AISD Board Approves Next Year’s Calendar

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

At Thursday night’s Athens ISD Board of Trustees meeting, board members voted to approve the 2015-2016 school calendar. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims noted that the 2016 spring break has been set for March 7-11 in order to coincide with that of Trinity Valley Community College. Due to the number of high school students who take dual-credit classes at TVCC, it is necessary to schedule major holidays at the same time as the junior college.

Sims also announced the results of the school district’s Henderson County United Way fundraising drive. AISD employees have pledged $4,763 to the United Way. Of that total, South Athens Elementary has the distinction of being the campus with the highest amount pledged: $1,150.

The meeting kicked off with plenty of recognition for deserving individuals. Athens High School’s band director, Rusty Lay, and choir director, Bridgett Scott, introduced four students to the board who distinguished themselves at the recent UIL Area Music Competition. In band, sophomore Kolemann Dooley was named first-chair euphonium, and sophomore Russell Ingram was named first-chair trumpet. In choir, freshman Jacob Moore was selected as first-chair bass, and sophomore Logan Dooley as second-chair bass.

The January Teachers of the Month were also recognized. They are Fonda Splawn of Bel Air Elementary, Mandee Evans of South Athens Elementary, Audrey Thurston of Athens Intermediate School, Melody Brantley of Athens Middle School, Brad Adair of Athens High School, and Ward Wilbanks, a career and technology education (CTE) teacher at AHS. The Operations Center Employee of the Month is Steve Flowers.

January is School Board Recognition Month. Accordingly, the board members were thanked for their selfless service and, as a token of gratitude, were given gift cards for New York, Texas ZipLine Adventures. The gift is in keeping with this year’s district wide theme: Dare Greatly. Board members Robert Risk, Steve McElhany, Bob Spears, David Freeman, Ginger Kirk, Eric Smith and Alicea Elliott serve as crucial links between the community and the classroom.

Following executive session, the board approved the employment of two teachers at South Athens Elementary. Breeona Parnell will replace Sherry McPike as a second grade teacher, and Dorenda Gentry will replace Fredda Sparks as a pre-K teacher.