
Car show, games, free food, and more You know it’s almost summer because FatherFEST is only three weeks away! Kick off the summer right on Saturday, May 16, at FatherFEST, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thornton Elementary School (2301 E Park Row Drive Arlington, TX 76010). Register now for Father Fest! FatherFEST 2026 is a free, family-friendly celebration hosted by Arlington ISD's Family and Community Engagement Department – and they're pulling out all the stops: Community Car Show: Come check out some incredible rides and soak in the good vibes. Free Food & Refreshments: Good food brings people together, and we've got you covered. Interactive Games & Family Activities: Fun for every age, from the littles to the grandparents. Giveaways & Summer Resources: Leave with more than just great memories. Walk away equipped and ready for summer. Live Music & Entertainment: Featuring live performances beginning at 10:30 a.m. from Thornton Elementary's Ballet Folklorico and Sam Houston High School's Mariachi & Ballet Folklorico teams. This event is for everyone – dads, moms, grandparents, aunts, uncles, mentors, and community supporters. If you love a child in this community, there's a place for you here. Connect with Our Community Partners Meet incredible organizations from across our community who are committed to supporting and empowering families. Stop by their booths for resources, activities, and opportunities: Aetna Better Health Arlington ISD Early Childhood Department Arlington ISD Library Services Arlington ISD – Advanced Academics Arlington ISD – Food & Nutrition Arlington ISD – Student Outreach Services Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA Arlington Public Library Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tarrant Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County C5 Texas Dave & Buster's Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Haking Innovation HOPE Tutoring Center Metro Sports Fieldhouse Mindful Kids Tarrant County Kids Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County Why You Should Come FatherFEST is more than a festival – it’s a space where families feel welcomed, supported, and connected. It’s about celebrating the important role families play in student success and making sure every family leaves with something valuable. Spots are free, but don't wait — register today and save your family's spot. This is the kind of day your kids will still talk about years from now. Come be part of it!

Car show, games, free food, and more You know it’s almost summer because FatherFEST is only three weeks away! Kick off the summer right on Saturday, May 16, at FatherFEST, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thornton Elementary School (2301 E Park Row Drive Arlington, TX 76010). Register now for Father Fest! FatherFEST 2026 is a free, family-friendly celebration hosted by Arlington ISD's Family and Community Engagement Department – and they're pulling out all the stops: Community Car Show: Come check out some incredible rides and soak in the good vibes. Free Food & Refreshments: Good food brings people together, and we've got you covered. Interactive Games & Family Activities: Fun for every age, from the littles to the grandparents. Giveaways & Summer Resources: Leave with more than just great memories. Walk away equipped and ready for summer. Live Music & Entertainment: Featuring live performances beginning at 10:30 a.m. from Thornton Elementary's Ballet Folklorico and Sam Houston High School's Mariachi & Ballet Folklorico teams. This event is for everyone – dads, moms, grandparents, aunts, uncles, mentors, and community supporters. If you love a child in this community, there's a place for you here. Connect with Our Community Partners Meet incredible organizations from across our community who are committed to supporting and empowering families. Stop by their booths for resources, activities, and opportunities: Aetna Better Health Arlington ISD Early Childhood Department Arlington ISD Library Services Arlington ISD – Advanced Academics Arlington ISD – Food & Nutrition Arlington ISD – Student Outreach Services Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA Arlington Public Library Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tarrant Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County C5 Texas Dave & Buster's Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Haking Innovation HOPE Tutoring Center Metro Sports Fieldhouse Mindful Kids Tarrant County Kids Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County Why You Should Come FatherFEST is more than a festival – it’s a space where families feel welcomed, supported, and connected. It’s about celebrating the important role families play in student success and making sure every family leaves with something valuable. Spots are free, but don't wait — register today and save your family's spot. This is the kind of day your kids will still talk about years from now. Come be part of it!

[embed]https://youtu.be/BRfAOQ5NB6M?si=xxn9-JXDw3mVtTrB[/embed] Graduation this week was inspiring and exciting – and a reminder why we have our board meetings. The first Arlington ISD Board of Trustees meeting of the summer was June 4, 2026, and here are a few of the highlights. Jaime Esquivel, kicked off the meeting by leading everyone in the pledges of allegiance. Jaime is a rising junior at Sam Houston High School who is also the incoming president of the Student Leadership Advisory Board – or SLAB. The board took a few minutes after the pledges to thank this year’s SLAB students. The students on the advisory board include representatives from the junior class at all eight of our high schools, and they represent student opinions and provide insight to the Board of Trustees and the Arlington ISD community. The board expressed its gratitude for their impactful service this year. The board then presented the Community Partner Award of Appreciation to the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation for their consistent partnership, generosity, and commitment to supporting our students, families, and schools. They’re involved more student initiatives than could fit in one Board Brief. Thank you, Rangers! Next, the trustees congratulated the district’s principals and assistant principals of the year. They work so hard all year long and truly set the tone at their schools. They are so deserving of this recognition. The honors didn’t end there. The trustees took a minute to thank Justin Chapa for his service as the board president. Justin has been on the board since 2017 and served as its president from 2024 until last week. Though Justin will not be the president, he will continue to serve as a trustee. Once the board finally got down to business, they heard the annual report from the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. The CBOC is a group of community members appointed by the Board to provide findings and recommendations relating to the 2019 Bond program. The committee meets quarterly to assess bond progress and expenditures. At this meeting, they presented their recommendations for additional projects if there are any remaining funds at the conclusion of the 2019 Bond program. The board also heard from the district’s “sixth grade” committee that started meeting in January. A team of varied stakeholders took on the task of discussing the ideal placement for sixth grade students – in elementary schools where they currently are, or in junior high schools with seventh and eighth grades. The committee considered student experience, academics, athletics, fine arts, and CTE, among other things.Tthe committee shared with trustees its conclusions, which you can see if you watch the recording of the full meeting. Later, the board approved the compensation plan for district employees in 2026-2027. Finally, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum that will allow our tenth graders in World History to visit the museum on a field trip. It’s a fantastic, interactive learning experience aligned to state standards and instructional goals in social studies, history, civics, and character education. Those are just a few of the highlights from tonight. If you would like more details on any of these, or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, please visit YouTube to watch the entire meeting.
"Hundreds of Arlington families came together this weekend for Arlington ISD's annual FatherFEST, a district celebration focused on family engagement, community connection and the important role fathers play in students’ lives. The event featured a variety of activities for all ages, including a car show, obstacle courses, lawn games, and delicious food. Students from Thornton Elementary School also took the stage with live performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. Eric Phillips, Arlington ISD family engagement specialist, said the event reflects the strength of the district’s community. “It’s looking phenomenal,” Phillips said. “This is all about the Arlington ISD community coming together and celebrating responsible fatherhood.” Community partners were on hand throughout the event, sharing resources and information with families to support student success both in and out of the classroom. FatherFEST also recognized outstanding involvement across the district. Students and campuses were honored for their participation in the Family Engagement Reading Challenge, while select schools received the Family Demonstration Campus Award, which recognizes Arlington ISD campuses that excel in engaging families through volunteering and community involvement. For parents like Issac Nolte of Moore Elementary School, giving back is essential to shaping students’ perspectives. “Kids see their parents giving back and in turn also want to give back to their schools,” Nolte said. “Without all the helping hands, we wouldn’t be able to do all the cool things at Mary Moore.” Leonard Washington, a community father, said he was glad to attend with his daughter, who especially enjoyed playing with pinwheels at the event. “Fathers play a big role in their kids’ lives,” Washington said. “I’m trying to do my job with my daughter and do my part within the community.” See more photos."
"Sometimes the best way to show appreciation for volunteers in Texas is with a line dance. That’s exactly how Arlington ISD honored its most dedicated volunteers during its annual Volunteer Program Appreciation Celebration last week. The “Best Volunteers in the West” event recognized individuals who contributed more than 500 hours of service this school year, along with Campus STAR Volunteers selected for exceptional commitment to the district. The celebration opened with a line-dancing activity led by members of Arlington High School’s Colt Kickers dance team, followed by a recognition video spotlighting volunteers from each campus. Volunteers shared how their service has become a meaningful part of their lives, giving them an opportunity to stay connected and involved in their campus communities. “It's important for me to be a part of her scholastic journey and her athletic journey, but also the community of the schools,” said Shelley Battle, a volunteer at Martin High School. “It's a great way to stay involved, a great way to form partnerships.” Their service extends far beyond completing tasks. It’s about fostering relationships and supporting students in ways that matter. “Being able to get involved really gives you that chance to experience their world. The student experience and the teacher experience are both elevated,” said Gara Hill, Arlington High School volunteer. "It's really a way for you to connect with your kids and support their program.” The event was coordinated by the hospitality and tourism students at the Arlington ISD Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center in collaboration with the Family and Community Engagement department. “Events like this are significant because they give students authentic, hands-on experience while also allowing them to give back and celebrate the volunteers who support our community,” said Emilie Barron, hospitality and tourism teacher. “Experiences like this help students build confidence, professionalism, and the creativity needed for careers in hospitality and tourism.” The students were involved in the process of selecting the theme, designing decorations, coordinating activities, and building the menu. “Seeing all the guests come in with smiles on their faces, it just makes you feel great,” said Nicole Haro, Sam Houston High School hospitality student. “It's a great opportunity. Everyone's excited to just be in this class.” While managing every stage of the event, the students gained firsthand experience in what it takes to plan and execute a professional event. The creativity, teamwork, and dedication came directly from the students. “Watching all of our ideas actually come to life, it's really cool,” said Jaiden Martinez, a Sam Houston hospitality student. “I love this class. I'm definitely going to miss it now that we're graduating.” Beyond the awards and festivities, the celebration highlighted the importance of showing gratitude for the individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to Arlington ISD. “Our volunteers bring in the heart from the community that helps to nurture and develop our students everyday and provide blessings to our staff and entire learning community,” said Aaron Perales, executive director of Family and Community Engagement. Thank you, volunteers! See more photos."
"Hundreds of Arlington families came together this weekend for Arlington ISD's annual FatherFEST, a district celebration focused on family engagement, community connection and the important role fathers play in students’ lives. The event featured a variety of activities for all ages, including a car show, obstacle courses, lawn games, and delicious food. Students from Thornton Elementary School also took the stage with live performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. Eric Phillips, Arlington ISD family engagement specialist, said the event reflects the strength of the district’s community. “It’s looking phenomenal,” Phillips said. “This is all about the Arlington ISD community coming together and celebrating responsible fatherhood.” Community partners were on hand throughout the event, sharing resources and information with families to support student success both in and out of the classroom. FatherFEST also recognized outstanding involvement across the district. Students and campuses were honored for their participation in the Family Engagement Reading Challenge, while select schools received the Family Demonstration Campus Award, which recognizes Arlington ISD campuses that excel in engaging families through volunteering and community involvement. For parents like Issac Nolte of Moore Elementary School, giving back is essential to shaping students’ perspectives. “Kids see their parents giving back and in turn also want to give back to their schools,” Nolte said. “Without all the helping hands, we wouldn’t be able to do all the cool things at Mary Moore.” Leonard Washington, a community father, said he was glad to attend with his daughter, who especially enjoyed playing with pinwheels at the event. “Fathers play a big role in their kids’ lives,” Washington said. “I’m trying to do my job with my daughter and do my part within the community.” See more photos."
"Sometimes the best way to show appreciation for volunteers in Texas is with a line dance. That’s exactly how Arlington ISD honored its most dedicated volunteers during its annual Volunteer Program Appreciation Celebration last week. The “Best Volunteers in the West” event recognized individuals who contributed more than 500 hours of service this school year, along with Campus STAR Volunteers selected for exceptional commitment to the district. The celebration opened with a line-dancing activity led by members of Arlington High School’s Colt Kickers dance team, followed by a recognition video spotlighting volunteers from each campus. Volunteers shared how their service has become a meaningful part of their lives, giving them an opportunity to stay connected and involved in their campus communities. “It's important for me to be a part of her scholastic journey and her athletic journey, but also the community of the schools,” said Shelley Battle, a volunteer at Martin High School. “It's a great way to stay involved, a great way to form partnerships.” Their service extends far beyond completing tasks. It’s about fostering relationships and supporting students in ways that matter. “Being able to get involved really gives you that chance to experience their world. The student experience and the teacher experience are both elevated,” said Gara Hill, Arlington High School volunteer. "It's really a way for you to connect with your kids and support their program.” The event was coordinated by the hospitality and tourism students at the Arlington ISD Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center in collaboration with the Family and Community Engagement department. “Events like this are significant because they give students authentic, hands-on experience while also allowing them to give back and celebrate the volunteers who support our community,” said Emilie Barron, hospitality and tourism teacher. “Experiences like this help students build confidence, professionalism, and the creativity needed for careers in hospitality and tourism.” The students were involved in the process of selecting the theme, designing decorations, coordinating activities, and building the menu. “Seeing all the guests come in with smiles on their faces, it just makes you feel great,” said Nicole Haro, Sam Houston High School hospitality student. “It's a great opportunity. Everyone's excited to just be in this class.” While managing every stage of the event, the students gained firsthand experience in what it takes to plan and execute a professional event. The creativity, teamwork, and dedication came directly from the students. “Watching all of our ideas actually come to life, it's really cool,” said Jaiden Martinez, a Sam Houston hospitality student. “I love this class. I'm definitely going to miss it now that we're graduating.” Beyond the awards and festivities, the celebration highlighted the importance of showing gratitude for the individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to Arlington ISD. “Our volunteers bring in the heart from the community that helps to nurture and develop our students everyday and provide blessings to our staff and entire learning community,” said Aaron Perales, executive director of Family and Community Engagement. Thank you, volunteers! See more photos."
Sharing announcements helps build a stronger, more connected community.