Allen ISD Where Eagles Soar Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 6

Dr. Scott Niven, Allen ISD
Superintendent of Schools
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Message from
Dr. Niven
et me begin by congratulating the Allen Eagle Football Team for winning the 6A Division 1 State Championship on
December 23. The effort put forth by players and coaches throughout the 16-week season is amazing and we are all happy
to see the team rewarded with a state trophy.
The championship is not Allen’s first and certainly will not be their last but it was my first opportunity as superintendent to
experience playoff football in Allen. Beyond the accomplishments of the team, I continue to be impressed by the commitment that
nearly 1,000 students from the Escadrille, cheerleading squads, spirit crews and trainers who followed the team each week. I was
also amazed by the tens of thousands of fans who came to support the Eagles in Denton and Waco and Arlington. Attendance at
the state finals was approximately 42,000 and I know that a large number of those fans were wearing Eagle colors.
The success of Allen’s football team is well known and widely reported but it is not the only sport or program to earn state
recognition. The AHS wrestling team has won an amazing eight consecutive state titles and the girls golf team has won four state
titles and competed at the highest level consistently. A large group of students are being recognized in this issue of SOAR for
earning seats in the All State Band and Orchestra and each month, students in areas as diverse as photography and archery earn
state or national trophies.
The common themes in all of these accomplishments are student performance and parent support. It is a formula for success
that works in kindergarten and still works as seniors prepare for graduation. Teachers and staff play a big role but the support
parents give to their child is most important in academics and school activities.
I observe that parent support and involvement throughout our schools and it’s one of the factors that makes Allen ISD so special.
Our campus PTAs and the Allen ISD PTA Council also contribute by welcoming parents and encouraging them to get involved in
their child’s education.
It is natural for parents to support their children in athletics as they spend nights and weekends at practices and games.
What impresses me is the support I see for students involved in academic activities as well. From the elementary school UIL
competitions to band contests and robotics, Allen parents encourage their children and support the teachers and coaches who
guide them.
At the classroom level, Allen parents can also help their children succeed by communicating with teachers and monitoring
work. Systems such as Canvas and Skyward have been put in
place to provide easy access for parents to monitor their child’s
progress and grades. I encourage you to make use of these tools
and maintain communication with your child’s teachers from
kindergarten through high school.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Niven
Superintendent of Schools
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Superintendent Scott
Niven presenting state
medal to Payton Kirby