June 15, 2022

Dear Eagle Families,

As we begin to prepare for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year, we want to make our families aware of the Argyle ISD safety measures in place and being added to protect our Eagle students and staff.

Safety is the highest of priorities in Argyle ISD and district officials continue to evaluate and strengthen the safety and security of the learning environments on our campuses. We understand the heightened safety concerns of our Argyle ISD community following the tragic shooting in Uvalde. Please continue to keep the families and community of Uvalde in your thoughts and prayers.

During these very concerning times for families, we want to share more background of the district's safety and security program.

Argyle ISD Police Department
The school district has its own police department with full-time police officers led by new Police Chief Scott Collins. He was hired in March and leads a staff of four officers. One AISD officer is assigned to each of the five AISD campuses. The district had three officers during 2021-2022 and will have five in place for 2022-2023. The AISD PD has a strong partnership with the Argyle, Northlake and Flower Mound police departments and the Denton County Sheriff’s Office. This strong partnership allows AISD to collaborate, train and prepare together. The AISD PD was established in 2013.

Armed Campus Staff
In 2014, the Argyle ISD School Board approved the armed staff program on all campuses. This program includes an undisclosed number of staff members on each campus that carry concealed guns. These staff members go through rigorous training, are armed at all times and are approved by the Superintendent, AISD Police Chief and School Board. The armed staff is held to strict standards and their training covers a wide range of topics. 

Campus Safety Vestibules at Entrances/ Perimeter Patrol
All five AISD campuses and the new administration building have secured locked entry vestibules. These vestibules provide protected levels with only authorized or credentialed entry.  AISD PD officers and campus administrators make frequent checks of all entrances and exits around campus. There is also regular monitoring of doors to ensure they are locked and secured. AISD PD also patrols the parking lots and areas around the schools to ensure the safety and security of the campuses.

Panic Button/Crisis Alert System
Argyle ISD implemented a panic button/crisis alert system district-wide during the 2021-2022 school year. This system allows teachers and staff to use an ID-badge-type device to send an alert signal during a crisis. This system immediately alerts the Argyle ISD Police Department and area first responders.

Mental Health & Counseling Services
Argyle ISD has the services of a District Crisis Coordinator Dr. Paul Haggan who serves students in all grades and is also a counseling resource for staff. Dr. Haggan has extensive counseling experience and is a valuable mental health expert who can provide valuable guidance and evaluations. Dr. Haggan also oversees potential student suicide concerns. The district has also added an Intervention Counselor Sarah Matteson at Argyle Middle School who will assist with social and emotional learning and mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. She will also assist with transitioning students into the instructional setting from rehabilitation and hospital settings. AISD has added a fifth counselor at AHS and a third counselor at AMS to serve students. AISD has four counselors for elementary-aged students.

Regular Campus Drills
Argyle ISD campuses meet and exceed the state required drills for each school year. As per the state required legislation, AISD follows the “I Love U Guys" Foundation Standard Response Protocol. These include evacuation, shelter, lockdown and fire drills.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding safety and security in our schools, please email communications@argyleisd.com.