Carroll ISD’s Novell network systems will be down this afternoon (Thursday, April 22) for approximately three hours beginning at 4:30 p.m. The Technology Services Department will be conducting maintenance work during this time. The systems and logins for grades 5-12, administration departments and GroupWise email will be unavailable. All other systems will remain operational.
The systems are expected to be available again at 8 p.m. tonight. Please be sure to log off the systems during the maintenance to avoid data loss.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Carroll Officials Address High School Rumors
This one's tough folks . . . because it's more about rumor control and fear of the unknown than actual school safety, but it goes to show you just how much communication has changed and how quickly comments can be taken out of context and passed on to the next teenager using advanced technology.
We've been dealing with some ongoing rumors about school safety at Carroll High School for about a week. This issue has not involved an actual threat against the campus or any student but was actually a side conversation by several CHS students about what if? scenarios. Yes, students were actually sitting in a classroom talking about what could happen and what did happen more than a decade ago at Columbine High School. But kids are just that. . .kids and they let their conversation veer off their original what if? scenario by supposing which students they thought might take part in such a "made up" scenario. Someone else overhead and as you can imagine, an investigation began. And just when you think you have things taken care of and under control, school ends for the day and the students have free time on their hands. Unfortunately, the situation grew rapidly because of social networking, texting and the rumor mill.
Our campus and central administrators have been involved in working through this issue, as well as our resource officers and local law enforcement. We've been investigating this matter, talking with parents of CHS students and clarifying that we have received nothing at this point to give this rumor credibility. Last week we sent out a message to our CHS parents notifying them that all of this was based on rumor, not fact.
Still, this is a serious matter and we must all be diligent and responsible for our part in creating safer schools. We walk a fine line as an administration in generating so much discussion that it causes fear students and parents. We balance the facts against the rumors in determining who to notify and when. It appears, however, after a week of working on the issue that other secondary students have now heard the rumor. So, in the spirit of open and honest communication - one of Carroll ISD's core values - we sent an email notification to secondary parents and posted a statement on our Dragon SafetyZone website. You can read that statement below or on the SafetyZone web page at http://www.southlakecarroll.edu/safetyzone.aspx
Below is the actual announcement made at Carroll High School today. If you are having any questions about this topic, we hope that you will deal in the facts as they are laid out in the message to CHS students. We are increasing adult visibility in our hallways and commons areas just to reassure our students. Our faculty and support staff are committed to providing an atmosphere of excellence for CISD. The safety and security of your children remain our top priorities. Still, this situation serves as a reminder to us that we all play a very important role in teaching our students about the power and dangers of social networking, texting and the rumor mill. And we have to let our kids know that they, too, are responsible for helping to keep their schools safe.
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Carroll High School - April 19, 2010
Classroom Announcement read by CHS teacher following a general PA:
A lot of rumors are circulating among students and parents about a threat against our school. The rumors started after several students were talking about what if scenarios and then began to name specific students as part of their made up scenario. The administration is aware of this and has been working with local law enforcement and parents on this matter. Since last Tuesday, we have been checking and double checking our information, taking phone calls, monitoring internet sites and interviewing students that have been identified in these rumors. Please hear us say. . .we have found NO credible information that there was ever a threat against this school. This was a rumor that started and has continued to gain momentum because some of you have chosen to use Facebook, texting and cell phones to discuss this serious matter. We need your help to stop the rumors.
We have absolutely no facts or information to support the rumors that are going around. Some students are growing alarmed because everyone is talking about it and making the situation worse. We know that some of you may be genuinely scared but we want you to think carefully about the facts and not base your fear on misinformation. As adults and teenagers, we all have a responsibility to help make our school safe. Joking about or making false accusations about threats in school or other students will not be tolerated.
As we announced last week, we welcome students, parents or staff who have concerns to discuss them with the administration. But generally, we are asking you to be responsible and show strong character by stopping the rumors and calling a halt to all comments and discussion that could falsely accuse or scare students. School safety is a serious matter and local law enforcement is involved. We want to thank you for being responsible and helping us put a stop to the rumors.
We've been dealing with some ongoing rumors about school safety at Carroll High School for about a week. This issue has not involved an actual threat against the campus or any student but was actually a side conversation by several CHS students about what if? scenarios. Yes, students were actually sitting in a classroom talking about what could happen and what did happen more than a decade ago at Columbine High School. But kids are just that. . .kids and they let their conversation veer off their original what if? scenario by supposing which students they thought might take part in such a "made up" scenario. Someone else overhead and as you can imagine, an investigation began. And just when you think you have things taken care of and under control, school ends for the day and the students have free time on their hands. Unfortunately, the situation grew rapidly because of social networking, texting and the rumor mill.
Our campus and central administrators have been involved in working through this issue, as well as our resource officers and local law enforcement. We've been investigating this matter, talking with parents of CHS students and clarifying that we have received nothing at this point to give this rumor credibility. Last week we sent out a message to our CHS parents notifying them that all of this was based on rumor, not fact.
Still, this is a serious matter and we must all be diligent and responsible for our part in creating safer schools. We walk a fine line as an administration in generating so much discussion that it causes fear students and parents. We balance the facts against the rumors in determining who to notify and when. It appears, however, after a week of working on the issue that other secondary students have now heard the rumor. So, in the spirit of open and honest communication - one of Carroll ISD's core values - we sent an email notification to secondary parents and posted a statement on our Dragon SafetyZone website. You can read that statement below or on the SafetyZone web page at http://www.southlakecarroll.edu/safetyzone.aspx
Below is the actual announcement made at Carroll High School today. If you are having any questions about this topic, we hope that you will deal in the facts as they are laid out in the message to CHS students. We are increasing adult visibility in our hallways and commons areas just to reassure our students. Our faculty and support staff are committed to providing an atmosphere of excellence for CISD. The safety and security of your children remain our top priorities. Still, this situation serves as a reminder to us that we all play a very important role in teaching our students about the power and dangers of social networking, texting and the rumor mill. And we have to let our kids know that they, too, are responsible for helping to keep their schools safe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carroll High School - April 19, 2010
Classroom Announcement read by CHS teacher following a general PA:
A lot of rumors are circulating among students and parents about a threat against our school. The rumors started after several students were talking about what if scenarios and then began to name specific students as part of their made up scenario. The administration is aware of this and has been working with local law enforcement and parents on this matter. Since last Tuesday, we have been checking and double checking our information, taking phone calls, monitoring internet sites and interviewing students that have been identified in these rumors. Please hear us say. . .we have found NO credible information that there was ever a threat against this school. This was a rumor that started and has continued to gain momentum because some of you have chosen to use Facebook, texting and cell phones to discuss this serious matter. We need your help to stop the rumors.
We have absolutely no facts or information to support the rumors that are going around. Some students are growing alarmed because everyone is talking about it and making the situation worse. We know that some of you may be genuinely scared but we want you to think carefully about the facts and not base your fear on misinformation. As adults and teenagers, we all have a responsibility to help make our school safe. Joking about or making false accusations about threats in school or other students will not be tolerated.
As we announced last week, we welcome students, parents or staff who have concerns to discuss them with the administration. But generally, we are asking you to be responsible and show strong character by stopping the rumors and calling a halt to all comments and discussion that could falsely accuse or scare students. School safety is a serious matter and local law enforcement is involved. We want to thank you for being responsible and helping us put a stop to the rumors.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Teen Culture Topic Of April 17 Seminar
Adults who care for and work with teenagers, but sometimes have difficulty understanding their world, are invited to a free, public seminar on Teen Culture Saturday, April 17 at Carroll Senior High School. The event, sponsored by Carroll ISD and S.P.A.R.K. (Students and Parents Against Risks to Kids), will be held from 8 a.m. to noon in the auditorium of CSHS, 1501 W. Southlake Boulevard. Light refreshments will be available for participants.
CISD employees can receive four hours of continuing education/professional development credit for attending the seminar.
The ParenTeen Seminar is designed to answer common questions and offer advice on connecting with today's teenage population. In three sessions throughout the morning, Dr. David Fraze will explore the changing landscape of adolescent culture, the adult response to the change and then uncover how that change has affected today's teenage population. The seminar will end with practical suggestions for parents, teachers, coaches and all adults wanting to better understand and make a positive difference in the life of a teenager.
Dr. Fraze works with teens in Northeast Tarrant County and is a popular speaker at youth events, public/private school events and training seminars. He has been the host of a local television segment, The Teenage Tightrope, which provided parents with thoughtful insight into the world of teenagers. David is a writer who has contributed articles for youthspecialties.com and ENGAGE, the quarterly journal of The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, Youth Worker Journal, Journal of Student Ministries, and the Fuller Youth Institute. He serves on the executive board of Teen Lifeline (www.lifelivedbetter.org), an organization dedicated to reaching out to hurting teenagers. He also works with a unique program that brings together several North Texas school districts in a cooperative effort to prepare parents for the adolescent experience.
"Dr. Fraze is one of the foremost experts on the topic of teen culture," said Becci Rollins, CISD's Coordinator of Counseling. "He has great insight, perspective and experience in the world of teenagers. He was describing and talking about the issue of sexting long before anyone else around our area knew what the kids were doing. As soon as I heard him speak on the topic of teen culture, I knew we had to bring him to Southlake to present to our staff, our counselors and our parents."
The Saturday ParenTeen seminar is being provided by a Carroll ISD True To The Core grant, which provides funding for programs, events and initiatives that support the district's core values of excellence, relationships, character & integrity, innovation and open & honest communication.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Dragon License Plates Get Approval
The Carroll Independent School District will soon become the first school district in the state with its own personalized license plates.
During Monday’s School Board meeting, CISD Trustees approved a five-year agreement with My Plates to produce state-issued Carroll Dragon plates. The plate design expects to get state approval in May.
The plates will feature the Carroll green and black colors with the trademark Dragons logo on the left. Dragon fans will also have the option to personalize their plates. The district receives 10 percent commission on each plate sold, revenue which will go into the general operating fund.
A one-year agreement for Dragons plates costs $55 and a five-year plate purchases costs $195. The 10-year plate is $295.
Creating new plates typically takes 4-6 months and the Dragon plates will be available for purchase online in August.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Public Meeting - Relay For Life
In an effort to ensure open and honest communication, Carroll ISD will host a public Question & Answer session about the May 21 Relay For Life all-night fundraiser at Carroll High School.
Officials from Carroll ISD, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the event volunteer planning committee will be present at the public meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, April 12 in the library of Carroll Middle School. Relay For Life is the official fundraiser for ACS. Already 122 teams and nearly 1,000 participants have signed up to participate in the Southlake event.
Event Chair Tracey Flores and Team Chair Kristie Millican say they are getting a lot of logistical questions from parents, teachers and individuals interested in learning more about the May event. School officials say they are seeking sound and lighting variances from the City of Southlake. A Planning & Zoning meeting on this event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, (April 8) at City Hall, Town Square. At this meeting school and ACS officials will walk P&Z representatives through the site plan, event schedule and other event-related plans. The City Council is slated to address the light and sound variances at their April 20 meeting.
Carroll ISD officials say they will kick off the May 21 evening with a 5 p.m. rally to celebrate Rachel's Challenge - the K-12 kindness and compassion program implemented at all CISD schools last year. This rally will feature guest speaker Dana Scott, sister of Rachel Scott, the first teenager killed at Columbine High School a decade ago. Families will be invited to come celebrate Rachel's Rally with food, fun and games. Immediately following at 7 p.m. opening ceremonies for Relay For Life will begin.
About 3,000-4,000 people are expected at this community event during peak times. CISD plans to run shuttle buses for remote parking and have on-site security and emergency personnel. Entertainment and game booths are scheduled throughout the evening with two stages and plenty of fundraising opportunities. Proceeds from the events go to benefit the American Cancer Society. At 7:15 p.m. Cancer Survivors will take a victory lap around the track and then they will be treated to a dinner, compliments of Cotton Patch. After that lap, teams of 8-15 people will have walkers/runners take turns making laps until 7 a.m. the next morning. Teams are fundraising now and will continue to fundraiser on-site.
School officials say they will have a "tent city" camp-out area on the football practice field for those team(s) wishing to rest throughout the night. You do not have to spend the night to participate, but after midnight, only those signed up to walk for a team will be permitted in the track area. Bracelets will help identify participants. Co-ed and teen teams will be in a special canopy area between the tennis courts and the football field. This area will involve rock climbing walls and games geared toward older students. A special toddler area with games will be available from 5 to 9 p.m. in the CHS fenced-in tennis court area.
At 10 p.m. the area will grow hushed as the luminaria candle-lighting ceremony honors survivors and remembers those who have lost a loved one to cancer.
Anyone wishing to learn more about Relay For Life, Southlake, should attend the April 12 meeting or visit our website at http://www.relayforlife.org/southlaketx
More to come on this exciting community-wide event. Go online and sign up for a team, join the Survivors' Celebration or donate today!
Officials from Carroll ISD, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the event volunteer planning committee will be present at the public meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, April 12 in the library of Carroll Middle School. Relay For Life is the official fundraiser for ACS. Already 122 teams and nearly 1,000 participants have signed up to participate in the Southlake event.
Event Chair Tracey Flores and Team Chair Kristie Millican say they are getting a lot of logistical questions from parents, teachers and individuals interested in learning more about the May event. School officials say they are seeking sound and lighting variances from the City of Southlake. A Planning & Zoning meeting on this event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, (April 8) at City Hall, Town Square. At this meeting school and ACS officials will walk P&Z representatives through the site plan, event schedule and other event-related plans. The City Council is slated to address the light and sound variances at their April 20 meeting.
Carroll ISD officials say they will kick off the May 21 evening with a 5 p.m. rally to celebrate Rachel's Challenge - the K-12 kindness and compassion program implemented at all CISD schools last year. This rally will feature guest speaker Dana Scott, sister of Rachel Scott, the first teenager killed at Columbine High School a decade ago. Families will be invited to come celebrate Rachel's Rally with food, fun and games. Immediately following at 7 p.m. opening ceremonies for Relay For Life will begin.
About 3,000-4,000 people are expected at this community event during peak times. CISD plans to run shuttle buses for remote parking and have on-site security and emergency personnel. Entertainment and game booths are scheduled throughout the evening with two stages and plenty of fundraising opportunities. Proceeds from the events go to benefit the American Cancer Society. At 7:15 p.m. Cancer Survivors will take a victory lap around the track and then they will be treated to a dinner, compliments of Cotton Patch. After that lap, teams of 8-15 people will have walkers/runners take turns making laps until 7 a.m. the next morning. Teams are fundraising now and will continue to fundraiser on-site.
School officials say they will have a "tent city" camp-out area on the football practice field for those team(s) wishing to rest throughout the night. You do not have to spend the night to participate, but after midnight, only those signed up to walk for a team will be permitted in the track area. Bracelets will help identify participants. Co-ed and teen teams will be in a special canopy area between the tennis courts and the football field. This area will involve rock climbing walls and games geared toward older students. A special toddler area with games will be available from 5 to 9 p.m. in the CHS fenced-in tennis court area.
At 10 p.m. the area will grow hushed as the luminaria candle-lighting ceremony honors survivors and remembers those who have lost a loved one to cancer.
Anyone wishing to learn more about Relay For Life, Southlake, should attend the April 12 meeting or visit our website at http://www.relayforlife.org/southlaketx
More to come on this exciting community-wide event. Go online and sign up for a team, join the Survivors' Celebration or donate today!
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