Carthage ISD

🏈 2026 Carthage Bulldog Football Season Ticket Information Carthage Athletics is excited to launch online ticket sales for the 2026 football season in partnership with Hometown Ticketing! If you’re a current season ticket holder, it’s time to mark your calendar. If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to become a season ticket holder, your chance is almost here. Current Season Ticket Holders 🎟️ Renewal Period: Monday, August 3 at 8:00 a.m. through Sunday, August 16 at 11:59 p.m. Renewal information will be emailed on the morning of August 3. Season Tickets are $32 + processing fees. All Reserved Section seating will be sold online only. If you need assistance, contact the Athletic Department at ssurratt2@carthageisd.org. Remaining Season Ticket Purchases for the Public 📅 Remaining reserved season tickets will go on sale to the public on Tuesday, August 18 at 8:00 a.m. The purchase link will be shared on the morning of Tuesday, August 18. Tickets will be available until sold out, so don’t wait! 🏟️ The Bulldogs have 4 varsity home games this season, and we can’t wait to see Dawg Nation back in Bulldog Stadium. More information regarding single-game ticket sales will be shared as the season approaches. Go Dawgs!

📍 Need to contact your child's campus?

Save this post for quick access to contact information for every Carthage ISD campus, including phone numbers, addresses, and grade levels.

Carthage Primary
Pre-K - 1st grade
510 N. Adams
Carthage, TX 75633
(903) 693-2254

Libby Elementary
2nd and 3rd grade
419 Davis St.
Carthage, TX 75633
(903) 693-8862

Baker-Koonce Intermediate
4th- 6th grade
320 N. Daniels St.
Carthage, TX 75633
(903) 693-8611

Carthage Junior High
7th and 8th grade
606 Holly St.
Carthage, TX 75633
(903) 693-2751

Carthage High School
9th - 12th grade
1600 W. Panola St.
Carthage, TX 75633
(903) 693-2552

Carthage ISD — Where Champions Are Educated

Congratulations, Mya! ⭐🥎 Carthage High School is proud to congratulate Mya Nelson on representing the Bulldogs in the 2026 Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) Class 1A-4A All-Star Softball Game. Being selected to compete alongside the state’s top junior players is an outstanding honor and a testament to Mya’s dedication, talent, and hard work throughout her career. Thank you for representing Carthage, your teammates, and our community with pride. We are incredibly proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what comes next. Dawg Nation is proud of you! 🐾🥎

🐾🌟 Carthage FFA represented Bulldog Nation with excellence at the 98th Annual Texas FFA Convention in Fort Worth! 🌟🐾 Nineteen Carthage FFA members attended the annual convention, where eight students earned the prestigious Texas FFA Lone Star Degree—the highest degree awarded by the Texas FFA Association. The Lone Star Degree recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to agricultural education through classroom achievement, leadership, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, community service, and FFA involvement. Fewer than 5% of Texas FFA members earn this distinguished honor each year. 2026 Carthage FFA Lone Star Degree Recipients: ⭐ Brodie Brewster (not pictured) ⭐ Ty Byrd ⭐ Evan Dunn ⭐ Jaclyn Finley ⭐ Stephanie Franks ⭐ Addison Nutt ⭐ Cooper Walters ⭐ Dillan Wolfe A special thank you to our dedicated agricultural science teachers and FFA advisors for investing in these students each day: • Mark Davis • Ashley Harris • Trevor Riley • Evan Yount Congratulations to all of our Carthage FFA members for representing our school, community, and Bulldog tradition with pride. Your hard work and dedication continue to make Carthage proud! ❤️🐾

It is with profound sadness that Carthage ISD, Carthage High School, and Carthage Bulldog Athletics share the passing of Carthage High School Class of 2025 graduate and two-time 4A Division II State Football Champion James Morrow. James was a Bulldog through and through. On the football field, he was a dominant defensive tackle who earned multiple All-District and All-State honors while helping lead the Bulldogs to the 2022 and 2024 4A Division II State Championships. His strength, toughness, and unwavering determination made him one of the anchors of a championship defense and left a lasting mark on one of the most successful eras in our program’s history. But championships and awards only tell part of his story. The James Morrow we’ll remember isn’t defined by tackles or trophies. He’ll be remembered for the laugh you could hear from across the room, the smile that came so easily, the jokes with his teammates, and the personality that made James unmistakably him. He had a way of making the locker room a little louder, the bus rides a little more memorable, and the people around him smile a little more often. He was a beloved son, brother, teammate, friend, classmate, and Bulldog whose impact reached far beyond the football field. There are no words that can truly ease the pain of a loss like this. Today, we simply ask our Bulldog family to come together and surround James’ family with our love, our prayers, and our unwavering support. Please continue to lift up his family, friends, teammates, classmates, coaches, teachers, and everyone who loved him in the days and weeks ahead. James Morrow wore the C with pride, and his place in Bulldog history is forever secure. More importantly, his place in the hearts of those who knew and loved him will never be replaced. James Morrow will never be forgotten. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.

🎺🏆 Congratulations to Carthage High School students DeAnthony Turner and Griffin Jones for their outstanding performances this week at Panola College’s Military Drum Major Camp! Both students earned the prestigious Outstanding Salute Award for their leadership, precision, and dedication throughout the camp. 🥇 DeAnthony Turner earned 1st Place in the Day 1 competition as a group leader. 🥉 Griffin Jones earned 3rd Place in the Day 2 competition as a group leader. These accomplishments reflect the hard work, discipline, and excellence that continue to make the Battlin’ Bulldog Band a source of pride for our school and community. Congratulations, DeAnthony and Griffin! We are proud of the way you represented Carthage High School and the Battlin’ Bulldog Band. 🎶🐾❤️🤍 #BetterAsABulldog #DawgNation

📊 STAAR Scores Are Available! Parents have two convenient ways to access their student’s STAAR results: Option 1: Through the Carthage ISD Parent Portal ✅ Log in to Parent Portal ✅ Select your student ✅ Click the green Texas Assessment button under Published Grades ✅ View results in the Texas Assessment Family Portal Option 2: Through the Texas Assessment Family Portal ✅ Visit https://www.texasassessment.gov/ ✅ Enter your student’s Unique Access Code (UAC), date of birth, and legal first name ✅ If you do not know the UAC, you can look it up using your student’s Social Security Number, date of birth, and legal first name Detailed instructions, helpful guides, and direct links for both access methods are available on the Carthage ISD website at www.carthageisd.org. Simply click Parents on the black menu bar and open the “Parent Access to STAAR Scores” section. If you need assistance accessing your student’s scores, please contact your child’s campus. 📚🐾

🍎🎨 Join the Carthage ISD Family! 🎨🍎 Carthage ISD is currently seeking passionate educators to join our team as a Kindergarten Teacher at Carthage Primary and an Art Teacher at Carthage High School. In Carthage ISD, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll find a supportive family of experienced educators, outstanding students who make teaching rewarding, and a community that truly values its schools. Our teachers have the opportunity to make a lasting impact while working alongside dedicated colleagues who are committed to helping students succeed both in and out of the classroom. If you’re looking for a place where great kids, strong community support, and a tradition of excellence come together, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today at: https://www.carthageisd.org/page/employment Carthage ISD - Where Champions Are Educated

🚌 Now Hiring: Bus Drivers 🚌 Carthage ISD is currently seeking dependable, caring, and safety-minded individuals to join our transportation team as bus drivers. Our bus drivers play an important role in the daily success of our students by providing safe and reliable transportation to and from school and school activities. If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students while serving your community, we encourage you to apply. Apply online: https://www.applitrack.com/carthageisd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Transportation The Carthage Independent School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation or national origin in the educational programs or activities which it operates, including employment therein. #BetterAsABulldog

📅🐾 THIS MONTH IN CARTHAGE ISD — JUNE 2026 🐾📅 While the school year may be over, there is still plenty happening across Carthage ISD this June! From summer camps and enrichment opportunities to FFA events and summer school, our campuses remain active as we continue providing opportunities for students to learn, grow, and stay engaged. ☀️ CISD & Campus Summer Hours 🕗 Monday–Thursday 📍 All CISD Campuses & Offices ⏰ 8:00 AM–4:00 PM 🥎 June 1–2 Lady Dawgs Softball Camp 📍 Bulldog Park ⏰ 4:00 PM–7:00 PM 🌾 June 1–5 FFA State Degree Check & Speaking Finals 📍 Carthage High School 📚 June 1–25 CJH Summer School 📍 Carthage Junior High 🗓 Monday–Thursday ⏰ 8:00 AM–11:30 AM 🍽️ June 2 Panola Promise Appreciation Lunch 📍 Carthage High School 🔬 June 8–12 STEM Quest, Session 1 📍 Libby Elementary ⏰ 8:30 AM–3:30 PM 🔬 June 15–19 STEM Quest, Session 2 📍 Libby Elementary ⏰ 8:30 AM–3:30 PM 🏀 June 15–16 Bulldog Basketball Camp 📍 CHS Gym ⏰ Session Times: 12:00 PM & 2:30 PM 🏐 June 15–16 Lady Dawgs Volleyball Camp 📍 CHS Gym ⏰ Session Times: 12:00 PM & 2:30 PM ⚾ June 16–18 Bulldog Baseball Camp 📍 Bulldog Park ⏰ 8:30 AM–11:30 AM 🗂️ June 15 Carthage ISD Board of Trustees Meeting 📍 CISD Administration Building ⏰ 6:00 PM 🔒 June 29 – July 3 All CISD Campuses & Offices Closed Summer Break Closure Week 🏀🏐⚾ Athletic Summer Workouts Please contact your sport-specific coach regarding workout schedules, strength and conditioning sessions, and summer athletic activities. We hope everyone enjoys a safe, productive, and fun summer while continuing to make the most of the opportunities available throughout June. Stay connected with Carthage ISD for updates, announcements, and summer information on our socials and at www.carthageisd.org #BetterAsABulldog 🐾❤️🤍

At this month's board meeting, we bid farewell to a trustee who has served on the board for decades and left an indelible mark on CISD and our community. Mr. Truman Shirey has been on the Carthage ISD Board of Trustees for 30 years. He is a true gentleman and kind to everyone he meets. When he speaks, everyone listens because he has something important to say. Mr. Shirey retired from Devon Energy Production Company where he worked for many years. He was a great and loyal board member. Truman graduated from Carthage High School in 1963. All three of his daughters graduated from CHS as well. In 2009-2010 our Board was the Region VII Board of the Year. At that time, Mr. Shirey was the President of the Board. He shared the following quote with us. Words of Wisdom: "Never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new." While Truman was Board president, we had a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Libby Elementary which was a huge sense of pride for him. In May 2010, the voters passed a bond by a vote of 85% to support us building a new elementary school. He was also on the Board when we passed bonds for the Performing Arts Center, Bulldog Stadium, and the Baseball and Softball Complex. Thank you, Mr. Shirey, for your decades of selfless service and leadership to the Carthage ISD Board of Trustees and your community.

🇺🇸 Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, selflessness, and love for country have secured freedoms that generations continue to enjoy. On this Memorial Day, we remember those who gave everything and extend our gratitude to the families who carry their legacy forward. From all of us at Carthage ISD, may we never forget the true meaning of this day.

Livestream will be available at EastTexasToday.com thanks to our friends at KGAS Radio!

⚠️🎓 Graduation Update for Dawg Nation Due to weather conditions, tonight’s Carthage High School Commencement Ceremony has been moved indoors and will now be held in the Performing Arts Center (PAC). 🕗 Time: 8:00 PM 📍 Location: Performing Arts Center (PAC) Spectator Overflow will be in the CHS Commons Area Please plan accordingly and allow extra time for arrival. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility as we work to ensure a safe and memorable evening for the Class of 2026. We can’t wait to celebrate our graduates tonight. ❤️🖤🐾

🚨 Reminder, Dawg Nation! Tomorrow is the LAST day of school for Carthage ISD students! 🐾❤️ Please note the early release times for Thursday, May 21: ⏰ Carthage High School — 1:30 PM ⏰ All Other Campuses — 1:25 PM Another incredible year of learning, memories, accomplishments, and Bulldog pride is coming to a close. Finish strong, enjoy the final day with friends and teachers, and celebrate all that was accomplished this year. Summer is almost here! ☀️🎓🐾 #BetterAsABulldog

📅🐾 IMPORTANT UPDATE: Carthage ISD has approved a revised 2026–2027 school calendar.

The Carthage ISD Board of Trustees approved an updated school calendar during their May 18, 2026 meeting. Please note this calendar includes changes from the version that was previously released earlier this year.

Families, students, and staff are encouraged to review the updated calendar carefully and make note of any changes to important dates throughout the school year.

Please use the calendar shared in this post as the official 2026–2027 Carthage ISD school calendar moving forward. The updated calendar is also available on the district homepage at carthageisd.org by clicking on the yellow tab labeled 2026-27 Calendar.

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! ❤️🤍