Abilene ISD -

🎉 Congratulations to the Adult Education Class of 2025! From GED milestones to career certifications, these graduates have shown incredible perseverance and commitment to their goals. We’re so proud to celebrate your achievements and can’t wait to see what’s next!

This week, we wrapped up our final Super Crew meeting of the year! 🎓✨ These incredible seniors received graduation cords in recognition of the time, insight, and leadership they’ve shared as part of the superintendent’s advisory group. Congratulations to Jocelyn, Kendal, Amya, and Shetonde, and thank you for helping shape a brighter future for AISD! 👏

Let's hear it for Mrs. Janet! 🚌 👏 During pick-up at Austin Elementary School today, Mrs. Janet Hotchkiss was recognized as the district's PCAT Bus Driver of the Year! This award not only recognizes Mrs. Janet for her leadership and technical know-how, but for the way she goes above and beyond to set a positive tone for students every day. Thank you for leading with heart, skill, and dedication, Mrs. Janet! 💛

🎉 We proudly celebrated the dedication of our longtime employees and retirees at the annual Service Awards and Retiree Reception, yesterday at Abilene Christian University's Hunter Welcome Center! This year, we recognized 128 employees for reaching service milestones between 15 and 50 years, along with 53 retirees whose contributions have shaped generations of students and families across our district. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, and thank you for your service! 💫 📸 To view more photos from the event, visit https://www.abileneisd.org/article/2198833

The 2025 Retiree Dinner was a night to remember! ✨ This incredible group of educators enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by advanced culinary arts students. Each retiree was also presented with a Gold Card for free entry into any regular-season AISD athletic event. Together, they represent decades of service and a legacy that will continue to shape our district for years to come. Thank you, retirees! We wish you all the best in your next chapter! 📸 To view more photos from the event, visit www.abileneisd.org/eventphotos.

Military families are a crucial part of our school community. 🇺🇸 During the Month of the Military Child, we're proud to celebrate the incredible military-connected students in AISD who show resilience, strength, and adaptability every day! To all of our military families — thank you for your service and for allowing us to be part of your journey. 💜 Learn more at www.abileneisd.org/militaryfamilies!

🎨✨ Don’t miss the incredible talent of our AP art students on display now at The Grace Museum. Their work is featured in the Young Masters Juried Art Exhibition, open through April 6. Yesterday, these talented students were recognized by the Abilene Education Foundation during a special awards ceremony. Their artwork was reviewed by professional Artist Jessica L Bell, with select students earning scholarship awards provided by AEF. A huge thank you to AEF for supporting and celebrating our young artists! 👏 Parents, give AEF a follow on Facebook for more photos from the event.

AISD students brought their skills to the spotlight at the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Business Expo! 🙌🔧🍽️ Showcasing a variety of programs like FFA, SkillsUSA, robotics, and culinary arts, our students proved that the future workforce is bright. Special shoutout to our booth neighbors at the Abilene Education Foundation for showcasing student art and spreading the word about how great it is to #chooseabilene!

Alcorta Elementary School recognized Black History Month today with an event full of inspiration, culture, and celebration. 🎉 Students heard from inspirational speakers, watched an exciting step performance, enjoyed a puppet show that brought history to life, and wrapped up with a hip-hop dance party. Afterward, students toured the school's Black History Museum, learning about groundbreaking inventions by Black creators.💡 Swipe through to see the highlights! 📸

ICYMI: It’s Youth Art Month, and our talented students are shining at The Grace Museum! ✨ 🎨 🖼️ Each year, this special exhibition showcases incredible artwork from students, celebrating creativity and the power of art education. We’re so proud of our students and teachers who are part of this year’s display! Don’t miss it—stop by The Grace Museum and see the exhibition through March 20.

Thank you to Dyess Air Force Base and the Dyess AFB School Liaison Office for helping coordinate this amazing learning opportunity for AISD students! 👩‍🍳🧑‍🍳

They're off to great places! 🌎 Congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes for committing to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level! Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we can't wait to see all you accomplish. Cooper High School 🥎 Maddie Fry, Hardin-Simmons University Softball 🥎 Emma Ruiz, Nelson University Softball 🏈 Zavian Alexander, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Football Abilene Eagles 🏈 Jerrod Turner, McMurry University Football

Thank you to Scott Hughes and the West Texas Chapter AGC for generously donating $1,250 worth of tools to support Abilene ISD students! These tools will give students valuable hands-on experience as they prepare for careers in construction, electrical work, and welding. We’re also incredibly grateful to our industry partners who joined us at The LIFT Monday to talk about the importance of investing in the future workforce: 🔹 Stephanie de la Garza – Alvarez Drywall & Acoustics 🔹 Garrett Poole – RHS Construction Services, LLC 🔹 David Connor – Batjer Heating & Cooling 🔹 Brent Partain – Bontke Brothers Construction Company Your support is making a real impact! Thanks to everyone who contributed to this tool drive—you're helping shape the next generation of skilled workers. 👏🔨 #chooseabilene

Today, we celebrated the inaugural recipients of AISD's new Employee Awards Program, recognizing outstanding educators and staff who go above and beyond to support our students and community. Congratulations to the following individuals: 🏆 Teacher: Karl Wilcox, Cooper High School 🏆 New Teacher: Alfonso Santoya, Alcorta Elementary School 🏆 Student Support: Victoria Smith, Crockett Early Head Start 🏆 Auxiliary: Mary Rangel, Mann Middle School 🏆 Paraprofessional: Kathy Spivey, Hartford SAP 🏆 Substitute Teacher: Georgia Smith, Bowie Elementary A special thank you to First Financial Bank Texas for sponsoring the program and providing each winner with a gift card! 🔗 Learn more about the Employee Awards Program here: https://www.abileneisd.org/article/1986715 #chooseabilene

Our Student Nutrition team visited Bowie Elementary School in December for Try-Day Friday! 👩‍🍳 This event encourages students to try new fruits and vegetables, promoting healthy habits and adventurous palates. 🍽️ This month, students sampled kumquats. Keep an eye out for Try-Day Friday at more of our elementary schools this spring! 🗞️ In case you missed it, check out more nutrition news in the department's monthly newsletter: https://www.abileneisd.org/article/1909534

Thursday morning, a time capsule buried by Crockett Elementary students in 1999 was opened, revealing a treasure trove of 90s nostalgia! Among the items were Pokémon cards, Beanie Babies, a Motorola cell phone, and a list of the year’s top songs and movies! ✨ Relive the memories: https://www.abileneisd.org/article/1937023

Our annual AISD Retiree Christmas Luncheon was a great success! 🎄 Nearly 400 retired teachers and staff members came together at the Abilene Convention Center to enjoy a holiday meal and music from Revolution Strings. 🎶 We’re grateful for the chance show appreciation for the lasting impact these individuals have had on Abilene ISD. Thank you for your dedication! ❤️

🎄🎲 It’s the 5th year of Operation Board Game Christmas at Ortiz Elementary, and this year brought an extra special surprise: a generous donation from Amazon! Thanks to Amazon and the support of local businesses, families, and community partners, every Ortiz All Star will take home a board game this Christmas.

Multiple local Abilene business leaders were recognized with Impact Awards by the Career and Technical Association of Texas! 🎉 Congratulations to: 🌟 H-E-B’s Whitney Brown and Cassie Crow 🌟 Misty Mayo and the Development Corporation of Abilene 🌟 Dr. Tikhon Bykov and David Upshaw of McMurry University Engineering Thank you to these businesses and individuals for supporting Abilene ISD students! 🔗 Learn more about these awards: https://www.abileneisd.org/article/1927201

🌍✨ Abilene High School has a vibrant mix of voices from around the world in its halls, with students speaking languages like Kinyarwanda, Swahili, Spanish, and Pashto. To support our emergent bilingual students, Associate Principal Kelli Powell led the creation of the EB Support Team — a group dedicated to helping teachers provide the best support needed to help students like Jordy (from Guatemala) and Clarha (from Gabon) navigate their new home and thrive academically. Read more: https://www.abileneisd.org/article/1879330