December 2021 | Volume 4
Message from the Superintendent
Greetings, Azle ISD Families!

Wow, how quickly time flies. The holiday season is upon us, and we are already at the halfway point of the 2021-22 academic year. Reflecting upon 2021, I am reminded of how special it is to be a part of our amazing Azle ISD family of students, staff, parents, and community. We truly have a unique school district. A school district in which we all care about others, and strive to help and assist those in need. The holiday season exemplifies this with Azle ISD students, staff, and parents helping others with various acts of kindness. From food drives to nursing home visits, and much more, we are continuing to exhibit the Azle ISD Motto of “It Makes a Difference to This One.”

The increase in construction costs and supplies has not slowed down the new home construction within the Azle ISD boundaries. Across the district, new housing developments are quickly progressing, with several more in the early planning phase, including the possibility of two new apartment complexes. Our recent demographer report indicates new home activity for 2021 to be a record-setting year. The demographer forecasts Azle ISD to add roughly 400 new residential units annually for the next 2-5 years. This exceeds the projections shared during the recent May 2021 Bond Referendum.

A total amount of $70,917,000 was approved by Azle ISD voters with the passing of Proposition A in both the May 2021 and November 2021 election cycles. The approval of the items identified in these projects allows us to address many of the current district needs and growth challenges. Construction on the projects from the May 2021 bond will begin in the upcoming weeks, with renovations starting at both Hoover and Eagle Heights. Plans for Liberty and Elementary #6 are in the completion stage, with construction expected to begin in early spring. The planning process for the high school renovations approved just a month ago will start soon, as well. We are thankful for the approval of the Proposition A projects in both elections, but knowing others were not approved, it is important to keep in mind we still have needs at various campuses throughout the district. We will continue to address the needs and growth of our district by working with our community-based Long Range Facilities Planning Committee, comprised of a broad representation of Azle ISD taxpayers.

As you celebrate the holidays this year, I wish for you a time of comfort and joy and a memorable and restful holiday season for you and your loved ones.

Merry Christmas-
Todd Smith
Superintendent
Early Release on Friday, December 17
Reminder - Friday, December 17 is an early release day. See below for dismissal times.

  • Pre-K students will be released at 11:30 a.m.

  • Elementary students (K-6) will be released at 11:45 a.m.

  • Secondary students (7-12) will be released at 12:30 p.m.
Christmas Break
Become a Substitute for Azle ISD
Azle ISD is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as substitutes! For more details, or to submit an application, visit www.azleisd.net/substitutes.

Applicants will be notified after their application has been reviewed. New substitutes must attend an orientation before working.
Hornets Receive Academic All-State Honors
Four members of the AHS varsity volleyball team and 14 members of the varsity football team have been named Academic All-State. All-State Teams recognize high school athletes who show commitment and dedication to perform with the highest excellence academically and on the field or court. Read more.
Congratulations, Hornets!
AHS Teacher Wins $150 from EECU
Azle ISD partnered with EECU Credit Union to offer an Employee Perfect Attendance Award this holiday season. All full-time district employees with perfect attendance between November 8 and December 10 were entered into a drawing to win $150 cash from EECU. The drawing was held on December 10, and the winner was surprised in his classroom on Tuesday, December 14.

Congratulations to Azle High School Spanish teacher and assistant basketball coach Carlos Font on winning the $150 cash from EECU! (Coach Font has actually had perfect attendance all year!)
Transportation Wins Best Overall Parade Entry
The Azle ISD transportation department won “Best Overall Parade Entry” in the Azle Chamber of Commerce's 2021 Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 4, during Christmas on Main Street.

Congratulations, Azle ISD transportation! View more photos.
Athletic Events Taking Place Over the Break
Follow Azle ISD Athletics to keep up with sporting events taking place during the break. Event details and ticket links will be posted on the Athletics Facebook page.

Grab the family and come out to support our Hornets!

District Highlights
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Alumni Spotlight
AHS Alum Named 2021 Barrel Racing Resistol Rookie of the Year
2019 Azle High School graduate Kylee Scribner was named 2021 Barrel Racing Resistol Rookie of the Year by the Women's Professional Rodeo Association and was recognized at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas during early December.

During 2021, Scribner traveled to 86 rodeos across the country and won more than $47,300 to earn the title of 2021 Women's Professional Rodeo Association Rookie of the Year. Read more. Congratulations, Kylee!
Share Your News!
We love sharing stories about the amazing things happening in our schools and in the lives of our students, staff members, and alumni!

Please email [email protected] with details of your newsworthy activity or event. Be sure to include names, images, and details!
*By submitting your story/photos, you agree to have it published on our district website and/or social media sites.
UPCOMING EVENTS

December 17 - Early Release

December 20-31 - Christmas Break

January 3 - Student Holiday/Staff Development Day

January 4 - Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day

January 5 - Beginning of 3rd 9 Weeks

January 17 - Student/Staff Holiday

January 24 - School Board Meeting