”

    Totally Awesome, Absolutely Real Reviews: Here’s What You’re Saying About AISD
    “Thankful for AISD and all that you do. I know it is often a thankless job but my family is extremely grateful for you! Keep up the good work!” – AISD Parent

    Calendar Highlights

    • May 1 - Principal Appreciation Day

    • May 2 - Substitute Day

    • May 3 - Child Nutrition Worker Day

    • May 6-10 - Teacher Appreciation Week

    • May 8 - School Nurse Day

    • May 17 - Speech Language Pathologist Day

    • May 20 - Caprock Graduation Ceremony

    • May 21 - Palo Duro Graduation Ceremony

    • May 22 - Tascosa Graduation Ceremony

    • May 23 - Amarillo High Graduation Ceremony

    • May 24 - Early Release on the Last Day of School

    • May 24 - North Heights Graduation Ceremony

    Dates to Remember... 

    • July 15 - Back to School Online Registration Opens
    • August 15 - First Day of 2024-2025 School Year

     

  • April Newsletter – April 2, 2024

    We’re Saving A Spot For Your Family: 2024-2025  School Year Transfer Requests
    Transfer request forms for the 2024-2025 school year are now available. Amarillo ISD is an open transfer district, which means that in most cases and as long as space allows, we accept transfers from within the district and from other school districts. The deadline to apply for priority consideration is May 1, though transfer requests received after that time may still be accepted. A new form must be submitted for transfer students each year. Find the transfer application and more information at www.amaisd.org/transfer.

    Adventure awaits in AISD’s Early Childhood Programs
    Students who grow up in AISD schools are ready to be successful at the next level, whether that is fourth grade or a four-year university. Now is the time to enroll incoming Pre-K and Kindergarten students who will be new to AISD in the 2024-2025 school year. For families who don’t otherwise qualify for Pre-K, we offer tuition-based Pre-K at four campuses. 

    Take a trip with your student and come experience our early childhood education programs for yourself. Parents and kids who will be 3, 4, or 5 by September 1, 2024, are invited to visit their neighborhood elementary school for our Pre-K & Kindergarten Safari. Our “tour guide” teachers will be there to answer questions and help with enrolling your student. 

    Extended School Day
    If you need after-school care for your littles, reserve a spot in our Extended School Day program where they’ll experience all sorts of fun enrichment activities, games, music, snacks and homework support. Learn more on our Extended School Day web page at https://www.amaisd.org/357806_4

    We’re Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Teachers This Spring!
    Finalists for District Teacher of the Year were just announced. Our campus Teachers of the Year will be celebrated next month with a breakfast in their honor and the announcement of the District Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year.

    Meanwhile, campuses have been delivering special messages to our very first Teacher Incentive Allotment Master Teachers, Exemplary Teachers and Recognized Teachers. Read more about these special titles and what makes these teachers 150 of the best in Texas on our website at https://www.amaisd.org/41170?articleID=149384 and see how we surprised some of them with the big news on our YouTube channel by viewing the video playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5s9LUsN88SU9l0SDtvYyKsAVHu3QkAKv.

    We’re Jazzed About…
    …our NATIONAL CHAMPION dance teams! The Amarillo High School Sandie Steppers, coached by Kaylee Morrison, and the Palo Duro High School Don Diamond Dancers, coached by Erik Prospero, brought home national titles in different divisions and categories from the American Dance & Drill Team National Competition. All four AISD high schools offer dance for PE and fine arts credit and for those who want to take it a step further, each has its own unique dance team.

    We’re Singing the Praises…
    …of the HUNDREDS of student musicians who are UIL solo and ensemble state qualifiers. 268 band, choir and orchestra students from our four high schools earned a Division I rating on a Class 1 selection at the region solo and ensemble contest. These accomplished performers will compete at the state solo and ensemble contest in May.

    DialCare Virtual Counseling Services
    DialCare makes it easy for students to get help when they need it with virtual counseling. It is private and free for AISD students. Download the DialCare app to get started.

    See Something, Say Something
    Everyone has an important role to play in keeping schools safe. Always report suspicious activity. Remember to tell your students that if they see something, say something.

    MORE
    More in Amarillo ISD = MORE Expertise and MORE Support for All Kinds of Learners.

    “We come from the same place.”

    - TIA Master Teacher Kiana Girby on why her school feels like home.

    View Kiana’s video at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4MnXKbsZ94U.

    In Case You Missed It… 

    InSync Conversation Starter: Are the mid-semester blues making an appearance in your home?
    Build your child up for these last few–but important–months of the school year with some encouraging words. "I see how hard you’re trying and I’m so proud of you."

    Totally Awesome, Absolutely Real Reviews: Here’s What You’re Saying About AISD
    “Moving here from out of state, the school system is leaps and bounds above where we came from. The Principal is amazing, and the kids seem to have a strong sense of respect for him and really love him along with all the rest of the staff. I couldn't ask for a better school, staff and teachers for my child.” –Elementary School Parent

    Calendar Highlights

    • April 1 - Assistant Principal Appreciation Day
    • April 3 - Paraprofessional Day
    • April 4 - School Librarian Day
    • April 11 - English I EOC Exam, Safari Pre-K & Kindergarten Enrollment Event at 5:30 p.m.
    • April 16 - English II EOC Exam, Elementary & Middle School RLA STAAR
    • April 17 - 3rd-5th Grade RLA STAAR
    • April 18 - Middle School Science STAAR
    • April 23 - Biology EOC Exam, 8th Grade Social Studies STAAR, 5th Grade Science STAAR
    • April 24 - Administrative Professional Day, US History EOC Exam
    • April 25 - Algebra I EOC Exam
    • April 30 - Middle School Math STAAR, 3rd-5th Grade Math STAAR

     

  • We’re all smiles (along with some joyful tears) heading into the weekend. As spring break approaches, we’re celebrating teachers with some big, life-changing news. This week, more than 150 AISD teachers learned they are the BEST in Texas.

    Watch the surprises as they learn the BIG news. View the video at https://youtu.be/p0z7rA2575M.

    And don’t miss Part Two! You can view Part 2 at https://youtu.be/noFVEfP2bsM.

    These 150 teachers are among the first in the Panhandle to earn Master, Exemplary or Recognized teacher designations under Texas’ Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). The Teacher Incentive Allotment sets aside state money to keep great teachers teaching and put them on the path to a six-figure salary, without using local school district dollars. Those who earn a TIA designation will receive additional salary compensation that could mean earning six figures for the next five years. Each year, additional eligible teacher groups will be phased into the evaluation process. In all, AISD teachers will be awarded $1.5 million in 2024.

    In the Numbers

    • Biggest Individual Annual Award: $25,366
    • Total Years Represented: 1,885 Years of Teaching Experience
    • Most Years of Experience: Cara Quintanilla of Rogers - 37 Years Teaching
    • Most TIA-Designated Teachers: 10 at Travis Middle School 
    • Highest Percentage of TIA-Designated Teachers: 29 % at Sanborn Elementary & de Zavala Middle School

    Congratulations to our...

    Master Teachers:

    Robin Anglin

    Tara Brown

    April Carrasco

    Caley Carter

    Quincy Curtis

    Makaylie Dunning

    Felicia Espinoza

    Amy Garcia

    Kiana Girby

    Jamie Gross

    Todd Hebert

    Dejon Johnson

    Charles Jones

    Kristi Leff

    Carrie Macias

    Jessika Maxfield

    Priscilla Moore

    Annika Morris

    Courtney Nelson

    Reagan Rittenberry

    Tabatha Seibel

    Robbie Seymour

    Angela Smith

    Stacy Williams

    Exemplary Teachers:

    Brianne Adams

    Jonna Alexander

    Lilia Arce

    Kathy Aufleger

    Erica Barton

    Terri Bellizzi

    Elizabeth Blackwell

    Teresa Brinson

    Erin Carlile

    Billie Chacon

    Melissa Clark

    Mayra Curiel

    Melissa Davis

    Jaime Favela

    Jennifer Foster

    Kara Gant

    Caitlin Gloria

    Kari Gonzalez

    Kasey Greene

    Julia Gregoris Tittle

    Kelsey Hamilton

    Summer Hazel

    Jose Hernandez

    Amy Heymer

    Trey Hicks

    Melissa Hilderbrand

    Karla Hill

    Robin Hinnant

    Elizabeth Ingham

    Ileana Jennings

    Aimee Labriola

    Connie Lee

    Cammy Logan

    Roxanne Mares

    April Mason

    Emily Massucci

    Holly McClure

    Cari McCoy

    Melanie McNutt

    Melissa McWilliams

    Laura Meier

    Alyssa Miller

    Jeremy Moreno

    Jennifer Morgan

    Jan Moser

    Andrew Perez

    Dominic Pinis

    Veronica Ramirez

    Emily Roberts

    Christian Roldan

    Tina Russell

    Ciara Schaub

    Shelley Singleton

    Jennifer Smith

    Sarah Stocker

    Kirsten Taylor

    Rikki Tucker

    David Willis

    Jessica Winks

    Bonnie Wulfman

    Recognized Teachers:

    Priscilla Becerra

    Shannon Bender

    Emily Beyers

    Veronica Boatman

    Tyler Boese

    Jana Briones

    Rebecca Clarke-Horn

    Jill Cocroft

    Trinidad Contreras

    Debbie Corona

    Lucy Culwell

    Adriana Diaz

    Julie Elston

    Michelle Errington

    Sergio Esparza

    Katrina Evans

    Michele Fant

    Melinda Flanagan

    Beverley Fuller

    Melani Galindo

    Brenda Garza

    Kristi Green

    Madolyn Greene

    Misti Grice

    Kathryn Ham

    Dominique Hamilton

    Danica Hannah

    Kim Hargrove

    James Hazelbaker

    Scott Henderson

    Dolores Hernandez

    Jayson Hickmott

    Julie Huntley

    Colby Kirkland

    Amy Ladd

    Celeste Lambright

    Janet Longcor

    Jason Maluy

    Natalie Martin

    Emily Mooney

    Hayley Moreno

    Angela Norman

    Ruben Padilla

    Candy Patterson

    Hanna Perky

    Anousone Phimphilavong

    Krystal Plunkett

    Monica Porcari

    Kali Purselley

    Cara Quintanilla

    Kellie Renner

    Alicia Ruiz

    Casandra Sabers

    Makenzie Sandefer

    Ulises Saucedo

    Zehidy Saucedo Rascon

    Kristel Sexton

    Shelley Sipes

    Erica Sirmon

    Emily Stowers

    Seana Strand

    Catherine Thomason

    Seth Trammell

    Josephine Valdez

    William Wall

    Calli Ward

    Christi Wheeler

    Jessica Williamson

    Kelly Wilson

    Desairae Witt

    Special Message From the Superintendent
    In special video messages, Superintendent Doug Loomis applauded their achievements. View his message here at https://www.facebook.com/reel/918577163064769.

    Learn more about how the state’s TIA Program works here at https://www.amaisd.org/41170?articleID=149384.

    Happy Spring Break

    What a way to wrap things up for spring break! We’ll see all of our terrific teachers and students when school resumes on March 18. We hope your family enjoys a happy and fun spring break.

  • March Newsletter – March 4, 2024

    Big, Big News!
    We’re so excited, we can hardly keep the secret to ourselves. This week, we’re rolling out some big, life-changing news. It’s a first for us and for the Panhandle. Stay tuned and follow Amarillo ISD on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss out.

    Enrollment Update
    As the conversation continues about declining enrollment, the school board decided no schools will close for the 2024-2025 school year. Instead the Board wants to hear from you. They’re hoping to gain valuable insight from the community as they continue to study options, as well as possible additional revenue sources for the District.

    Citing a number of current unknowns, Board members said the District needs to consider every option available before closing a school. “It behooves us to get everyone involved to make the best decisions regarding the path forward,” said Board Vice President Kayla Mendez.

    Moving Up in National Merit 
    Two Amarillo High School seniors are moving on as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Garrett Saied and Allison Wu are part of an elite group of approximately 15,000 students nationwide who are in the running for millions of dollars in scholarships. They represent the top 2% of the nation’s graduating seniors. In the last ten years, more than 100 Amarillo ISD students have been awarded National Merit honors. 

    • Amarillo High Finalists: Garrett Saied, Allison Wu

    • Amarillo High Semifinalists: Nathaniel Wright

    • Amarillo High Commended Scholars: Adam Bursi, Luke Lusby, Pranav Nambiar

    • Tascosa High Commended Scholars: Jordan Howard

    Back to the National Spelling Bee
    We’re buzzing with excitement for Bonham Middle School’s Jayden Zheng. He's headed back to the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the second year in a row after winning the Education Credit Union Regional Spelling Bee in February. We can’t wait to cheer him on at the national bee in May!

    More Champions!
    Tracking all the champions in all the sports and activities keeps us busy this time of year. Here are just a few of the highlights. Don’t forget to follow your high school, as well as Amarillo ISD on Facebook where we attempt to keep up with all of our star students.

    • Tascosa’s Zurri Zamora and Thomas Pacheco are both 5A state wrestling champions. Several other wrestlers representing Tascosa, Caprock and Palo Duro also brought home state medals.

    • In swimming, Amarillo High’s Alex Purdy placed sixth at state in two events and broke a school record in the 100m Fly with a time of 50.71.

    • Amarillo and Tascosa are each sending five students to the National Speech Tournament in Des Moines this summer.

    So many Amarillo ISD students brought home regional medals from the Visual Arts Scholastic Event, better known as VASE. A few notable highlights:

    • Eight Tascosa students advanced to the state VASE competition, including 3 double qualifiers.

    • Tascosa’s AP Art students brought home 49 regional medals.

    • Meanwhile, Caprock qualified four students for the state VASE competition and brought home 53 regional medals!

    There’s So Much More to MORE
    More in AISD isn't just about more choices and opportunities. It's also about what happens for a student when those things come together with teachers who inspire. Watch our latest video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPOgN2ZrZxk .

    Election Day, Tuesday, March 5, 2024
    Go Vote!

    In Case You Missed It… 

    InSync Conversation Starter: Spring Break
    We see you, Monday of Spring Break! Whether you are traveling, staying home or juggling different schedules, take a minute to check in with your kiddo about the fun week ahead. 

    “I am thankful for this time with you. Let’s make a list of things we want to do together over the break, like places we want to go or a book we want to read.”

    Totally Awesome, Absolutely Real Reviews: Here’s What You’re Saying About AISD
    “What I like is that we as students get rewards for meeting high expectations.” –AISD Student

    Calendar Highlights

    • March 2 - March Primary Election Day

    • March 4 - Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day

    • March 6 - Educational Diagnostician Day

    • March 19 - Social Worker Day

    • March 11-15 - Spring Break

    • March 29 - Student/Staff Holiday

    • April 1 - Student Holiday/Staff Workday

  • February Newsletter – February 1, 2024

    Enrollment Crossroads
    Over the past few months, we have been having conversations with parents and the larger community as we carefully consider options to respond to the declining enrollment. In November, we shared that the district is at a crossroads. Amarillo ISD’s enrollment has dropped by about 4,000 students over the last decade because of a decline in the birth rate in AISD zip codes and a population decrease in Potter County, where most AISD schools are located. As the school board weighs options and considers decisions on the next best steps for the District, we hope to make this complex issue easier for the community to evaluate with us and join the conversation. View the PDF at https://files.gabbart.com/2183/enrollment-ftr-infographic-flyer-social-v4.pdf for more information.

    MORE- Getting Ahead with Advanced Academics
    It’s that time of year when middle and high school students begin selecting their courses for the next school year. With exclusive opportunities from fine arts to JROTC programs, AISD offers so much More. That includes more ways to get ahead. In fact, our Advanced Academics courses start earlier–in middle school–with Pre-AP classes. It’s a path that takes students even farther in high school with specialized diplomas, AP and dual credit programs. Here’s a breakdown of all the ways to get ahead in middle and high school with Advanced Academics. 

    • Advanced Placement (AP): Get on the Pre-AP track in middle school and then earn college credit in high school with AP classes.
       
    • Dual Credit: Students are enrolled in both high school and Amarillo College courses at the same time, earning college credit from their high school classroom.
       
    • UT OnRamps: Students are enrolled in both high school and college courses at the same time.They earn college credit in their high school classroom and generate a transcript from the University of Texas at Austin.
       
    • For even more insight into our Advanced Academics choices, check out our Stuff You Should Know video at https://youtu.be/itbe4WXva4A?feature=shared and then talk to a school counselor to get plugged in for next school year.

    Tops in Texas!
    Ten Amarillo ISD students are among the state’s top musicians and will perform later this month in San Antonio. These students were selected to be members of one of the Texas All-State Bands, Choirs and Orchestras after an exhaustive competition process that begins with more than 70,000 students. All-State is the highest recognition for Texas high school music students. Only the top 2.6% of musicians who initially audition become All-State musicians. They’ll perform on February 10 at the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Concerts in San Antonio. 

    Band

    • Ashlyn Barton - Tascosa High School

    • Jaxon Denniston -  Tascosa High School

    Orchestra

    • Quan Nguyen - Amarillo High School

    Choir

    • Tristan Ard - Amarillo High School

    • Kimberly Coe - Tascosa High School

    • Kailin Noble - Tascosa High School

    • Emmalynn Reilly - Amarillo High School

    • Ryken Tucker - Amarillo High School

    • Elanna Weber - Amarillo High School

    • Elizabeth Worsham - Amarillo  High School

    Science Superstars
    Bonham Middle School is sending a team of science superstars to the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. in April. The Bonham team placed first at the Pantex Regional Science Bowl. High School teams will compete later this month. 

    Spell-a-brating Super Spellers
    What a spell-a-bration for the dozens of superstar spellers representing their schools at the Happy State Bank Potter County Spelling Bee. Bonham Middle School's Jayden Zheng is now a two-time winner, having spelled the final word--crustaceans--correctly. Jayden started an un-bee-lievable journey at the Potter County bee last year, spelling his way into the 8th round of competition at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

    Stories: Blythe
    “I think that when we teach a child to read, we’re saying that you as a person are important.” Don’t miss our latest Stories episode featuring teacher Blythe Chapman. It’s so good we made it a two-part story.

    In Case you Missed It…

    ​​​​​​InSync
    Conversation Starter: “I love being your Mom/Dad/Grandparent, etc. because…”

    Encouraging words are one of the best gifts we can give our kids. Try this sweet sentence with your little love this month.

    Totally Awesome, Absolutely Real Reviews
    Here’s What You’re Saying About AISD: “Both my kids have never been happier and more helped than in this school. They came from a school in another state that didn’t see them as individuals and did not value them as people. Here, they can thrive and be the best they can be all thanks to the teachers and associates at the school.” – AISD Elementary Parent

    Calendar Highlights

    • February 7 - School Counselor Appreciation Day
    • February 14 - Valentine’s Day
    • February 16 - Student & Staff Holiday
    • February 19 - Student Holiday/Staff Work Day
    • February 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation
    • February 29 - AmTech Career Fair, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

     

  • December/January Newsletter – December 5, 2023

    Warm & Fuzzy
    We’re all about the warm and fuzzy this month and next, from working to keep our schools warm and safe during any winter weather, to impressive performances and sweet stories that will give you all the fuzzy feels. Read on.

    Winter Weather Procedures: There’s Snow Time Like the Present for this reminder…
    We know it’s coming. Probably. Our official snow patrol is on standby for those days when decisions must be made about school closings or delays. Here’s what to expect this season.

    By the time our community wakes up to a winter wonderland, District leaders have already driven the streets of Amarillo at the earliest hours to assess road and campus conditions and to consult with the National Weather Service for precise forecast information. Maintenance and custodial staff at each campus are working to prepare the main entrance and interior sidewalks.

    We’ll let parents know of school closings or delays by 6 a.m. If we’re open and you need a little extra drive time that morning, we understand. No tardies on days with inclement weather.

    AISD’s Winter Weather 1 - 2 - 3

    1. We make the call for AISD by 6 a.m.

    2. Check-in for announcements

    • ParentSquare notification

    • www.amaisd.org

    • facebook.com/AmarilloISD

    • twitter.com/AmarilloISD

    • instagram.com/amarilloisd

    1. You make the best call for your family

    ‘TIS THE SEASON
    …for Merry Melodies  

    Cheerful Performances abound across the District this month. Our fine arts students are the gifts that keep on giving with a variety of performances to get you in the fa-la-la-liday spirit, from the legendary Living Christmas Tree at Austin Middle School to the tradition of the Tascosa Pops concert. Check out our Fine Arts Calendar for dates and times (Opens in a new window).

    …Joyful Giving
    We’re proudly giving back throughout the holiday season, too. From socks to toys, canned foods and gifts galore, community service is a big focus for students and staff. Here are a couple of projects that caught our eye.

    Gifts are piling up in the Extended School Day program office where the staff spearheaded an “angel tree” style program to benefit AISD students. They have their own application system for AISD angels needing to be “adopted.” This is the fifth year for the program. Staff at the Rod Schroder Education Support Center are behind most of the adoptions. Thanks to them, 60 AISD students will receive gifts.

    The Student Council at Amarillo High School celebrated an incredible 91 years of hosting a canned food drive for the Amarillo Children’s Home. This year they collected $21,000 in cans and donations, representing about $10 worth of food donated per AHS student!

    …And Heart Warming Stories
    New from Season 3 of AISD’s Regional Emmy-Winning Series Stories: 

    • When a problem becomes an opportunity–this is Brad’s Story.

    • Don’t miss this preview of Blythe’s Story, coming soon from AISD Stories!

    Watch Brad’s Story and others on our Stories video playlist (Opens in new window).

    MORE
    More in Amarillo ISD = MORE Exclusive Opportunities You’ll Only Find Here:

    • Orchestra beginning in 5th grade

    • Advanced Academics starting early in middle school with Pre-AP, plus IB, OnRamps & more in high school

    • Dance

    • Swim Team

    • Comprehensive JROTC

    • AmTech Career Academy

    • Thrive Scholarship

    • Watch- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ1tKsqxLHs

    ICYMI…
    Don’t miss the important conversation about enrollment. We have a video and information on our website at www.amaisd.org/enrollment (Opens in a new window).

    Our community is changing and so are we. But through it all, we’re still pioneers. Watch our new video Living Legends: Pioneers (Opens in a new window).

    They’re creepy and they’re kooky, but Tascosa’s performance of The Addams Family Musical was neat! Check out this quick video on Instagram (Opens in a new window).

    Happier Ever After: This George Washington Carver Elementary Academy original production left us saying Bravo! Take a look on Instagram (Opens in new window).

    InSync Conversation Starter: Holiday Hits
    “Let’s make a list of things we want to do together over the break.” (Movies to watch, food to make, places to go, gifts to create, playlists…)

    Totally Awesome, Absolutely Real Reviews: Here’s What You’re Saying About AISD
    “I love my school and it feels like home to me.” – AISD student

    Calendar Highlights

    • December 5 - Living Christmas Tree (Austin Middle School, 7 p.m.)
    • December 5-8 - End Of Course High School Retesting
    • December 7 - Tascosa Pops Concert (Amarillo Civic Center)
    • December 15 - Student Early Release
    • December 18 - January 3 - Student & Staff Holiday
    • January 1 - School Board Recognition Month
    • January 4-5 - Student Holiday/Staff Work Day
    • January 8 - School Resumes for Students
    • January 9 - Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
    • January 15 - Student Holiday & Staff Work Day
    • January 25, 26, 27 - Sandie Revue Performances (Amarillo High School)

  • November Newsletter – November 2, 2023

    For The Record: The Enrollment Conversation
    Our city is changing and so are we. Because of drops in local birth rates and a population decrease in Potter County, our enrollment is declining. Students aren’t leaving AISD for other school districts; there are simply fewer school-age children in AISD than there once were. The data paints a clear picture of what is happening and why. Our school board and district administration have been studying the issue closely and considering our best next steps. Our latest For the Record video breaks it down for you, and you can view the video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/1i5I2YH_HfI

    Learn more about enrollment on our website at https://www.amaisd.org/enrollment

    Competitive BBQ Heats Up
    We doubt any team’s practice smells as good as AmTech’s competition barbecue team. High school competitive barbecue is a growing “sport” in Texas (there’s also a freshman team at Amarillo High), and AmTech’s crew, “Route 66 Smoke” is a serious contender. They’ve already qualified for the state competition in the spring and November 9-11 they’re one of ten teams headed to the invitation-only World Food Championships at Fair Park in Dallas. Team leader and AmTech senior Malakai Milan already cooks the best chicken in the state and has the trophy to prove it. We caught up with Malakai for AISD’s Stories series.

    View the Facebook post at https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=738112288355514&set=a.648608960639181

    Good Things Are Happening Here: More Champions in Team Tennis & Cross Country
    Fall sports are wrapping up, and for some AISD athletes, that means a trip to State. Amarillo High’s tennis team just returned from the UIL team tennis state tournament as semi-finalists. And this week, cross-country athletes Parker Maybin from Amarillo High and Abdirisak Saidgurhan from Palo Duro High will represent their schools and the District as they compete in the state cross-country meet.

    More in Amarillo ISD = MORE Exclusive Opportunities You’ll Only Find Here:

    • Orchestra beginning in 5th grade

    • Advanced Academics starting early in middle school with Pre-AP, plus IB, OnRamps & more in high school

    • Dance

    • Swim Team

    • Comprehensive JROTC

    • AmTech Career Academy

    • Thrive Scholarship

    Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ1tKsqxLHs

    In Case You Missed It…
    Take a trip back in time with the alumni who wrote the Bivins Elementary school song.View the Facebook post at https://www.facebook.com/AmarilloISD/posts/pfbid0HjgfjZGtcioTYmauWPAQX7DMQJgzPPi93791W4M5nHJuaM4c1mMsSEZPkn2gEZVul

    There’s More to music. Watch Breanna’s Story on YouTube at https://youtu.be/pM9DSMof54Q?si=mLLHHmGsOdIfZwdl

    Getting InSync With Your Kiddo
    Want a better answer? Ask a better question. InSync has your back with some after-school questions to help you get to the good part. Try asking... “Who went out of their way to do something kind for you today?”

    Totally Awesome, Absolutely Real Reviews
    Here’s What You’re Saying About AISD: “Both of my kids who are 4th and 5th graders have never been happier and more helped. They came from another school district that didn’t see them as individuals. Here they are able to thrive and be the best they can and that is all thanks to their teachers.” - Elementary Parent

    Calendar Highlights 
    Nov. 3 - End of six weeks

    Nov. 4 - AISD Invitational Swim Meet

    Nov. 7 - Election Day 

    Nov. 8 - School Psychologist Appreciation Day

    Nov. 17 - Fall Substitute Appreciation Day

    Nov. 22-24 - Student & Staff Holiday

  • October Newsletter - October 3, 2023

    National Merit Milestone!
    We’re celebrating the tremendous milestone of 100+ National Merit scholars from Amarillo ISD over the past 10 years. In September, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation named its 2024 Semifinalists and Commended scholars, selected from a pool of about 1.3 million students nationwide. AISD is the only area school district to consistently produce National Merit Scholars, year after year. This year, three AISD seniors are National Merit semifinalists and four others received the National Merit Commended designation. These seven students are among the highest score earners on the PSAT test in Texas. The process for selecting National Merit Scholars starts all over again this month. On October 11, high school sophomores and juniors across AISD will take the PSAT during the school day. By taking the test, high school juniors enter the National Merit program and scholars from their class will be revealed in September of next year. Meanwhile, this year’s National Merit Semifinalists will submit a detailed scholarship application for the next phase of the competition and will learn if they are selected as finalists in February.

    2024 National Merit Semifinalists
    Amarillo High School:

    • Garrett Saied

    • Nathaniel Wright

    • Allison Wu

    2024 National Merit Commended Scholars
    Amarillo High School:

    • Adam Bursi

    • Luke Lusby

    • Pranav Nambiar

    Tascosa High School:

    • Jordan Howard

    There’s Always More Happening in AISD
    We wrapped up September by bringing the heat to AISD with some big-time competitions. This past weekend, AmTech hosted the Regional High School BBQ Cookoff. Fires lit at 5 a.m. on Saturday with 17 high school teams from around the state including AmTech’s own pitmasters creating beans, chicken, ribs, brisket and, of course, dessert for some lucky judges.

    Also on Saturday, high school bands from across the area fired up the field at Dick Bivins Stadium for the annual High Plains Marching Festival. The contest is an opportunity for bands to perform their 2023 UIL marching show for judges and gain valuable feedback they can put into play before the UIL Band Contest which is coming up on October 14.

    MORE
    More in Amarillo ISD = MORE Exclusive Opportunities You’ll Only Find Here:

    • Orchestra beginning in 5th grade

    • Advanced Academics starting early in middle school with Pre-AP, plus IB, OnRamps & more in high school

    • Dance

    • Swim Team

    • Comprehensive JROTC

    • AmTech Career Academy

    • Thrive Scholarship

    See how much More there is in AISD on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ1tKsqxLHs.

    It’s HoCo Szn
    We made the rounds over on Instagram. View homecoming photos on the AISD Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/amarilloisd/ 

    Getting InSync With Your Kiddo
    “What did you read today?” Your child is reading or being read to every day at school. So be sure to ask what they are reading and let the conversation flow from there.

    Totally Awesome, Absolutely Real Reviews
    Here’s What You’re Saying About AISD
    “From academics to arts to athletics, both our kids have been wildly successful. We are transfers into the district and we are grateful because I’m completely confident there is not another middle school in Amarillo or Canyon that compares.” – Middle School Parent

    Stories, Season 3
    “Music should never stop. It should move forward, just like time.” Amarillo ISD’s regional Emmy-winning video series “Stories” is back for a third season. We’re kicking it off with Breanna’s Story. Be prepared, it’s kind of deep. View it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM9DSMof54Q.

    Calendar Highlights

    Oct. 2 - School Custodian Day

    Oct. 6 - Student & Staff Holiday

    Oct. 9 - Student Holiday & Staff Work Day

    Oct. 11 - PSAT Day

    Oct. 23 - Red Ribbon Week

    Oct. 27 - Occupational Therapist Day

    View our calendars on our District website at https://www.amaisd.org/Calendars

  • September Newsletter - September 1, 2023

    MORE To See This Football Season!
    Back to school also means back to the gridiron, and we’re not just talking about the return of the fabled Friday Night Lights. Of course, Friday nights are spent watching Amarillo, Caprock, Palo Duro or Tascosa at Dick Bivins Stadium. But Saturdays are looking pretty legendary too, with 11 Amarillo ISD graduates on the rosters of NCAA Division 1 college football teams. MORE in AISD means more student-athletes taking their game to the next level. This fall, we can’t wait to see our current athletes in action on Thursday and Friday nights and then tune in on Saturday to hopefully catch a glimpse of these grads:

    AHS:

    • Mason Graham – #87 New Mexico State University

    • Luke Laminack – #99 Texas Christian University

    • Jameson Garcia – #8 University of the Incarnate Word

    • Erik Gray – #55 Stephen F. Austin State University

    • Davin Lemmons – #18 Stephen F. Austin State University

    • Cole Lemons – #89 Stephen F. Austin State University

    THS:

    • Tayden Barnes – #17 New Mexico State University

    • Avion Carter – #98 Texas Christian University

    • King Doerue – #23 University of California-Berkeley

    • Major Everhart – #22 Texas Christian University

    • Joseph Plunk – #31 Texas Tech

    • Darius Sanders – #32 University of the Incarnate Word

    BizTown is Open for Business!
    This week, a ribbon cutting marked the official opening of JA BizTown at AmTech Career Academy. JA BizTown is the hub where commerce and the classroom collide. This fully functional, immersive experience for elementary students is a collaboration between Junior Achievement of the High Plains and numerous local businesses that sponsor “storefronts.” Students spend the day taking what they learn in school and putting it to work in BizTown, running banks, managing restaurants, writing checks, voting for mayor and more. View the BizTown post at https://www.instagram.com/p/CqtdymoNPQ-/ (Opens in new window).

    Attendance Matters, Maybe Even More Than You Realize.
    Did you know a student who misses two days of school a month will miss around 30 hours of math instruction over the school year? If that pace continues, that student will miss a full year of school by graduation. We admit Ferris Bueller was pretty funny, but when attendance becomes a chronic problem, the challenges it creates for students–and teachers and parents–are real. We legitimately enjoy seeing your student’s face every day, so here are some simple steps to start the school year off right:

    1. Make Attendance a Priority. See that your child comes to school every day.

    2. Start conversations. Show your child that their education is important to you by asking questions and learning about what’s going on in school.

    3. Keep the communication lines open. Reach out to the school and your child’s teachers throughout the year and find out what you can do at home to support your student.

    Good Things Are Happening Here.
    There are always more choices and more cool things happening at AmTech Career Academy, and this year, there are even more students! 2,667 students are enrolled this fall, which includes the school’s largest senior class. 537 seniors will spend part of their school day at AmTech, but 25 of them have chosen to fill their entire school day with AmTech classes. That means more interns, more professional certifications and more college and career prep happening in AISD.

    MORE
    More in Amarillo ISD = more fine arts, more advanced academics, more certifications…We could go on and on, and we do over on our social media where there’s–you guessed it– even MORE to see. See it here at https://youtube.com/shorts/O57LMMiDZlY?feature=share (Opens in new window).

    Getting InSync With Your Kiddo
    You: "How was school today?"

    Child: "Good."

    You: "Good."

    Repeat 'til the end of time. OR Try asking a different question! InSync has your back with some after-school questions to help you get to the good part. Try asking: "What’s something funny that happened today?"

    Totally Awesome, Absolutely Real Reviews. Here’s What You’re Saying About AISD.
    “We transfer into AISD. We love the culture and climate of this school.” - Elementary Parent

    Check Out These Stories.
    AISD has several intriguing alumni links to NASA Space Program and we were excited to see this Back-to-School message from Holly Ridings.

     

    We’re with the band!

     

    “I’ll get you there and I’ll get you back safely.” Meet the AISD motorcoach driver with a 32-year record of safety in our latest Short Stories series.

    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    AISD grad wins top award among nearly 1,000 Navy recruits!

     

    Calendar Highlights for September.

    • Sept 4 - Labor Day (student & staff holiday)
    • Sept 8 - Physical Therapist Appreciation Day
    • Sept 12 - Caprock Homecoming Parade
    • Sept 13 - Tascosa Homecoming Parade
    • Sept 14 @ 7pm - Caprock Homecoming
    • Sept 15 @ 7pm - Tascosa Homecoming
    • Sept 18 - Palo Duro Homecoming Parade
    • Sept 21 - IT Professional Appreciation Day
    • Sept 22 - End of 1st Six Weeks
    • Sept 22 @ 7pm - Palo Duro Homecoming
    • Sept 25 - Amarillo High Homecoming Parade
    • Sept 29 @ 7pm - Amarillo High Homecoming

    Amarillo ISD on Twitter https://twitter.com/AmarilloISD

    Amarillo ISD on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AmarilloISD

    Amarillo ISD Website https://www.amaisd.org

    Amarillo ISD on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/AmarilloISDtx

    Amarillo ISD on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amarilloisd/