The Quest for Excellence: 2019

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

End of 1st Semester Update

Celebrate Excellence - In the Board Meeting
In the December board meeting, the board of trustees took the following action:

The 15 Days of Christmas ended with every teacher and
staff member being celebrated for all that they do to
positively benefit the students of CISD.

The consent agenda was approved as presented,
The Volleyball Team and Primary students were honored,
The board heard the first reading of TASB Policy Update 114,
The board approved a waiver for the missed day at Carthage HS,
The board held a public hearing on the Texas Academic Performance Report,
The board approved the process regarding the procurement of architect,
The board approved the purchase of a new suburban,
The board reviewed needs for a future Maintenance Tax Bond that would require no increase to the tax rate. These I&S Funds would be used to purchase buses, technology, and provide routine and preventative maintenance and upkeep of our buildings
The board discussed the salary personnel comparison, and the district's plan to become the best district for personnel salaries,
The board approved the change for the new Baker Koonce Interim Assistant Principal, Shannon Freeman,
The next school meeting will be on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

Good Luck to the Carthage Bulldogs at the State Championship Game

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Bulldogs of the Week

Bulldogs of the Week are:

Student: Vivianna Olvera

Parent: Stacy Brown

Staff: Paul Bishop

Food Service: Lori Hartley

Upcoming Events

Thank you Ms. Davis and her students for building a new sign
for Davis Park!

Fri, Dec 20 - Student Holiday and Teacher Work Day
Mon, Dec 23 - Christmas Break Begins
Mon, Jan 6 - Professional Learning Day (Student Holiday)
Tue, Jan 7 - Professional Learning Day (Student Holiday)
Wed, Jan 8 - Students Return to School

Click Links below to each School Calendar
Carthage HS Calendar
Carthage JH Calendar
Baker-Koonce Calendar
Libby Elementary Calendar
Carthage Primary Calendar

Your Input Matters
If you have a question, suggestion, or comment, please leave a comment below. Comments are not published immediately. Please do not leave negative comments about individual people. If you have a negative comment, please email the principal, superintendent or call 903-693-3806.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Week of December 16

Celebrate Excellence

Technology is very important. At CISD, we have a
goal of being a 1 to 1 technology district in the next
3 years. Maintenance bond taxes are used to purchase
technology for our students and staff.

Here Libby students are using Chromebooks to learn math.

As we get ready to wrap up the 2019 year, I want to highlight some very positive things happening at Carthage ISD. First, we are a culture of growth. At every campus, the focus has been on how much growth students are making in their learning. Second, staff members have been committed to their own personal growth. Because we know that student growth can't be maximized without teacher growth, teachers and staff members have put in lots of hours outside the school day to find new ways to get better at meeting the needs of all kids. Finally, we want all kids to succeed in everything that they do.

From academic classes to athletics, from fine arts to FFA, or Career Technology Education to character education, our district is firmly committed to ensuring that every student finds their own unique excellence. What we do as a district can never be fully measured by one test on one day or in an arbitrary rating. We will always judge ourselves by how much growth we make in every student.

As we finish this month and the 2019 year, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for allowing me to serve as your superintendent. Carthage is truly the premier district, and it is an honor and privilege to be a part of such an outstanding community. I pray that as we complete this last week of December, each of you will enter the Christmas week full of love, comfort and joy.

Good Luck to our Bulldog Football Team

at the State Semifinal Game

Parent Involvement is Critical

Carthage has tremendous parents and I want you to know just how powerful your partnership is in the education of your child. In the picture below, Carthage Primary had "Donuts with Dad", and there was a tremendous turnout. Thank you, parents, for all that you do to partner with CISD in the education of your children.

Bulldogs of the Week

Congratulations to our Bulldogs of the Week

Student - KeUndra Roquemore

Teacher - April Bagley

Parent - Amber Tucker

Custodial - Jay Alford

Upcoming Events

We are very proud of CHS Senior
Mary Katherine Smith for her work as the
Texas TSA State President this year.
Great job representing Carthage!

Fri, Dec 13 - State Semi-Final Football Game in New Caney
Fri, Dec 13 - Girls BB at Mt. Pleasant Chapel Hill
Sat, Dec 14 - 9th GBB at Whitehouse
Mon, Dec 16 - Fall Art Show in PAC at 5 p.m.
Mon, Dec 16 - Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Tue, Dec 17 - Boys BB at Pine Tree
Tue, Dec 17 - Girls BB at Liberty Eylau
Tue, Dec 17 - JH Band Concert at PAC
Fri, Dec 20 - Student Holiday and Teacher Work Day
Mon, Dec 23 - Christmas Break Begins
Mon, Jan 6 - Professional Learning Day (Student Holiday)
Tue, Jan 7 - Professional Learning Day (Student Holiday)

Click Links below to each School Calendar

Baker Koonce students are finishing the year strong
with hard work and commitment to growth.

Carthage HS Calendar
Carthage JH Calendar
Baker-Koonce Calendar
Libby Elementary Calendar
Carthage Primary Calendar

Your Input Matters
If you have a question, suggestion, or comment, please leave a comment below. Comments are not published immediately. Please do not leave negative comments about individual people. If you have a negative comment, please email the principal, superintendent or call 903-693-3806.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Week of December 9

Celebrate Excellence

We have 2 more weeks until Christmas break and we are working very hard in our learning. Be sure to ask your child or child's teacher questions if you need to know specifically where they are in their learning. The 3rd 6 Weeks Formative Assessment will be given during the last week of December and it is important that all students show growth from their 2nd 6 weeks as well as from their last year's STAAR test.

Another great thing to celebrate is our community support for Carthage ISD. The Masonic Lodge of Carthage (picture above) campus to the primary to donate toothbrush kits to all of our 1st graders! We thank them for all of their support for our students.

Good Luck to our Bulldogs as they take on Midlothian Heritage in the State Quarterfinals

Bulldogs of the Week

Congratulations to our Bulldogs of the Week

Student: Kutter Jacks

Teacher: Rosalind Rougley

Parent: Melanie Courtney

Transportation: Todd Andrews

#BeTheLIGHT - 15 Days of Christmas

In the month of December, our teachers and staff have been receiving the 15 Days of Christmas. Each day we are celebrating our amazing staff members for all that they do for our students each and every day. To help with this powerful project, we have had great support for our central office work by volunteers: Carolyn Wink, Belinda Whitaker, Sheila Willis, Ashley Morris, and Brianne Harris. Thank you CISD staff for all that you do!

Upcoming Events

Fri, Dec 6 - Bulldog FB vs Midlothian Heritage at Tomato Bowl in Jacksonville
Fri, Dec 6 - V GBB at Mt. Pleasant Tournament
Fri, Dec 6 - FFA at State LDE Contest in Huntsville
Week of Dec 9 - STAAR EOC Retesting at CHS
Mon, Dec 9 - Christmas Choir Concert at 6 p.m.
Tue, Dec 10 - Girls BB at Texas High
Fri, Dec 13 - Girls BB at Mt. Pleasant Chapel Hill
Sat, Dec 14 - 9th GBB at Whitehouse
Mon, Dec 16 - Fall Art Show in PAC at 5 p.m.
Mon, Dec 16 - Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Tue, Dec 17 - Boys BB at Pine Tree
Tue, Dec 17 - Girls BB at Liberty Eylau
Tue, Dec 17 - JH Band Concert at PAC
Fri, Dec 20 - Student Holiday and Teacher Work Day
Mon, Dec 23 - Christmas Break Begins
Mon, Jan 6 - Professional Learning Day (Student Holiday)
Tue, Jan 7 - Professional Learning Day (Student Holiday)

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Week of November 25 (Happy Thanksgiving!)

Celebrate Excellence - In the Board Meeting
At the November 18 board meeting the Carthage ISD Board of Trustees took the following action:

Congratulations to the CHS Ladydogs for
finishing the year as the State Semifinalist!!!

Recognized students from Libby Elementary and the CHS Boys Cross Country Team
Approved the CISD Investment Report
Approved updates to Board Policy DC LOCAL regarding summer hiring practices
Reviewed the Delinquent Taxes report
Discussed the progress of the most recent maintenance bond
Approved allocations for the Cafeteria fund balance
Approved the Textbook Committee
Reviewed the 2nd 6 Weeks Formative Assessment results
Approved nominations for representatives to serve on the Panola County Appraisal Board
Discussed process for a request for qualifications for architectural services

The next meeting will be on Monday, December 16, 2019, at 6:30 p.m.

Good Luck the Bulldog Football Team in the next round of the playoffs!

Primary performs for Education Foundation

Bulldogs of the Week

Congratulations to our Bulldogs of the Week

Teacher - Jessica Alexander

Student - Nicole Monreal

Parent - Misty Ladymon

Technology - Richard McPherson

#BeTheLIGHT

Libby Elementary did a fantastic
job on their canned food drive.

As we head into the Thanksgiving break, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Carthage community. You have been a tremendous support to Carthage ISD, and it is my honor and privilege to be a part of this great community. I wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving, and I look forward to seeing you all when we return on December 2.

Upcoming Events

CJHS 7th grade students are shown here using
Chromebooks to learn math!

Fri, Nov 22 - F / V Girls BB at Elysian Fields
Sat, Nov 23 - JV V G BB at Gladewater
Mon, Nov 25 - Thanksgiving Holidays begins
Mon, Nov 25 - JV Girls BB at Hallsville
Mon, Nov 25 - F / V Girls BB vs Gilmer
Tue, Nov 25 - JV/V Girls BB vs Palestine
Thu, Nov 27 - Happy Thanksgiving
Mon, Dec 2 - Students and Staff Return to School
Mon, Dec 2 - JH Boys BB at Home
Mon, Dec 2 - F Girls BB at Hallsville
Tue, Dec 3 - JV/V G BB @ Daingerfield
Thu, Dec 5 - V GBB at Mt. Pleasant Tournament
Fri, Dec 20 - Student Holiday & Teacher Work Day
Mon, Dec 23 - Christmas Break begins

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Week of November 18

Celebrate Excellence

CISD Teachers spent Monday, November 11 creating
powerful interventions and strong instruction for all
kids based on the 2nd 6 weeks Formative Assessments.
We are thankful for our teachers and leaders for their hard
work.

I would like to start out with a big celebration at Carthage ISD. The 2nd 6 weeks had the fewest disciplinary referrals in the last 4 years. This is a testament to the great kids we have, the strong leadership of our teachers and administrators, and the excellent parenting students are provided at home. Thank you.

The 2nd 6 Weeks Assessments were completed last week, and report cards will also come out this week. When you visit with your children about their report cards, ask them about their growth on the 2nd 6 weeks assessment compared to their STAAR test last year, as well as to their 1st 6 weeks assessment. Primary and Libby students should be able to tell you about how much growth they have made in reading and math.

Based on the information you discuss, help your child set a goal for the 3rd 6 weeks. You can ask them what their growth goals or +10 goals are for the 3rd 6 weeks.

Ladydogs Punch their Ticket to Regionals

Congratulations to the Ladydog Volleyball team who punched their ticket
to the Regional Tournament. They play on Friday and Saturday!

Bus Safety

Our buses are delivering excellence to and from Carthage ISD every day. Everyday, students are getting on and off the bus, and we have noticed that every week cars are not stopping for the bus. We are making reports to law enforcement. Please help us watch for cars who do not stop and report them to either transportation, the sheriff's office or the police department.

Bulldogs of the Week

Congratulations to our Bulldogs of the Week
Shelbye Almeida - PACE
Mehek Ladiwala - CHS Student
Jeannie Lawrence - PCSSA
Stacie Smith - Parent / Volunteer

Upcoming Events

Hard work pays off! In this picture, Libby
students enjoyed fun and games for reaching
their behavior and learning goals in the
2nd 6 weeks.

Fri, Nov 15 - Report Cards go out
Fri, Nov 15 - FB vs Athens in Jacksonville (1st round of Playoffs)
Fri, Nov 15 - VB at Regional Tournament
Sat, Nov 16 - F/JV at Gladewater Tournament
Sat, Nov 16 - VB at Regional Tournament (if they win on Friday)
Sat, Nov 16 - UIL Academics at Athens
Mon, Nov 18 - Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Tue, Nov 19 - CISD Education Foundation Donor Dinner at CHS at 6 p.m
Tue, Nov 19 - JV / V G BB vs Timpson
Fri, Nov 22 - F / V Girls BB at Elysian Fields
Sat, Nov 23 - JV V G BB at Gladewater
Mon, Nov 25 - Thanksgiving Holidays begins

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Week of November 11

Celebrate Excellence - Parent Feedback Helps CISD Grow!

Congratulations to Raymond Thomas (left),
Carthage HS Band Director from 1975 - 1985,
and 1991-1992 who was named to the NAMMB
Hall of Fame on Saturday.

In CISD we aspire for excellence in all aspects of our district. From academics to athletics, from fine arts to food service, from transportation to technology and all programs in between, we want to provide the very best to our students. With that said, we can’t get better unless we know what doesn’t work well.

If you experience problems with things at the school, we encourage you to contact the best person to address your problem. If it’s academics, the teacher is the best person to contact. If it’s discipline or your child’s safety, the campus administrator is the best person to email or call. If the parent portal is not working for you, the technology department would be the best point of contact. If you are not sure who to contact, you can call your child's school or central office at 903-693-3806.

We want to provide our students the best school district and parents the very best support. We only get better when we receive feedback from you. If you have a concern but never report it to the best source for fixing the problem, the problem will continue to exist for you. Please reach out to us. We are here to help you as well as your child.

The Ladydawgs are the Bi-District Champs!

#BeTheLIGHT - Bulldog Excellence

The District Champ Bulldogs are 9-0!

We have lots to celebrate this week. Check out our Bulldog Excellence.

The Bulldogs are 9-0 on the year and have clinched the District Championship. They begin their playoff quest for the state championship on Friday, November 15 in Jacksonville.
The Ladydogs set a school record for wins in a season and are continuing their success next week and are the Bi-District Champions
The Bulldog Band earned a 1st Division at the NAMMB (National Association of Military Marching Bands) contest and were the 2nd place 4A at the contest.

The Battlin’ Bulldog Band was one of only two 4A schools
to make a 1st division from all 5 judges and for taking 2nd place
in 4A at the Texas State Military Marching Band Contest.

Congratulations to our Bulldogs of the Week

Teacher - Jolene Davis

Student - Rhett Goldman

Parent Volunteer - Carolyn Wink

Maintenance - Patrick Carter

Bulldogs of the Week

Congratulations to our Bulldogs of the Week

Teacher - Jolene Davis
Teacher - Kelly Hambrick

Student - Rhett Goldman

Parent Volunteer - Carolyn Wink

Maintenance - Patrick Carter

Upcoming Events

Fri, Nov 8 - FB at Kilgore
Sat, Nov 9 - HS Girls BB vs Marshall HOME
Sat, Nov 9 - All Region Choir Concert at PAC
Sat, Nov 9 - UIL Academics at Whitehouse & Center
Sat, Nov 9 - FFA at Van Invitational
Mon, Nov 11 - Veterans Day and Professional Learning Day for Staff (No School for Students)
Tue, Nov 12 - Students return to begin 3rd 6 weeks
Thu, Nov 14 - Girls V BB at Queen City Tournament
Fri, Nov 15 - Report Cards go out
Fri, Nov 15 - FB vs Athens in Jacksonville (1st round of Playoffs)
Sat, Nov 16 - UIL Academics at Athens
Mon, Nov 18 - Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

CISD Employees attending the TEPSA Growth Leadership Conference in Rockwall are Allen Koch, Evelyn Wedgeworth, Rachel Penner, Sheila West, Kara Chapman, & Schelice Reyes. Pictured with Todd Whitaker, Keynote Speaker

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Week of November 4

Celebrate Excellence - #NoExcuseNovember

Congratulations to our record-setting and
Undefeated District Champ Ladydawg
Volleyball team. The girls start the playoffs
on Monday night at 6:30 at TJC in Tyler.

October is over and November is here. For men, No Shave November is here, and in school No Excuse November is here. The purpose for No Excuse November is to challenge students, parents, and teachers to crush all the excuses that make us fail to grow in our work and in our learning. For example the biggest excuses made by most people are "I don't have time" or "I can't do that". That's simply not true. We have the time if we make it, and we can do anything we commit to do.

Let's face it. Excuses do nothing more than allow us to remain in our current state. They keep us in our present state and serve as a barrier that prevents us from finding our inner excellence. As parents and educators, we must challenge kids to stop making the following excuses when it comes to learning:

I'm not a good reader.
Math is not my thing.
I can't write.
I don't have time to study.

None of these excuses are true. Students can be good readers, mathematicians, writers and studious learners if we teach them to avoid the trap of making excuses. When excuses are no longer allowed, learning increases, students learn the value of hard work and perseverance, and No Excuse November will be a powerful month that leads kids to success. I hope you will challenge your student to adopt the No Excuse November movement.

Bullying Protocols

Congratulations to our CHS Boys Cross Country
team and Coaches Horton and Brooks who
qualified for the UIL State Meet today in Huntsville.

At CISD we have protocols for reporting bullying, harassment, or threats of violence. If you see something, say something. Chances are the adults in the building are not aware there’s an issue, and the sooner an issue is reported, the greater the chances are that it can be addressed.

Step 1 - Report the issue to the teacher. The teacher many times can address the issue immediately if it is between your child and another student.

Step 2 - If the issue persists in spite of reports to the teacher or if the threat is a major danger to others, notify the campus administrator. They have specific training to address the problem. Additionally, they will need you to report the issue to them each time it occurs.

Step 3 - If repeated efforts with the campus administrator have not resolved the problem, please

Baker Koonce students prepared their gardens
last week. The garden was provided by a grant from
the CISD Education Foundation

contact central office administration.

We also have an anonymous reporting link on the home page to our website. http://mycampuseye.com/web/4W9J Please save this link to your phone and encourage your child to save it to their phone. This will allow threats to be reported immediately.

If you have questions about our bullying policy, please contact the campus administrator. They are the best resource to ensure your child attends a safe school.

Formative Assessment Week
Please join us in motivating your student to excel on the 2nd 6 weeks formative assessments. Every student has a +10 goal for this assessment. This goal is set to challenge all students to increase their performance by 10 points from either the child's STAAR score from last year or from the student's performance on the Beginning of Year assessment. This week, ask your child what their goal is and what they plan to do on the 2nd 6 weeks assessment to reach their goal.

Carthage ISD Education Foundation

holds annual drive. Click link above to contribute.

Bulldogs of the Week

Congratuations to our Bulldogs of the Week

Jacie Bagley - Student (bottom left)

Melanie Hudson - Teacher (bottom right)

Taylor Moore - Food Service (top right)

Brandie Horton - Parent/Comm Volunteer (top left)

Upcoming Events

Kindergarten students in Mrs. Koch's and
Isbell's class taught one another through
collaboration how to use Chromebook to
conduct a Google Search

Fri, Nov 1 - FB vs. Henderson (HOME)
Sat, Nov 2 - UIL Academics at Lindale
Sat, Nov 2 - SAT Test
Sat, Nov 2 - Band at NAMMB
Sat, Nov 2 - FFA at Waskom LDE Invitational
Sun, Nov 3 - Daylight Savings Time begins
Mon, Nov 4 - Formative Assessment Week begins
Mon, Nov 4 - Primary Canned Food Drive Begins
Tue, Nov 5 - Election Day
Thu, Nov 7 - F/JV FB vs Kilgore
Fri, Nov 8 - FB at Kilgore
Sat, Nov 9 - HS Girls BB vs Marshall HOME
Sat, Nov 9 - All Region Choir Concert at PAC
Sat, Nov 9 - UIL Academics at Whitehouse & Center
Sat, Nov 9 - FFA at Van Invitational
Mon, Nov 11 - Veterans Day and Professional Learning Day for Staff (No School for Students)

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Week of October 28

Celebrate Excellence - In the Board Meeting
In the Carthage ISD School Board meeting on October 21, the following items were deliberated:

The CISD Board of Trustees honored principals at the
October 21 board meeting.
From left: Ken Andrus, Supt John Wink, Staci Davis (Libby)
Kiley Schumacher and Jennifer Register (Primary), Mike
Baysinger (PACE), Clarinda Collins (Baker Koonce), Dr. Ben
Donald, Mary Ella Sherman, Frank Willis, and Paul Beatty.
Not pictured: Jason Harris (CHS) and Wade Watson (CJHS)

The consent agenda was approved as presented.
The Carthage ISD principals were honored for their hard work as part of National Principals Month.
The 2017-2018 FIRST report was presented. Carthage ISD earned a perfect 100 rating for its Financial Integrity Rating.
The Targeted Improvement Plan for Baker Koonce was discussed. This is a plan that outlines the academic improvements being made for the campus.
The 1st 6 Weeks Formative Assessment report was presented to the board.
The board approved the purchase of 3 new buses.
The board approved the technology bid to complete the project at the Carthage ISD Professional Learning Room,

The next school meeting will be on Monday, November 18, 2019.

#BeTheLIGHT - Bulldog Band

The Bulldog Band earned a 1st Division Rating at
UIL Marching Contest at SFA last week.

Congratulations to the Bulldog Band for their 1st division performance at the Region XXI UIL Marching Contest at SFA on Saturday, October 19. The band earned straight 1's from all 3 judges at the contest. We are so proud of the students under the direction of band directors: Nick Durham, John Dupnik, Joseph Schaetz, and James Thomas. The band continues its marching contest participation at the NAMMB (National Association of Military Marching Bands) contest on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at SFA.

Education Foundation Week
The Carthage ISD Education Foundation (Click Here) exists to provide Carthage ISD students and teachers with resources and experiences that go beyond what the general curriculum and budget provide. In 2019, the Education Foundation awarded $180,000 through 55 grants to to every campus last year. In 2020, the Education Foundation has set a goal of $200,000 to be raised to provide even more supports to our students. If you would like to give, please contact Cynthia Harkrider (Click Here) at 903-693-3806

Mr. Wink delivered the keynote message on the power of student leadership to area schools at the TSA Regional Student Assembly on Oct 23 which was held at the Pine Springs Baptist Camp.

Bulldogs of the Week

Congratulations to our Bulldogs of the Week
Student of the Week - Ruby Morris
Teacher of the Week - Jacinda Gwinn
Custodial Team Member of the Week - Jerry Refior
Community / Volunteer Member of the Week - Rachel Pace

Upcoming Events

Fri, Oct 25 - V FB at Palestine

CHS Volleyball Seniors had their last
home game where they defeated Center
and extended their all time wins to 34.
They look to tie the all time record of 35
wins on Tuesday night.
Sat, Oct 26 - CHS Theatre Fall Show at 7 p.m.
Sun, Oct 27 - CHS Theatre Fall Show at 2 p.m.
Mon, Oct 28 - CHS Theatre Fall Show at 7 p.m.
Mon, Oct 28 - Cross Country Regional Meet in Huntsville
Tue, Oct 29 - VB at Huntington
Wed, Oct 30 - CHS Blood Drive
Fri, Nov 1 - Primary Fall Festival
Fri, Nov 1 - FB vs. Henderson (HOME)
Sat, Nov 2 - UIL Academics at Lindale
Sat, Nov 2 - SAT Test
Sat, Nov 2 - Band at NAMMB
Sat, Nov 2 - FFA at Waskom LDE Invitational
Sun, Nov 3 - Daylight Savings Time begins
Mon, Nov 4 - Formative Assessment Week begins

Click Links below to each School Calendar
Carthage HS Calendar
Carthage JH Calendar
Baker-Koonce Calendar
Libby Elementary Calendar
Carthage Primary Calendar

Your Input Matters

If you have a question, suggestion, or comment, please leave a comment below. Comments are not published immediately. Please do not leave negative comments about individual people. If you have a negative comment, please email the principal, superintendent or call 903-693-3806.

Pages

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Wednesday, October 23, 2019