Athens Independent School District

The motto of the Athens Independent School District, initiated by Superintendent Dr. Fred Hayes, is Excellence Every Day and it is the standard for all in the district. "To graduate every student on time, college and work ready" is the mission that is the basis for every decision. For the first year, all Athens campuses through the eighth grade are identified as Texas Education Agency (TEA) Recognized! The district goal is for all campuses to reach the TEA rating of 'Exemplary' while meeting the needs of all children. Throughout the district the effort to achieve this is through the power of one; one teacher, one grade, one campus, one team! The 'Power of One' can be very potent!

To achieve the district mission, student achievement is job one for AISD. Each and every child is important as an individual. To help us open the door to the future for our students, we consistently upgrade technology resources. Advancements in technology allow teachers to keep up with the ever-changing world and to pass that knowledge on to their students. Technology is provided to students in the form of laptops at the high school. It is important to increase the technology access to students which can enhance their critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills. We have reached a crucial time in our history where workers at all levels will be required to have more than a basic working knowledge of technology. Our students will be well equipped to meet those needs. This creates future learners who are informed, responsible and caring citizens in a global community.

AISD maintains five campuses including some built as early as 1956. Upgrades and additions have enhanced the structural foundation at each campus. Secure and safe entrances, fencing and new wings have allowed the district to address the steady growth of the student population.

Knowing the importance of consistency in young children's lives, and valuing the community's desire to keep single attendance campuses, the district has developed a unique system to keep students together from age 4 through 3rd grade. Using a 'spiraling' concept, the two elementary campuses, Bel Air Elementary and South Athens Elementary house students from Pre-K/Head Start through third grade. In its fourth year, students, parents and staff agree that everyone knows each other much better and that students transition less, giving them continuity in their young lives. Both campuses hold the TEA 'Recognized' rating for the third year in a row. Both campuses have dedicated and caring staff and take seriously the charge they have been given. Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO) exist on both campuses and they depend upon dedicated and supportive parents to be involved. Volunteer and mentoring programs can also be found which brings community involvement into the schools.

Athens Intermediate School, a TEA 'Recognized' campus for the second consecutive year, is home to district 4th and 5th graders. The focus is on student data and achievement, and constantly improving instruction. This campus' theme 'On the VERGE of Exemplary' speaks to their commitment to strive constantly for improvement. AIS has been a recipient of the District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E.) Grant for three years. The grant has allowed the campus to develop a true professional learning community through the implementation of TAP (The System for Teacher and Student Advancement). This model provides an avenue for teachers to advance into leadership roles while still remaining in the classroom. Student achievement and improved instruction are the primary focus of the grant and the model.

Campus Principal, Dr. Janie Sims comments, "AIS is home to an extremely caring and knowledgeable faculty and staff". "We have a strong professional development plan on this campus, and a positive culture that extends from the genuine care for each other to the nurturing of the students entrusted to them".

Athens Middle School, a TEA 'Recognized' campus, houses the district's students in grades 6 through 8. Whether in the classroom or outside, AMS strives to help their students achieve a balance between the social, emotional and academic growth of adolescence. A highly qualified staff focuses on research-based instructional best practices and works to provide a curriculum that is designed to ensure innovative, customized learning opportunities for all students.

Beginning with a solid core academic program, students can then add subjects such as band, choir, art, theater, speech, Spanish, athletics, and journalism. Pre Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) classes also allow students to participate in rigorous and academically challenging courses in preparation for high school and beyond. The campus also offers AP Spanish, which can provide students not only with high school Spanish credit, but college credit, also. The AMS band holds University Interscholastic League (UIL) sweepstakes honors in concert and sight reading for the past six years and the one act play holds numerous district awards for achievement in annual productions including students as Best Actress/Actor and All Star Cast.

Athens High School, grades 9 through 12, rounds out the districts goal that "Every student will graduate on time, college and work ready". Numerous possibilities allow all students to achieve and prepare for their future.

Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit classes allow students to receive college credit before they graduate from high school.

A partnership program with Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) has created a school within a school concept, an Early College High School (ECHS). Here, students begin taking college credit hours as freshmen and can achieve their Associates Degree or 60 college hours the same month that they graduate from High School. In their third year, the program is grant funded through the local Murchison Foundation with 142 students in grades 9 - 11. The unique program is one of less than 50 in the state is noted as a TEA model program.

The Career and Technology Education (CATE) Pathways allow students to focus on trade and technical programs to begin their higher education or launch their careers. Culinary Arts, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), pharmacy technician, welding, and broadcast journalism are just a few of the new programs AHS has initiated, some in conjunction with TVCC.

Credit recovery classes and an Alternative Education Program (AEP) allow students an opportunity to complete their education via non-traditional routes.

AHS can also boast to accomplishments outside of the classroom. Student success can be seen in the form of UIL District, Regional and State Championships in One Act Play, Debate, CX, Lincoln-Douglas, Band, Solo and Ensemble, Choir Concert and Sight Reading, Future Business Leaders Association (FBLA), Future Farmers Association (FFA), Athletics, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), to just name a few.

Athens Independent School District is on the web at www.athensisd.net.