
❗️Important news❗️Beginning the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 4, Athens ISD students will be required to follow a new state law that prohibits the use of cell phones and other personal communication devices during the school day at all campuses. This is not a local school board policy, but rather a Texas state law passed by the legislature and required of all public schools. 👀 Under this law, students may not use personal cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, laptops, or other similar devices at any campus. (District-provided laptops and tablets are not personal devices.) Athens High School has been operating under similar conditions for the past few years through the use of Yondr phone pouches, which, though not perfect, has helped promote greater focus and fewer distractions in the classroom. This experience gives us a strong foundation. 👉 In order to comply with the new law throughout the entire district, all personal devices belonging to students must be powered off (not in silent mode) and stored in a backpack or locked vehicle for the entire school day. Devices may not be carried on the student, including in a pocket. 🐝 We ask our wonderfully supportive parents and guardians to help students adjust to this change. It’s all part of our shared goal of creating the best learning environment possible for every Hornet.


🏈 Hornet football season is almost here, and we can't wait to see the stands packed! Current reserved seat holders may renew their seats in person at the AHS fieldhouse (480 Royal Street) beginning Monday, Aug. 4. Fieldhouse hours are Monday-Thursday, 8am-4pm. Ticket renewals include the option to add additional available seats in section C. Tickets are $45 per seat and cover all five home games. Public ticket sales open on Aug. 18. If you’re not planning to renew, please contact our office to release your seats. Questions? Call 903-677-6992 or email dbundy@athensisd.net. #HornetNation

🐟 Athens High School's Fish Camp (AKA freshman orientation) is Thursday, July 31 at 6:30pm. We'll kick things off with a pep rally, then pick up schedules & your class of 2029 shirts, check out available clubs, and tour the building to find your classes. We can't wait to meet you! #HornetNation


Wow! It's almost time for students to return (Aug. 4). 🤯 You'll find important information on registration, meet-the-teacher, fish camps, the calendar & more by following this link 👉 https://www.athensisd.net/article/2246261


Practicing for tonight; just a few hours away!! #ClassOf2025


🎓 Graduation will commence at 6:30pm Friday, May 30, in the competition gym at 708 E. College Street with the doors opening at 5:30. Entrance is only available at the College Street doors.
🚗 Parking is available in the lot in front of the main entrance off College Street, as well as the home side lot on the northeast corner of Bruce Field. Another option is to park on the south (visitors) side of Bruce Field.
👀 The ceremony will be broadcast live on the AISD Facebook page: bit.ly/AHSgradLive
🚫🎈🎒 As in years past, balloons, noisemakers, flowers & any kind of signs are prohibited. No handbags or backpacks will be allowed. Exceptions: diaper bags with infants & toddlers, & a bag with medical necessities. (Unattended bags create a security threat. Therefore, bags may not be left at the doors. Guests with bags or backpacks will be asked to return them to their vehicles, to be locked in the trunk or, if that's not an option, otherwise placed out of sight.)
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🎓 La graduación comenzará a las 6:30 pm el Viernes 30 de Mayo en el gimnasio de competencia en 708 E. College Street con las puertas abiertas a las 5:30. La entrada solo está disponible en las puertas de College Street.
🚗 El estacionamiento está disponible en el parqueadero frente a la entrada principal de College Street, así como en el parqueadero lateral de en la esquina noreste de Bruce Field. Otra opción es estacionar en el lado sur (lado de visitantes) de Bruce Field.
👀 La ceremonia será transmitida en vivo en la página de Facebook de AISD: bit.ly/AHSgradLive
🚫🎈🎒 Como en años anteriores, los globos, las matracas, las flores y cualquier tipo de letreros están prohibidos. No se permitirán bolsos ni mochilas. Excepciones: pañaleras con bebés y niños pequeños, y una bolsa con necesidades médicas. (Las bolsas desatendidas crean una amenaza a la seguridad. Por lo tanto, las bolsas no se pueden dejar en las puertas. Se pedirá a los invitados que lleven bolsas o mochilas a sus vehículos, que las guarden en la cajuela o, si no es posible, que las pongan fuera de la vista.)


🙌 Class of 2025 members Isaac Hoch and Cooper Rich just wrapped up one of the most decorated debate careers in school history. Want to know how many medals they’ve won (spoiler: a lot), what career paths debate helped shape, or how many hours a week they trained to succeed? Read their story here 👉 https://athensisd.substack.com/p/hoch-and-rich-close-out-historic
#HornetNation #AISDDebate #StateChamps


👏 Big shoutout to rising seniors Tristan Hunt and Geraldine Nieto on being selected as drum majors for the AHS Pride of the Hornets Band in the 2025-2026 school year! 🐝 This will be their first time leading the band, and they’re kicking things off with training this June at the Panola College Military Drum Major Camp. We’re excited to see these two step into leadership and help guide the band into another amazing year. Go Hornets!


🎶⭐️ Eight Athens High School band students compete in the UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in Austin this weekend, where they delivered outstanding performances on one of the toughest stages in the state! The percussion ensemble of Edgar DeLuna, German Gonzalez-Gutierrez, Ty Hadnot, Josh Moreno and Caleb Zuniga earned a first division and received gold medals to commemorate their achievement, while the flute trio of Thaily Ordonez Ramos, Geraldine Nieto and Kelly Burras earned a second division rating. State-level competition is judged by a significantly higher standard, making their success even more impressive. These students worked on their music for months after qualifying in February, showing remarkable dedication during one of the busiest times of the school year. We are so proud of their commitment! Pictured (l–r) are Kelly Burras, Josh Moreno, Caleb Zuniga, Geraldine Nieto, Edgar DeLuna, Thaily Ordonez Ramos, Ty Hadnot and German Gonzalez-Gutierrez.


Sara Garcia (left) and Briana Rodriguez wrapped up their senior ceiling tile just in time, and it was worth the wait! The two began the project in January in Ms. Kling’s art class and spent countless hours recreating “The Sea at Satta” by Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige. Their impressive take on the famous woodblock print adds a heads-up wave of creativity to the room. #HornetNation #AHSfineArts


They came. They grilled. They conquered. 🔥 Athens Middle School’s barbecue team brought the heat to the National High School BBQ Association’s Texas State Championship, taking home Grand Champion honors for chili, Reserve Grand Champion for chicken and ribs, and 3rd place overall in the entire state! Judges' comments included “tasty and tender” and even said of their chili, “Well done! I want more.” (Honestly, same.) Eighth-graders Brody Ard and Robert Dingler, and sixth-grader Parker Dingler earned a spot at the national competition in Kansas City June 3–6, where they’ll be with 13 other students representing AHS BBQ teams. 🐝 Bring on the BBQ, Kansas City! #HornetNation


🎉 Woo-hoo! Athens ISD is honored to be named the Large Business of the Month for May by the Athens Chamber of Commerce. Pictured (from left) are Deputy Superintendent Ginger Morrison, Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims, and Jennifer Browning, interim executive director of the Athens Chamber. Thank you to our fellow chamber members for recognizing the district’s contributions to the community we love so much. We’re proud to serve! 💛 #HornetNation

🎓👏 Fifty-three Athens High School students graduated Friday from Trinity Valley Community College with associate’s degrees!! Forty-four are in Athens ISD's PINNACLE Early College High School, and nine are part of the dual-credit program. We are incredibly proud of their hard work to achieve such remarkable milestone in their lives! 🐝 #HornetNation


The AISD Board of Trustees met this week to canvass the results of the May 3 bond election and swear in three returning members: Margaret Richardson, Gina Hunter, and Freddie Paul (pictured). Certified election results show that 1,240 votes were cast, with 766 (61.08%) in favor of the bond proposition and 474 (37.8%) against. The bonds are expected to be sold in July or August, with proceeds received about a month later. The board also adopted a resolution authorizing the use of bond funds to reimburse any project-related expenses that may occur before the proceeds are available.


🐝❤️ Please donate your student's gently worn uniform clothing to be redistributed to others. Items will be collected beginning Monday at all campus offices.


📣 We’re proud to announce Bernitha “Nikki” Enoch as Athens ISD's Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Edward Medvecky as Athens ISD's Secondary Teacher of the Year! ⭐️ Ms. Enoch, a PreK-4 teacher at Central Athens Elementary, brings great energy and deep care to her classroom, sparking a love of learning in her students and inspiring those around her. ⭐️ Mr. Medvecky, who teaches Honors English I & II and advises the yearbook at Athens High School, engages students with his thoughtful lessons while mentoring both students and staff. These two outstanding educators embody the heart of Hornet Nation. Congratulations to both! #HornetNation


🐝❤️ Join us in celebrating Jase Warren and Kim Rios as our 2024–2025 Hornet Male Athlete and Hornet Female Athlete of the Year. This recognition honors college-bound, multi-sport athletes who lead with heart and hustle. Jase, a standout in football, basketball and track, has made a huge impact through his leadership, determination and encouragement of those around him. He’s a favorite among our younger students and will head to Kilgore Lineman School to continue doing great things. Kim, an All-American cheerleader, soccer defender and track competitor, is the kind of teammate who always puts others first, works hard without fanfare, and brings a positive spirit to whatever she does. She’s headed to Stephen F. Austin State University this fall. Both will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Athens Athletic Booster Club. Congratulations, Jase and Kim. You earned this recognition with hard work! #HornetNation


🥁 It's not every day that a band's spring concert includes a WORLD PREMIERE of new music — but it's happening! May 20, 6:30pm, AHS. Reception for former longtime band director John Glover to follow! #HornetNation


Something tells us it's his birthday ... 🥳 Bel Air Elementary preK-3 student Owen Brown turns four today! He's got a few years to go before he's on the same campus as his dad, AHS Administrative Intern Miles Brown. Happy birthday, Owen! #HornetNation


🐝 Mark your calendars for Hornet Summer Sports Camps!
