Carthage ISD

At last night’s board meeting, the Carthage ISD Education Foundation proudly presented Carthage ISD with a check for $235,601.85 to fund teacher grants that will directly impact classrooms across our district.

Take a moment to let that number sink in.

In a community of a little over 6,500 people, that level of investment in public education is remarkable. It speaks volumes about who we are and what we believe in. It says we value our teachers. It says we believe in our students. It says we understand that great schools help build great communities.

These grants do far more than purchase supplies. They create opportunities, spark innovation, and extend learning experiences for students in ways that otherwise may not be possible. They also empower our teachers to dream bigger, think creatively, and bring ideas to life by providing resources and experiences they may not have access to through traditional budgets.

Behind every grant is a classroom, a lesson, a teacher with a vision, and students whose learning experiences will be better because of the generosity of this community.

Thank you to the Carthage ISD Education Foundation and to everyone who supports its mission. Your investment is creating opportunities today and making an impact that will be felt for years to come.

This is another reminder of why there is something special about Carthage, Texas.

#BetterAsABulldog

The last day of school for Carthage ISD students is Thursday, May 21. Early release times will be as follows: Carthage Primary & Libby Elementary — 1:25 p.m. Baker-Koonce Intermediate — 1:25 p.m. Carthage Junior High — 1:25 p.m. Carthage High School — 1:30 p.m. Staff may be released at 3:30 p.m. Let’s finish strong and enjoy these final days together. ❤️🐾 #BetterAsABulldog

📅🐾 This Week in Carthage ISD Week of May 17–23, 2026 The final week of the school year is here, Dawg Nation! As we wrap up another incredible year across Carthage ISD, this week is filled with celebrations, awards, special events, graduation traditions, and milestones that students and families will remember for years to come. ❤️🤍 Here’s a look at what’s ahead: Monday, May 18 • CHS Senior Clearance — 9:00 AM (HS Gym) • Baker-Koonce Field Day at Bulldog Stadium • Libby Ice Cream Party for class with most AR points • Libby 2nd Grade Awards Assembly — 9:00 AM • Libby 3rd Grade Awards Assembly — 1:30 PM • Primary Kindergarten Signing Day • State Championship Ring Ceremony — 7:30 PM (PAC) • School Board Meeting — 6:00 PM (Administration Building) Tuesday, May 19 • Senior Walk — 9:00 AM • Junior High NJHS Induction Ceremony — 10:00 AM (JH Auditorium) • Baker-Koonce Fundraiser Field Trip • Primary Kindergarten Signing Day • Honors Banquet — 6:00 PM (Civic Center) Wednesday, May 20 • Junior High Awards Ceremony — 10:00 AM (JH Auditorium) • Baker-Koonce End of Year Awards Ceremonies • Senior Swim — 4:00 PM (CHS Pond) • Senior Sunset — 7:25 PM (Bulldog Stadium) Thursday, May 21 🎓 Last Day of School for Students • Early Release: CHS — 1:30 PM | All Other Campuses — 1:25 PM • CHS Indoor Graduation Practice — 9:00 AM • Libby Talent Show Friday, May 22 • Staff Development Day • Senior Breakfast — 8:00 AM (CHS Commons) • Outdoor Graduation Practice — 9:00 AM • 🎓 Carthage High School Class of 2026 Graduation — 8:00 PM at Bulldog Stadium From Kindergarten Signing Day to Graduation Night, there are so many special moments packed into one final week. Let’s enjoy these celebrations, support one another, and finish another great year the Bulldog way. #BetterAsABulldog 🐾

Kooper Knighton is coming home with a 5th place finish at STATE! 🐾 Kooper launched a discus throw of 160’2” to earn his spot among the best in Texas, and he did it as just a junior. What an incredible accomplishment and an even bigger sign of what is still ahead. Dawg Nation is proud of you, Kooper! ❤️🤍

🚀🧪 Calling all future innovators, builders, coders, and problem-solvers! STEM Quest: Operation Innovation is bringing a full week of hands-on learning, creativity, and discovery to Carthage ISD this summer through the SCI STEM Career Immersion Camp! 💡🔬⚙️ Students in Grades 3–5 will have the opportunity to: • Build and test engineering challenges • Explore coding and simple AI with Micro:bit • Experiment with water, magnets, and bubbles • Create chain-reaction machines • Discover ecosystems and invasive species • Design fiber-optic constellations 📍 Libby Elementary School 📅 June 8–12 OR June 15–19 ⏰ 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM Register online at https://scimill.ticketapp.org/portal/pid/10/pages/carthage_sci_camp or by scanning the QR code. This exciting new camp is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for STEM through engaging, hands-on experiences all week long. Be sure to scan the QR code on the flyer to register and learn more! #BetterAsABulldog 🐾

🎓❤️ CELEBRATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF EDUCATORS ❤️🎓

Carthage ISD is proud to celebrate Anna Koch, Austin Morgan, and Rebekah Powell on earning their bachelor’s degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University last week and pursuing careers in public education.

These young educators represent something bigger than a degree. As children of longtime Carthage ISD educators, all three grew up seeing firsthand the impact public education can have on students, families, and communities. That example helped inspire their own calling to serve others, and now they are preparing to impact classrooms of their own. Even more special, all three have already served students in Carthage ISD through substitute teaching, paraprofessional support, observation hours, field experience, clinical teaching, and coaching.

🎓 Anna Koch, a Tatum High School Class of 2020 graduate, earned her degree from Stephen F. Austin State University Magna Cum Laude with certification in 4-8 Science. A current CISD substitute, Anna also earned both an Associate of Science and Associate of Teaching degree from Panola College and will begin teaching 8th grade science next year at East Chambers Junior High.

🎓 Austin Morgan, a Carthage High School Class of 2021 graduate, earned his Bachelor of Science in Special Education from SFA Summa Cum Laude. Austin currently serves students at Carthage Junior High as a Special Education paraprofessional while also coaching football and baseball at CHS. He also earned academic honors and all-conference recognition as an outfielder at Panola College and will continue serving students in Carthage ISD moving forward.

🎓 Rebekah Powell, valedictorian of the Panola Early College High School Class of 2023, earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with certification in grades 4-8 Math from SFA. Rebekah completed observation hours and field experiences at Carthage Junior High and completed her clinical teaching experience at Baker-Koonce Intermediate under mentor teacher Rachel Elliott. She hopes to teach middle school math in our area.

Through opportunities like dual credit, Education Practicum, and the Panola Pathway partnership between Panola College and Stephen F. Austin State University, students right here in East Texas are able to build meaningful pathways from high school classrooms to careers in education.

Public education is about people, relationships, and communities pouring into the next generation. Today, we celebrate three young people choosing to pour right back into others.

Congratulations Anna, Austin, and Rebekah! Dawg Nation is proud of you and excited for the difference you will make in the lives of students for years to come.

#BetterAsABulldog #PublicEducation #PonyUp #AxeEm

🎓CLASS OF 2026 HONOR GRADUATES ANNOUNCED🎓

Carthage ISD is proud to announce the Honor Graduates for Carthage High School’s Class of 2026.

Leading this year’s class are Valedictorian Olivia Lipsey and Salutatorian Caroline LaGrone.

Please join us in congratulating our Honor Graduates:
Jackson Biggs, Alyssa Walker, Madison Gunn, Lexi Ladymon, Erick Lopez Luna, Addaline Kneipp, Jett Surratt, Caylee Faulkner, Jackquelyn Sigala, Seth Wedgeworth, Maccoy Philo, Caden Ross, Carson Carter, Grayson Bullock, Ava Hopper, Aaron Blissett.

These students represent years of dedication, discipline, and academic excellence. Congratulations to each of them and their families on this outstanding achievement.

Press release can be found at https://www.carthageisd.org/article/2888501

#BetterAsABulldog #CarthageISD #CHSClassOf2026 #HonorGraduates #AcademicExcellence

This Week in Carthage ISD: May 10–16, 2026 The final two full weeks of the 2025-2026 school year are here, Dawg Nation. Across Carthage ISD, students, staff, and families are preparing for a week filled with celebrations, milestones, field trips, recognitions, and opportunities to finish the year strong. From scholarship assemblies and graduation celebrations to state competition and end-of-year events, there is a great deal happening throughout the district as we continue to celebrate another successful year in Carthage ISD. Monday, May 11 * FFA Area VI Pre-Check for Degrees & Awards (ESC8/Pittsburg) * BK/JH/HS Boys Athletic Physicals * Baker-Koonce 6th Grade Vaccine Clinic * Libby Elementary library books due * American Freedom Museum Field Trip (Group 1) * PACE Academy RISE Graduation Ceremony — 5:30 PM at the PAC Tuesday, May 12 * CHS Pine Burr Awards — 9:00 AM at the PAC * CHS Scholarship Assembly — 6:00 PM at the PAC * Libby 3rd Grade Tour of Baker-Koonce Wednesday, May 13 * BK/JH/HS Girls Athletic Physicals * Libby American Freedom Museum Field Trip (Group 2) Thursday, May 14 * CHS Senior Finals (Periods 1/3/5/7) * UIL State Track Meet — Kooper Knighton competes in the 4A Boys Discus at 3:00 PM at the University of Texas * BK “Lights, Camera, Learning!” 4th Grade Field Trip * Libby Field Day End of Year Celebration at Bulldog Stadium Friday, May 15 * CHS Senior Finals (Periods 2/4/6/8) * BK Choir Performs at Six Flags * Libby 125 AR Points Field Trip * Primary Kindergarten & First Grade Celebration Saturday, May 16 * FFA Area VI Check for Degrees & Awards (Reg 8/Pittsburg) As we enter the final stretch of the school year, Carthage ISD remains proud of the hard work, accomplishments, and memories being made across every campus. Thank you to our teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members for continuing to make Carthage ISD a special place to learn, grow, and succeed. Let’s finish strong together. ❤️🐾 #BetterAsABulldog

⚾️ GAME 3 - WINNER TAKE ALL ⚾️ The Dawgs and Sunnyvale meet one final time this afternoon with a trip to the next round on the line. Dawg Nation…this is your all call!! Load up, wear red, and bring the energy to Lindale. 📍 Lindale Eagle Baseball Park
1005 Brad Cir
Lindale, TX 75771 🕒 First Pitch: 3:00 PM
🏠 Home team determined by flip 🎟️ Tickets
Adults: $6
Students: $4
 Online tickets only: https://www.lindaleathletics.org/HTtickets Every pitch matters. Every out matters. Let’s roll, Dawg Nation. #ForTheC #DawgNation

🏆💍 An evening of honor, legacy, and championship tradition. Carthage ISD proudly invites our community to the State Championship Ring Ceremony on Monday, May 18th at 7:30PM in the Performing Arts Center (PAC). Join us as we recognize a team that represented our community with excellence, discipline, toughness, and pride while adding another chapter to the championship tradition of Carthage Football. This night is about more than rings. It is about the standard, the sacrifice, and the honor of wearing the C. ❤️💛 #ForTheC #DawgNation #StandardDefended

🥤❤️ A cool drink for some incredible people. To wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, our Central Administration Leadership Team delivered Sonic drinks to every campus as a small way to say a BIG thank you to the amazing teachers of Carthage ISD. Thank you, teachers, for the heart, passion, and impact you bring to Dawg Nation every single day. #BetterAsABulldog #TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankYouTeachers

⚾️🔥 LEARNING LOOKS DIFFERENT AT CHS 🔥⚾️ Not every classroom has four walls. Sometimes learning looks like standing inside a Major League stadium hearing directly from the people behind the scenes making gameday happen. Coach Foster’s Marketing Practicum students recently traveled to meet with the Texas Rangers organization and got a behind-the-scenes look at professional sports marketing, branding, promotions, fan engagement, and gameday operations. Experiences like these help students connect what they learn in the classroom to real careers and real opportunities beyond high school. For the last four years, CHS students have attended Dallas Mavericks Media Day, and this year marked our first experience with the Rangers organization. Every trip, every connection, and every experience helps students see what’s possible for their future. That’s the power of Career & Technical Education at Carthage High School. Creating meaningful experiences. Building relationships. Opening doors. Huge shoutout to Coach Foster for continuing to pour into students and create opportunities they’ll remember long after graduation.

⚾️ PLAYOFF GAMEDAY - GAME 2 ⚾️ The Dawgs are back in playoff action tonight as Carthage plays Game 2 in the the Area Round Best of 3 series against Sunnyvale at Lindale Eagle Baseball Park. 📍 Lindale Eagle Baseball Park 1005 Brad Cir Lindale, TX 75771 🕖 First Pitch: 7:00 PM 🏠 Carthage is the away team 🎟️ Tickets Adults $6 | Students $4 Online tickets only: https://www.lindaleathletics.org/HTtickets Dawg Nation, travel loud and wear red. Let’s pack Lindale and back the Bulldogs in Round 2. #ForTheC #DawgNation

💚🎓❤️ Excellence. Opportunity. Achievement. ❤️🎓💚 These Carthage High School dual credit students are proof of what can happen when hard work, determination, and opportunity come together. Tonight we celebrate these Carthage High School students who earned their Associates Degrees at Panola College tonight. By earning college credits while still in high school, these young women are already building strong foundations for their futures and representing the spirit of excellence that makes our community proud. Congratulations to: Back row — Caroline LaGrone, Madison Gunn, Lexi Ladymon Front row — Olivia Lipsey, Kyla Brown, Sophia Calderon Ortiz, Jackquelyn Sigala Your dedication inside and outside the classroom reflects the very best of Carthage High School. The future is bright, Dawg Nation. ❤️🐾 #BetterAsABulldog #WeAreCarthage

⚾️ PLAYOFF GAMEDAY - GAME 1 ⚾️ The Dawgs are back in playoff action tonight as Carthage opens the Area Round against Sunnyvale at Lindale Eagle Baseball Park. 📍 Lindale Eagle Baseball Park 1005 Brad Cir Lindale, TX 75771 🕖 First Pitch: 7:00 PM 🏠 Carthage is the home team 🎟️ Tickets Adults $6 | Students $4 Online tickets only: https://www.lindaleathletics.org/HTtickets Dawg Nation, travel loud and wear red. Let’s pack Lindale and back the Bulldogs in Round 2. #ForTheC #DawgNation

Carthage Athletics Physicals Scheduled for May 11 & 13 Carthage ISD will host athletic physicals for students planning to participate in athletics during the 2026–2027 school year. Physicals will be held on two dates based on gender: * Boys: Monday, May 11 * Girls: Wednesday, May 13 These physicals are required for all incoming 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students who intend to participate in athletics next school year. Schedule & Locations Physicals will be conducted at multiple campuses based on grade level: * 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM Baker-Koonce Intermediate (Current 6th grade / Incoming 7th grade) * 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM Carthage Junior High (Current 8th grade / Incoming 9th grade) * 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Carthage High School (Current 10th grade / Incoming 11th grade) Cost The cost for each physical is $35 (cash only). Important Information Students must bring a completed medical history form in order to receive a physical. Forms will not be provided on site, so please ensure all paperwork is filled out prior to arrival. The UIL Pre-Participation Physical and Medical History Form can be downloaded at the link below: https://www.uiltexas.org/files/athletics/PrePhysFormRvsd2026.pdf Carthage ISD encourages all student-athletes to take care of this requirement early to ensure a smooth start to the upcoming athletic year.

This Week in Carthage ISD: May 3–9, 2026 Carthage ISD has a full week ahead across all campuses as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and continue a strong spring semester filled with student opportunities, events, and activities. At Baker-Koonce, the Spring Book Fair will run throughout the week with a Buy 1, Get 1 promotion, giving students and families a great opportunity to build their home libraries. Students will also take part in several field trips and on-campus experiences, including Mrs. Alexander’s class visiting Build-A-Bear, a Musical Legacy field trip, a Challenge Island experience for 6th graders, and a Panola College Career Fair hosted on campus. A vaccine clinic for 6th grade students will also take place on Thursday. Libby Elementary students will be engaged in a variety of academic and enrichment activities, including visits from the Creature Teacher, 3rd grade REnStar assessments, a UIL Awards Assembly, and a Reflex Pizza Party to celebrate student achievement. At Carthage Junior High, students will participate in REnStar testing in both English and Math this week. Carthage High School students will take part in a Cinco de Mayo celebration on Tuesday at Bulldog Stadium beginning at 4:00 PM. Additionally, FFA students will represent Carthage ISD at the Longview District Speaking and Degree events held at Henderson High School. Fine Arts will also be on display this week as Baker-Koonce hosts its Spring Choir Concert on Tuesday at 6:00 PM in the Performing Arts Center. In athletics, the Carthage Bulldogs Baseball team will compete in the Area Round of the UIL Playoffs against Sunnyvale. The series will be held in Lindale, with Game 1 scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 PM, Game 2 on Friday at 7:00 PM, and Game 3, if necessary, on Saturday at 3:00 PM. Carthage ISD is proud of the continued involvement of its students, staff, and community. It is another strong week across the district as students learn, grow, and represent Bulldog Nation.

Carthage Baseball is headed to the Area Round of the UIL Playoffs as the Dawgs take on Sunnyvale in a best-of-three series at Lindale Eagle Baseball Park. Game 1 will be Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 PM with Carthage as the home team. Game 2 is set for Friday, May 8 at 7:00 PM with Sunnyvale as the home team. If necessary, Game 3 will be played Saturday, May 9 at 3:00 PM, with home team determined by flip. All games will be played at Lindale Eagle Baseball Park, located at 1005 Brad Circle in Lindale. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and will be sold online only. THSCA, THSBCA, and District passes will be accepted. Make plans to be there and support the Dawgs as they continue their playoff run.

HAPPY PRINCIPALS APPRECIATION DAY! 🎉 Thank you for leading, inspiring, and making a difference every single day. ❤️ Carthage ISD Principals ❤️ * Justin Smith — Carthage High School * Wade Watson — Carthage Junior High * Dr. Kiley Schumacher — Baker-Koonce Intermediate * Staci Davis — Libby Elementary * Kassie Watson — Carthage Primary * Shelbye Almeida — DAEP / PACE #BetterAsABulldog #PrincipalAppreciationDay

🎼 TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT 🎶 Join us this evening as we celebrate the power of fine arts at the Baker-Koonce & Junior High Spring Band Concert as the future of the Battlin’ Bulldog Band performs! 🗓 Tuesday, April 28 ⏰ 7:00 PM 📍 Performing Arts Center (in front of Carthage High School) Our students have been working hard to prepare for this night, and it’s a great opportunity to experience the talent, growth, and creativity that make fine arts such an important part of what we do in Carthage ISD. Come out, support these students, and enjoy a great night of music. We’ll see you at the PAC! ❤️🤍 #BetterAsABulldog #FineArtsMatter