The days days are long, but the years are short. Just ask any parent of a senior. While we still operate under the cloud of COVID, we are doing everything we can to balance the need for safety with the desire to offer all our students, pre-K through 12, a comfortable and enriching school year. Pictured is sophomore varsity linebacker Jamauri Manning catching five from fourth-grader Gunner Harrell as Jamauri is introduced during Meet the Hornets night. (Photo by Toby Rhodes, AHS class of ‘19)
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Show your#HornetPride! Have you seen one of these Hornet Nation bumper (or car window) stickers at the front desk of any AISD campus? They’re FREE — and they’ve been flying out the door. We love to see them around town. And, because no one wants to scrape off sticker residue down the road, we’ve ordered “removable” stickers that don’t require a new paint job when you’re ready for it to go. We’ll be placing another order soon.
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We know how you feel, little buddy. The first week of school can really take it out of a fella. For proof look no further than South Athens Elementary pre-K student Jacob Allen, seen here resting his weary head on the shoulder of his teacher, Mrs. Garcia.
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Move over, Hornets! If you haven’t already been in the AHS varsity gym to watch the Lady Hornets play volleyball, then next time you attend a sporting event there, be aware that the Hornet home side has migrated, which places us comfortably behind the Hornet bench.
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💉💉 Two-hundred and six people received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at an Aug. 18 community wide clinic held at Athens High School Wednesday. Of those, 108 received a first dose. The clinic was the second to be hosted by Athens ISD in partnership with the Texas National Guard. The first clinic saw 90 doses administered. Two more community wide clinics are scheduled from 4-6:30 at the high school cafeteria on Sept. 8 and Sept. 29. The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine is available to anyone 12 years old and older. There is no charge, registration is not required, and it is not necessary to be a student or employee of Athens ISD or to live in Athens to attend. Clinic attendees may receive a first or second dose.
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We know from studies and experience that children who develop strong reading skills perform better in school over time. And who says reading has to happen only at a desk or table? Just ask Bel Air Elementary kindergartner Alan Sanchez, who has no problem getting comfortable with a good book.
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Athens Middle School seventh-grader Joseph Kidd — shown here with his artwork inspired by a Japanese movie — is one of many talented student artists across Athens ISD. The district is committed to an excellent fine arts program.
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Honoring Coach Cook
Several former students, football players and a colleague of the late Harold Cook recently gathered with family members for the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Athens ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Zack Harrell (second from the left) to be placed in the field house trophy case. Pictured holding the plaque is Coach Cook’s daughter, Shelley Stukas. Cook was born and raised in Athens, where he played football at AHS and met his wife of 59 years, Tommie Layfield Cook (pictured to the right of her daughter). For more than 30 years, Coach Cook taught math and coached several sports at Athens Junior High and High School. He also helped to launch the Lady Hornets softball program. He passed away in April of 2021.
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Central Athens Elementary kindergartners Sophia Rosas and Andrew Ramirez enjoy a leisurely drive (which, honestly, might not be so leisurely with two steering wheels) during recess.
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Looking for a part time job? AISD is actively seeking substitute teachers. To apply, click here.
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