FatherFEST brings hundreds of Arlington families together for celebration of engagement
"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."
Arlington ISD recognizes top volunteers at annual appreciation celebration
"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."
FatherFEST brings hundreds of Arlington families together for celebration of engagement
"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."
Arlington ISD recognizes top volunteers at annual appreciation celebration
"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."
