

NEWS FROM THE TRAIL!!!
25th Edition of the 24-25 school year!!!
From the Desk of Dr. McCowan!!
Ranger Nation,
I want to take a moment to thank you all for another excellent week of learning and engagement at Chisholm Trail High School. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence continue to make our school community strong, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it.
As we move into the final week of the 4th six weeks, I encourage all students to remain focused and continue meeting classroom expectations both behaviorally and instructionally. This time of year can be very busy with testing and extracurricular activities in full swing, so it is more important than ever to stay on track and make good choices. I ask for your continued support in reminding our students of the importance of following school rules and expectations so that we can maintain a positive and productive learning environment for all.
You all are doing an amazing job, and I am grateful for the partnership we have in ensuring the success of our students. Thank you for all that you do, and let’s continue working together to make Chisholm Trail High School the best it can be!
Wishing you all a safe and blessed weekend! #CTogether, Rangers...Ride!!!
Please read below for important information on All Things CTHS!!!
Dr. Winston McCowan Jr.
Principal
Chisholm Trail High School
RANGERS...RIDE!!
FIETTS
#CTogether
State Coordinator-TASSP
TASSP 2024-2025 Region XI High School Principal of the Year
TASSP 2024-2025 Texas High School Principal of the Year
IMPORTANT TRAFFIC INFORMATION!!!
Several road closures are scheduled to begin next week that will impact travel times and routes within our community:
East Bailey Boswell Road between Comanche Springs Drive and Sassafras Street is scheduled to be closed from January 19 through January 22. This a project of BNSF Railroad to repair areas around the railroad tracks.
Cromwell Marine Creek Road between Bowman Roberts Road and Cascade Canyon Trail is scheduled to be closed from January 21 through January 29. This is a City of Fort Worth project for road expansion and improvements.
Our Transportation Department is working on alternative bus routes to minimize delays caused by these closures. However, please be aware that there could still be some additional delays due to detours and increased traffic along alternative routes. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
We also encourage families to make note of these closures so you can plan alternate routes and allow for extra time to ensure timely arrivals and departures.
GOT LAPTOP?!
NEED A TUTOR??
NEED A VOE?
VIOLET BENGE: VBENGE@EMS-ISD.NET
ALICIA ABBOTT: AABBOTT@EMS-ISD.NET
OR HAVE YOUR STUDENT RETRIEVE ONE FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE (LOCATED IN FRONT OFFICE)
Interested in Driver's Education???
Mark Your Calendars...Important Dates Ahead
February is Black History Month
February is Career & Technology Education Month
February is Teen Dating Violence Prevention Awareness Month
February 14th Early Release Day
February 17th Student/Staff Holiday (No School)
February 18th Student Holiday (No School)/Staff Professional Development
Swim & Dive: 2/7-8 Regional Meet @ Mansfield
Powerlifting: 2/18 District @ Aledo
Gymnastics: NA
Wrestling: 2/7-8 Region Meet @ Lubbock
Boys Basketball: 2/7 vs Azle @ CTHS 7:30p, 2/11 vs Brewer @ CTHS 7:30p
Girls Soccer: 2/7 @ Saginaw 7:45p, 2/11 vs Granbury 7:45p (Teacher Appreciation Night), 2/14 @ Azle 7:45p
Boys Soccer: 2/7 vs Saginaw @ CTHS 7:30p, 2/11 @ Granbury 7:30p, 2/14 vs Azle @ CTHS 7:30p
Softball: 2/7 vs Brock @ CTHS 6:45p, 2/11 @ Irving 7p, 2/13-2/15 @ R L Turner HS Tournament
Baseball: 2/8 @ Haltom 12p (Scrimm.), 2/11 @ Keller Central 6p (Scrimm.), 2/14 @ Eagle Mountain HS 5:30p (Scrimm.), 2/15 Alumni Game @ CTHS 2:30p
Tennis: 2/7 vs Boswell Tournament @ CTHS 8a, 2/12 @ South Hills Tournament 8a (TCU Tennis Center)
Golf: NA
For Sub-Varsity Basketball and Soccer Schedules please go to Rank One (link below)
Rank One Athletic Schedules for CTHS: https://www.rankonesport.com/Schedules/View_Schedule_All_Web.aspx?P=0&D=E1CC292D-1576-4227-989B-2CF74E75B8F3&S=2173&Mt=
Black History Month Daily Facts and Figures!!
February 7
- Fact: In 1944, the first African American woman, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, was appointed to a presidential cabinet position by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- Figure: Dr. Bethune, an educator and civil rights leader, founded the National Council of Negro Women.
February 8
- Fact: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans.
- Figure: Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, who fought for civil rights and equality.
February 9
- Fact: The 1968 Olympics featured Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists in a Black Power salute on the podium.
- Figure: Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, challenging Nazi racial ideology.
February 10
- Fact: The first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in the United States was Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander in 1921.
- Figure: Dr. Alexander, a pioneer in the fields of law and economics, also advocated for civil rights.
February 11
- Fact: The NAACP was founded in 1909 to fight for civil rights and against racial discrimination.
- Figure: W.E.B. Du Bois, a co-founder of the NAACP and a prominent sociologist and civil rights activist.
February 12
- Fact: In 2008, Barack Obama became the first African American to be elected President of the United States.
- Figure: Michelle Obama, an influential First Lady who advocated for education and healthy living.
February 13
- Fact: The Black Panther Party was founded in 1966 to address issues of systemic racism and social injustice.
- Figure: Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, focused on community organizing and self-defense.
ATHLETICS TICKET INFORMATION!!!
PLEASE OBSERVE our new policy on ONLINE TICKETS ONLY for all athletic events in the district! There will be no cash sales at the gate.
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.emsisd.com/gametickets or through the HomeTown Fan App.
We also have an Activity Pass which is a great deal, $43 for adults and $23 for students. It is valid for admission to all home games, all sports excluding varsity football, post-season and tournaments. That pass is available for purchase at the same link.
PARENT CORNER
DRESS CODE/ID BADGE EXPECTATIONS!!
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT/HANDBOOK
Please Observe the CTHS Ranger Stadium Rules!!
24-25 Student Laptop Insurance!!!
YOUTHFUL INTERNET TRENDS!!!
The link to our most recent parent night, “Youthful Internet Trends” (cyberbullying, sexting, sextortion, privacy/safety tips, digital citizenship, monitoring apps) is now posted on our website: www.emsisd.com/parentnight
EMS ISD Trailblazers Corner!!!
Basketball Schedule
BASKETBALL PRACTICE 2024-25
Location: Prairie Vista Middle School
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m. (possible time change if we need to divide by age groups)
Monday, November 18 - Meet and Greet
Monday, December 2
Monday, December 9
Monday, December 16
Wednesday, January 8
Monday, January 13
Wednesday, January 22 (team pictures at MCMS only)
Monday, January 27
Monday, February 10
Monday, February 24
Competitions: March 1 and March 8
*Possible practice March 3 for competition
Want to Volunteer??
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Week 23
Monday
- Look for the QR code to pre-order arrangements for Valentine's Day to be available for pick up the week of Valentines or purchase with cash, stems and small arrangements during lunches, Feb.12th and13th
- It is the season of love and what better way to celebrate than by defeating your friends in trivia? The CTHS Library will be hosting a Rom-Com lunchtime trivia on February 13. All participants are welcome to bring their lunches into the library to eat while they compete.
- Are you interested in performing in pep rallies, football and basketball games, and competing in the spring? The auditions for the Pride & Joy of Chisholm Trail are right around the corner! The Charmers mandatory interest meeting for all hopefuls and parents will take place on TEAMS on 2/6 at 6 pm and the tryouts will take place the week prior to spring break. All information and the application can be found on the Charmers district website. We hope to see you there!
- Are you interested in trying out for cheer? There will be a mandatory cheer tryout informational meeting held in the large lecture hall on February 18th from 6-7 pm. This meeting will go over the requirements and commitments of being part of the Ranger Cheer Team. This is also when you will pick up your application packet to turn in prior to tryouts. If you have any questions, see a current CT cheerleader or Mrs. Engels for more info!
- February is Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month. Did you know only 1 in 3 teens who experience teen dating violence tell someone or report it. Let's break the stats & if you or a friend are in a relationship that hurts you, controls or isolates you, let someone know! If a relationship isn't respectful, it isn't a relationship worth being in & there is help. You can talk to a counselor, parent or other adult, or text 741741 for help.
Tuesday
- Students: Spanish Honor Society will be holding Mexican Candy Sales every Wednesdays and Fridays in the Cafeteria. We will have cookies, chips, spicy Mexican candy and Fanta Sodas. Come support us!
- Students, we need your help with making sure we are keeping our campus safe. Please do not open doors for others. when you do this, you could be letting a stranger in the building who might have ill intentions. Please do not try to enter the building near the PAC, take the few extra steps and enter the building using the designated student entry doors near what we call grand central.
- It is the season of love and what better way to celebrate than by defeating your friends in trivia? The CTHS Library will be hosting a Rom-Com lunchtime trivia on February 13. All participants are welcome to bring their lunches into the library to eat while they compete.
- Are you interested in performing in pep rallies, football and basketball games, and competing in the spring? The auditions for the Pride & Joy of Chisholm Trail are right around the corner! The Charmers mandatory interest meeting for all hopefuls and parents will take place on TEAMS on 2/6 at 6 pm and the tryouts will take place the week prior to spring break. All information and the application can be found on the Charmers district website. We hope to see you there!
Wednesday
- Are you interested in performing in pep rallies, football and basketball games, and competing in the spring? The auditions for the Pride & Joy of Chisholm Trail are right around the corner! The Charmers mandatory interest meeting for all hopefuls and parents will take place on TEAMS on 2/6 at 6 pm and the tryouts will take place the week prior to spring break. All information and the application can be found on the Charmers district website. We hope to see you there!
- Students, we need your help with making sure we are keeping our campus safe. Please do not open doors for others. when you do this, you could be letting a stranger in the building who might have ill intentions. Please do not try to enter the building near the PAC, take the few extra steps and enter the building using the designated student entry doors near what we call grand central.
- Are you interested in trying out for cheer? There will be a mandatory cheer tryout informational meeting held in the large lecture hall on February 18th from 6-7 pm. This meeting will go over the requirements and commitments of being part of the Ranger Cheer Team. This is also when you will pick up your application packet to turn in prior to tryouts. If you have any questions, see a current CT cheerleader or Mrs. Engels for more info!
Thursday
- Look for the QR code to pre-order arrangements for Valentine's Day to be available for pick up the week of Valentines or purchase with cash, stems and small arrangements during lunches, Feb.12th and13th
-Love shouldn’t hurt. If you’re in an unhealthy relationship or know someone who is, tell a trusted adult and seek help. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued. Commit to ending dating violence by signing the “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” pledge during 4th period in the cafeteria today.
- Students: Spanish Honor Society will be holding Mexican Candy Sales every Wednesdays and Fridays in the Cafeteria. We will have cookies, chips, spicy Mexican candy and Fanta Sodas. Come support us!
- It is the season of love and what better way to celebrate than by defeating your friends in trivia? The CTHS Library will be hosting a Rom-Com lunchtime trivia on February 13. All participants are welcome to bring their lunches into the library to eat while they compete.
- Are you interested in performing in pep rallies, football and basketball games, and competing in the spring? The auditions for the Pride & Joy of Chisholm Trail are right around the corner! The
Charmers mandatory interest meeting for all hopefuls and parents will take place on TEAMS today at 6 pm and the tryouts will take place the week prior to spring break. All information and the application can be found on the Charmers district website. We hope to see you there!
- Treat your special friend or significant other with a Mexican Candy Valentine treat bag or box. Spanish Honor Society will be selling them on Wednesday February 12 and Friday February 14 during all three lunches.
Friday
- Treat your special friend or significant other with a Mexican Candy Valentine treat bag or box. Spanish Honor Society will be selling them on Wednesday February 12 and Friday February 14 during all three lunches.
- Students, we need your help with making sure we are keeping our campus safe. Please do not open doors for others. when you do this, you could be letting a stranger in the building who might have ill intentions. Please do not try to enter the building near the PAC, take the few extra steps and enter the building using the designated student entry doors near what we call grand central.
- It is the season of love and what better way to celebrate than by defeating your friends in trivia? The CTHS Library will be hosting a Rom-Com lunchtime trivia on February 13. All participants are welcome to bring their lunches into the library to eat while they compete.
- Are you interested in trying out for cheer? There will be a mandatory cheer tryout informational meeting held in the large lecture hall on February 18th from 6-7 pm. This meeting will go over the requirements and commitments of being part of the Ranger Cheer Team. This is also when you will pick up your application packet to turn in prior to tryouts. If you have any questions, see a current CT cheerleader or Mrs. Engels for more info!
PLEASE JOIN EMS-ISD PTO!!!
From our CTHS Counselors
STATE TESTING and GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS!!!
SAVE THE DATE!!
SAT AND ACT INFORMATION!!!
FAFSA INFORMATION!!!
Exciting news! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available. This means you can start applying for federal financial aid for your upcoming college education. Please visit the CTHS FAFSA Information site linked below for instructions on how to start your FAFSA application.
https://www.emsisd.com/site/default.aspx?PageID=48624
Don't delay! Applying early gives you the best chance to secure the financial aid you need for college. Additionally, completing the FAFSA application or officially opting-out is a state graduation requirement! Please contact your school counselor with any questions or concerns.
CTHS Counseling Team
Community Link Information
February Food Pantry 2025
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month. Throughout the year, we focus on building healthy relationships, practicing healthy communication, and preventing dating violence. During the week of February 10, we will provide information to students via announcements and information posted throughout the school.
Additional information on healthy relationship and teen dating violence can also be found here:
Teen Dating Violence Newsletter: www.smore.com/8wvxz
Parent Guide: https://www.respondinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/TDV-Parent-Packet-1.pdf
General Prevention Info: www.emsisd.com/Page/16036
Women's Center Prevention Education: https://www.womenscentertc.org/programs/violence-prevention-education/
FENTANYL PSA
Interested in being a Substitute Teacher with EMS-ISD?!
SUBSTITUTE INCENTIVE INFORMATION
•Competitive pay with higher rates on Monday and Friday
•Long Term Sub Pay ($175 day)
•Bonuses:
- $200 after subbing for 45 days, 90 days and 135 days
- $50 for recruiting a new substitute
- NEW: March 1-May 26 $50 for subbing 10 days
24-25 SCHOOL CALENDAR
PLEASE NOTE THAT GRADUATION IS MAY 31, 2025 THIS YEAR!!!
SHOUT OUT CORNER!!!
OUR CTHS STAFFULTY IS AMAZING!!!
Huge Shoutout to CTHS Volleyball, Cross Country and Tennis!!
Huge Shoutout to CTHS Football for going 7-4 and 5-3 in District!!
Shoutout to Boys and Girls Basketball, Golf, Gymnastics, Band/Choir, Boys and Girls Soccer, Swim, and Wrestling!! All of our Student-Athletes are Amazing!!
Shout out to Elliott Seutter for being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist and Zachary Felder for being named a National Merit Commended Scholar!! Rangers... Ride!!
Shoutout to Ms. Lewis!!
CONGRATS TO RYLEE AND LANGSTON!!!
SHOUTOUT TO CTHS YEARBOOK!!!
WAY TO GO BROOKLYN
DECA SHOUTOUT!!!
We had one student, Isaiah Aguilar advance to state!! 🎉 State is held in Dallas this year on March 6-8. We are very proud of Isaiah!
Assistant Principal Contact Information!!!
Academic Principal Meredith Birdwell (All Seniors) mbirdwell@ems-isd.net
Vanessa Holmes (All Juniors) vholmes@ems-isd.net
9th/10th A-G Kevin Wilson kwilson@ems-isd.net
9th/10th H-M Jennifer Orona jorona@ems-isd.net
9th/10th N-Z Angela Martin amartin@ems-isd.net
Testing/504 Coordinator Dr. Jennifer Sanchez jsanchez@ems-isd.net
CTHS Administrative Team
CTHS Counseling Team
Michael Brown – Lead Counselor, Last Names Q-R
Courtney Gregg – Last Names S-Z
Shannah Lockhart – Last Names L-P
Ashley Piskorski – Last Names E-K
Lauren TeGantvoort – Intervention Counselor
Christa Whitmire – Last Names A-D
CTHS 24-25 Bell Schedules
Nurse's Corner!!!
MEET OUR CTHS NURSE!!
Please welcome to The Trail our new Nurse, Mrs. Latoya Rogers!!!
Mrs. Rogers is a wife and mother of 4 children. She is also an Army Veteran and has been a nurse for 19 years. Her background has been working in Medical/Surgical, Telemetry, Oncology, Outpatient Surgery, and School Nursing. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. If you get a chance, please swing by and say hi to our newest Ranger Family member!!
Over The Counter Medication Notice!!!
Safety reminder for parents-
Any & all medications including over the counter medications like Tylenol, Benadryl, etc. MUST be kept in the Nurse's office/Clinic. Student should not self-carry unless they have a written permission for their inhaler or Epi-pen emergency prescription with proper forms completed with the Clinic. This is for the safety of our students. If you have questions or need to keep any OTC or prescription medications on campus, contact the Clinic.
More Updates from the Clinic
Updates from the Trail Clinic:
DING DONG COVID'S GONE! We certainly wish that was the case. However, COVID is no longer a public health emergency which means COVID testing will NOT be provided in the clinic this year. I know many of you will likely question how this will impact screenings, sending students home, quarantine and testing requirements.
Screenings and sending students home will revert back to the previous standard that include the following:
*Appearing obviously ill
*Fever of or greater than 100.0
*Vomiting
* Diarrhea
COVID testing MAY be recommended in some cases, but NOT required to return to campus. Students will be required to be fever free for 24 hours without medication and have no episodes of vomiting or diarrhea before being allowed to return to campus. If the student is tested and positive for COVID, please contact the clinic for quarantine instructions and return date, which will be 5 days from the start of symptoms.
As a reminder, please make sure the campus has the correct phone numbers and emergency information. Students are REQUIRED to be sent home when ill and therefore the ability to
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the clinic.
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION!!!
Bus Transportation Information
BUS and CAR Pickup/Drop-Off Visual
GATES INFORMATION DURING THE DAY!!
To ensure student safety and keep fire lanes clear, the road between the HCTC and CTHS Field House will be closed all school days from 9:00am to 4:45pm. CTHS parents may pick up their students in the HCTC back parking lot which can be accessed via the HCTC north entrance. Parents dropping off or picking up students at the CTHS Field House during the school day can do so using the HCTC front or back parking lots.
Thank you for your help keeping our students safe.
TRANSPORTATION JOB OPPORTUNITIES!!
Transportation Jobs Available! Parents, are you're looking for a part time job that offers flexibility, aligns with your child's school schedule, and lets you serve children? GoldStar Transit is hiring bus drivers and bus monitors for EMS ISD routes. Visit www.emsisd.com/transportation, click on Apply for a Job, and make a difference in childs' lives.
Stay Connected and Informed!!!
Instagram
@chisholmtrailhs_officialTwitter
@ChisholmTrailHSFacebook
@ChisholmTrailHSRemind
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