Ranger Nation,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for another excellent week of learning and engagement at Chisholm Trail High School. Your support and involvement are invaluable to our success, and I am proud to be part of such an amazing community.

As we progress through the 5th six weeks of the 2nd semester, I encourage everyone to remain vigilant in following the expectations set forth in our classrooms, both behaviorally and instructionally. It’s crucial for our students to understand the importance of making good choices and adhering to school rules and expectations.

With Spring Break approaching, let’s all continue to stay focused and proactive in our actions. Your efforts in guiding our students during this busy time are making a significant difference.

Thank you for your continued support in making Chisholm Trail a place where students thrive. Let’s keep pushing forward together!

Wishing you all a safe and blessed weekend! #CTogether, Rangers...Ride!!!

Please read below for important information on All Things CTHS!!!

UPDATE ON ARENA SCHEDULING BELOW

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

EMS ISD High School Students and Families,

We have a small but exciting change in our upcoming Personalized Course Selection to share with you today. As we prepare for the 2025-2026 school year, we are going to remove Arena Scheduling from the Personalized Course Selection process. After listening to feedback from students and teachers, and following careful consideration from our counseling team, this decision is being made to ensure we are affording our students the most access possible for course opportunities that meet their interest. This change will:

• Allow more students the opportunity to take the courses they have requested by creating fewer scheduling conflicts across the campus.
• Allow our campus the ability to build a master schedule that meets the needs of the most students.
• Reduce stress of students who are unable to request a schedule exactly the way they would like it.
• Allow our counselors more time to address individual program needs prior to the release of the master schedule and student schedules at the start of the school year.
• Allow our team to account for summer staffing changes before the release of student schedules.

Rest assured that all other aspects of our robust Personalized Course Selection will continue as they have in previous years, including:

• Student and Parent presentations regarding the process and course offerings.
• High School Preview nights for students and parents transitioning from middle school to high school.
• Tours of the Hollenstein Career & Technology Center (HCTC).
• Student course requests with school counselor guidance.
• A course change window for students who have changed their mind about the courses they would like to take.

We are pleased to be able to respond to your feedback and look forward to the positive impact this change to our process will have on our students. Be on the lookout for more details on specific dates and upcoming deadlines in the schedule planning process. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward in preparing for the 2025-2026 school year.

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)

• March is Music In Our Schools Month

• March is Texas History Month

• March is Youth Art Month

• March 9th Daylight Savings Time Begins

• March 10th-14th Celebrate TX Public Schools Week

• March 14th Early Release Day

• March 17th-21st Spring Break

• Track & Field: 3/13 @ North Crowley

• Powerlifting: State Tournament 3/15 Edinburg, TX

• Gymnastics: 3/26-27 District Championship @ CTHS 6p

• Girls Soccer: 3/7 @ Granbury 7:45p, Playoffs TBD

• Boys Soccer: 3/7 vs Granbury @ CTHS 7:30p

• Softball: 3/7 vs Brewer @ CTHS 7p, 3/11 @ Aledo 7p

• Baseball: 3/6-3/8 @ Northwest ISD Tournament TBD, 3/12 vs Azle @ CTHS 7p, 3/14 @ Azle 4p

• Tennis: 3/7 @ CTHS, 3/13 @ Arlington Seguin

• Golf: 3/25 @ Cross Timbers

• 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=

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.

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

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)

Competitions: March 1 and March 8

*Possible practice March 3 for competition

Week 27

Monday:

- Are you interested in the hobby of bicycling? Would you like to learn more about bicycles, and ride with others who share the same passion and quest for learning about bicycles? Well join us every Friday starting Friday March 7th. We do plan on riding around Marine Creek Lake as soon as we get established. We hope to see you there!!!!

- Seniors, don’t forget that tamale money and order forms are due to Ms. Hawkins in Room 306 THIS FRIDAY (3/7).

- Class of 2026 is selling sodas at lunches on Tuesdays. Bring cash!

- The class of 2027 will be selling chips and candy after school on Thursdays after school at the buses! All snacks $2 cash. Support the Class of 2027!

- The mental health club has a new name...Bring Change 2 Mind! This week, we will sponsor activities every day! Today is about Self-Care...caring for yourself and caring for others. Stop by our tables at lunch and make a self-care bag for yourself. Join our club and you can show you care for others! Bring Change 2 Mind...EVERY day!

- It's that time of year again! March Book Madness!! Which book will reign supreme? Cast your vote by scanning the QR Code outside of the counseling office.

- Last week the girls powerlifting team competed in the Regional Meet where they showed up and showed out!

The following ladies found their way to the podium:

Caycee Smith -5th

Kayla Harris -5th

Amanda Lewis -3rd

Crisly Mumbanda -3rd

The next 2 ladies punched their ticket to the state tournament!

Sydney Wikane -2nd

Tatiana Flores -2nd

Congratulations ladies

Tuesday:

- Are you interested in the hobby of bicycling? Would you like to learn more about bicycles, and ride with others who share the same passion and quest for learning about bicycles? Well join us every Friday starting Friday March 7th. We do plan on riding around Marine Creek Lake as soon as we get established. We hope to see you there!!!!

- Want to do something fun Spring Break 2026? How about a trip to New York?!

Information meeting Tuesday, March 11 at 6pm in room 208.

- Support systems can be made up of many different people in our lives, built on the idea of love and care. Our support circles should lift us up in times of need, and celebrate the good times with us. We are not designed to do hard things alone, so asking for help is an important skill to learn. Swing by

the Library today during the first part of lunches to have Cocoa with the Counselors, who are here to support you!

- The class of 2027 will be selling chips and candy after school on Thursdays after school at the buses! All snacks $2 cash. Support the Class of 2027!

- Help prevent plastic pollution by using a reusable water bottle! Every Wednesday, Student Council will give you a sticker for your bottle if you show us your reusable water bottle at our booth by the AP office!

- It's that time of year again! March Book Madness!! Which book will reign supreme? Cast your vote by scanning the QR Code outside of the counseling office.

Wednesday:

- Are you interested in the hobby of bicycling? Would you like to learn more about bicycles, and ride with others who share the same passion and quest for learning about bicycles? Well join us every Friday starting Friday March 7th. We do plan on riding around Marine Creek Lake as soon as we get established. We hope to see you there!!!!

- Want to do something fun Spring Break 2026? How about a trip to New York?!

Information meeting Tuesday, March 11 at 6pm in room 208.

- The way we talk to ourselves is so important! By consciously choosing uplifting statements about ourselves, we can reshape our thoughts and beliefs into more positive ones. Positive affirmations help to counter negative self-talk, boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Join our next Mental Health/ Bring Change to Mind meeting after school on Tuesday in room 504!

- It's that time of year again! March Book Madness!! Which book will reign supreme? Cast your vote by scanning the QR Code outside of the counseling office.

Thursday:

- Are you interested in the hobby of bicycling? Would you like to learn more about bicycles, and ride with others who share the same passion and quest for learning about bicycles? Well join us every Friday starting Friday March 7th. We do plan on riding around Marine Creek Lake as soon as we get established. We hope to see you there!!!!

- It's that time of year again! March Book Madness!! Which book will reign supreme? Cast your vote by scanning the QR Code outside of the counseling office.

- Want to do something fun Spring Break 2026? How about a trip to New York?!

Information meeting Tuesday, March 11 at 6pm in room 208.

- Seniors, don’t forget that tamale money and order forms are due to Ms. Hawkins in Room 306 Today!

Friday:

- It's that time of year again! March Book Madness!! Which book will reign supreme? Cast your vote by scanning the QR Code outside of the counseling office.

- Building balance within our lives & communities can mean many different things. When talking about mental health, creating a support system and identifying resources is crucial. Think about

something you can do this weekend to reach out to someone in your support system, and take a look at some of the resources on the Mental Health board by the purple restrooms!

- Want to do something fun Spring Break 2026? How about a trip to New York?!

Information meeting Tuesday, March 11 at 6pm in room 208.

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

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

https://www.emsisd.com/applytosub

• 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 the Charmers on their recent success!!

  
  

  
  

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

• 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​

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!!

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.

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.

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 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.

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3100 Northwest College Drive, Fort Worth, TX, USA

wmccowan@ems-isd.net

(817)232-7112

emsisd.com/chisholmtrailhs