Category: Education

Malakoff Ag Teacher Recognized by State Group

Malakoff Ag teacher Ken Hancock, left, receives his 20-year Tenure Award.
Malakoff Ag teacher Ken Hancock, left, receives his 20-year Tenure Award.

Press release

The Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas (VATAT) recognized more than 200 deserving teachers and supporters of agricultural science during the VATAT Professional Development Conference for Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Cluster July 28 – Aug. 1 in Abilene.

Kenneth Hancock, Malakoff High School Agricultural Science Teacher, received his 20-Year Tenure Award during the Closing General Session on Friday, Aug. 1, at the Abilene Civic Center. Tenure awards are a benefit of the VATAT and are given in five-year increments to agricultural science teachers and associate members of the Association who have dedicated themselves to teaching and supporting agricultural science.

“The VATAT is proud to recognize the achievements of our members and the dedication of our supporters,” said Barney McClure, executive director of the VATAT. Continue reading “Malakoff Ag Teacher Recognized by State Group”

Athens ISD to Emphasize Dress Code

LogosBy Michael V. Hannigan

Hey parents of Athens ISD students, you better not send your children back to school wearing shirts with logos. I am told that’s going to be a point of emphasis when it comes to the dress code this year.

Not that logos were allowed in the dress code in the past. Officials verified that there have been no changes to the dress code. Administrators are just going to be a little more focused on enforcing those rules this year.

“The administrative team agreed it would be best to give parents a friendly reminder that the uniform code will be fully enforced — including, but not limited to — the prohibition against logos on clothing,” said AISD spokeswoman Toni Garrard Clay. “In short, when outfitting students for the coming school year, parents are urged to strictly adhere to the dress code to avoid any unnecessary purchases.”

So you might want to take another look in your students’ closet to make sure you are ready for Aug. 25.

You can find the Athens ISD dress code on the district’s website here. 

Athens ISD Prepares for Campus Realignment

AISD logoBy Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

Athens ISD board members’ approval of the proposed campus realignment comes one full year in advance of the decision’s effective date. The timing gives the public as well as district staff and administration opportunity to adjust and prepare for the change.

“Both of our primary campuses (Bel Air and South Athens elementaries) have reached capacity,” said Superintendent Blake Stiles during his presentation to the board (July 28). “We don’t have room to build at Bel Air or South, and if we did have room, the roads can’t handle more traffic.” Continue reading “Athens ISD Prepares for Campus Realignment”

Toni Garrard Clay Joins Athens ISD

Toni Garrard Clay
Toni Garrard Clay

By Michael V. Hannigan

I would personally like to congratulate Toni Garrard Clay on being hired to be the Public Information Officer for Athens ISD. I have worked with and known Toni a long time and she is an excellent journalist. As a former aid to State Rep. Clyde Alexander and a former editor of the Athens Daily Review, she knows how both the government and the news business works. She is the right person for the job.

I also congratulate the Athens ISD school board for hiring a Public Information Officer. I believe it is a vital role in today’s communications environment, and I hope other governmental entities in the county consider following suit.