We’re happy to be returning to a normal schedule tomorrow (Thursday). Thank you for your patience and flexibility this week. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone back in class!
7 days ago, Toni Clay
graphic of a chalkboard with text that says classes resume tomorrow
Athens ISD will remain closed on Wednesday due to continued hazardous road conditions, especially in outlying areas. While many roads in town have thawed today, we still have ice on many of our rural bus routes, some of which extend into Van Zandt and Anderson counties. With a refreeze expected overnight, we cannot safely guarantee transportation for all students. As always, student safety comes first. Thank you for your understanding and support as we wait out the last of this winter weather. Stay safe and warm, Hornets!
8 days ago, Toni Clay
Photo of ivy Country Road with Woods on both sides. Words on Photos say no school Wednesday. Photo taken at 2:30 PM Tuesday on one of our district bus routes
Hornet family: Due to hazardous road conditions, Athens ISD will be closed on both Monday and Tuesday. As always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate this winter weather together. Stay warm and safe, Hornets!
10 days ago, Toni Clay
A graphic that says no school Monday or Tuesday with a hornet in a toboggan
We’re all watching the weather, and like many of you, our thoughts are on what Monday might bring. Forecasts are calling for extremely cold temperatures and possible freezing precipitation, and we’re keeping a close eye on it. We will make the call regarding Monday’s schedule on Sunday, when we have the most realistic idea of what to expect. We’ll share any updates through ParentSquare, AISD Facebook, and our website. As always, keeping our students and staff safe is our top priority.
12 days ago, Toni Clay
Graphic shows a snowflake and has the words "Weather Watch" on dark background
Athens High School’s Math and Science UIL teams had a great day at the Mabank Winter Invitational this past Saturday, bringing home top finishes and multiple team awards. In Number Sense, Gage Stasko placed first, Gaden Riquelme second, Kobe Callaway third, and Devin Bushman fourth, earning the team a first place win. In Calculator Applications, Gaden took first, Logan Castaneda second, Devin third with a personal best, Olivia Silva fourth, and Donna Carpenter fifth, with the team also earning first place. In General Math, Gaden placed fourth and Gage fifth, with the team of Gaden, Gage, and Jose Pimentel taking second place. In Science, Gage placed third and Gaden sixth, with Gage, Gaden, and Logan earning second as a team. We can't wait to see what they do at the UIL District Meet in March! Pictured (top row, from left) are Gage Stasko, Eli Carnes, Gus Wickel, Jose Pimentel, Math Coach Ken Walker, (middle row, from left) Gaden Riquelme, Devin Bushman, (bottom row, from left) Olivia Silva, Donna Carpenter and Logan Castaneda. Not pictured are Kobe Callaway and Science Coach Rodney Schmitz.
15 days ago, Toni Clay
Group of Athens High School students and their coach sitting on outdoor steps, smiling and holding medals from the Mabank Winter Invitational. The students are wearing casual clothes and displaying blue lanyards with multiple medals.
🔥 It's barbecue time again! (And we need some helpers.) Athens High School is hosting a Texas High School BBQ Association regional qualifier this Saturday in the CTE parking (that's the home side parking of Bruce Field). Sixteen high school teams from across Texas will compete in events like grilled cheese (11am), steak (noon), Dutch oven dessert (1pm), chicken lollipops (2pm) and ribs (3pm). Best of all, it’s all student-led! Our culinary arts students have earned a spot at state before, and hosting this qualifier is a great example of the good work happening in our Career & Technical Education (CTE) program. Interested in being a judge, sponsor or donor? Call 903-286-2612. #HornetNation #HSBBQ
21 days ago, Toni Clay
Photo shows torso and arms of a teen boy holding a slab of beef using tongs over a grill. The words "Battle of the BBQ!" also appear. His face is not shown.
🎶 👏 We have another state qualifier! Congratulations to sophomore Thaily Ordonez Ramos for earning 2nd chair out of 23 flutes at the area band competition Saturday at Chapel Hill! Thaily’s incredible performance qualifies her for the prestigious 4A All-State Band, placing her among the top high school musicians in Texas. She’ll represent Hornet Nation in San Antonio Feb. 11–14. We couldn’t be more proud. Way to go, Thaily!
23 days ago, Toni Clay
Photo of teenaged girl in band uniform.
The holiday break: Great. Being together again: Priceless.
#CentralAthens #PreK
28 days ago, Toni Clay
A photo of the back of four preK-aged boys sitting on a playground bench, all either holding hands or arm around shoulder.
🚀 These Central Athens Elementary fifth-graders worked today on a "bottle rocket truck project" that blended engineering, science and problem-solving. Students used limited resources to acquire materials and design their builds, while their “fuel” consisted of a vinegar and baking soda mixture that built up pressure when shaken; once a tack was removed from the bottle lid to expose a small hole, the pressure was released and — ideally — pushed the truck forward. Easier said than done, though! Several different groups of students explored a variety of STEM concepts, including Newton’s Laws of Motion, as part of a high-energy learning experience made possible by the Texas Mobile STEM Labs.
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
Overhead view of four elementary girls gathered around a table, working together on a STEM project. The students are using their hands to assemble materials around a small bottle, with scissors, paper, and notebooks spread across the table, showing teamwork and hands-on problem-solving.
Three elementary boys work together at a table inside a mobile STEM lab, carefully assembling a small bottle rocket truck. One student wearing a knit hat adjusts materials on the bottle while the others watch and assist, with scissors and notes on the table and a STEM design prompt visible in the background.
🎄 For the past several years, our district Christmas card has featured work by a student artist, but this year ... it features that of two! The holiday greeting — with freshman Alyssa Barrios' striking detail of a tree and freshman Alex Davidson's Hornet snow globe — was mailed out to friends and neighboring school districts throughout the area. The duo was honored tonight at the regular December meeting of the AISD Board of Trustees. We're thankful to both of these young artists for helping spread good cheer. #HornetNation
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
Two student artists lean forward with their arms resting on a low bookshelf in a school library, smiling at the camera. Behind their heads, the front and back of the same Athens ISD Christmas postcard design have been digitally inserted. The front shows a hand-painted Christmas tree branch with ornaments, including a red ornament and a clear glass ornament with a small winter scene inside, with the text “Merry Christmas from Athens ISD.” The back features a matching holiday design with the Athens ISD hornet mascot inside a snow globe, decorated with greenery and a bow, along with a printed holiday message and credits acknowledging the student artists and superintendent.
🤖 Our AHS robotics teams had a solid showing this past weekend at the Commerce VEX V5 Tournament, a fast-paced competition where student-built robots face off to complete game challenges. Team members Lyrick Adley, Wyatt McDonald and Josue Govea (pictured on the left) won five out of eight qualifying matches and made it to the quarterfinals. Team members Starlette Johnson, Brady Mayne and Gaden Riquelme (pictured on the right) fought through mechanical issues and wrapped up the day with a win. Way to represent, Hornets!
about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
**Revised Alt Text:** Six Athens High School robotics team members pose indoors behind two VEX V5 competition robots on a table. From left to right: Lyrick Adley, Wyatt McDonald, Josue Govea, Starlette Johnson, Brady Mayne, and Gaden Riquelme. The robot on the left has a blue license plate labeled "46790B" and the one on the right has a red plate labeled "46790A." Orange banners hang in the background of the school cafeteria setting.
Three Athens High School robotics team members stand at the edge of a competition field during a VEX match, focused on operating their robot. One student holds a controller while the others observe. The event takes place in a school gym with bleachers and tournament equipment in the background.

It's SANTA!! 🎅 These second-graders at South Athens were among many elementary students across Athens ISD this week to have photos taken with Santa Claus — also known here as Barton Davis. Barton and his wife, Kathy (who was for many years the principal's secretary at South Athens), are well known in the community for their exuberant yuletide decorations. This will be Barton's 19th year to sit outside their home on East Clinton Street and greet, as the Jolly Old Elf, any children who stop by. Mr. Claus will be in residence Dec. 18-22, from 6pm-7:30pm.

about 2 months ago, Toni Clay
A group of excited second-grade students in colorful holiday pajamas gather around Santa Claus, who is seated in front of a decorated Christmas tree in a school hallway. The children are smiling, laughing, and looking toward Santa as he engages with them.
👏 Congratulations to Adyson Petty, River Lang, Ryleigh Sloan, Tristen Husband and Sage Nelson for qualifying for nationals in Monologue Acting with their outstanding performance at the Texas Thespian State Festival in Grapevine. Five national qualifiers is an incredible accomplishment in a highly competitive field. We are beyond proud of each one of you! #HornetNation
2 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic with the heading “AHS Troupe 4490 National Qualifiers!” featuring five student headshots labeled with their names and event: Adyson Petty, River Lang, Ryleigh Sloan, Tristen Husband, and Sage Nelson — all listed as Solo Monologue qualifiers. The Athens Creates Theatre logo appears in the bottom right corner.

🎟️ 🏈 We all have somewhere to be Friday night! You can purchase tickets online now for the Hornets' Regional Finals match against Carthage this Friday, Dec. 5, by using the link below. (District administrator passes, THSCA, and senior citizen passes will be accepted.) Kick-off is 7pm at Tyler Rose Stadium; gates open at 5:30. Athens is the home team. Tickets are $10/adults & $8/students. To get to student tickets, scroll to the bottom of the page. 🐝 https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/tylerisd/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50Lzc0OA==

2 months ago, Toni Clay
A football playoff graphic showing two helmets facing each other. On the left is a maroon Athens Hornets helmet with a white “A” logo. On the right is a white Carthage Bulldogs helmet with a red “C” logo. In the center is a UIL Football 4A Division II Region II Regional Finals badge with a hornet over a Texas outline in the background. Below the helmets, the text reads “Athens Hornets” on the left and “Carthage Bulldogs” on the right. Along the bottom, bold white text on a black banner says “Friday December 5 Kickoff 7:00 PM at Rose Stadium in Tyler TX.”
🧑‍🎄🎄 Every year, members of the Athens Middle School National Junior Honor Society do a fantastic job putting up and decorating two Christmas trees at the AISD Administration Building. And every year, we are so grateful! Thank you, ladies! Pictured (clockwise from top left) are NJHS members Ella Richardson, Felicity Smith, Kayleigh Davis, Brighley Swartwood, Lexie Hawkins and Brennan Morrison. And a shout out to their awesome sponsor, Maureen Bogowitz.
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Six AMS Junior Honor Society members pose in front of the Christmas tree they decorated at the administration building. Three girls stand in the back row wearing festive holiday sweaters, and three girls kneel in front, also dressed in red and green sweaters. The decorated tree behind them features ribbon, ornaments, and lights.
🍍 "Are you ready kids?!" Athens Creates Theatre is diving into Bikini Bottom with The SpongeBob Musical. Join SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy and the whole gang for an adventure under the sea. 🐠 Showtimes are Dec. 5 at 7pm and Dec. 6 at 2pm & 7pm at the AHS auditorium. Tickets are $10 online (see link below) and $15 at the door. Grab your tickets and come enjoy the show! ✨ https://act4490.weebly.com/fall-production.html
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Poster for Athens Creates Theatre’s production of The SpongeBob Musical. The background is bright and colorful with neon outlines of flowers and a glowing pineapple. At the top, large text reads “A.C.T. Presents” above the official yellow SpongeBob Musical logo. Below, it says “Directed by Heather Berryhill.” A neon pineapple graphic sits on the left, and on the right is a ticket-style graphic with a QR code labeled “General Admission.” At the bottom, text lists the performance details: Athens High School Auditorium, tickets $10 online and $15 at the door, showtimes December 5 at 7 pm and December 6 at 2 pm and 7 pm. The phrase “Best Day Ever!” appears at the bottom.

📣 Hornet Nation! It’s a huge week and we need YOU! Join us this Thursday for a community wide pep rally at the AHS coliseum. Doors open at 1:45, and the cheering starts at 2. Our district clear bag policy will be in place. 🏈 On Friday our Hornets face the Krum Bobcats in the UIL 4A Division II Region II Area Championship at Mesquite’s Hanby Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30pm; tickets ($6/students & $8/adults) are available online (see link below) or at the gate with credit card only. Mesquite ISD also has a clear bag policy. 🫵 Be there, be loud, wave a white spirit towel, wear maroon, and maybe even paint your car windows, as we pack the stands and show what Hornet Nation is all about! 🐝https://www.mesquiteisdathletics.com/HTtickets

3 months ago, Toni Clay
A group of high school football players wearing maroon uniforms celebrates under stadium lights as one athlete lifts a golden trophy labeled “Bi-District Champions.” The background is dark, emphasizing the trophy and players. Large text at the top reads “Community Pep Rally!” and additional text on the right lists event details: “Thursday, 2pm, AHS coliseum. Doors open to public at 1:45. Clear bag policy in place.
📣 #HornetNation! We need your help creating a great sendoff for our team as they head to Henderson Friday for the bi-district championship! 🏈 Join us in front of Athens High School at 3:30 to cheer them on. Bring your signs and noisemakers to hype up our guys to beat Gilmer. Game time is 7:30pm at Lions Stadium (700 Lion Street, Henderson). 🎟️ All tickets must be purchased online. Presale prices are $8 for adults & $6 for students until 6pm Friday; after that, all tickets will be $8. We're the home team. https://events.hometownticketing.com/event/2815ab3a-1311-4134-b66d-b51ebf6bdd4c
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Graphic promoting the Bi-District Championship Send-Off for the Athens High School football team. The background features multiple Athens players in uniform under falling confetti. Large bold text reads “Bi-District Championship Send-Off!” with event details at the bottom: “Friday 3:30 AHS.”
🎉 Liam Tinsley and Kraven Parker led the way for the Athens debate team at the recent Whitehouse Invitational, taking first place in CX debate with Liam named top speaker. The team went a perfect 9-0 in CX (cross-examination) overall. Ariel Silas also took second as a maverick (competing solo in a two-person event), and freshmen Caleb Burks and Olivia Maner finished fourth — as the only freshman team. Lauryn Silas earned fourth place in congressional debate, while Miles Barnes and Samuel Hart advanced to the semifinals in prose/poetry. We’re very proud — but not surprised! — by the strong performance of our speech and debate teams. 📷 Pictured (l-r) are Wesley Zapata, Miles Barnes, Samuel Hart, Liam Tinsley, Kraven Parker, Caleb Burks, Olivia Maner, Ariel Silas and Lauryn Silas.
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Nine Athens High School debate students stand in a row, smiling in front of a glass brick wall. Several students wear medals around their necks, and one holds a small gavel, celebrating their success at the Whitehouse Invitational speech and debate tournament.
The regular season ends with a decisive victory, 77–43, over Bullard. Next stop: playoff action! #HornetNation
3 months ago, Toni Clay
Photo of several football players on the field taken from behind them as they lift their hands in celebration