My Arlington ISD Parent Newsletter for December 2025

Welcome to December!
Can you believe it’s December?! That means there are only three weeks of school left before the winter break. They’re going to be busy, but also fun and festive! As you gear up, check out our latest parent newsletter for important dates, updates, and good news.
Happy Holidays from Arlington ISD!
Important Dates & Events
- Dec. 3 - Mission Joy Toy Drive Finale - Arlington ISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 5-7 p.m.
- Dec. 4 - Job fair: Special Education Assistants
- Dec. 5 - Early Learning Connections - free seminars for parents of young children
- Dec. 11 - Coffee & Conversation with the Director of Special Education
- Dec. 11 - Arlington ISD Board of Trustees Meeting
- Dec. 19 - End of first semester / Early release for elementary schools
- Jan. 7 - Second semester begins
- Jan. 8 - Arlington ISD Board of Trustees Meeting
- Jan. 14 - Trustee Talk
You should know ...
Capital Needs Steering Committee continues work
Arlington ISD’s new CNSC continues to meet to review and analyze data related to student enrollment trends, facility conditions, educational programs, and finances. But we want your input, too. Visit the CSNS page to learn more and give your input.
Specialized Program applications open now
Applications are now open for the many specialized programs in Arlington ISD. These are exclusive student opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. From dual language and fine arts to STEM and leadership, Arlington ISD has the right program for every student.
Attend a parent information meeting, learn more and apply here.
Transfer window open Nov. 20 - Dec. 4
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. This transfer window is an opportunity for students already in Arlington ISD to transfer to a different school or for students outside of Arlington ISD to transfer in. Learn more and apply here.
Free sign language classes
Did you know Arlington ISD offers free sign language classes for ages 8 and up? See the dates for classes here.
Gun Safety Storage
A new state law requires school districts to distribute information regarding safe firearm storage to parents. With the holidays here, it’s a good time to make sure any guns you may own are safely stored. Practicing safe gun storage protects our kids, prevents accidents, and keeps guns out of the hands of criminals. Together, we can KEEP ‘EM SAFE, TEXAS! Please visit safegunstoragetexas.com for tips on safely storing guns.
A few highlights from Arlington ISD

- Four Arlington ISD high schools ranked in U.S. News and World Report’s Best High Schools list
- Junior high students learn about integrity and leadership at Medal of Honor Museum
- Martin High School track star runs for Team USA at World Para Athletics Championships
- Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and Arlington ISD launch another year of Leading Off program
- Arlington ISD leads Metroplex in teacher pay
IN THE NEWS: Science comes alive at Hill Elementary

Alumni Spotlight
Martin High School grad wins World Chef Championship - again
Preston Nguyen, a Martin High School grad, has done it again. The 22-year-old recently won the World Chef Championship – and its $10,000 prize – for the second time. Read more about this rising culinary star who credits the Arlington ISD culinary program with launching his career.
Honoring our veterans
Honoring veterans all over the district

Students across the district honored our veterans last month, including many of their own family members and our employees. And if you went to Arlington’s Veterans Day Parade, you got to see – and hear – all of our high school marching bands and the patriotic float that our maintenance team built to honor each branch of the military.
Arlington ISD receptionist reflects on Army service

If you've ever visited our Administration Building, you were greeted by an Army vet. Our receptionist, Nora Culpepper, who is always armed with a smile and a friendly hello, served in the Army in Korea near the DMZ. We salute Nora and all of our veterans! Read more about Nora.
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