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.
šŗšø 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!
ā ļøš Graduation Update for Dawg Nation
Due to weather conditions, tonightās Carthage High School Commencement Ceremony has been moved indoors and will now be held in the Performing Arts Center (PAC).
š Time: 8:00 PM
š 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 everyoneās flexibility as we work to ensure a safe and memorable evening for the Class of 2026.
We canāt wait to celebrate our graduates tonight. ā¤ļøš¤š¾
šØ Reminder, Dawg Nation!
Tomorrow is the LAST day of school for Carthage ISD students! š¾ā¤ļø
Please note the early release times for Thursday, May 21:
ā° Carthage High School ā 1:30 PM
ā° All Other Campuses ā 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! āļøšš¾
#BetterAsABulldog
š
š¾ IMPORTANT UPDATE: Carthage ISD has approved a revised 2026ā2027 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 2026ā2027 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.
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 2026ā2027 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 nightās 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
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 ā 1:25 p.m.
Baker-Koonce Intermediate ā 1:25 p.m.
Carthage Junior High ā 1:25 p.m.
Carthage High School ā 1:30 p.m.
Staff may be released at 3:30 p.m.
Letās finish strong and enjoy these final days together. ā¤ļøš¾
#BetterAsABulldog
š
š¾ This Week in Carthage ISD
Week of May 17ā23, 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. ā¤ļøš¤
Hereās a look at whatās ahead:
Monday, May 18
ā¢ CHS Senior Clearance ā 9:00 AM (HS Gym)
ā¢ Baker-Koonce Field Day at Bulldog Stadium
ā¢ Libby Ice Cream Party for class with most AR points
ā¢ Libby 2nd Grade Awards Assembly ā 9:00 AM
ā¢ Libby 3rd Grade Awards Assembly ā 1:30 PM
ā¢ Primary Kindergarten Signing Day
ā¢ State Championship Ring Ceremony ā 7:30 PM (PAC)
ā¢ School Board Meeting ā 6:00 PM (Administration Building)
Tuesday, May 19
ā¢ Senior Walk ā 9:00 AM
ā¢ Junior High NJHS Induction Ceremony ā 10:00 AM (JH Auditorium)
ā¢ Baker-Koonce Fundraiser Field Trip
ā¢ Primary Kindergarten Signing Day
ā¢ Honors Banquet ā 6:00 PM (Civic Center)
Wednesday, May 20
ā¢ Junior High Awards Ceremony ā 10:00 AM (JH Auditorium)
ā¢ Baker-Koonce End of Year Awards Ceremonies
ā¢ Senior Swim ā 4:00 PM (CHS Pond)
ā¢ Senior Sunset ā 7:25 PM (Bulldog Stadium)
Thursday, May 21
š Last Day of School for Students
ā¢ Early Release: CHS ā 1:30 PM | All Other Campuses ā 1:25 PM
ā¢ CHS Indoor Graduation Practice ā 9:00 AM
ā¢ Libby Talent Show
Friday, May 22
ā¢ Staff Development Day
ā¢ Senior Breakfast ā 8:00 AM (CHS Commons)
ā¢ Outdoor Graduation Practice ā 9:00 AM
ā¢ š Carthage High School Class of 2026 Graduation ā 8:00 PM at Bulldog Stadium
From Kindergarten Signing Day to Graduation Night, there are so many special moments packed into one final week. Letās enjoy these celebrations, support one another, and finish another great year the Bulldog way.
#BetterAsABulldog š¾
Kooper Knighton is coming home with a 5th place finish at STATE! š¾
Kooper launched a discus throw of 160ā2ā 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! ā¤ļøš¤
šš§Ŗ 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! š”š¬āļø
Students in Grades 3ā5 will have the opportunity to:
ā¢ Build and test engineering challenges
ā¢ Explore coding and simple AI with Micro:bit
ā¢ Experiment with water, magnets, and bubbles
ā¢ Create chain-reaction machines
ā¢ Discover ecosystems and invasive species
ā¢ Design fiber-optic constellations
š Libby Elementary School
š
June 8ā12 OR June 15ā19
ā° 8:30 AM ā 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 š¾
šā¤ļø CELEBRATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF EDUCATORS ā¤ļøš
Carthage ISD is proud to celebrate Anna Koch, Austin Morgan, and Rebekah Powell on earning their bachelorās 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.
š 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.
š 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.
š 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
Carthage ISD is proud to celebrate Anna Koch, Austin Morgan, and Rebekah Powell on earning their bachelorās 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.
š 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.
š 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.
š 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
šCLASS OF 2026 HONOR GRADUATES ANNOUNCEDš
Carthage ISD is proud to announce the Honor Graduates for Carthage High Schoolās Class of 2026.
Leading this yearās 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
Carthage ISD is proud to announce the Honor Graduates for Carthage High Schoolās Class of 2026.
Leading this yearās 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 10ā16, 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 ā 5:30 PM at the PAC
Tuesday, May 12
* CHS Pine Burr Awards ā 9:00 AM at the PAC
* CHS Scholarship Assembly ā 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 ā Kooper Knighton competes in the 4A Boys Discus at 3:00 PM at the University of Texas
* BK āLights, Camera, Learning!ā 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.
Letās finish strong together. ā¤ļøš¾
#BetterAsABulldog
ā¾ļø GAME 3 - WINNER TAKE ALL ā¾ļø
The Dawgs and Sunnyvale meet one final time this afternoon with a trip to the next round on the line. Dawg Nationā¦this is your all call!! Load up, wear red, and bring the energy to Lindale.
š Lindale Eagle Baseball ParkāØ1005 Brad CirāØLindale, TX 75771
š First Pitch: 3:00 PMāØš Home team determined by flip
šļø TicketsāØAdults: $6āØStudents: $4āØ
Online tickets only: https://www.lindaleathletics.org/HTtickets
Every pitch matters. Every out matters. Letās roll, Dawg Nation.
#ForTheC #DawgNation
šš 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. ā¤ļøš
#ForTheC #DawgNation #StandardDefended
š„¤ā¤ļø 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
ā¾ļøš„ LEARNING LOOKS DIFFERENT AT CHS š„ā¾ļø
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 Fosterās 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 whatās possible for their future.
Thatās 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 theyāll remember long after graduation.
ā¾ļø PLAYOFF GAMEDAY - GAME 2 ā¾ļø
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.
š Lindale Eagle Baseball Park
1005 Brad Cir
Lindale, TX 75771
š First Pitch: 7:00 PM
š Carthage is the away team
šļø Tickets
Adults $6 | Students $4
Online tickets only: https://www.lindaleathletics.org/HTtickets
Dawg Nation, travel loud and wear red. Letās pack Lindale and back the Bulldogs in Round 2.
#ForTheC #DawgNation
ššā¤ļø Excellence. Opportunity. Achievement. ā¤ļøšš
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 ā Caroline LaGrone, Madison Gunn, Lexi Ladymon
Front row ā 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. ā¤ļøš¾
#BetterAsABulldog #WeAreCarthage
