The CISD Administration will make a recommendation on December 10 regarding plans to transition high school students to a 9/10 and 11/12 split configuration. The School Board voted Nov. 12 to implement the split configuration (Option B), requesting that the Administration work out details of the transition and report back to the Board at the next meeting. School officials will work the next few months to finalize details of a school bond package that includes facilities for both Carroll High School and Carroll Junior High School. The bond election, slated tentatively for May, will also include a new elementary school, technology and options for administrative offices and intermediate school needs, as well as other capital improvement projects.

School Calendar Discussion Slated Dec. 10

Options for the 2002-2003 school calendar will be discussed as a report item at the December 10 Board meeting. In November, members of the District Advisory Committee agreed on a proposed calendar to present to the School Board. The proposal meets new state guidelines to start school "the week of August 21." The start date on the proposed calendar is August 19, 2002. The proposed calendar is posted on the district's web site for public review. Comments may be sent to jthannum@cisdmail.com prior to the Dec. 10 meeting. Trustees are expected to vote on a final calendar January 14th.

Gate Receipts, Not Tax Dollars Will Cover Flight Costs

You might have read in this morning's Fort Worth Star Telegram about the Administration's decision to fly the Dragon football team to Odessa rather than charter three buses to drive them to Saturday evening's game. The article failed to mention that this is not a budgeted expense, but instead comes out of gate receipts from post season playoff games. School officials said the decision was made in the best interest of the student athletes, giving them the greatest opportunity for success. CISD took the distance, game time, cost and competition factor into consideration. This decision prevents the athletes from missing school, it avoids having a disadvantage against Andrews by driving six hours and then having to playing a game, and it avoids the need to chaperone 80+ teenagers in a hotel overnight, along with the cost of meals, etc. The cost to charter a Southwest flight was $23,246. The cost to send the team by three charter buses, put them up in hotels and pay for meals would have been $20,675. The advantages of flying the team far outweighed the $2,571 difference. Again, this is not a budgeted expense paid by local tax dollars. Proceeds from post season gate receipts will more than cover the cost of this post season trip. All support groups (cheerleaders, band, drill team, students) will go by charter buses due to the fact they are not competing in this UIL event. This is the first time CISD has elected to fly its athletes to a competition, however, it isn't uncommon among public schools in Texas. Carroll ISD did fly Academic Decathlon team members to Houston for a state competition last year. The Dragons will play Andrews at 7 p.m. in Odessa.

Weather Reminder

The safety and well being of students and staff is of utmost concern to Carroll Independent School District. The district uses the National Weather Bureau as the official source for current weather conditions. Official announcements during inclement weather are made on WBAP News Talk 820 AM and on KXAS - TV Channel 5 and WFAA Channel 8. When the situation permits, the district will also post closings to the district's web site and on CISD Cable TV 33 in Southlake. However, weather conditions often prevent school officials from relying on these communication methods. Parents are encouraged to turn to WBAP 820 for official announcements regarding school closings.

CHS Graduate Honored

CHS graduate Sarah Atkins is among 77 outstanding students recognized as The Texas A&M University System's Blue Chip Teacher Recruits for the 2001-2002 school year. "The A&M System Universities recruited these students because of their inherent talent and interest in becoming teachers," said Dr. Bill Reaves, the A&M System's Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Education. "These students are not only intelligent, but they're also committed to sharing their love of knowledge with others."

CHS Student Earns Honor

Congratulations to Carroll High School sophomore violinist Henry Jin. He competed in All Region Orchestra for Region V and earned a fifth seat of 126 violinists.

CHS Presents "Mother Hicks"

"Mother Hicks," a play for young audiences by Suzan Zeder, opens at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 in the Carroll High School Black Box Theatre at 1501 W. Southlake Blvd. The Carroll High School Theatre Arts Department production will also perform a 7 p.m. show on December 6, 7, 8, & 10 and a 2 p.m. show on Sunday, December 9. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. For tickets or information call (817) 949-5913. Seating is very limited and advance reservations are strongly encouraged. The play is set during the Great Depression and vividly explores tensions, emotions and judgments through one of our nation's toughest periods of history. The tale is told through poetry and sign language and follows the lives of three outsiders-a foundling girl, a deaf mute, and an eccentric recluse.

Congratulations to CHS Coach

Congratulations to Wyvonne Walling (CHS) for being named the Star-Telegram/Northeast Volleyball Coach of the Year. Walling's Lady Dragons captured a second consecutive District 6-4A title, this time going undefeated and advancing to the Region I semifinals. Several student athletes from Carroll also made the Northeast team.

Aquatics Programs To Begin January 2002

The opening of the new CISD Aquatics Center will provide numerous opportunities for community programs after the new year. Registration is now available for classes in aquarobics, water wellness, OB robics and master swimming. These programs will begin in January. Discounts are available for CISD residents, as well as school and city employees and their families. Programs beginning in February 2002 include Bubble Time Swim Lessons for preschool children, older children and adults, as well as a Mom and Me program. For more information, contact John McGough at 817-949-8200.