🏋️‍♀️ State bound! Three Hornet powerlifters are headed to the State Powerlifting Meet after outstanding performances at their regional competitions: Brandon Casas and Jose Rincon for the boys, and Judith Rondan for the girls. 💪 Our regional competitors were (top row, from left) Ivan Rincon, Nic Peebles, Kaison Walker, Lawrence George, Braiden Marcs, Jose Rincon, Brandon Casas, Jacob Ariciaga, and (bottom row, from left) Jayleen Johnson, Kinley Bowlden, River Lang, Rainy Ibarra, Judith Rondan, Paolina Cazares, Isabella Aranda and Hannah Priddy. Congratulations to all of these athletes for the strength, discipline and determination it takes to compete at this level, and best of luck to our three Hornets as they prepare to represent Athens at the state level! 🐝
5 days ago, Toni Clay
Photos shows two row of teenagers (boys top row, girls bottom row) wearing Athens Powerlifter shirts, some with medals around their necks. Words across photos read: Regional Weightlifters!
🔍 These adorable Pre-K4 students at South Athens Elementary were told to use their magnifying glasses to explore the world of insects on the playground. Curiosity leads to knowledge! #HornetNation
9 days ago, Toni Clay
Three young children stand in what appears to be a grassy field or playground peering through plastic magnifying glasses.
🎉 All eyes on Karla Rodriguez for an amazing accomplishment! Mrs. Rodriguez, an intervention teacher at Bel Air Elementary, earned her National Board Certification and was recognized during our recent board meeting. National Board Certification is one of the very highest honors a teacher can achieve, and it took Mrs. Rodriguez two years and more than 400 hours of work beyond the school day to complete. It is completely voluntary and represents a true commitment to her craft. We are BEYOND proud of her and the dedication she shows to her students every single day. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement, Mrs. Rodriguez, and thank you for helping Athens ISD be the educational heart of East Texas! #HornetNation
16 days ago, Toni Clay
Nine people, including adults and two students, stand together outdoors in front of a maroon Athens Independent School District sign. A woman in the center holds a bouquet of red and yellow flowers, while a student in a green polo shirt stands in front smiling. The group is dressed in casual and business casual attire and appears to be celebrating a recognition or special achievement.
🏀 The Hornets take on Sunnyvale this Friday, Feb. 27, 7pm at Wills Point High School in the Area Playoff game. Athens is the home team. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students, and all passes will be accepted. Let’s pack the stands and support our guys as they continue their playoff run! 👏 #HornetNation
17 days ago, Toni Clay
Photos shows basketball players in white uniforms holding a trophy, flanked by coaches, trainers and other supporters
👀 Great news for all who like to plan ahead: At Monday night's monthly school board meeting, trustees approved the 2026-2027 school calendar. You can also find it on our website here: https://bit.ly/26-27AISDcalendar.
18 days ago, Toni Clay
Athens Independent School District 2026–2027 School Calendar. Header reads: “The Educational Heart of East Texas” and “2026–2027 Athens ISD School Calendar.” Board approved 2/23/2026. Note: Calendar subject to change. Legend: Yellow = Staff Development / Work Days (no school for students) Light blue = Holidays (no school) Green outline = Begin 9 Weeks Red underline = End 9 Weeks Dotted boxes labeled “Testing Days – No School” Key Dates by Month July 2026 July 27: Convocation July 27–31: Staff Development July 27–31 highlighted as work days August 2026 August 3: First Day of School (green begin marker) August 3 staff development August 7 and 14 shown as work days September 2026 September 4: Staff Development (yellow) September 7: Labor Day Holiday (blue) October 2026 October 1: End 1st Nine Weeks (red) October 5: Begin 2nd Nine Weeks (green) October 9: Staff Development (yellow) November 2026 November 6: Staff Development (yellow) November 23–27: Thanksgiving Holidays (blue) December 2026 December 17: End 2nd Nine Weeks (red) December 21–31: Christmas Holidays (blue) Testing days marked December 1–4 and 7–11 (no school) January 2027 January 1: Holiday (blue) January 4: Staff Development (yellow) January 5: Begin 3rd Nine Weeks (green) January 18: MLK Holiday (blue) February 2027 February 5: Staff Development (yellow) March 2027 March 5: Staff Development (yellow) March 11: End 3rd Nine Weeks (red) March 15–19: Spring Break (blue) March 22: Begin 4th Nine Weeks (green) April 2027 April 2: Staff Development (yellow) Testing days marked April 5–9, 12–16, 19–23, and 26–30 (no school) May 2027 May 27: End 4th Nine Weeks (red) May 28: Work Day / Graduation (yellow) May 31: Memorial Day Holiday (blue) June 2027 Testing days marked June 14–18 and 21–25 (no school) Footer notes: Required State Minutes: 75,600 District Minutes: 77,724 Calendar displays full monthly grids from July 2026 through June 2027 with highlighted dates as listed above.

🏀 District 15-4A champs! Now it is playoff time. The Hornets will take on Gilmer in the first round on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 6pm at Tyler High School. Admission is $5 adults/ $3 students. (All passes accepted.) We're the home team. Let’s pack the stands and be loud and proud! #Hornetnation

25 days ago, Toni Clay
Photos of boys basketball team standing in gym with a trophy and coaches and coaches' kids.
👏 More academic success! Thirty-five AHS UIL academic students competed this weekend at the UIL meet in Canton, and the Hornets brought home some impressive hardware. In number sense, Gaden Riquelme placed first and Gage Stasko placed second, earning second-place team honors. In calculator applications, Gaden finished second, Devin Bushman fifth and Olivia Silva sixth, also securing second-place team honors. In mathematics, Gaden placed second, Gage fourth and Logan Castaneda sixth, earning another second-place team award. Jasmine Good placed third in ready writing. Kraven Parker and Faith Lee earned third in CX debate, and Marlie Adair placed fifth in LD debate. Kraven also earned second in persuasive speaking, and Miles Barnes placed sixth in poetry interpretation. Athens High School earned third-place sweepstakes overall for team performance! Pictured (back row, from left) are Devin Bushman, Gage Stasko, Eli Carnes, Gaden Riquelme, Gus Wickel, Kraven Parker, Jose Pimentel, (front row, from left) Jasmine Good, Olivia Silva, Marlie Adair, Faith Lee and Logan Castaneda.
25 days ago, Toni Clay
A group of students, girls and boys, dressed casually in some cases and more nicely and others, display the medals around their necks
Central Athens Elementary preK3 students use their creativity to find ways recycled materials can be used to build new things.
25 days ago, Toni Clay
Three young boys stand with arms on each others' shoulders in front of empty cardboard boxes stacked atop one another.
🎶 We have more state qualifiers!! Big talent and hard work resulted in fantastic results for our AHS choir students at the UIL Region 21 Vocal Solo & Ensemble Contest in Whitehouse last week. Thirteen students earned ratings of 1 (Superior), and one student earned a rating of 2 (Excellent) on their solo performances. Of those, three qualified for state: Victoria Juarez, Bianca Santoyo and Kaison Walker. 👏 The amazing choir members pictured are (front row, from left) Victoria, Bianca and Kaison, along with Gracie Robinson, Laura Meraz, (back row, from left) Amelia Santos, Nahomi Fraire, America Cazares, Jasmin Sorto, Christopher Miranda, Satchel Williams, Kane Mitchell and Lawrence George. Not pictured are Justus Booker and River Lang. We are proud of you all! #HornetNation
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
A group of thirteen high school students pose for a choir photo in a classroom. Five students sit in chairs in the front row while eight sit on risers behind them. They are dressed in casual school attire such as polos, T-shirts, sweaters, and sneakers. Most are smiling and facing the camera with their hands folded in their laps. The room has carpeted floors, tiered risers, and a plain light-colored wall in the background.
👏👏 Yessss! AHS Debate is headed back to the UIL Cross Examination Debate State Championships! Juniors Ariel Silas and Liam Tinsley claimed the district championship to earn their place at state. Juniors Kraven Parker and Faith Lee finished third and are state alternates, while freshmen Caleb Burks and Olivia Maner took sixth place in a strong field. AHS has won SIX state titles in CX debate, including the last two. This week's district win marks more than FIFTEEN consecutive years qualifying for the state tournament. Liam and Ariel will compete for a third-straight AHS state championship March 20 & 21 at the University of Texas in Austin. We are incredibly proud of all these students and the tradition of excellence they continue to build. Pictured (from left) are Faith Lee, Kraven Parker, Caleb Burks, Ariel Silas and Liam Tinsley.
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
Five Athens High School debate students stand side by side outside in front of a brick building, each wearing a medal around their neck. The students are dressed in formal attire, including suits, ties, and blazers, and are smiling at the camera
👏 We are so proud of our AHS FCCLA students for killing it at the FCCLA Texas Region II Leadership Conference this past weekend in Waco. First place finishes went to Kennedy Ard (Say Yes to FCS); Justus Booker (Promote and Publicize); and our chapter as a whole in Chapter Chatter, Community Service Hours, and Chapter Size. Second place honors were earned by Brody Ard and Brylan Beckham (Chapter Service Project Portfolio); and Ethan Banuelos and Alonso Flores (National Programs in Action). Eve Hernandez, Camilla Sorta and Kaylinn Hernandez placed fourth (Hospitality and Tourism); and Malcom Smith placed fifth (Knife Skills). A special congratulations to Kennedy Ard for earning the Project FACTS People’s Choice Spotlight Award. Our team also excelled on the FCSA test with seven gold medals and one bronze medal. #HornetNation couldn't have been represented any better! Way to go! 🐝
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
Collage of Athens ISD FCCLA students at competition holding first, second, fourth, and fifth place signs and awards, including a People’s Choice recognition, with a bold graphic reading “AHS FCCLA Shines!” highlighting their success in Waco.
🙌 🏀 Our boys’ basketball team did it again, clinching the District Championship for the second year in a row. With three games to go in the regular season, they stand at 19-2, riding a 19-game winning streak! #HornetNation #AHSproud
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
Team photo of the boys basketball team wearing white Hornets uniforms, standing in two rows against a light background. Above them is large text reading “District Champs!” with the word “again” written underneath, celebrating their back-to-back district championship.
😳 Sophomore Peyton Halbert cuts his eyes to classmate Travis Ottaberry after being told actual human lungs were used as examples of a healthy set versus those of a smoker. The moment was part of Athens ISD’s 4th Annual CHRISTUS Health Science Career Fair, held today at Athens High School. More than 600 students from seven school districts visited campus to explore healthcare careers, see live demonstrations from CHRISTUS Tyler Hospital specialty units, and learn firsthand about the tools, skills and opportunities available in the medical field. Also pictured are Devin Bushman (far right) and Steven Statham.
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
High school students stand at a display table examining two real human lungs hanging side by side, one pink and healthy and the other dark and damaged from smoking, during a health science career fair in a large gym. Students in maroon shirts and gloves look closely at the comparison while other attendees move through the background.
🎉 Look who's been named a Career and Technical Education District of Distinction! (Hint: It starts with A and ends with ISD) It's an honor that reflects the great work happening every day in our classrooms and labs by our CTE teachers, staff, students and community partners. CTE programs include agriculture, welding, health science, criminal justice, culinary arts, business & marketing, information technology, education and training, HVAC and construction technology. Pictured (back rows, from left) are Lewis Davis, Theresa Tindel, Cole Beaubien, Trinity Desselles, Morgan Burleson, Brittney Edwards, Gary Barnes, Haley Castor, Meredith Lewis, Fatima Cerrillo, and (front row, from left) Tim Howard, Hunter Choate, Ashley Rojo, CTE Coordinator Zach Tappan, Natalie Tappan, Holden Sparks, Frank Duyka, and Devon Bowie. Not pictured are Lisa Ramsey, Ramona Agesen, Brittany Smith, Edward Medvecky, Lauren Flowers, Staci Arce and Julie Hill. Well done, #HornetNation!
about 1 month ago, Toni Clay
Group photo of Athens ISD Career and Technical Education staff standing on a wide indoor staircase inside a school building, wearing black Athens ISD CTE shirts. One staff member in the front center holds a glass award recognizing the district as a CTE District of Distinction.
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!
about 2 months 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!
about 2 months 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!
about 2 months 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.
about 2 months 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.
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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.