Final Public Hearing For Boundary Proposal Set For November 12

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, November 7 @ 8:54pm

The final public hearing for the Allen ISD boundary rezoning process will be held on Monday, November 12 at Boon Elementary School starting at 6:30 p.m. A fourth public meeting, which had tentatively been scheduled for November 13 at Ereckson Middle School will not be held. Additional time will be added to the meeting at Boon Elementary if needed so that all patrons may provide input on the plans which have been proposed.

Proposals for elementary school boundaries for 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well as middle school boundaries for 2010 are posted online.

The same proposals presented to the public will be presented to the Board of Trustees for comment and review on November 26. Based on the Board comments and public input throughout the month, the plan will be adjusted if necessary. The plan will then be presented to the Board on December 17. The Board will not take action on the proposal until January 28, 2008.

School Begins August 27

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, July 26 @ 7:25pm

Classes will begin for all Allen ISD students on Monday, August 27.

No changes have been made to the school starting times for 2007-08. The elementary school day will begin at 7:55 a.m. Middle schools will start at 8:30 a.m. The Freshman Center will begin at 8:15 a.m. and Allen High School students will report either at 8:15 a.m. or 9:15 a.m. based on their schedule.

Allen ISD Web Site Reorganization

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, May 22 @ 1:07pm

Due to reorganization that will take place in the next couple of weeks, the Allen ISD website will be unavailable from the end of the day May 31st until the morning of June 4th. ParentConnect will also be unavailable, therefore, AISD will be mailing home report cards on May 30th.

Power Outages at Allen ISD Campuses

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, May 3 @ 9:27am

Allen ISD will begin today - Thursday May 3 - at all campuses on a regular schedule.

As a result of the storms on Wednesday night, there are power outages at four campuses (Boon, Kerr, Green and Allen High School). There are no power problems at other Allen schools. Once they are able to determine how long the power outages will last, students will either remain or be moved to another campus for the day.

If there is an early release of students planned as a result of the continuing power outages - that information will be communicated immediately on the AISD school website.

CyberSafety Forum Scheduled For January 18

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, January 16 @ 3:55pm

The Vaughan Elementary School PTA is hosting a community awareness presentation on Cybersafety on Thursday, January 18, 2007 from 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. for the presentation and 8:15 - 8:30 p.m. for discussion. The program will be held in the Vaughan cafeteria at 820 Cottonwood Drive, Allen, TX, 75002.

This presentation and discussion is for adult family members of elementary school-age children and is not intended for children. Cyber-Safety is a growing concern in the commitment to keep children of all ages in our community safe. Please join our PTA to learn more about "safe surfing" for our community's children.

For more information call Vaughan Elementary School at (972) 727-0470.

Board Adopts 2007 - 2008 School Year Calendar

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, November 30 @ 3:42pm

The Board adopted an official calendar for the 2007 - 2008 school year. School will begin on August 27, 2007 and end on June 5, 2008. Fall vacation will be two days and the winter vacation will be eight days. Thanksgiving and spring break will continue to be one week long. The school year is starting on August 27 based on a new Texas law requiring all school districts to begin no earlier than the fourth Monday of August.

Updated: Thursday, November 30 @ 3:43pm

Dedication To Honor Carlena Chandler

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, September 6 @ 12:00pm

The community is invited to attend a formal dedication ceremony for Chandler Elementary School on Sunday, September 10 at 2 p.m.

The school is named for Mrs. Carlena Chandler, a retired Allen High School business teacher and former AHS graduate. Chandler is the thirteenth elementary school in AISD. A reception will follow the dedication in the Chandler Cafeteria. The campus is located on Bur Oak Drive in southeast Allen.

Superintendent Search Firm Seeking Community Input

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, April 18 @ 7:14am

A community meeting to hear public opinion on criteria for the Allen ISD Superintendent of Schools selection will be held in the Lowery Center Library on Monday, April 24 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Dr. Bruce Wood and Dr. John Horn of Horn, Smith, Wood and Associates, LLC Education Consulting, are asking interested community members to help them form a profile of qualities and attributes that they should use in reviewing superintendent applicants. The meeting is open to all Allen ISD patrons. Enter the Lowery Center Library through the Administration Building on the south end of the campus (Main Street).

Interviews for the new superintendent are expected to be held early this summer with a start date of August 1, 2006 set by the Board of Truetees.

For more information contact Tim Carroll, Public Information Director, at (972) 727-0510 or email publicinfo@allenisd.org.

Escadrille Makes Final Preparations for Tournament of Roses Parade

Posted by rbutler on Saturday, December 31 @ 10:44am

After more than a year and a half of planning and community support, the Allen Eagle Escadrille will travel to Pasadena, California on December 28 to perform in the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade.

A total of 608 students, 40 staff members and 800 parents will make the 3,000-mile roundtrip. The combined Allen High School band, color guard and drill team will perform at the Rose Parade on January 2 before returning to Allen on January 3.

The parade will be broadcast on ABC, NBC, Univision, HGTV, Travel Channel and Discovery HD beginning at 10 a.m. (CST). The Escadrille will perform twice prior to the parade, at the Rose Parade Bandfest at Pasadena City College on December 30-31 and at the Disneyland Evening Parade on New Year’s Eve.

Fun Facts

• It will take 6 airplane flights to transport the Escadrille, which is believed to be the largest in the United States.
• 26 charter busses will be required to transport the group between locations in California.
• If the students stood in a single-file line fingertip to fingertip, it would stretch over 3,400 feet.
• Six sets of twins are members of the Escadrille, including two sets who coincidentally have the same first names and birthdates.
• The combined weight of the Escadrille is over 40 tons.

Two Rows Classic Grills hosts Escadrille Spirit Night

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, August 2 @ 2:12pm

Every Thursday night from 5:00 pm – closing Two Rows Classic Grill of Allen will host Escadrille Spirit Night to raise funds for the Escadrille's march in the 117th Tournament of Roses Parade held in Pasadena, California.

Two Rows Classic Grill was one of the first restaurants to offer a Spirit Night in which each and every patron mentioning their support of the Escadrille or March to the Roses, will be donating 10% of that ticket total to the Allen Eagle Escadrille via Two Rows.

Fundraising efforts have been underway since November, 2004 in order to move this enormous band from Allen, Texas to Pasadena, California. The band members will tip the population scale at 630 for the 2005/2006 school year. Not only will the Escadille bring its gigantic band, directors and chaperones, but over 800 family and friends will also attend the Tournament of Roses Parade in person on January 2, 2006.

For additional information go to www.allenband.com.

Allen Eagle Escadrille Sonic Drive-in Takeover

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, June 29 @ 8:40pm

The Allen Eagle Escadrille, the largest marching band in the world, is set to overtake Collin County Sonic Drive-in Restaurants on July 23, 2005 as it raises funds for its upcoming trip to the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade.

To support the Escadrille takeover, simply go to any Allen, McKinney or Plano Sonic Drive-in restaurants July 23rd. All tips made to your Escadrille server go directly to the Allen Eagle Escadrille Tournament of Roses fundraising goal.

For more information please contact Pam Toups at (972) 727-3078 or go to www.allenband.com.

Allen Eagle Escadrille Featured on CNN Headline News

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, June 29 @ 8:37pm

The Allen Eagle Escadrille of Allen, TX will be featured on Comcast local edition of CNN Headline News beginning June 27, 2005 through July 17, 2005.

The Allen Eagle Escadrille has been invited to march in the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade and that's big news to Comcast since the Escadrille is thought to be the largest high school marching band in the world. The Escadrille, directed by Chuck Pennington, High School Band Director and Anthony Gibson, Allen Independent School District Director of Bands, just finished taping the CNN Special Feature at Comcast studios in Irving, TX.

Gibson said, Moving the Escadrille community from Allen, Texas to Pasadena, California won't be a small feat because we're Texas size! Over 600 students, plus chaperones and directors will be making the trek and that doesn't even include all the families and friends who will attend The Tournament of Roses Parade in support of the Escadrille. The Allen Eagle Escadrille is thought to be the world's largest High School Marching Band and is in the process of certification in the Guinness Book of World Records. The award winning Escadrille is well known for its bold sound, precise drills as well as its fun-loving spirit and it is certainly hard to miss when its eighteen busses arrive at an event.

The Comcast local edition of CNN Headline News Special Feature will begin airing June 27, 2005 through July 4, 2005, four times per day at 55 minutes past the hour. It will also be available on Comcast Video On Demand beginning June 27 through July 17.

For more information concerning the Allen Eagle Escadrille go to www.allenband.com.

Escadrille March for the Roses Golf Tournament

Posted by rbutler on Monday, May 9 @ 10:42am

Excitement is building as the June 4th date for the inaugural Allen Escadrille March for the Roses Golf Tournament draws near.

This community wide Golf Tournament will be held at the Woodbridge Golf Club in Wylie, Texas. Its four person format beginning with shotgun start at 1:30 promises to be a fun afternoon for the proficient as well as novice golfer. All golfers will be treated to an afternoon which includes a full 18 holes, half cart, unlimited range balls, unlimited use of practice facilities, Hole-In-One contest on all par 3's, personalized cart labels and rule sheets, custom score cards and professional scoring and posting of results. As if that's not enough, the day also includes a hamburger buffet and beverages. Early bird special will run until March 31 at a cost of $90.00. After March 31st regular registration will still be a great value at $100.00. A maximum of five Mulligan's (do-overs) may be purchased for $5.00 each.

All proceeds will go to help the Allen Eagle Escadrille march its way to California to perform in the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade.

A limited number of Multi-level corporate as well as personal sponsorships are still being accepted. To show your support for the Allen Escadrille March for the Roses, or to register for the Golf Tournament please go to: www.allenescadrille.com or call Pam Toups at (972) 727-3078.

Elementary School Platting

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, January 18 @ 1:04pm

At tonight's (Tuesday) Planning and Zoning meeting, the commision will consider a combination Preliminary/Final Plat for Carlena Chandler Elementary School, being 12.984± acres of land located at the southwest corner of Water Oak Dr. and Bur Oak Dr.

School #13 Named

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, December 14 @ 11:07am

The Allen ISD Board of Trustees has voted to name elementary school #13 in honor of Carlena Chandler, a former Allen High School educator and graduate.

The new Carlena Chandler Elementary School will open in August 2006 at the intersection of Bur Oak Drive and Water Oak Drive in the Arbor Lakes Subdivision in southeast Allen.

Elementary School Boundary Changes

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, November 2 @ 3:37pm

The Allen ISD Attendance Boundary Committee has proposed new boundaries for Boon Elementary School and Elementary School #13. Public meetings for citizens to comment on the proposed boundary changes are scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 4 at Kerr Elementary School and November 9 at Bolin Elementary School.

Dr. E.T. Boon Elementary School will open on Comanche Drive in the Twin Creeks Subdivision in August 2005. Elementary School #13 will open on Shelley Drive in the Arbor Lakes Subdivision in August 2006. The staff will present its findings at public meetings in November. Plans will be presented to the Board of Trustees in December with a vote expected to be taken in January 2005.

AISD Board Authorizes Sale of Bonds

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, October 27 @ 10:33am

At the October 25, 2004 Allen ISD Board of Trustees Meeting the Board authorized the sale of $27 million in bonds to be sold in January 2005. The bonds will be used for construction of elementary school #13 (the new school in Arbor Lakes at Bur Oak and Woodstream), furniture for Boon Elementary School, the expansion of Allen High School cafeteria, construction of AHS House #7, technology, buses and HVAC systems for Ford Middle School. The bonds were approved by voters in September 2002 and September 2003.

Elementary School Construction Schedule

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, October 20 @ 1:05pm

According to a recent article in the Allen American newspaper, the AISD is planning to begin construction of the new elementary school in Arbor Lakes (near the corner of Bur Oak and Woodstream) in March 2005.

AISD Calendar Committee Hearing Set For October 21

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, September 30 @ 2:24pm

The Allen ISD Calendar Committee is seeking input from patrons on the 2005-2006 school year calendar.

A public hearing will be held October 21 at Ereckson Middle School at 6:30 p.m. to receive public input before a final calendar is proposed to the Allen ISD District Improvement Committee.

A calendar recommendation will be presented to the Board of Trustees in November. If a waiver is requested, a final decision from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is not expected until February 2005.

Elementary Attendance Zone Changes For 2005-2006

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, September 30 @ 2:22pm

Elementary attendance zones will shift again next year as the school district prepares to open two new campuses. Dr. E.T. Boon Elementary School will open on Comanche Drive in the Twin Creeks subdivision in August 2005. Elementary School #13 will open on Shelley Drive in the Arbor Lakes subdivision in August 2006.

The Attendance Zone committee will meet through the month of October and will then present its findings at public meetings in November. Plans will be presented to the Board of Trustees in December with a vote expected to be taken in January 2005.

Public meetings for the Attendance Zone Committee are scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 4 at Kerr Elementary School and November 9 at Bolin Elementary School.

The current elementary boundaries are available online.

State Releases School Accountability Ratings

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, September 30 @ 2:20pm

Allen ISD students met thirty-five of thirty-six indicators toward a Recognized rating in the State's new accountability rating system but fell short in science to earn a rating of Academically Acceptable. The new accountability ratings were released by the Texas Education Agency on September 30.

Under the new system, three Allen ISD campuses were rated as Exemplary, eleven earned a Recognized rating and one was rated as Academically Acceptable.

The ratings are determined by the Spring 2004 TAKS results. A statewide drop in scores and ratings had been anticipated with the more rigorous test, new subjects being tested and higher standards being applied.

Exemplary campuses included Green Elementary, Norton Elementary, and Vaughan Elementary Schools.

Recognized campuses included Allen High School, Lowery Freshman Center, Ford Middle School, Curtis Middle School, Anderson Elementary, Bolin Elementary, Kerr Elementary, Marion Elementary, Reed Elementary, Rountree Elementary, and Story Elementary Schools.

Boyd Elementary received an Acceptable rating and the Allen Independent School District received an Acceptable rating. The new Ereckson Middle School was not rated.

The complete Accountability Ratings are available online.

Suggestions Sought For School Name

Posted by rbutler on Monday, September 13 @ 2:11pm

The AISD Board of Trustees is seeking suggestions for the naming of Elementary School #13, which will be opening August 2006 in Arbor Lakes (the neighborhood "next-door" to ours). Patrons may send emails to publicinfo@allenisd.org or a letter to the Public Information Office, P.O. Box 13, Allen, TX 75013. The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 17 at 4 p.m. Letters should offer specific reasons why the nominee should be honored by the Board with a school naming.

Back To School Information

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, June 24 @ 11:45am

The Texas Education Agency has approved a waiver for Allen ISD to start school one week earlier this year, so the first day of school for all grades will be Monday, August 9th. Elementary school hours for 2004-2005 will be 7:55 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. Middle school hours will be 8:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. New hours for most students at the Lowery Freshman Center and Allen High School will be 7:50 a.m. - 2:12 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. - 3:27 p.m. depending upon the student's schedule.

Bus transportation for eligible students will be provided on the first day. Students should be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled time. Bus schedules and routes will be posted online by August 2 and at each campus.

Also available is the complete 2004 - 2005 School Year Calendar.

Allen ISD on TV

Posted by rbutler on Monday, May 24 @ 8:48pm

Allen ISD will be featured on a television program called The Education Station early tomorrow morning (Tuesday-May 25) on The Discovery Channel Network. The show, which will air at 6 a.m. on The Discovery Channel, (Channel 65 on Comcast Cable) is produced by Pat Summerall Productions of Dallas. The school district will be featured in a 5-minute segment of "The Education Station."

Also - wish our 870 Allen High School seniors well as they graduate this Thursday evening at 8 pm at the University of North Texas!

AISD School Finance Meeting

Posted by rbutler on Monday, February 23 @ 12:02pm

Allen parents are invited to attend Hot Coffee and Hot Topics, a discussion of school finance and its impact on the Allen Independent School District.

The program will be held from 7 to 8 pm on Thursday, March 4 in the Reed Elementary School cafeteria. The program will include a presentation by Superintendent Dr. Jenny Preston and her staff followed by a question and answer session.

Topics will include state funding, local school finances and potential changes which may come from a special session of the Texas Legislature this spring.