Carthage ISD

🎟️🏈 FOOTBALL TICKET INFORMATION | THIS WEEK

Dawg Nation, here’s everything you need to know about tickets for this week’s football games!

🔴 ROAD GAMES AT PITTSBURG
Junior High and Varsity tickets are available ONLINE ONLY through Pittsburg ISD.

🎟️ Tickets:
https://fan.hudl.com/usa/tx/pittsburg/organization/7030/pittsburg-high-school/tickets

Thursday, October 8
🏈 Junior High at Pittsburg | Games begin at 4:30 PM

Friday, October 9
🏈 Varsity at Pittsburg | Kickoff at 7:00 PM

⚪ HOME GAMES AT CARTHAGE
Freshmen and JV tickets are available online at:

🎟️ carthageisd.org/tickets

Thursday, October 8
🏈 Freshmen vs. Kilgore | 4:30 PM
🏈 JV vs. Pittsburg | 6:00 PM

Please make sure you use the correct ticket link for the game you’re attending. We’ll see you in the stands supporting the Dawgs!

#ForTheC #DawgNation

Today, Carthage ISD proudly celebrates World Teachers’ Day and the incredible educators who make a difference across our district every single day. ❤️🤍

The impact of a great teacher reaches far beyond a classroom.

Teachers help students discover strengths they did not know they had. They encourage them through difficult moments, challenge them to grow, celebrate their progress, and often become the person who helps a student believe that something more is possible.

From our youngest learners taking their first steps in the classroom to our seniors preparing for what comes next, Carthage ISD teachers are helping shape confidence, character, knowledge, and dreams.

Years from now, students may not remember every assignment, lesson, or test, but they will remember the teacher who believed in them. The one who listened. The one who challenged them. The one who gave them another chance. The one who made them feel seen, valued, and capable.

To every teacher across Carthage ISD, thank you for the time, patience, creativity, encouragement, and heart you pour into our students. Your influence does not end when the school day does, and the difference you make today can last a lifetime.

Happy World Teachers’ Day to the teachers who continue to inspire the next generation of Learners, Leaders, and Legends. ❤️🤍

#WorldTeachersDay #CarthageISD #BetterAsABulldog #LearnersLeadersLegends #ThankATeacher

❤️🤍 Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month🤍❤️

Carthage ISD is proud to recognize **National Hispanic Heritage Month** and celebrate the rich history, culture, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

Across our schools, we are grateful for the students, families, educators, and staff members whose heritage, experiences, and traditions help make our district community stronger.

This month gives us an opportunity to learn, celebrate, and honor the many voices and stories that continue to shape our schools, our community, and our country.

We are proud to celebrate the people and cultures that are such an important part of Carthage ISD.

#HispanicHeritageMonth #CarthageISD

📅 THIS WEEK IN CARTHAGE ISD | OCTOBER 4–10, 2026 It’s another busy week across Carthage ISD! From picture day and parent meetings to district competition, volleyball, football, cross country, and One Act Play, there is plenty happening around our campuses. ❤️🤍 🔥 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 | Fire Prevention Week • CHS Fall Picture Day • CHS FFA Meeting in the Commons | 5:30 PM • JH Volleyball vs. Spring Hill | Games begin at 4:30 PM • Libby Title I Parent Meeting | 5:30 PM • Libby Open House | 6:00 PM • Primary Title I Parent Meeting | 5:00 PM • Primary Open House | 5:30 PM 🏐 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 | National Coaches Day • CHS Volleyball at Spring Hill JV White | 4:30 PM JV Red | 5:30 PM Varsity | 6:30 PM • TSA Meeting in B1 | 6:00 PM • JH Cross Country at the District Meet in Longview 🎭 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 • Junior High One Act Play Competition at CHS • CHS Cross Country at the District Meet in Longview • Libby Coins for a Cure Assembly 🏈 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 • Freshman Football vs. Kilgore | 4:30 PM • JV Football vs. Pittsburg | 6:00 PM • JH Football at Pittsburg | Games begin at 5:00 PM 🏈 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 • Varsity Football at Pittsburg | 7:30 PM DISTRICT OPENER • Last Day of the Baker-Koonce Fall Fundraiser 📌 UPCOMING DATES • October 12 | School Holiday • October 15 | Progress Reports Go Home • October 16–30 | Red Ribbon Week • October 19 | School Board Meeting • October 19–23 | School Bus Safety Week • October 23 | Primary Fall Festival • October 30 | Last Day of the Second Six Weeks Be sure to save this graphic and follow your child’s campus on social media for campus-specific reminders, updates, and any schedule changes throughout the week. For more information, visit www.carthageisd.org. Have a great week, CISD! ❤️🤍 #CarthageISD #ThisWeekInCISD #DawgNation

❤️🤍 THANK YOU, CISD CUSTODIANS! 🤍❤️

Today, we’re proud to recognize the incredible custodians who help make Carthage ISD a clean, safe, and welcoming place for our students, staff, and families every single day.

Their work often happens quietly and behind the scenes, but the difference they make is seen and felt across every campus. From early mornings to late evenings, they take pride in our schools and care for them like their own.

To each member of our custodial team, thank you for your hard work, your dependability, and the care you show our schools and our people.

We appreciate you more than you know. ❤️🤍

Happy National Custodian Appreciation Day!

October is National Principals Month, and we are proud to recognize the five leaders serving our Carthage ISD campuses each day. ❤️🤍

Please help us celebrate:
❤️ Staci Davis | Carthage High School
🤍 Wade Watson | Carthage Junior High
❤️ Cherry Downs | Baker-Koonce Intermediate
🤍 Clarinda Collins | Libby Elementary
❤️ Jennifer Register | Carthage Primary

Leading a campus comes with a little bit of everything. Big decisions, long days, problem-solving, supporting staff, encouraging students, working with families, and plenty of work behind the scenes that most people never see. We are thankful for the time, energy, and heart these five principals give to their campuses and to Carthage ISD each day. During National Principals Month, we hope you will join us in showing them a little extra appreciation.

Thank you for your leadership and for the difference you make in the lives of our students and staff. We appreciate you! ❤️🤍

🔥🚒 Celebrate Fire Prevention Week with the Carthage Fire Department! 🚒🔥

Carthage ISD is proud to help spread the word on behalf of the Carthage Fire Department as they invite our community to their 2026 Open House during Fire Prevention Week!
This is a great opportunity for families to meet the first responders who serve our community, see firefighters and equipment in action, and learn more about fire safety and prevention in a fun, family-friendly setting.

📅 Tuesday, October 6, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 CFD Training Building at 808 W. Panola St. — located behind City Hall

🚒 Live demonstrations
👨‍🚒 Meet local first responders
🌭 FREE hot dogs, popcorn & drinks provided by the Carthage Noon Lions Club
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for the whole family!
🚗 Parking: Panola College W.C. Smith Building

Fire Prevention Week is a great reminder that fire safety starts with education and preparation. Bring the family, meet the men and women of the Carthage Fire Department, and spend an evening learning more about the people, equipment, and practices that help keep our community safe.

Carthage ISD is proud to partner with the Carthage Fire Department in helping promote fire safety, prevention, and preparedness across our community. We’re grateful for the continued support CFD provides to our schools, students, and families throughout the year. ❤️🚒

No Chalk Talk with Coach Surratt this week. Chalk Talk will take the week off and resume next week with another look inside Carthage Bulldog Football. Thanks for following along, Dawg Nation! 🔴⚪️ #NXT1

📅 THIS WEEK IN CARTHAGE ISD | Sept. 27 – Oct. 3, 2026 Here’s a look at what’s happening across Carthage ISD this week: Monday, Sept. 28 • Baker-Koonce Title I Parent Meeting — 5:30PM • Baker-Koonce Open House — 6:00 PM • Baker-Koonce Book Fair begins (runs through Oct. 2) • JH Volleyball vs. Pine Tree — games begin at 4:30 PM Tuesday, Sept. 29 • HS Volleyball at Gilmer — JVW 4:30 PM | JVR 5:30 PM | Varsity 6:30 PM Wednesday, Sept. 30 • Junior High One Act Play Clinic at CHS — 8:00–11:00 AM • CHS Senior Picture Retakes Thursday, Oct. 1 • Start of Hispanic Heritage Month & National Principals Month • JH Football vs. Palestine Westwood — games begin at 5:00 PM • HS Cross Country at the Eustace Bulldog Invitational Friday, Oct. 2 • School Custodian Appreciation Day • HS Volleyball vs. Kilgore — Varsity 4:30 PM | JVW & JVR 6:00 PM • HS Theatre presents 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse — PAC, 7:00 PM • Junior High Fall Picture Day • Last day for Baker-Koonce Book Fair & Fall Fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 3 • HS Theatre presents 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse — PAC, 7:00 PM Upcoming Events • Oct. 5 — Primary & Libby Title I Parent Meeting (5:30 PM) & Open House (6:00 PM) • Oct. 6 — CHS FFA Carnival (6:30 PM, CHS Commons) • Oct. 7 — UIL One Act Play Competition • Oct. 5–9 — Fire Safety Week • Oct. 12 — School Holiday • Oct. 19–23 — School Bus Safety Week • Oct. 19 — School Board Meeting Please remember to follow your child’s campus on social media and save campus contact information. This information is pinned at the top of the Carthage ISD Facebook page. 🌐 www.carthageisd.org

🍎 Free & Reduced Meal Applications: Apply or Reapply Today Carthage ISD families, now is the time to complete your 2026–27 Free & Reduced Meal Application. If your family qualified last school year, please make sure you have reapplied for this school year. Eligibility from the previous year does not continue indefinitely, and families who have not submitted a new application may see their current meal discount end beginning Monday. We also encourage all Carthage ISD families to apply, even if you are unsure whether your household will qualify. Students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals can receive their regular school breakfast and lunch at no cost, thanks to continued state funding. Extra snacks and à la carte items are not included. Qualifying may also help students access additional opportunities such as reduced testing fees, college application fee waivers, financial aid resources and scholarships. The application is quick, secure and confidential, and only one application per household is needed. ➡️ Visit www.carthageisd.org Select Parents → Free & Reduced Meal Application A few minutes today can help prevent an interruption in your student’s meal discount and may open the door to additional opportunities throughout the school year.

🔴⚪ BULLDOG GAMEDAY — DAWG NATION ON THE ROAD! ⚪🔴 Carthage Athletics hits the road tonight with Lady Dawg Volleyball and Bulldog Football in action in away contests. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 🏐 LADY DAWG VOLLEYBALL @ HENDERSON • Varsity — 4:30 PM • JV Red — 6:00 PM • JV White — 6:00 PM 📍 Henderson High School 1900 State Highway 64 Henderson, TX 75652 🎟️ Volleyball Tickets: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/tx/henderson/organization/258/henderson-high-school 🏈 BULLDOG FOOTBALL @ WEST ORANGE-STARK • Kickoff — 7:00 PM 📍 Leroy Breedlove Field at Dan R. Hooks Stadium 1500 Newton St. West Orange, TX 🎟️ Football Tickets: https://secure.payk12.com/school/West-Orange-Stark-High-School/739 ⚠️ FOOTBALL FAN REMINDER West Orange-Stark enforces a CLEAR BAG POLICY. Bags must be clear and no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”. All bags entering the facility are subject to inspection. Please plan accordingly before arriving at the stadium. Safe travels to everyone making the trip! Let’s show up, be loud, and support our Dawgs and Lady Dawgs on the road! #ForTheC

👏 Celebrating Excellence Across Carthage ISD! At last night’s Carthage ISD Board of Trustees meeting, we were proud to recognize several outstanding students and staff members for the positive impact they make across our district. 🌟 Elementary Student of the Month: Jaylen Pineda — Baker Koonce Intermediate 🌟 Secondary Student of the Month: Aubree Ritter — Carthage Junior High 🍎 Elementary Teacher of the Month: Candace Price — Baker Koonce Intermediate 🍎 Secondary Teacher of the Month: Schelice Keyes — Carthage Junior High ❤️ Support Staff Member of the Month: April Schuchardt — Carthage High School Custodian Each of these honorees represents the hard work, character, and dedication that make our schools special. We are grateful for the many ways they contribute to their campuses and to Carthage ISD. Please join us in congratulating all of our honorees! 👏🔴⚪ Jaylen Pineda was unable to attend the meeting and is not pictured.

🎟️ VARSITY FOOTBALL TICKETS NOW ON SALE The Bulldogs travel to West Orange-Stark on Friday, September 25 for a 7:00 PM kickoff. 📍 Leroy Breedlove Field at Dan R. Hooks Stadium 1500 Newton St. West Orange, TX 🎟️ All tickets are digital and must be purchased online. No cash will be accepted at the gate. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: A RESERVED ticket is for the HOME SIDE ONLY and cannot be honored on the visitor side. When purchasing: • Select WOS High School • Verify the event and date • Make sure you purchase a VISITOR-side ticket • Have your digital ticket ready to be scanned at the gate 🎟️ Purchase tickets: https://secure.payk12.com/school/West-Orange-Stark-High-School/739 For ticket assistance, contact the West Orange-Stark Athletic Office at 409-882-5570. Dawg Nation, grab your tickets now and make plans to be there! #ForTheC #NXT1 #GoDawgs

📅 THIS WEEK IN CARTHAGE ISD | SEPTEMBER 20–26, 2026 There’s plenty happening across CISD this week! Be sure to save these dates and keep up with your child’s campus for additional information and updates. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 🚫 No classes for students — Teacher Workday/Staff Development TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 📚 First Day of the Second Six Weeks 🏫 School Board Meeting — 6:00 PM | Administration Building 🏐 HS Volleyball vs. Spring Hill • JV White — 4:30 PM • JV Red — 5:30 PM • Varsity — 6:30 PM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 🏈 JV Football vs. Canton — 5:00 PM 🏈 JH Football at Shelbyville — 7B only | 5:00 PM 🏃 HS Cross Country at the Canton Eagle Invitational 📸 Baker-Koonce Picture Day 📚 Baker-Koonce Book Fair begins — Runs through October 2 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 📄 First Six Weeks Report Cards Go Home 🏐 HS Volleyball at Henderson • Varsity — 4:30 PM • JV White & JV Red — 6:00 PM 🏈 Varsity Football at West Orange-Stark — 7:00 PM 🎶 Regional Choir Auditions at Whitehouse SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 🏃 JH Cross Country at the Lufkin Invitational 🎶 Baker-Koonce Choir performs at Potlatch 📌 UPCOMING EVENTS September 28 🎺 JH Band Fall Concert — 7:00 PM | PAC 🏫 Baker-Koonce Title I Parent Meeting — 5:00 PM 🏫 Baker-Koonce Open House — 5:30 PM September 30 🎭 Junior High One Act Play Clinic — 8:00–11:00 AM October 5 🏫 Primary & Libby Title I Parent Meeting — 5:30 PM 🏫 Primary & Libby Open House — 6:00 PM October 5–9 🧯Fire Safety Week October 6 🌾 CHS FFA Carnival — 6:30 PM | CHS Commons October 7 🎭 UIL One Act Play Competition October 12 🚫 School Holiday For the latest campus-specific information, be sure to follow your child’s campus on social media and save the campus contact information. That information is also pinned at the top of the Carthage ISD Facebook page. 🌐 www.carthageisd.org #CarthageISD #ThisWeekInCISD #BetterAsABulldog

📣 REMINDER: NO CLASSES MONDAY Carthage ISD will have no classes on Monday, September 21 due to a scheduled Teacher Workday. Students will return on Tuesday, September 22, as we begin the second six weeks of the school year. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend, and we look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday! ❤️🤍

🚸 SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY REMINDERS Keeping our students, families, staff, and community safe takes all of us. Whether you’re walking to school, dropping off a student, or driving through a school zone, please stay alert and follow these important safety reminders. 👟 FOR CHILDREN & PEDESTRIANS • Use sidewalks whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, it is best to walk on the left side of the street facing traffic. • Cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks. Wait for the signal, and always look left, right, and left again before crossing. • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Never assume a driver sees you or knows you are about to cross. 🚗 FOR DRIVERS • Watch for flashing school zone lights during the morning and afternoon and obey all posted school zone speed limits. Remember, traffic fines increase in school zones. • Stay alert and put your phone out of reach. Using a handheld electronic device while driving in an active school zone is against the law. • Stop and yield to people in crosswalks. Be especially alert for students who may be entering or leaving school campuses. Please slow down, stay focused, and give yourself a little extra time when traveling through our school zones. A few extra seconds of caution can help keep everyone safe. #CarthageISD #SchoolSafety #TrafficSafety #SchoolZoneSafety #BetterAsABulldog

💻 Happy IT Professionals Day! 🖥️ Today, Carthage ISD celebrates the technology professionals who keep our district connected, supported, and moving forward every day! From maintaining networks and devices to troubleshooting technology, supporting classrooms, protecting systems, and helping students and staff stay connected, much of their work happens behind the scenes—but its impact is felt across every campus. Thank you to our CISD Technology Team for your knowledge, patience, problem-solving, and dedication to our students and staff. We appreciate everything you do to keep Carthage ISD connected and ready to learn! ❤️🤍 #CarthageISD #ITProfessionalsDay #BetterAsABulldog

🏠🐾 THIS WEEK IN CARTHAGE ISD | HOMECOMING WEEK! ❤️🤍 It’s Homecoming Week across Carthage ISD, and we have a full schedule of activities, athletics, celebrations, and important dates coming up! Here’s what’s happening September 13–19, 2026: 📅 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 🏐 JH Volleyball at Tyler Chapel Hill — games begin at 4:30 PM 🎶 JH Band begins after-school lessons 📣 BK Fall Fundraiser Kickoff 📅 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 | National IT Professionals Day 🏐 HS Volleyball at Pleasant Grove • JV White & JV Red — 4:30 PM • Varsity — 6:00 PM 💻 CHS TSA Meeting in B1 — 6:00 PM 📅 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 | Constitution Day 🏐 HS Volleyball vs. Pine Tree • JV White — 4:30 PM • JV Red — 5:30 PM • Varsity — 6:30 PM 🏈 JH Football vs. Center — games begin at 4:30 PM 🏈 Freshmen Football vs. Longview at Judson MS — 5:00 PM 🏈 JV Football vs. Longview at Lobo Stadium — 6:30 PM 📅 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 | Last Day of the First Six Weeks 🏈 Varsity Football vs. Spring Legacy Academy — 7:30 PM 🏃 HS Cross Country at Hallsville Invitational 💃 CHS Homecoming Dance — after the football game in the CHS Commons 📸 Primary Pictures with Butch the Bulldog — PTO Fundraiser 🎓 CHS Distinguished Alumni Ceremonies — halftime of the varsity football game 📅 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 🏐 JV Volleyball at Hallsville Tournament 🏃 JH Cross Country at Hallsville Invitational 🎉 HOMECOMING DRESS-UP DAYS Each campus has its own Homecoming dress-up schedule, so be sure to follow your child’s campus social media pages for all the details! 🚨 LOOKING AHEAD 🍎 NO CLASSES Monday, September 21 — Teacher Workday 📄 Report cards will be sent home Friday, September 25 📲 Families, please remember to follow your child’s campus on social media and save your campus contact information. This information is also pinned at the top of the Carthage ISD Facebook page. 🌐 www.carthageisd.org It’s going to be a busy and exciting week. Let’s make it a great Homecoming Week across Dawg Nation! ❤️🤍🐾 #BetterAsABulldog #CarthageISD #Homecoming2026 #DawgNation

🎉🌎 IT’S ALMOST HERE!

Our 3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration is happening THIS FRIDAY, September 11, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Carthage High School!

And come HUNGRY — you can skip cooking dinner Friday night! We’re expecting approximately 25–30 food vendors and food trucks, so there will be plenty of great food and something for everyone to enjoy.

Most vendors will be set up inside the CHS Commons, with additional vendors outside near the CHS letters or at the back bus ramp, depending on construction taking place behind the building.

Bring the whole family, grab some great food, support our vendors and students, and join us as we celebrate the cultures and traditions that make our community special. ❤️

📅 Friday, September 11, 2026
⏰ 4:00–7:00 PM
📍 Carthage High School — CHS Commons & surrounding areas

❤️ All proceeds benefit scholarships for the Carthage High School Class of 2027!

We hope to see everyone there this Friday!

🍎 More Than a Meal. More Opportunities for Your Student.

We have some great news for Carthage ISD families! Texas is continuing to cover the full cost of school breakfast and lunch for students who qualify for reduced-price meals. That means students who qualify for either free or reduced-price meals can receive their regular school breakfast and lunch at no cost. Extra snacks and à la carte items are not included.

That makes completing the Free & Reduced Meal Application even more important. The benefits can help your family today while also opening doors for your student down the road.

Families who qualify may benefit from:

🍎 Free school breakfast and lunch — helping families save on meal costs throughout the school year.

🎓 College readiness savings — eligible students may qualify for reduced fees or other benefits associated with the SAT, ACT and AP exams.

🏫 College application fee waivers — eligibility may help students qualify for application fee waivers at many colleges and universities.

💰 Financial aid and scholarship opportunities — free and reduced-price meal eligibility may help students access additional opportunities as they prepare for life after high school.

📋 Remember: families generally need to complete a new application each school year to maintain eligibility. This is especially important for families new to Carthage ISD, families with students changing campuses, and any household that believes it may qualify.

The application is quick, secure and confidential, and only one application per household is needed.

Haven't completed yours yet? There's still time!

Visit www.carthageisd.org and select Parents → Free & Reduced Meal Application to get started.

A few minutes completing the application can mean free meals today and valuable opportunities for your student's future.

Let's make sure every eligible Bulldog has access to the benefits available to them! ❤️🐾

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🍎 Más que una comida. Más oportunidades para su estudiante.

Completar la Solicitud de Comidas Gratis o a Precio Reducido puede ayudar a su familia ahora y abrir más oportunidades para el futuro de su estudiante.

Además, hay buenas noticias para las familias de Texas: el estado continúa cubriendo el costo total del desayuno y el almuerzo escolar para los estudiantes que califican para comidas a precio reducido. Esto significa que los estudiantes elegibles pueden recibir desayuno y almuerzo escolar sin costo. Los bocadillos adicionales y los artículos a la carta no están incluidos.

Las familias que califican también pueden beneficiarse de:

• Comidas escolares gratis
• Tarifas reducidas para los exámenes SAT, ACT y AP
• Exenciones de cuotas de solicitud en muchas universidades
• Mayor acceso a ayuda financiera y oportunidades de becas

¿Quién debe completar una solicitud?

✔️ Familias nuevas en Carthage ISD
✔️ Familias con estudiantes que cambiarán de campus
✔️ Cualquier familia que crea que puede calificar para comidas gratis o a precio reducido

La solicitud es rápida, segura y confidencial. Solo se necesita una solicitud por hogar cada año escolar.

Las solicitudes pueden completarse en cualquier momento durante el año escolar, pero cuanto antes se presenten, antes pueden comenzar los beneficios.

Para solicitar, visite www.carthageisd.org y seleccione Parents → Free & Reduced Meal Application.

Unos minutos hoy pueden ayudar a su familia ahora y crear más oportunidades para el futuro de su estudiante.