On the Right TRACKS

Written by Keith A. Taylor, Web & Social Media Coordinator

At Curtis Middle School, educators recognized a growing need. Not for more homework or higher test preparation, but for something deeper.

In the years leading up to 2020, staff began noticing a decline in students’ soft skills and executive functioning abilities. Organization, communication, resilience, and responsibility, habits expected in the Allen ISD Graduate Profile, were not developing consistently.

“We started seeing a decline in some of those basic executive functioning skills,” said TRACKS instructor Kelly Jacobson. “Luckily, we had an administration that said, ‘Let’s address the problem. Let’s start solving the problem.’ Our students needed intentional support in learning how to manage themselves, not just their assignments.”

At first, teachers introduced short lessons during homeroom to address these skills. Every teacher was asked to deliver daily mini-lessons focused on personal growth and future readiness. But implementation varied. Some teachers felt unequipped to teach unfamiliar content, while others struggled to fit meaningful skill development into an already packed schedule.

The solution was TRACKS, a dedicated class built into every student’s schedule. Developed by a team of committed teachers, the TRACKS curriculum centers on academic growth, social development, and future readiness aligned with the district’s Graduate Profile. By creating a course taught by educators specifically trained and invested in this content, the campus established both consistency and accountability.

“Sometimes it’s challenging,” said teacher Tammy Pleasant. “With no grades attached, we have to take a new approach. Students have to find motivation within themselves. You have to be motivated to want to do something to be better on your own.”

The impact has been measurable. Because TRACKS houses programs and schoolwide initiatives that once interrupted core instruction, including counselor-led lessons and campus events, students now lose less academic time. More importantly, they gain daily opportunities to practice habits that drive long-term success.

Through TRACKS, students conference regularly with teachers about academic progress, participate in team-building, and refine communication skills essential to becoming responsible citizens.

The class also supports student engagement initiatives such as Hope Squad and PALs, while creating leadership opportunities and dedicated study time.

“TRACKS gives our students a real advantage,” said Ryan Filch, another TRACKS teacher. “It’s not just another class. It’s preparation for life.”

Staff from the City of Allen Utilities Department visited the Curtis Middle School TRACKS class to discuss their duties, career opportunities, and more. Students were able to get their hands dirty by learning how to fit a residential water line to a city delivery pipe. This visit is one of the many opportunities TRACKS students have to learn valuable civics lessons for a successful future.

Animating Their Way to the Top

Written by Keith A. Taylor, Web & Social Media Coordinator

Allen High School students are earning recognition on both the state and regional stage after a standout year in film and animation, highlighted by major honors at the UIL State Film Festival and multiple selections to the Dallas International Film Festival.

All three films submitted to the Dallas International Film Festival, “Eggshells,” “Sincerely, Erin,” and “Lost Souls,” were accepted for screening, giving student filmmakers and animators the opportunity to showcase their work during the festival’s weeklong programming in April.

The festival selections come on the heels of significant success at the UIL State Film Festival, where Allen High School animation students captured the 6A Digital Animation State Championship and earned several additional top finishes.

“Eggshells,” directed by Raissa Dourado Viana, was named state champion in 6A Digital Animation. “Memorias,” directed by Araceli Thompson, earned second place, while “Unmasked,” directed by Ashley Nguyen, finished sixth in the same category, giving Allen three of the six finalist spots and representing half of the state’s finalists in Digital Animation.

In addition to the animation results, “Where the Ball Connects Us” placed third in the 6A Documentary category, further strengthening the school’s presence at the state level. Other submissions included “What Lurks in the Deep,” directed by Trinity Sun, which advanced through earlier rounds of competition.

Students in Animation 2 and Practicum in Animation developed their films throughout the fall semester, focusing on storytelling, technical execution, and post-production. The process allowed students to move from initial concept to completed projects while refining their skills.

Together, the UIL honors and international festival selections highlight the depth and quality of Allen High School’s film and animation programs. The recognition not only celebrates student achievement but also provides valuable opportunities for young filmmakers and animators to present their work to broader audiences beyond the classroom.

With their work now set to be featured at a major regional festival, Allen High School students continue to demonstrate the impact of hands-on learning and creative exploration in preparing them for future opportunities in film, animation, and related fields.

Wrestling Teams Dominate State Tourney

Allen High School’s wrestling teams turned in another dominant showing at the UIL 6A State Tournament, with the boys capturing their second consecutive state championship and the girls finishing third overall.

The Eagles’ boys team placed eight wrestlers, including four individual state champions, to secure back-to-back titles. The girls team added two state runner-up finishes and a third-place medal, earning 70 points and continuing the program’s rise at the state level.

The boys’ individual champions were Izayiah Chavez, Cayden Rios, Jonathan Meyers, and Aiden Cooley. Jair Jackson Bey, Shiloh Jackson Bey, and Carter Nekvapil each earned runner-up finishes, while Olliver Pulliam placed third.

For the girls, Grace Romans and Kailin Sebert finished as state runners-up, while Adalyn Robinson earned a third-place medal. The team’s performance secured a third-place finish behind El Paso Eastwood and Lewisville Flower Mound.

The performances reinforce Allen’s standing as a historical leader in Texas high school wrestling.

National Educators Visit Green to See Student Leadership Program

Educators from across the United States experienced a firsthand look at leadership in action when they visited Green Elementary School in Allen as part of the “Leader in Me Symposium ’26” in Dallas.

The visiting teachers were welcomed with high energy and enthusiasm during a schoolwide rally in the gym, where Principal Stacia Butler greeted the group and highlighted how leadership is part of the school’s daily learning environment.

Following the rally, guests rotated through student- and teacher-led sessions set up at stations throughout the campus to share how Green Elementary has embedded leadership principles into its campus culture.

Students explained how they apply the program’s habits in their classrooms, set academic and personal goals, and take ownership of their learning. Visitors asked questions, observed classroom systems, and gathered ideas to take back to their own schools.

The tour offered more than strategies and resources; it provided real-life examples of how empowering students to lead can transform a school community.

Robotics Team Captures Title

The Allen BEST Robotics team earned top honors at the UIL Robotics BEST Division State Championships, winning the 5A/6A division for the third consecutive year.

The competition, held at Fair Park in Dallas, brought together 88 teams from across Texas and New Mexico for three days of presentations, teamwork, and head-to-head robot matches.

In addition to the state title, Allen received several major awards, including the MathWorks Design Award, which recognizes excellence in engineering and design and includes a $1,000 prize. The team has now earned this honor three years in a row, further highlighting its consistency and technical expertise.

Allen also captured the Video Award and the Workmanship Award, recognizing both the quality of its robot and the strength of its overall presentation. Throughout the event, students competed in skilled rounds while supporting one another from the stands, demonstrating both expertise and team spirit.

The team’s continued success reflects a strong culture of innovation, collaboration, and precision. Congratulations to the Allen BEST Robotics team for another outstanding performance at the state level.

To the Rescue!

Allen ISD Transportation Helps Wylie High School Band

Written by Steven Offield, Director of Marketing & Communications

On most Saturdays in the fall, Allen ISD’s Transportation Department operates behind the scenes, often unnoticed when everything runs on schedule. Buses roll out before sunrise. Drivers follow mapped routes. Equipment trucks carry instruments, uniforms, and props across North Texas. By the time marching bands take the field, the work that made the performance possible is already done.

It is easy to overlook transportation when everything runs on schedule.

Jeff Turner, Allen ISD Director of Fine Arts, knows how much depends on that quiet consistency.

“It’s easy to take for granted transportation when you work in the school district,” Turner said. “They have a plan in place with the team to make sure that our trucks are running to get our marching band to and from different places, that the buses are always on time.”

That planning was tested on a Saturday morning during UIL competition season.

Around 8:15 a.m., Turner received a call from a colleague in a neighboring district. Wylie High School’s band was on the way to a UIL event in Melissa when its 18-wheeler, loaded with instruments and equipment, broke down. The truck was stranded on 75 and Bethany Drive in Allen.

For a band program, a trailer that will not drive is not optional, especially when it is carrying front ensemble equipment, large percussion instruments, props, and everything required to put a show on the field. Without it, there is no performance.

For Wylie High School Director of Bands Paul Hoyer, the morning began with a call no band director wants to receive.

“We had our UIL competition on a Saturday in October,” Hoyer said. “Halfway there, we got a call that no band director wants to hear on that day. And that was that our 18-wheeler carrying all of our equipment had broken down and was stuck on the side of the road on Bethany in Allen.”

The band faced a difficult reality. Without equipment, the performance would not happen. Hoyer contacted his fine arts director, who then reached out to Turner.

Turner understands these issues more than most, so he reached out to Allen ISD Director of Transportation Karol Day.

“It was on a Saturday morning,” Day said. “I got a message from Jeff that a neighboring district’s band program was in trouble. They were on their way to a competition in Melissa and their semi with all of their instruments in it had broken down. And they broke down right smack dab in the middle of our city.”

The Wylie students were already en route, and the competition clock was moving.

“So the kids were stressed,” Day said. “They didn’t know how they were going to get there on time and able to compete in their UIL event.”

Within minutes, the call shifted from concern to action. Day did not hesitate.

“I’m glad that we were able to help them in their moment of need, which is something that I firmly believe in our transportation tribe,” she said. “We all have the same job. We get kids and what they need, where they need to go. So if we need to help each other out, help a neighbor out, absolutely we do. We’re all here to help the kids get where they need to go.”

Lead Dispatcher Caleb West was working nearby when the call came in.

“I was out working nearby and got a call that Wylie’s band truck had broken down,” West said. “They were in Allen, and they were on their way to Melissa for a UIL event.”

The request was simple. Could Allen ISD help move the trailer?

“And I got a phone call asking if we could help out,” West said. “And I think it’s really cool that they could call us and that we were willing to help out. Of course I was willing to help out.”

The plan came together quickly. An Allen ISD truck would pick up the disabled Wylie trailer and transport it to Melissa. Timing mattered. Every minute counted toward warm-up schedules and performance slots.

An Allen Eagles Escadrille semi pulling a Wylie High School band trailer north on Highway 75 was an uncommon pairing that drew curious looks from passing drivers.

“Quite a sight seeing an Allen truck with a Wylie trailer,” West said. “That was really something to see. I got a few double takes as we were going down the highway.”

The convoy eventually reached Melissa safely, delivering the instruments to the students who were eagerly awaiting the arrival.

What happened next surprised him.

“It was such a warm welcome,” West said. “When we got over there, the Wylie Band was the most warm, friendly, welcoming people that you can imagine. And I felt like we were about to start a parade when we got there.”

The Wylie band got to warm up and made it to the field just in time for its performance.

“Everything may not have gone according to plan, but the kids had a great performance,” Hoyer said. “And none of that would have been possible without Allen ISD coming to the rescue that day for us. And we appreciate it.”

For Allen ISD, the moment reflected a mindset centered on students.

Transportation teams often operate out of view, focused on routes, maintenance schedules, inspections, and timelines. Their work supports classrooms, competitions, field trips, and daily routines. When systems run well, they are rarely noticed.

That Saturday was different.

The decision to help was not about recognition or rivalry. It was about students. A group of teenagers had practiced for months. Families had invested time and energy. Directors had prepared detailed plans. A mechanical failure threatened to undo that work. Allen ISD chose to act.

In that moment, the boundary between districts became secondary. The priority was ensuring that students stepped onto a field ready to perform. Day emphasized this common mission guided the district’s response to the call.

The image of an Allen truck pulling a Wylie trailer down the highway serves as a reminder that public education extends beyond logos and city limits. It is a network of professionals who understand that when one group of students faces a challenge, another group can step in.

For the Wylie band, the competition day will be remembered for more than the score sheet. It will include the unexpected arrival of a neighboring district’s truck and the realization that support can appear when it is needed most.

For Allen ISD’s Transportation Department, the morning reaffirmed a commitment to collaboration and serving students, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

And when a call comes at 8:15 a.m. on a Saturday morning, the answer can be simple:

Of course we can help.

Love Week Benefits Samaritan Inn

The Board of Trustees recently recognized Allen ISD students, families, and community members for their participation in Love Week, an annual district tradition led by the Love Week Student Committee.

Each year, the committee organizes events to support a nonprofit organization, encouraging service and community engagement across Allen ISD.

This year’s Love Week efforts benefited The Samaritan Inn, a nonprofit comprehensive housing program that supports individuals in realizing dignity and gaining independence.

Spellbound!

Students Shine at District Spelling Bee

Written by Keith A. Taylor, Web & Social Media Coordinator

For six years, the Allen Independent School District Spelling Bee has given elementary students a stage to showcase their love of words. According to district Elementary Language Arts Coordinator Ganges Karundethu, its roots are grounded in both opportunity and literacy.

The district transitioned to a formal District Bee during the 2019–2020 school year after participation numbers reached a new milestone.

“There came a point with our regional partner, the Dallas Sports Commission, when they told us that if a certain number of campuses participated in a school bee, we would need to host a district bee,” Karundethu explained. “Up until that year, we simply hadn’t reached that threshold. But once we did, it opened the door for this next level of competition.”

Organizing the bee is a collaborative effort between the district’s Learner Services Department and campus leaders, often with strong support from PTA volunteers.

“This is one of those events that really is a partnership,” Karundethu said. “Every campus chooses whether to participate and appoints a point person. Sometimes that’s a teacher, and many times it’s a PTA volunteer dedicated to supporting the campus spelling bee.”

The structure begins in the classroom. Students in third through sixth grade compete in class-level bees, with winners advancing to the school bee. From there, campus champions move on to the district bee.

The progression continues beyond Allen. District winners advance to the county bee, followed by regionals hosted by the Dallas Sports Commission. From there, students may qualify for the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Karundethu recently experienced the process from a new perspective.

“For the first time since I’ve been in this role, I had the opportunity to volunteer as a judge at the county bee,” she said. “It was exciting to see how it’s organized from that side. The county bee is very similar to what we do at the district level. The structure and expectations are consistent.”

This year, Allen ISD was part of a five-district rotation, alongside Plano, McKinney, Frisco, and Prosper, that takes turns hosting the county competition. Although Allen’s five county-level competitors did not advance to regionals this year, Karundethu said their performance was impressive.

“They were amazing,” she said. “Some of those words were incredibly challenging.”

This year, 11 elementary campuses participated in the district bee, sending one campus champion each to compete. At the campus level, participation numbers are even more impressive.

With around four classes per grade level across third through sixth grades, Karundethu estimates that roughly 45 to 50 students per campus compete in classroom and school bees each year.

“It really starts in the classroom,” she said. “Every class conducts its own bee, and that’s where we see students discovering whether this is something they love.”

While the competition can be intense, the true purpose of the bee goes far beyond trophies.

“One of the biggest motivations is encouraging student passion,” she said. “In Allen, there’s a place for everybody. Some students shine in athletics, some in the arts, and for some students, this is their thing.”

At its heart, the spelling bee is about literacy.

“The Scripps spelling bee began in 1925, and from the beginning it has been about celebrating literacy: reading, writing, and language,” Karundethu said.

In recent years, Allen ISD has added a vocabulary round to its district competition, broadening the focus beyond spelling alone.

“It’s not just about spelling words correctly,” she said. “It’s about building vocabulary and deepening students’ understanding of language.”

For Karundethu, that is the real victory: fostering confident readers, writers, and word lovers across the district.

And for dozens of elementary students each year, the journey from classroom champion to district competitor is proof that in Allen ISD, a love of words truly has a place to shine.

Community Engagement Night

Allen ISD hosted its Spring 2026 Community Engagement Night, with more than 500 guests filling the district’s STEAM Center to learn about the district, community partners, fun summer activities, high school and middle school transition tips, and much more.

The event highlights how the district, the community, and families work together for student success.

The Power of Gold

AHS Senior Turns Passion Into Purpose with Inclusive Music Project

Written by Keith A. Taylor, Web & Social Media Coordinator

For Emma Diana, music has always been more than melody and rhythm; it has been a bridge.

Now a recent Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, Emma turned her lifelong love of music and her heart for service into an innovative project designed to help special needs students fully participate in music classrooms. Her initiative, centered around a thoughtfully curated “music box” filled with adaptive tools, is already opening doors for young learners who previously struggled to engage.

“I realized that I love special needs kids. I love to help them. I love to just be with them, around them. And I knew that I wanted to kind of incorporate my two passions, with music and special needs kids, and help them make music more accessible because music is very important to a developing brain. So, I knew that that’s what I wanted to do,” Emma said.

At the center of Emma’s Gold Award project is what she calls the “Music Inclusion Box,” a carefully assembled collection of adaptive instruments and interactive song books. The books pair visuals and tactile elements with simple, engaging lyrics to help students follow along and participate.

Inside the box are two types of adaptive recorders, modified to accommodate different grip strengths and motor abilities, allowing more students to play wind instruments independently.

The box also includes adaptive mallets, designed with specialized grips and supports to help students strike percussion instruments with greater control.

Adaptive instrument cuffs secure small instruments to a student’s hand or wrist, reducing frustration and increasing confidence.

A “Choose a Song” box gives students the opportunity to make selections and practice decision-making during class.

Adaptive scarves, which are lightweight and easy to grasp, encourage movement and expression for students who may have limited mobility.

For Emma, one of the most important elements of the box is choice.

“I realize that a lot of learning includes choices for special needs students. They enjoy being able to have choices, and that makes them feel a bit more willing to play and willing to learn,” she said.

Each item was selected or designed with one goal in mind: meaningful participation. The goal is to ensure that students are not simply present in the classroom but actively making music alongside their peers.

Her mother, Shelly Diana, who serves as the music teacher at Marion Elementary School, has seen that impact up close.

“It has been a two-year process,” Shelly said. “She wasn’t sure what to do originally, but she knew she wanted to do something with special needs, and she is also very involved in music and choir. So, she combined her two passions.”

Growing up with a mother who teaches elementary music in Allen ISD, Emma spent years observing classrooms filled with song, rhythm, and movement. Those early experiences planted the seeds for both her project and her future career.

Shelly said watching the project come together has been especially meaningful.

“As a music teacher, you want every child to feel successful,” she said. “Emma understood that inclusion isn’t just about being present in the room. It’s about being actively involved.”

This fall, Emma plans to major in special education at Stephen F. Austin State University, combining her passion for music with her commitment to inclusive learning environments. Her long-term goal is clear: return home and teach in Allen ISD schools.

“The special services program here is amazing, and I would love to be part of that,” Emma said.

For Emma, the Gold Award is not the final note; it is the opening measure of a career devoted to service. Thanks to one thoughtfully assembled music box, more students are finding their rhythm.

A Fond Farewell

Dr. Bullock Retires After 30 Years of Service

Written by David Hicks, Chief Communications Officer

After more than three decades in public education and 13 years of service in Allen ISD, Superintendent Dr. Robin Bullock has announced plans to retire at the end of the 2025–2026 school year. The announcement marks the close of a career built on a commitment to students, academic excellence, and meaningful connections across the community.

Dr. Bullock joined Allen ISD in 2013 as an assistant superintendent and was named Superintendent of Schools in January 2020. Only two months later, the global spread of COVID-19 created one of the most difficult periods in modern education.

For a new superintendent, the moment presented a major challenge. Schools across the country faced remote instruction and uncertainty about the future of public education. Under Dr. Bullock’s leadership, Allen ISD worked to maintain learning, communication, and support for students and staff during a time when systems across the nation were forced to change quickly.

“Education is built on a foundation of strong relationships,” Dr. Bullock said. “During that time, we remained focused on our students and supporting our staff and families. Even when buildings were closed, learning and connection continued.”

District leaders and staff worked together to maintain instruction while protecting the health of the community. The experience strengthened collaboration across campuses and departments and reinforced the district focus on student growth.

“Our educators showed what dedication looks like,” Dr. Bullock said. “Every decision came back to one question: How can we continue to help students learn and grow?”

While the pandemic shaped the early part of her tenure as superintendent, it also reinforced the importance of connection across the Allen community. One program that reflects that belief is the Silver Eagles Club, an initiative formed from an idea by Dr. Bullock to bring senior residents closer to the school district.

The club welcomes Allen residents age 55 and older and provides opportunities to attend events, volunteer, and learn more about district initiatives. Members can take part in monthly activities across the district and receive updates on programs, projects, and campus improvements. The club has grown over the years to nearly 800 members.

“Public schools belong to the entire community,” Dr. Bullock said. “Silver Eagles creates a place where residents can stay connected to our schools while sharing their time, experience, and support. It is an amazing program, and I can’t imagine Allen ISD without our Silver Eagles.”

The program continues to grow steadily and has created meaningful connections between students, staff, and senior citizens in the community. Many Silver Eagles members volunteer in elementary classrooms through the Study Buddies program, where volunteers spend time reading with students in kindergarten through second grade.

Silver Eagles is just one of the many community engagement opportunities that has flourished under Dr. Bullock’s leadership. Other programs include Community Engagement Night and Field Day for Everyone. For Dr. Bullock, these opportunities reflect a belief that strong schools depend on strong partnerships.

“A great school district grows when the community grows with it,” Dr. Bullock said. “Allen believes in its students, and that shared commitment makes a difference in the lives of young people.”

Dr. Bullock leaves Allen ISD in a strong position for continued success. During her tenure, Allen ISD was named the Best District in Collin County and the sixth-best district in Texas by Niche.com, earned an “A” accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency, and won School Board of the Year in 2022 and Large School District Finalist in 2024 by the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.

In 2020 and 2024, Dr. Bullock oversaw two successful bond elections in which the community approved more than $656 million in bond proposals to help create modern, safe learning environments.

As Allen ISD prepares for the transition to new leadership, Dr. Bullock said the focus will remain on students and on the partnerships that help schools succeed.

“It has been an honor to serve this community,” Dr. Bullock said. “The future of Allen ISD will continue to be shaped by people who believe in education and believe in the potential of every student and staff member. I’ll always cherish my time in this wonderful school district because of our collective commitment to excellence shared by every Allen Eagle.”

Campus Playgrounds Upgraded from 2024 Bond

Recesses received an upgrade across Allen ISD thanks to voter approval of Bond 2024. All 16 of the district’s elementary school playgrounds are receiving new equipment, repairs, and shade structures to create safer, more enjoyable spaces for students.

Renovation work has already been completed at 15 elementary campuses: Bolin, Boon, Boyd, Chandler, Evans, Green, Kerr, Lindsey, Marion, Norton, Olson, Preston, Reed, Story, and Vaughan.

The playground at Cheatham is scheduled to be completed before the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

Fine Arts Stages “The Addams Family”

The Fine Arts Department entertained the community with a production of the student musical “The Addams Family — Student Edition.”

The January shows delighted audiences with their “creepy and kooky” performances.