Excellence from here...to there - Amarillo Independent School District

Excellence from here...to there
Dadric McDaniel
Oak Dale Elementary School
Wants to be a farmer
when he grows up
Tamya Moris-Ridley
Oak Dale Elementary School
Loves to read and
make friends
Hunter Blankenship
Belmar Elementary School
Won 1st place in
Pinewood Derby
Thea Peterson
Bivins Elementary School
Performed in Charlotte’s Web
and A Christmas Carol
Nathan Cristan
Glenwood Elementary School
State & National
Wrestling Champ
Christian Loya
Whittier Elementary School
Received commended TAKS
score 2 years in a row
Niki Khandheria
Bonham Middle School
“A” Honor Roll
Advanced Orchestra
Anthony Pham
Travis Middle School
All-Region Orchestra
Amarillo Youth Symphony
Kaitlyn Hankins
Austin Middle School
Angel on the 53rd
Singing Christmas Tree
Caitlyn Campbell
Tascosa High School
Placed 8th in National
Spelling Bee
Sonny Bhakta
Caprock High School
Superintendent’s
Scholar
Tasheena Byrd
Palo Dure High School
Varsity Athlete
ACE Scholar
Bilal Siddiqui
Amarillo High School
National Merit Scholar, Class of ‘07
Attending MIT in Fall 2007
CONTENTS
5 Student and Staff Statistics
6 Our Schools
7 Magnet Programs
8 District Programs
11 Annual Budget
Amarillo ISD BELIEF STATEMENTS
Developed by the Board of Trustees, June 2006
Amarillo Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability or national origin.
12 Employment Information
14 Community Involvement
16 Assessment/Testing
17 School Map/Calendars/Phone Numbers
MISSION
AMARILLO
To graduate every student prepared for success beyond high school.
Located in the midst of cowboy country, Amarillo is a delightful blend of old west and modern city. Wheat, cattle, oil, and natural gas are
mainstays of an increasingly diversified economy that includes extensive medical facilities, a copper refinery, a glass products manufacturer, a
CORE VALUES
beef packing plant, and a defense contractor.
The Amarillo Independent School District is guided by four core values.
Amarillo is a city on the grow. The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation has been successful in attracting several new businesses,
These core values help give our district a strategic direction. They are global
such as Bell Helicopter Textron and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas. New retail stores and restaurants are opening locations in Amarillo.
in nature and indicate general areas that the district desires to pursue.
Families from many parts of the country are choosing to relocate in Amarillo. New housing construction is up, unemployment is low, and the
• Student Performance
• Customer Service
• Cost Effectiveness
• Quality Staff
economy is strong. The cost of living in the Amarillo area is low as compared with other cities. It is 14 percent lower than Albuquerque, 18
percent lower than Denver and 7 percent lower than Austin and Dallas. For more information on the cost of living in Amarillo, go to
www.amarillo-tx.com.
QUALITY OF LIFE
GOALS
The 183,021 residents of Amarillo are part of a 229,905 metropolitan area population. They enjoy a high quality of life, a sunny climate
Goal 1: Students in each federal accountability group will demonstrate they
with four distinct seasons, and ample cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. Post-secondary institutions include West Texas
meet annual passing standards on formal assessments at the following grade
levels with the end result of meeting NCLB targets by May 2014.
Goal 2: Students in each state accountability group will meet the recognized
passing standard by June 2007.
Goal 3: Students will make annual progress toward graduation.
Goal 4: The following indicators will demonstrate an increase in the percentages of students who are preparing for success beyond high school.
A&M University, a four-year regional university which is part of the Texas A&M system; Amarillo College, a locally-supported community
college; Texas Tech University Medical School; and Texas Tech School of Pharmacy.
Recreational opportunities include the spectacular and historically rich Palo Duro Canyon, 20 miles southeast of Amarillo. Nearby Lake
Meredith offers boating, water skiing and fishing, and Amarillo boasts numerous parks, a zoo, and the largest amusement park between Dallas
and Denver. The mountains of New Mexico and snow-skiing are only five hours away.
Cultural opportunities include an art museum, symphony, opera, ballet, and the oldest continuously running community theater in the
country. In 2005, the Amarillo Globe-News Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art performance hall, opened to the public. In addition,
Amarillo is home to three professional sports franchises, the Amarillo Dusters football team, the Amarillo Gorillas hockey team, and the
PHILOSOPHY
Amarilo Dillas baseball team. From national retailers to local specialty stores to antique shops along the historic Route 66, shopping is
• We affirm that the critical work unit is the classroom, the critical leader is
plentiful. Amarillo is rich in religious congregations and is a great place to raise a family.
the teacher, the critical process is the instructional process, and the critical
activity is creating work that engages students.
Visitors to Amarillo frequently remark on the friendliness, community spirit, and hospitality of the city’s residents. Join
the Amarillo Independent School District and step into the real Texas!
• We value each employee and believe each individual contributes value to
the district and has a role in supporting the instructional process.
• We understand that high levels of student achievement require a strong
partnership with families, businesses and community.
Olsen Park, Sleepy Hollow, South Georgia, and Sunrise elementary
schools have been named to the Just for the Kids High-Performing Schools
list for sustained high academic performance for the last three years.
STUDENTS FIRST
Recognized on the state and national level for its quality programs and innovative
approach, the Amarillo Independent School District is committed to a students-first approach,
a tradition that has stood firm since the district’s first school opened in 1889. Amarillo ISD
encompasses about 70 square miles in Potter and Randall counties of the Texas Panhandle and
serves a city of about 183,000 people. Amarillo ISD students are offered a quality academic
program and a well-rounded extra-curricular program in the district’s 36 elementary schools,
ten middle schools, four high schools, one alternative school, and a specialty high school that
accepts students from Amarillo and the surrounding area. Increasingly diverse in ethnic and
socio-economic makeup, the district offers a rich variety of programs to meet the needs of all
29,000+ students.
In 2005–2006, AISD had 38 high-performing schools (rated exemplary or recognized)
based on students’ scores on the 2006 administration of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge
and Skills (TAKS). AISD’s elementary students consistently exceed state averages on standardized tests and the district’s high school students consistently score higher than the state average
on both the SAT and ACT tests.
The district is organized around the “cluster” concept. The four high schools and their
feeder middle and elementary schools are grouped into four clusters, and a team of administrative support staff is assigned to each cluster to give more direct support to schools and to
focus on improving student learning. The result of this structure has been a close relationship
between the student and any level of district staff, leading to greater overall student success.
GRADUATE INFORMATION
Of the 1,734 graduates in the Class of 2005, 89 percent indicated they would attend either
two-year or four-year colleges or universities. Approximately 5 percent indicated they planned
to enter the world of work and 2.8 percent planned to go into the military.
• SCHOLARSHIPS EARNED $5,762,601 {Class of 2006}
• NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS 19
FLEXIBLE ENROLLMENT
Amarillo ISD students may apply for transfer from one school to another on a space available,
annual basis. Transfer applications should be submitted to the receiving school by May 1 of each
year. Applications for transfer may be obtained at any Amarillo ISD school. For information on
transfer procedures, students should contact either the principal of the school they wish to
attend or the principal of their current school.
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REGISTER YOUR STUDENT
Parents moving into Amarillo should register their children for
school as soon as possible. Students are assigned to a particular
AISD school according to their home address, and must register
at their assigned school.
STAFF STATISTICS
AISD IN NUMBERS
TEACHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2114
STUDENT PERFORMANCE
AND DEMOGRAPHICS
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT (counselors, librarians, nurses, etc.) . . 363
CAMPUS ADMINISTRATION (principals, assistant principals) . . . . 117
To find out what school your child should attend, please call
the AISD Student Records Office at 326–1350. To register your
child, you will need to bring proof of residence, the name and
address of the child’s previous school, if applicable, and immunization records.
ON-LINE SCHOOL
The Amarillo On-line School offers high school students a way
TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT 29,895
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
STUDENT ETHNIC DISTRIBUTION
White .......................... 46.4%
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS (secretaries, teachers assistants) . . . . 373
39.6%
African American ............ 11.2%
Asian.............................. 2.5%
Native American .................. .3%
AUXILIARY STAFF (custodians, maintenance, cafeteria workers) . . . . 918
Hispanic........................
TOTAL STAFF ...................................................................... 3,911
AVERAGE TEACHER SALARY
AISD: $40,468
State: $41,744
to take courses for credit outside the normal school day. Students
may enroll in certain classes over the Internet, with approval
from a school counselor. On-line courses are listed under specific departments. There is a fee charged for these courses. For
more information, go to www.amaisd.org/eschool.
DISCIPLINE AND SAFETY
PERCENT OF ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS
AISD: 58.8%
State: 55.6%
PERCENT OF LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT STUDENTS
AISD: 10.2%
State: 15.8%
State: 0.9%
AISD has a zero tolerance policy for alcohol, drugs, weapons
and violence on its campuses. School liaison officers are
assigned to secondary schools to help maintain a safe, secure
and orderly environment. A code of student conduct defines
expectations and consequences. Alternative learning environments are provided for students who have been suspended
from school.
State: 95.7%
State: 992
AISD: 12.1
State: 11.5
AISD: 16.5%
State: 21.2%
AISD: 67%
State: 62.5%
AISD: 14.1
State: 14.9
TURNOVER RATE FOR TEACHERS
COMPOSITE ACT SCORE (2005)
AISD: 20.5
AVERAGE YEARS EXPERIENCE OF TEACHERS
NUMBER OF STUDENTS PER TEACHER
COMPOSITE SAT SCORE (2005)
AISD: 1047
State: $34,505
PERCENT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF
ATTENDANCE RATE (2004–2005)
AISD: 95.1%
AISD: $36,500
PERCENT OF TEACHERS WITH MASTERS DEGREES OR HIGHER
ANNUAL DROPOUT RATE (2004–2005)
AISD: 1.6%
AVERAGE BEGINNING TEACHER SALARY
State: 20.0
AISD: 10.7%
State: 14.6%
Pleasant Valley and Sleepy Hollow Elementary Schools earned the prestigious 2006 No Child Left BehindBlue Ribbon Schools Award. The award recognizes outstanding public and private schools whose students
achieve at very high levels or that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap.
AACAL
EARLY HEAD START
The Amarillo Area Center for Advanced Learning is an extension of the home high school campus and
AISD’s Early Head Start program educates the district’s youngest students by providing developmental
works in conjunction with all area schools to expand the specialty offerings to students who have an interest
opportunities to children from birth to three years old. With a funded enrollment of 85, the program strives
in mathematics and science. AACAL offers a coherent sequence of study for students in grades 9-12 in the
to positively impact each child’s future school success by working hand in hand with families. The program
following specialized areas: Engineering Technology, Medical Science, Computer Systems Technology and
incorporates current research and best practices in providing comprehensive services to low income children
Health Science Technology. In addition, all math and science courses required for graduation can be taken at
and their families, pregnant and parenting teens living in the district attendance area, and community
AACAL in conjunction with the students’ selection of a specialty course. Regular, pre-AP, AP and dual credit
children with documented special needs.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
AISD’s pre-kindergarten program focuses on oral language development, early literacy, and
Newsweek Magazine named Tascosa High School one
of the top 1,000 high schools in the United States.
Tascosa was ranked 880 out of the top 1,000 schools.
early mathematics. Science, social studies, fine arts, health and safety, social skills, technology, and
physical development are integrated into thematic units. Teachers implement a comprehensive
curriculum by establishing connections among the disciplines. Educators build upon the
children’s strengths and individual needs by providing many opportunities for the children to
achieve academic success.
To meet eligibility requirements for enrollment in Amarillo ISD pre-kindergarten, a child
classes are available and focus on college preparatory skills through hands-on learning, projects and lab expe-
must be three or four years of age on September 1 of the current school year and must meet one of the listed
riences. Students explore career fields in their specialty areas as they advance through AACAL’s Partnership
eligibility requirements:
Program. Field trips, job shadowing, mentorships and internships provide every student with first-hand
knowledge and exposure to their area of interest. College, university, business and industry involvement
• Unable to speak and comprehend the English language; or
ensures appropriate alignment of the curriculum.
• Educationally disadvantaged (eligible to participate in the National Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program);
AACAL currently enrolls students from all four AISD high schools, surrounding school districts, and
private, parochial and home school students. For students living outside the AISD boundary lines, there is a
or
• Homeless as defined by 42 USC 11435
tuition fee for each course. Private school and home school students living within the AISD boundaries who
enroll in a minimum of two AACAL courses are not required to pay tuition.
Application packets are available from your high school campus or from AACAL. For more information,
call 806/371–6085.
In addition to the current pre-k programs, AISD participates in Proving Pre-School Possibilities, a partnership with several community child care facilities. This program is an opportunity for eligible three- and
four-year-old children of working parents to be enrolled in an Amarillo ISD preschool class while attending
a community child care facility.
NORTH HEIGHTS
For more information, please visit AISD’s Early Childhood web site, www.amaisd.org/ece/curriculum.htm,
North Heights Alternative School targets those students who have had limited success on the traditional
or the Texas Education Agency’s web site, www.tea.state.tx.us/curriculum/early/prekguide.html, or call 356-1369
school campus. The population is comprised of students from the four traditional high schools and their
or 356-1322.
middle schools. North Heights Alternative School is committed to recovering and preparing at-risk students
to become self-directed learners. Programs including PASS (Priority: Achieve Success in School), 911, READY
KINDERGARTEN
(Recovery Extension Alternative for Disruptive Youth) and a GED program comprise the North Heights
Amarillo ISD provides kindergarten programs in all elementary schools for children who are five years old
design. In addition to the academic objectives of the core subjects, school safety, attendance, career education,
on or before September 1. Students actively participate in an integrated program consisting of language and
decision-making, course completion, discipline and drug prevention, and intervention are also addressed.
literacy, math, science, social studies, health, physical education, music, art, and technology.
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MAGNET PROGRAMS
ELEMENTARY (K–5)
CARVER ELEMENTARY ACADEMY
writing, mathematics, and science as well as
Elementary programs focus on reading,
Carver Elementary Academy (grades 2–5) is AISD’s elementary magnet
social studies, health, computer studies,
school. As a federally-funded magnet school, Carver maintains a balance of
music, art, and physical education. Reading
50% minority and 50% Anglo, but it accepts students from every
proficiency is a top priority since all other
Amarillo neighborhood.
learning is dependent on good reading
Carver’s theme is A World of Experiences. The theme focuses on
skills. Many special early literacy and reading
math/science, visual/performing arts, and foreign language/world cul-
programs help achieve the AISD goal that
tures. Technology integration is a thread carried through all theme areas,
every student learns to read by the end of
and an integrated curriculum strengthens the focus on the Texas
second grade.
Essential Knowledge and Skills.
CARVER EARLY CHILDHOOD ACADEMY
MIDDLE (6–8)
Carver Early Childhood Academy is a satellite campus of Carver
AISD has an exceptional middle school
Elementary Academy. The Carver Early Childhood program serves students
program in its ten schools that serve stu-
in pre-kindergarten through first grade. Students are taught through an
dents in grades six through eight. Core subjects
integrated curriculum that focuses on the theme A World of Experiences.
of English, math, science and social studies
Visual/performing arts, math/science, and world cultures/foreign language
are taught to all students. There are opportu-
through technology integration are the driving themes of the school. The
nities to work with technology and to enroll
curriculum builds the foundation for later learning at Carver Elementary
in electives such as band, choir, orchestra,
Academy and is vertically aligned to provide a full service program.
athletics, classes for high school credit and
Students learn creatively through music and movement and explore
Pre-AP courses. Many of the middle schools
tap, jazz, ballet and modern dance. They also attend classes in piano,
utilize daily teaming time among core teachers
Spanish, art, dance and vocal music on a rotating basis. Grant funds have
to involve parents, provide student interven-
provided science centers in every kindergarten and first grade classroom.
tions, and to explore best educational practices
to further promote student success.
* Application forms are available at Carver ECA, 1800 N. Travis.
HOUSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH (9–12)
Houston Middle School houses the district’s middle level math and
In addition to the core subjects of English,
science magnet program with an enrollment of about 300 students within
math, science, social studies and many elective
its regular sixth-eighth grade campus. The key element of this “school
offerings, high school students in Amarillo
within a school” is the integration of math and science instruction with
may choose various career and vocational
language arts and social studies. A strong emphasis in technology support
paths to prepare themselves for post-secondary
is also a benefit of the magnet program.
education, the world of work, or both.
1. ACE (Achievement through Commitment to Education) SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Amarillo Area Foundation initiated the ACE Scholarship Program in 1994 in partnership with Amarillo ISD, Amarillo
College and West Texas A&M University. ACE began at Palo Duro High School in 1994 and at Caprock High School in 2002.
ACE guarantees access to higher education for students at both of these high schools.
ACE provides numerous preparatory activities throughout high school and college, including:
• Frequent and timely information regarding the path to a college education;
• Early intervention during high school regarding grades, discipline and attendance;
• Significant information and direct assistance during high school regarding all aspects of higher education, including field trips
to college campuses, college testing preparation, financial aid workshops, one-to-one assistance with college paperwork,
special college orientation and registration, and ongoing support and encouragement.
ACE guarantees payment for tuition, fees, and books for up to 130 semester hours at Amarillo College or West Texas A&M
University. ACE is “last money in” meaning all federal and private aid is applied prior to awarding ACE scholarship funds. ACE
requires high school students to pledge annually to maintain at least an 80 grade point average, a 95% attendance record and
appropriate behavior while attending high school.
To date, a total of 1,168 students have graduated from Palo Duro High School and 164 students from Caprock High School
meeting ACE requirements. 170 students are currently attending Amarillo College or West Texas A&M University and a total of
123 students have graduated from Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University.
2. ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities
that exposes high school students to college-level material through involvement in AP courses. Students can earn credit or placement
from colleges and universities by taking an AP exam in the spring. AP courses are offered on every AISD high school campus, and
pre-AP courses are offered at all middle schools.
At Tascosa High School, an Advanced Placement Incentive Program (APIP) provides monetary incentives for students and
teachers involved in advanced placement classes in the areas of economics, English, foreign languages, math, science and social studies.
This incentive program has dramatically increased the number of students who take and pass these Advanced Placement classes.
3. AMERICORPS
In AISD AmeriCorps, seniors from all four District high schools tutor at-risk students in the elementary schools of the
Caprock cluster. AmeriCorps is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that strives
to improve the lives of citizens through the efforts of trained volunteers. Fifty-six tutors spend 3 hours each school day in oneon-one literacy or math tutoring with students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. In addition, the tutors attend a daily
class at Caprock High School in which they receive extensive training in instructional methodology, classroom management,
learning styles, and other matters pertaining to the elementary classroom. These AmeriCorps members earn 3 hours credit
toward graduation, a generous monthly living allowance, and a college tuition stipend, and they make a difference in the lives of
8 www.amaisd.org
hundreds of young students.
4. DUAL CREDIT
7. FINE ARTS
Dual credit refers to the practice of awarding credit at two educational institutions for a course completed
at one institution. Amarillo ISD and Amarillo College have entered into an agreement to award dual credit for
Amarillo ISD is the home of a very high quality
music program in which students excel. Students
specific courses taken by juniors and seniors. At this time, Amarillo College does not charge tuition for courses
receive a rich offering of musical activities during
taught on the high school campus (an activity fee is charged). The courses available vary by high school campus.
the elementary years. Performance opportunities
Students interested in dual credit should check with their counselor for courses offered at their campus and the
abound, along with in-depth exposure to music
AC campus.
technology, composition, and “movement” components. Students may elect to enter the orchestra
5. CHARACTER EDUCATION
program in the fifth grade. The orchestra program
AISD has been a member of the CHARACTER COUNTS!
in Amarillo ISD has a long history of excellence.
Coalition since 2000. The purpose of CHARACTER COUNTS!
AISD high schools boast of six symphonic orches-
Coalition is to fortify the lives of America’s young people with
tras, most of which annually receive the coveted UIL
ethical values called the “Six Pillars of Character.” Teachers pro-
Sweepstakes award. Band is offered in grades seven
mote the understanding and development of good character
through twelve. Many band students also participate
traits among their students in every part of the school learning
in jazz programs at both the middle school and high
experience. They encourage respect, responsibility, giving, car-
school levels. Students may choose to participate in
ing and compassion, determination, courage, integrity and
choir beginning in the sixth grade. AISD offers out-
self-discipline.
CHARACTER COUNTS! activities vary according to school
but may include: guidance lessons, quotes on daily announcements,
standing choral programs in both middle school and high school. In addition, each high school provides
quality opportunities for students interested in “show choir.” Secondary students may also participate in theatre, art, and dance.
assemblies, and monthly or six-week theme-centered activities. All
activities stress the importance of character.
8. GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION
Amarillo ISD provides an exemplary educational program designed for gifted students. The program
6. CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION (CATE)
AND PANHANDLE TECH PREP
incorporates identification of gifted and high achieving students with program design, curriculum instruc-
Career and Technology Education provides competency based applied learning that contributes to academic
Identification and selection for the program is ongoing. Referrals or nominations may come from educators,
achievement, higher order thinking skills, problem solving skills, work attitudes, general employability
parents, community members or students themselves. The identification process begins with the nomination
skills, and occupationally-specific skills needed for success in the workplace or in post-secondary educa-
or referral followed by screening, gathering data, and determination of eligibility based on multiple criteria.
tion. Students have opportunities to participate in various types of programs such as laboratory classes,
The multiple criteria include subjective and objective data from the areas of ability or aptitude, achievement,
work-based learning classes, internships, and a variety of courses centered on technology. Students may earn
creativity, task commitment, as well as samples of the student’s work.
the advanced transcript designation in Career and Technology Education through the “Distinguished
Achievement Program” (DAP).
tion, professional development and community support, as well as opportunities outside the classroom.
The program is designed to provide the following opportunities: appropriately challenging learning
opportunities in the four core content areas; accelerated learning in areas of strength; guided research and
Panhandle Tech Prep offers preparation for high technology careers by providing technical education,
exploration of topics of interest; time to work with others of similar ability, peers of differing ability and
workforce skills and college preparation. It links high school and community college programs to provide
independently; and participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, both in school and out of
focused, non-duplicated curriculum, and it allows students to earn college credit while in high school
school. Each campus adapts this design to meet the needs of its advanced learners to allow them to maxi-
through technical education.
mize their academic potential.
9. ATHLETICS
13. READY FOR THE REAL WORLD
Amarillo ISD offers a wide variety of sports opportunities for its
In 2005, AISD and the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce partnered with local businesses and higher edu-
middle and high school students. The following sports are offered
cation institutions to host Ready for the Real World? The annual event is designed to provide high school
at the high school level: football, cross country, soccer, tennis,
students with information on personal banking and money management, career fields and interviewing tips,
volleyball, basketball, wrestling, track, swimming, golf, cheerlead-
education and training opportunities beyond high school and skills needed for independent living. The goal
ing, softball and baseball. The following sports are offered at the
of the program is to inspire students to set goals and consider opportunities as they plan for their future
middle school level: volleyball, football, basketball, and track.
beyond high school.
10. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) 14. SUPERINTENDENT’S SCHOLARS
Superintendent’s Scholars is a program which recognizes
PROGRAMS
Amarillo offers a high school IB program at Amarillo High School.
academic excellence in high school students. Unique to
This program of study is designed for students who are highly motivated to learn. Students who
Amarillo ISD, the program was started in 1989 to challenge all
graduate from the IB program often enter college as second semester freshmen or sophomores. They have the oppor-
high school students in the district to make the most of their
tunity to earn the internationally recognized IB diploma, preparing them for study in the world’s most demanding
educational opportunity by striving to excel academically. To
colleges and universities. Only a few high schools in the state are authorized to offer the IB Diploma Program.
qualify for Superintendent’s Scholars, students must maintain a
95 semester average in at least five academic courses (four for
11. SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
seniors). Superintendent’s Scholars are recognized each semester
Amarillo ISD provides special education services to all eligible children ages 3-21. Additionally, students with
at their school and at the end of the year at a special district-
hearing and/or visual impairments are served from birth. Each child with a suspected disability is evaluated to
wide luncheon.
determine individual needs, and placement is made according to those needs. AISD employs special education
teachers, diagnosticians, speech therapists and school psychologists who are assigned to each campus to provide
15. SUPERINTENDENT’S FORUM
services to students with disabilities.
In the district’s efforts toward continuous improvement,
input from students is important. Their experiences, opin-
12. BILINGUAL AND ENGLISH AS A
SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) PROGRAMS
ions and suggestions are invaluable in planning for the
The Amarillo ISD serves a diverse group of students from all parts of the world. Bilingual education is offered in
with a select group of exiting students. The purpose of these student forums is for the superintendent to
grades pre-kindergarten through fifth, and ESL is offered in grades Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth for students
receive information from students completing their terms in middle school and high school. The students
who speak a language other than English in their home. These programs are designed to develop academic English
receive questions to consider prior to the meeting and write their personal answers to bring and share at
competencies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while valuing the individuality and culture of each student.
the forum.
10 www.amaisd.org
future. In the spring of each year, Superintendent Rod Schroder conducts two forums
Amarillo High students Kristin Cettie, Sophia Popova, Emily Saultz, Bilal Siddiqui, Chad
Thompson, and Jessica Wan, along with Tascosa High School student Clinton Hill were
named National Merit Finalists in the 2007 National Merit Scholarship Program.
COST EFFECTIVENESS
ANCILLARY SERVICES
0.2%
STUDENT SUPPORT
SERVICES
14.9%
INSTRUCTIONAL &
INSTRUCTIONAL-RELATED
SERVICES
Amarillo ISD received a rating of
“Superior Achievement” from the
Texas Education Agency under
Texas’ School FIRST financial
accountability rating system. The
rating is the state’s highest,
demonstrating the excellent
quality of AISD’s financial management and reporting system.
ADMINISTRATIVE
SUPPORT SERVICES
2.4%
63.5%
2006–07 TAX RATE
NON-STUDENT SUPPORT
SERVICES
11.9%
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS
AISD: $1.330
State: N/A
DEBT SERVICE
AISD: $.145
State:N/A
TOTAL
INSTRUCTIONAL &
SCHOOL
LEADERSHIP
7.1%
AISD: $1.475
State:N/A
2005–06 TAX RATE
AISD: $1.50
2005–2006 TOTAL ACTUAL COSTS
$186,086,928
State: $1.457
DEBT SERVICE
.
AISD: $.145
TOTAL
AISD: $1.645
State: .112
State: $1.569
2004–05 ACTUAL COSTS
PER PUPIL EXPENDITURES
AISD: $ 7,143
State: $7,229
AVERAGE PROPERTY VALUE PER STUDENT
AISD: $194,918
State: $274,818
Source: Texas Education Agency AEIS Report
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS
Sue Gatlin, health science technology teacher at AACAL, received
the Texas Health Occupations
Association Distinguished Teacher
Award, which is the highest honor
that THOA can bestow on a health
science technology teacher.
CREATING OPPORTUNITY
TEACHER SUPPORT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Amarillo ISD values its employees and offers support in many areas, including professional development for both new and seasoned employees.
AISD is committed to ongoing training and keeping teachers abreast of best teaching practices.
Teachers new to the teaching profession participate in various professional development opportunities geared to help them have a successful first
year. During New Teacher Orientation in August, these educators are involved in activities that familiarize them with the district and provide them
with beneficial information for the start of school. Throughout the year, these teachers also come together in the “First Year Teacher Academy” to
discuss issues vital to success, such as classroom management, effective discipline strategies, and lesson planning. Trained mentors provide additional
assistance to first year teachers.
Although professional development opportunities are varied and widespread across the district, AISD places a special emphasis on teacher training
in balanced literacy, TEXTeams math, inquiry science, and “History Alive”. Balanced literacy in the classroom consists of a strong literature, language,
and comprehension program that incorporates a balance of oral and written language skills. Students receive explicit instruction in phonemic aware-
Juliana Nichols, Amarillo ISD’s
2006 Elementary Teacher of
the Year, was named the 2006
Region 16 Elementary Teacher
of the Year.
ness, phonics, decoding, and word attack skills. In the Amarillo Literacy Institute (ALI) I, teachers study the framework and necessary components of a
comprehensive literacy classroom. During ALI II, teachers spend three weeks in the summer developing their own writing skills and becoming
better teachers of writing. By delving into the mental process of writing, teachers are more aware of how students develop as writers.
TEXTeams math and inquiry science workshops offer teachers a variety of hands-on methods in teaching these disciplines. Through the use of
manipulatives, students make concrete connections about abstract situations. “History Alive” enhances the skills of social studies teachers to create
meaningful learning experiences for students.
AISD also strives to provide training and time for teachers to work collaboratively in professional learning communities. By working together
to study curriculum, disaggregate data, and plan instruction, teachers commit themselves to increasing student achievement. Teachers strive to design
lessons that increase authentic student engagement. Developing teacher skills enhances instruction in the classroom–where it really counts!
AISD broke ground in June 2006
for the new Tradewind Elementary
School. The new school is set to
open August 2007.
TEACHER INVOLVEMENT
Teachers are an important part of the decision-making process in the district as trustees, staff and citizens work together to improve the
educational program. Operating with the philosophy that the critical component of district operations is what goes on in the classroom, teachers
are given wide latitude to develop and implement programs and instructional strategies that meet the needs of their students.
Faculty meetings, cluster meetings, and campus building leadership teams at each school keep lines of communication open between school
administration, and teachers ensuring that teachers have a voice in decisions.
A site-based, shared decision making philosophy means that these school leadership teams assume responsibility for decisions about campus
budgets, staff development activities, and school improvement plans to meet the needs of students. The Districtwide Educational Advisory
Council (DEAC) provides a forum for teachers, administrators, and community representatives to work together to improve our schools.
A Teacher Communication Committee, which consists of one teacher from each of the district’s 52 schools, meets with the superintendent
and other administrators each six weeks to discuss issues and concerns and take information back to schools.
District newsletters, the district website, and other communication tools regularly keep teachers informed of policies, procedures and
events. In addition, teachers play an active role in curriculum writing and textbook committees, strategic planning and shared decision making
12 www.amaisd.org
committees, teacher recognition committees, and personnel committees.
PROJECT IMPACT
Project Impact, also known as “Grow Your Own,” is an Amarillo ISD scholarship
initiative that rewards deserving students and paraprofessionals who want to become
teachers. The goal is to maintain the tradition of educational excellence in Amarillo
schools by keeping AISD’s best and brightest students in our classrooms as teachers. To be
eligible for an Impact Scholarship, AISD high school seniors must have at least 90% attendance, a GPA of at least 80, with a Recommended Diploma and no major code of conduct
violations. In addition, seniors must have recommendations from principals, teachers,
counselors, and community members. They must enter a university/college as a declared
major in an area of teacher shortage and plan to teach in AISD for at least one year.
BENEFITS
Amarillo ISD has a strong and affordable benefits program for all eligible employees.
While most of the program is provided at no cost to the employee, additional plans can
be purchased at reasonable rates.
The district provides group health insurance with options to both Baptist St.
Anthony’s and Northwest Texas hospitals, group term life, and group long-term disability
insurance at no cost to the employee. The employee can buy-up to optional life and
long-term disability insurance plans. The district also offers a voluntary dental reimbursement plan, optional dependent term life insurance, medical flexible spending
accounts, dependent day care flexible spending accounts, and supplemental insurance.
Mammograms and voluntary flu shots are also provided as a convenience to employees.
SICK LEAVE
Amarillo ISD provides teachers five days of local sick leave and five days of state
personal leave per year. An optional sick leave bank is available for employees as early
as their second year in the district. This sick leave bank is an important benefit since it
can be used during illnesses which extend beyond the individual’s personal sick leave
accumulation.
CREDIT UNION
Membership in The Education Credit Union is available to all AISD employees and
their families. Employees may apply for loans and take advantage of direct deposit and
payroll deduction services through the credit union.
Olsen Park, Sleepy Hollow,
South Georgia, and Sunrise
elementary schools have been
named to the Just for the Kids
High-Performing Schools list for
sustained high academic performance for the last three years.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
AMERICA’S PROMISE
Every year, hundreds of businesses, organizations and individuals renew their commitment to excellence
Every school in Amarillo ISD is a “School of Promise” under Colin Powell’s national initiative, “America’s
in education as a Partner in Education. Our Partners in Education are natural leaders who represent a cross
Promise.” In 2002, Amarillo ISD became a School District of Promise and an initiating partner in Amarillo’s
section of our community, both the public and private sector. Like our students, they are multicultural, multi-
Community of Promise, which is affiliated with the national organization.
faceted and multitalented. It is our honor to be in partnership with them.
America’s Promise was founded by Colin Powell to bring people together communities, businesses,
Partnerships may involve from one to several hundred employees or members. Our Partners provide assis-
organizations, individuals, families, and schools to ensure that all children receive the following promises:
tance to the district through a variety of ways including student mentoring; professional job shadowing; incentives
• An ongoing relationship with a caring adult
for performance, attendance, effort, and use of social skills; sponsorship of major district wide events; arts and
• A safe place during both school and non-school hours
cultural opportunities; teacher recognition; parent involvement incentives, activities and programs; employee
• A healthy start and lifestyle • Marketable skills
release time; and consultation services. Our partners impact the lives of individual students, thereby shaping
• An opportunity to give back to the community through service
better-informed consumers, and their efforts assist in transferring skills and knowledge that may allow students
to become effective future employees.
In AISD, America’s Promise serves as an umbrella over all community involvement initiatives, including Partners
in Education, Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS), PTAs, PTOs, booster clubs, and excellence councils. This
Additionally, parents contribute hundreds of hours to make schools better through their involvement in
community and volunteer involvement helps to carry out the district’s mission.
parent-teacher organizations. These organizations are active in almost every school and strengthen the partnership between home, school, and community. In an effort to stay in tune with the heartbeat of our parents,
KIDSFEST
Lunch with the Superintendent continues. Three times a year, the superintendent hosts an informal lunch with
In July of 2005, America’s Promise in Amarillo and AISD launched a city-wide event designed to help area
parent representatives from each campus. These luncheons provide an opportunity for the superintendent to
families obtain everything they need to be ready for the first day of school. At the free event, children and families
share his vision and goals for the district and to explain the complexities of the legislative funding issues as they
have the opportunities to participate in fun activities, enjoy local entertainment, learn more about after-school
relate to public education. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions, to offer input, and to share the
activities including scouting and sports, and receive helpful information from agencies serving the youth of
information with their respective campuses.
Amarillo. With a shot record, students are screened and given needed immunizations at no charge. Businesses
Our students’ success is closely linked to the school district’s relationships within the community.
and organizations provide lunch including hamburgers and hot dogs. America’s Promise in Amarillo is devoted
Together the Amarillo public schools and the business community work to see that learning opportunities for
to seeing that the Five Promises–Caring Adults, Safe Places, Healthy Start, Marketable Skills, and Opportunities
our students abound!
to Serve are delivered to the youth of Amarillo. KidsFest 2007 will be held at Thompson Park on August 18.
Rod Schroder
Superintendent
14 www.amaisd.org
Anette CarlislePresident 2006-07
Linda PitnerVice President 2006-07
James Allen
Jim Austin
Janie Rivas
Pete Smith
Dr. Jack Thompson
AMARILLO ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DISTRICT LEADERSHIP
AISD Board of Trustees
PARENT INVOLVEMENT NETWORK
Parents are our children’s first and most influential teachers. As we look for ways to help our students, it is natural that we take a step back and also
find ways to help our parents. In AISD, we have come to the conclusion that if we provide support for positive parenting skills in the home, and if we help
parents learn how to help their children succeed in school, the entire community will benefit. Each year, educators across the district are trained to provide
parent education sessions. These parent educators then plan sessions to meet the individual needs of parents at their school.
SERVICE LEARNING
Classroom teachers have the opportunity to be trained in Service Learning methodology during the summer months. Service Learning is an instruc-
James Allen
Jim Austin
Anette Carlisle
Janie Rivas
Linda Pitner
Pete Smith
Dr. Jack Thompson
Superintendent
Rod Schroder
tional method in which students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that meet actual community
needs. Service learning is integrated into the students’ academic curriculum and provides structured time to think, talk, or write about what the student
Assistant Superintendents
did or saw during the actual service activity. Through service learning, students are provided with opportunities to use newly acquired skills and knowl-
David Cargill, Personnel
Les Hoyt, Administration
edge in real-life situations in their own communities. This methodology enhances what is taught in school by extending student learning beyond the
classroom and into the community and helps to foster the development of a sense of caring for others.
AMARILLO EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Amarillo Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which exists to enhance the education of AISD’s 29,000 students by awarding
classroom grants for worthy projects not able to be funded by the district. These grants contribute to innovation and creative teaching in the schools,
thereby ensuring the fulfillment of the Foundation’s mission-—the promotion of educational excellence for all students through community advocacy
and financial support.
The Sunrise Breakfast and Walk for Education are two of the foundation’s fundraisers that provide opportunities for community involvement in a
show of support for the students of AISD. A payroll deduction program for AISD staff allows employees to be a part of the foundation’s mission. AEF
accepts personal donations, gifts from estates and trusts, in-kind contributions, and gifts of time and talent. From 1993 to 2006, AEF awarded over 394
grants to AISD teachers for a total of $428,012.55.
Executive Directors
Dr. Gary Angell, Amarillo High Cluster
Pat Williams, Caprock Cluster
Stan Chatman, Palo Duro Cluster
Daniel Coward, Tascosa Cluster
Pati Buchenau, Finance and Budget
Gary Allen, Technology
Directors
Susan Hoyl, Community Relations
Becky McIlraith,Communications
Denise Blanchard,Community Partnerships
Landergin, Sleepy Hollow, South Georgia, and Sunrise elementary schools were named to the 2006
Texas Business and Education Coalition Honor Roll. To earn a place on the Honor Roll, schools must
have a high percentage of students meeting state standards on the TAKS tests in all subjects for three
consecutive years, with an emphasis on how many students score at the state’s highest standard – commended – on all tests. Selection criteria account also for each school’s student demographics, the
number of subjects tested and the grades served.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING
The efforts to improve our academic performance are based on the alignment of the
The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) is the state-mandated test that aligns with the state-mandated curriculum,
curriculum in the classroom. To ensure alignment of what is written, what is taught and
which is the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). This test is an assessment of learning and identifies the skills the student has
what is tested, teachers and administrators across the district have developed standards
acquired. The TAKS test is administered in grades three through nine for math and reading; in grades four and seven for writing; in
for every core subject at all grade levels that align the district’s curriculum to the state
grades five, ten and eleven for science; and grades eight, ten and eleven for social studies. All third graders must pass the reading portion
curriculum. These standards clarify and organize what students should know and be able
of the TAKS to be promoted to the fourth grade. All fifth graders must pass the reading and math portion of the TAKS to be promoted
to do at a particular grade level. Training and support are ongoing throughout the year
to sixth grade, and the eleventh graders must pass the exit level TAKS in order to graduate from high school. There will be several oppor-
to help teachers with the alignment process and to keep them up-to-date on the latest
tunities to take the test and, if there are students who are retained, schools and teachers will work intensively with these children to
research and best practices to meet the learning needs of our students.
bring them up to grade level. The “no social promotion” rule will expand to eighth grade in 2008 for the reading and math tests.
AISD conducts ongoing assessments that help students and teachers identify weaknesses and allow time for the teacher to adjust
the curriculum and instruction in order to improve student learning and performance. Benchmark assessments, which are periodic
and teacher- or district-driven, help to identify the strengths and weaknesses for each student. Other ongoing assessments consist of
teacher observation, informal assessments, running records, and daily, weekly, and six-week activities.
Teachers use reports of these assessments at all levels to determine how effective the school is in teaching the curriculum to all
student groups. By looking at the data and identifying areas of concern, teachers can modify and accelerate instruction according to
student performance.
Pleasant Valley and Sunrise Elementary Schools were recognized by the Texas Education
Agency as Title I Distinguished Performance schools. These two schools were honored
for their students’ academic performance on the TAKS tests, as well as other criteria.
2005–2006 TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS (TAKS) TEST
16 www.amaisd.org
TAKS READING
Percent Passing
Grade District State
3
92
90
4
87
83
5
86
81
6
90
92
79
80
7
8
83
84
9
88
88
10
11
* *
* *
* See TAKS ELA
TAKS MATH
Percent Passing
Grade District State
3
86
83
4
88
84
5
89
82
6
79
81
7
67
71
8
69
68
9
55
58
64
62
10
11
74
78
TAKS ELA
ENGLISH/ LANGUAGE ARTS
Percent Passing
Grade District State
10
86
86
11
89
88
TAKS WRITING
Percent Passing
Grade District State
4
94
92
7
90
91
TAKS SCIENCE
Percent Passing
Grade District State
5
84
76
10
62
61
11
72
76
TAKS SOCIAL STUDIES
Percent Passing
Grade District State
8
83
84
10
83
84
93
94
11
To graduate every student prepared for success beyond high school.
ST
AT
E
HUGHES
9th
UR
10th
3rd
ARTH
PL
BUCHANAN
PIERCE
S
AIN
7200 West I-40
Amarillo, Texas 79106-2598
Phone: 806/326-1000
INTERSTATE 40
1
GEORDIA
45th
WASHINGTON
US
45th
HILLSIDE
OSAGE
FULTON
34th
60
-87
WESTERN
BELL
27th
34th
COULTER
LAKESIDE
FILLMORE
TAYLOR
6th
66
AMARILLO BLVD
EASTERN
AMARILLO BLVD
GRAND
COULTER
US
13
6
RIVER RD
BROADWAY
24th
FAIRWAY
D
61
10 A R
S
FM O
SC
TA
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
HASTINGS
58th
FARMERS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
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18.
Education Support Center .........
Amarillo High School ................
Caprock High School ................
Palo Duro High School ..............
Tascosa High School ................
North Heights Alt. School ..........
Amarillo Area Center ................
for Advanced Learning
Austin Middle School ...............
Bonham Middle School .............
Bowie Middle School ................
Crockett Middle School ............
Fannin Middle School ...............
Houston Middle School .............
Johnny Allen 6th Grade Campus ...
Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School ..
Mann Middle School ................
Travis Middle School ................
Avondale Elementary ................
7200 I-40 West
4225 Danbury
3001 E. 34th
1400 N. Grant
3921 Westlawn
607 N. Hughes
1100 N. Forest
1808 Wimberly
5600 SW 49th
3001 E. 12th
4720 Floyd
4627 S. Rusk
815 Independence
700 N. Lincoln
2801 N.Coulter
610 N. Buchanan
2815 Martin Rd.
1500 Avondale
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
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Belmar Elementary ...................
Bivins Elementary .....................
Carver Elementary Academy ......
Carver Early Childhood Academy .
Coronado Elementary ................
Eastridge Elementary ................
Emerson Elementary .................
Forest Hill Elementary ..............
Glenwood Elementary ...............
Hamlet Elementary ...................
Humphrey’s Highland Elementary ...
Lamar Elementary .....................
Landergin Elementary ...............
Lawndale Elementary ................
Lee Elementary ........................
Mesa Verde Elementary ............
Oak Dale Elementary ................
Olsen Park Elementary ..............
Paramount Terrace Elementary ..
6342 Adirondack
1500 S. Fannin
1905 NW. 12th
1800 N. Travis
3210 Wimberly
1314 Evergreen
600 N. Cleveland
3515 Amarillo Blvd. E.
2407 S. Houston
705 Sycamore
1301 S. Dallas
3800 S. Lipscomb
3209 S. Taylor
2215 S. Bivins
119 NE. 15th
4011 Beaver
2711 S. Hill
2409 Anna
3906 Cougar Dr.
38. Pleasant Valley Elementary .......
39. Puckett Elementary ..................
40. Ridgecrest Elementary ..............
41. Rogers Elementary ...................
42. Sanborn Elementary .................
43. Sleepy Hollow Elementary ........
44. San Jacinto Elementary .............
45. South Georgia Elementary .........
46. South Lawn Elementary .............
47. Sunrise Elementary ..................
48. Tradewind Elementary ...............
49. Western Plateau Elementary .....
50. Whittier Elementary ..................
51. Wills Elementary ......................
52. Windsor Elementary .................
53. Wolflin Elementary ...................
54. Woodlands Elementary .............
55. Plant Maintenance ...................
* Opening in August 2007
4413 River Dr.
6700 Oakhurst
5306 W. 37th
920 N. Mirror
700 S. Roberts
3435 Reeder
3400 West 4th
5018 Susan
4719 S. Bowie
5123 E. 14th
4300 S. Williams
4927 Shawnee
2004 N. Marrs
3500 W. 11th
6700 Hyde Pkwy
2026 S. Hughes
2501 N. Coulter
905 East Street
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
CALENDAR 2006-2007
August 3–7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Teacher Induction
August 8–14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teacher Work Days
August 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Day of School for Students
September 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Labor Day Holiday
September 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . End of First Six Weeks
October 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff Development for Teachers
October 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday for Staff & Students
November 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of Second Six Weeks
November 22- 24 . . . . . . . . . Thanksgiving Holiday
December 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early Student Release, End of 1st Semester
December 22-January 3 . . . . Winter Break
January 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff Development for Teachers
February 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of Fourth Six Weeks
February 20-23 . . . . . . . . . . . TAKS Testing
March 12–16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spring Break
April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .End of Fifth Six Weeks
April 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday for Staff & Students
April 17-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAKS Testing
April 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snow Day*
May 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early Student Release, End of 2nd Semester
AISD Education Support Center . . . . . . . . .326–1000
Abstinence Ed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354–4442
America’s Promise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1015
Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1101
Bilingual/ESL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326-5628
Business Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1121
Career & Technology Ed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1319
Community Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1013
Drug Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326-2228
Early Childhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1322
Employee Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1498
Facility Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1129
Food Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–4254
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1000
Guidance-Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1314
Homeless Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .374–2779
Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.amaisd.org
CALENDAR 2007-2008
Amarillo High Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1117
August 13-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Teacher Induction
August 16-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teacher Work Days
August 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Day of School for Students
October 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of First Six Weeks, Early Release for Students
October 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday for Staff & Students
November 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of Second Six Weeks
November 21-23 . . . . . . . . . . Thanksgiving Holiday
December 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early Student Release, End of 1st Semester
December 24-January 2 . . . . Winter Break
January 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff Development for Teachers
February 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of Fourth Six Weeks
February 19-22 . . . . . . . . . . . TAKS Testing
March 17-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spring Break
March 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snow Day*
April 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of Fifth Six Weeks
April 22-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAKS Testing
May 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snow Day*
May 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday for Staff & Students
May 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early Student Release, End of 2nd Semester
April 27, 2007, March 24 and May 2, 2008 are designated as provisional school days for use as
make-up days for days lost to bad weather.
Caprock Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1145
Palo Duro Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1155
Tascosa Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1135
Job Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1490
Migrant Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326-3884
Music Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1331
Public Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1011
Regional Ed. Program for the Deaf . . . . . . .326–1336
School Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1340
Special Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1348
Student Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1330
Student Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1350
Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1254
Testing & Accountability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1335
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .371–5698
Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .326–1015
AMARILLO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Rod Schroder, Superintendent
7200 West I-40, Amarillo, TX 79106-2598
PHONE: 806/326–1000
FAX: 806/354–4303
WEBSITE: www.amaisd.org
For additional information about the Amarillo Independent School District,
contact the Communications Department 806/326–1011.