Education-Henderson County Now

Panther Edition sings to DAR chapter

On Dec. 16, the Sarah Maples Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were excited to see the Panther Edition in their new costumes. Their Christmas songs and dance routines are always a joy to see. The Panther Edition is under the direction of Catherine Lindsley. It is the top show choir of the Mabank High School. Mrs. Lindsley has directed the choirs at Mabank for 23 years and has had a show choir for 20 of those years. This year’s Panther Edition will perform in approximately 20 community and civic performances, including a trip to Disneyworld in Orlando, and a spring show choir competition. Each member of the group must keep grades high and must re-audition every year in order to stay in the group. (Courtesy photo)

Athens High School’s tree is a memory keeper

Athens High School Principal Jami Ivey at the tree.

Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

All five campuses at Athens ISD have their own ways of celebrating the holidays: pajama day, “ugly sweater” day, Christmas music programs, special foods and treats. At Athens High School, one of their traditions actually builds upon itself from year to year: It’s the memory keeper tree.

The tradition began four years ago when Jami Ivey took over as principal at the high school.

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Girls Scouts take holiday goodies to Athens PD, Fire and Sheriff’s Office

Girl Scout Troop 3056 (from LaPoynor Elementary School) delivered holiday goodies to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Athens Police Department and Athens Fire Department. We thank them for their service and dedication to our community and wish them a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! (Courtesy photo)

TEA releases PEG list; AISD says students in ‘very good hands’

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Texas Education Agency recently released this year’s PEG list.

Local schools on the list include: Athens Middle School, Cross Roads High School, Lakeview Elementary School (Mabank ISD), Murchison Elementary School, and Trinidad ISD.

With a name like the Public Education Grant (PEG), readers might assume this was a good list to be on — but that’s not true. Schools earn a spot on the list for not performing up to standard. Specifically, this PEG list includes “2014 campuses with passing rates on STAAR that are less than or equal to 50 percent in any of two of the preceding years: 2012, 2013 and 2014 or the school was rated Improvement Required in 2013 or 2014.”

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Bond interest rates low as Athens ISD prepares to sell

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

Athens ISD trustees received welcome news at the board meeting Thursday, Dec. 17, regarding the planned sale of $59.9 million worth of bonds this January.

“Long-term interest rates remain extremely low [and] we expect interest rates will remain low for you,” said Robert White of SAMCO Capital Markets, a Dallas-based firm facilitating the sale of the bonds for the district. “We’re looking good.”

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