None at this time.

Dragon SafetyZone is a comprehensive webpage designed to provide parents of Carroll ISD students with resources and information on health, wellness and personal safety. The site provides a collection of websites and organizations, serving as a sort of clearinghouse for all things related to the social, emotional and physical development of Carroll Dragons. Although the information provided in the Dragon SafetyZone is for your use, inclusion on this website should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of any particular organization, service or program. These links are merely provided as additional resources for parents.  

 Select from the following Dragon SafetyZone topics:

• Background Checks
• Bacterial Meningitis
• Bullying
• Cellphone Free Zones
• Child Abuse & Neglect
• Choking Game
• Complaints & Concerns
• Cutting
• Cyberbullying
• Drug & Alcohol Abuse
• Fire Drills 
• First Aid
• Grief Recovery
• Head Lice
• Health Department Notice Regarding Immunization Clinics
• Inclement Weather
• Influenza (H1N1)
• Internet Safety
• Lockdowns
• Mononucleosis
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Poison Control
• School Emergencies or Evacuations
• Sex Offenders
• S.P.A.R.K. Committee
• Staph Infections
• Steroids
• Stress
• Student Code of Conduct
• Substance Abuse Parent Training
• Suicide & Teen Depression
• Tobacco & Smoking
• Video Surveillance System

Background Checks

Carroll ISD conducts criminal background checks on all employees. In addition, the state of Texas now requires a background check on all vendors or contracted service providers who will come in direct contact with students. This includes private tutors or instructors, occupational therapists, school photographers, etc.

Although Carroll ISD does not currently conduct background checks on all parent volunteers, the district does have a visitor swipe-card system called Raptor that checks campus visitors against the state's sex offender database. An individual who refuses to swipe his/her driver's license into the Raptor system will be denied entry to the campus or provided with a district escort while on the premises. We ask all visitors to Carroll ISD facilities to comply with visitor check-in procedures. We follow these rules and regulations to help ensure the safety of your children.

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Bacterial Meningitis

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria. Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious infection with the potential for grave, long-term complications. It is an uncommong disease; however, it requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.

What are the Symptoms of Meningitis?

Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidaly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms. Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness or joint pains, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a raish of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body. The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results. if it is diagnosed early and treated properly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases, it can be fatal, or a person may be left with a permanent disability.

How is Bacterial Meningitis Spread?

Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes). The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body's immune system to cause meningitis or another serious illness.

How can Bacterial Meningitis be Prevented?

Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Limit the number of persons you kiss.

While there are vaccines for some other strains of baceterial meningitis, they are used only in special circumstances. These include when there is a disease outbreak in a community or for people traveling to a country where there is a high rick of getting the disease. Also, a vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85-90 percent). It can cause mild side effects such as redness and pain at the injection site, lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within seven to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five years.

To learn more about bacterial meningitis, visit the additional resources below:

• Tarrant County Health Department Bulletin
• Centers For Disease Control & Prevention

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Bullying

Bullying is a serious, punishable offense under the existing Student Code of Conduct. Carroll ISD addresses this important issue through a number of character education and anti-bullying programs across all grade levels. In fact, a task force of administrators, counselors and parents recently studied successful anti-bullying programs for implementation districtwide beginning in 2009. The group selected a program called Rachel's Challenge that will kick off at all CISD campuses in February.

Bullying can begin as early as elementary school, but is more likely during the pre-teen and adolescent years of intermediate and middle school. It is defined by the Carroll ISD Student Code of Conduct as "an action in which one person uses power in a willful manner with the aim of hurting another individual repeatedly. This may involve repeated exposure over time to negative actions or an imbalance of power so that the child victimized has trouble defending him/herself. The agression can be verbal, written, physical or psychological. bullying of any type will not be tolerated.

To learn more about the problem of bullying, visit the additional resources below:

• http://www.rachelschallenge.org/main.php 
• http://www.schoolsafety.us/pubfiles/bullying_fact_sheets.pdf
• http://www.stopbullyingnow.com

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Cell Phone-Free Zones

A number of years ago Carroll ISD installed cell phone free zone signage in the pick-up and drop-off areas of each school. Parent, staff and student drivers are asked as a courtesy to refrain from cell phone use while in school parking lots and pick-up lines. The plea for caution and cooperation was prompted by a couple of parking lot "scares" involving vehicles and pedestrians. The Southlake City Council is now considering an ordinance restricting hand-held telephones, emailing and texting devices while driving in school zones. Violators could face penalties if the measure is approved in January. For more information on the City Council's progress with this ordinance, click here.

In the meantime, for the safety of our students and staff, CISD asks that you honor the cell phone-free zones at each CISD campus.

Students may have cell phones and pagers in their possession at school. these devices must be turned off and stored out of sight from the time the first bell rings in the morning to release students to classes until the last bell rings to end the school day. Cell phones and pagers that are used, see, or heard during classes or during these hours will be confiscated and given to the appropriate school administrator. Arrangement must be made with the parents to return the items. By law, all campuses may assess and collect a $15 fee on the device before releasing the item. Students may be subjected to disciplinary action in these cases.

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Child Abuse or Neglect

According to the Texas Family Code and Board Policy FFG, any person who has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect must make a verbal report within 48 hours to the Child Protective Services division of the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services or any local or state law enforcement agency.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact Child Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400.

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Choking Game

The Choking Game is a serious game that can quickly turn deadly. The object of the 'game' is asphyxiation, as in,  to apply pressure to restrict oxygen and/or blood flow to the brain of the victim therefore creating a desired 'floaty', 'tingling', 'high' sensation.  The 'high' are the cells of the brain seizing and beginning the process of permanent cell death.  When the victim becomes unconscious,  the pressure is released and the secondary 'high' of the oxygen/blood rushing to the brain is achieved. If the victim is alone - upon unconsciousness there is no one to release the pressure and the victims own body weight continues to tighten the ligature usually resulting in death.

To learn more about the Choking Game, visit the additional resources below:

• http://www.chokinggame.net/
• http://www.stop-the-choking-game.com/en/home.html

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 Complaints & Concerns

Carroll ISD prefers for student or parent complaints and concerns to be addressed informally - by a phone call or a conference with the teacher, assistant principal or campus principal, as appropriate. In addition, Superintendent David J. Faltys reorganized central office to create a Student Services Department. This department, under the direction of Assistant Superintendent Lowell Strike, serves as the central office division that manages parent and community complaints.

For those complaints and concerns that require a more formal process and cannot be resolved at the campus level, the district has established a standard complaint process that is addressed by School Board Policy FNG. A student or parent who has a complaint may access the FNG process as long as the request is made within 15 days of the date of the event causing the complaint. Some complaints

To learn more about filing a formal grievance, visit the additional resources below:

• Office of Student Services
• Grievances 101  - a CISD publication
• CISD Board Policy FNG

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Cutting

Cutting is a coping mechanism for today's troubled teen. In an effort to mask the emotional pain a child is feeling, he or she will physically harm themselves by cutting areas of the body and redirecting or overshadowing the emotional pain and scarring with physical pain and scarring. This self-destructive activity can be serious and habit forming. Typically, cutting is the sign of a deeper, emotional problem. Teens will cut their arms, legs and torsos, often hiding signs of the cutting with long-sleeves and layered clothing.

As hard as it may be for parents to understand, teens who are hurting may actually cut themselves to gain relief from deeper, emotional issues or to exercise control in their life when it seems they lack control in other areas. This form of self-mutiliation or punishment typically does not indicate a sign of attempted suicide. Instead, cutting becomes an activity the team does to actually feel better. Cutting releases endorphins, the brain's feel-good chemical, providing a respite from the pain or helping the teen "feel more alive."

To learn more about cutting, visit the additional resources below:

• http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/cutting.html
• http://health.discovery.com/centers/teen/cutters/cutters.html
• http://www.teenhelp.com/teen-health/cutting-stats-treatment.html

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Cyberbullying

Gaining in popularity, cyberbullying is simply using the internet or related technologies to bully another individual. An adult was recently tried and convicted in California after she posed online as a teenage boy with interest in a teenage girl that later committed suicide. The adult was found liable in this history-making case and faces penalties for her part in the online deception.

To learn more about cyberbullying, visit the additional resources below:

• http://www.cyberbully.org/
• http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/
• http://www.isafe.org/

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Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Carroll ISD believes that student use of alcohol and illicit drugs is not only illegal, but harmful. Consequently, the district prohibits the use, sale, possession, and/or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students on school premises or at any school activity, regardless of location. Compliance is mandatory, and students shall be disciplined if they are found to be in violation.

Carroll ISD offers comprehensive drug and alcohol abuse education at all grade levels as appropriate. Students in grades 5-12 participate in a voluntary drug and alcohol use survey every other year. This information provides valuable details about the extent of use and abuse among teens.

To learn more about drug and alcohol abuse, visit the additional resources below:

• http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/
• http://www.drugabuse.gov/
• http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/alcohol/alcohol.html
• http://www.madd.org/Under-21/Junior-Senior-High.aspx
• http://www.teen-drug-abuse.org/
• http://www.teendrugabuse.net/

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Eating Disorders

Our society seems obsessed with thinness. Too often, teenagers receive mixed messages and equate thinness to success, popularity and beauty. For this and other reasons, some otherwise healthy teenagers - especially girls - turn their obsession with being thin into serious eating disorders and habits. Teeangers suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimeia require medical attention. The statistics can be scary. Studies indicate that by their first year of college, 4.5 to 18 percent of women and 0.4 percent of men have a history of bulimia and that as many as 1 in 100 females between the ages of 12 and 18 have anorexia

For more information on eating disorders, visit the resources below:

• http://www.teen-eating-disorders.net/
• http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

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Emergency Operations Plan

Carroll ISD has an Emergency Operations Plan that outlines detailed procedures for handling school crises. Because Carroll ISD does not want to compromise facility and personal safety, the plan is not provided online for the general public. Procedures are a part of annual administrative discussion and training. In addition, the district is required by law to conduct a safety audit of each facility every three years. A safety audit of all CISD facilities was completed in 2008. For more information on this audit, contact Dr. Derek Citty, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services at 817-949-8218 or dcitty@cisdmail.com.

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Fire Drills

All Carroll ISD campuses conduct annual fire drills. The district works cooperatively with local emergency personnel in analyzing and assessing fire risks. Drills are required by law to ensure proper planning and preparation. All schools are equipped with a comprehensive fire alarm system that is tested regularly.

In October, our students learn about Fire Prevention Week; for more information on this observance and other fire safety resources, visit the links below: 

• http://www.nfpa.org/index.asp
• http://firesafety.buffnet.net/Welcome.html
• http://www.firesafety.gov/kids/flash.shtm
• http://www.sparky.org/
• http://www.rentersinsurance.com

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 First Aid

1.  Heart Attack or Stroke

     A.  Signs and Symptoms

                            1.  Chest pain, middle of chest and possibly in left arm and neck

                            2.  Shortness of breath

                            3.  Sweating

                            4.  Loss of consciousness

                            5.  Weakness on one side of body

                            6.  Slurred speech

    B.  First Aid

                            1.  Check to see if patient is breathing and check pulse

                            2.  If no pulse or breathing, start CPR (have someone call 911 immediately)

                            3.  If stroke (weakness on one side; slurred speech) lay victim down onunaffected side, guard airway

2.  Seizure

     A.  Signs and Symptoms

                            1.  Uncontrolled muscle contractions caused by possible head injury, drugoverdose, epilepsy, fever, acute infection

     B.  First Aid

                            1.  Call Fire Department (911)

                            2.  Place patient on floor, DO NOT restrain

                            3.  Try to help maintain an open airway by supporting person in side-lying position

                            4.  DO NOT put anything in patient's mouth including your fingers

                            5.  After seizure, DO NOT attempt to awaken patient

                            6.  Note time of onset, and behavior during seizure, as well as time that seizureends if emergency personnel have not arrived yet

3.  Choking

     A.  Signs and Symptoms

                            1.  Unable to talk or cry out

                            2.  Victim clutches at throat

     B.  First Aid

                            1.  Call Fire Department (911)

                            2.  If patient is coughing, then do nothing but assist

                            3.  If patient has a complete airway obstruction, evidenced by no cough, an ineffective cough or high-pitched breathing, perform the Heimlich maneuver until the airway is clear. Should the patient lose consciousness, follow the protocol for the unconscious choking victim as taught in CPR training.

4.  Bleeding

     A.  Signs and Symptoms

                            1.  External - uncontrolled bleeding

                            2.  Internal - patient complaining of pain in stomach or chest, patient dizzywhen standing, pulse rate fast, above 100

     B.  First Aid

                            1.  Call Fire Department (911)                           

 2.  External:  Place direct pressure over the wound, keep wound as clean as possible. Immobolize the injured area in a comfortable position. Elevate a bleeding extremity above the level of the heart. DO NOT remove any impaled object. DO NOT apply a tourniquet

                            3.  Internal:  Lay patient down with feet raised, protect airway, keep patient calm

5.  Fractures

     A.  Signs and Symptoms

                            1.  Swelling

                            2.  Deformity

                            3.  Tenderness

                            4.  Exposed bone ends

     B.  First Aid

                            1.  Call Fire Department (911)

                            2.  Immobilize the extremity

                            3.  Never straighten fracture or nearby joints

                            4.  Splint if you have to move patient, if not, wait for the Fire Department 

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Grief Recovery

Carroll ISD counselors provide extensive services in the event of a student/staff death. Grief recovery is an essential part of the healing process.

Grief is a multi-faceted response to loss. Although conventionally focused on the emotional response to loss, it also has physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, and philosophical dimensions. Common to human experience is the death of a loved one, whether it be a friend, family, or other close companion, and in fact the word "grief" comes from the same root as "grave." While the terms are often used interchangeably, bereavement often refers to the state of loss, and grief to the reaction to loss.

For more information on grief recovery, visit the links below:

• http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/someone_died.html
• http://www.grief-recovery.com/

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Head Lice

Carroll ISD has a strict policy in handling head lice. Students who have head lice or nits are not permitted at school. Parents are encouraged to contact their family physician for treatment recommendations. A call to the school nurse and/or principal is also required.

For more information about head lice, visit the resources below:

• Centers for Disease Control
• http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/headlice/
• http://www.headlice.org

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Inclement Weather

Carroll ISD school closings are made by the Superintendent in consultation with National Weather Service reports, area Superintendents and transportation officials. The district utilizes the emergency telephone notification system - Connect-ED - as well as local radio and television stations to communicate weather-related closings or delays. Decisions are typically made by 6 a.m. when possible. Two inclement weather days are built into the CISD calendar. If the days go unused, they become school holidays.

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Influenza (H1N1 flu)

Influenza is caused by a virus and is very contagious, especially in the school setting.  It is spread by coughing , sneezing, and nasal secretions.  Symptoms are fever over 100, muscle aches, cough, chills, fatigue, sore throat, and headache.  Students with a fever should not be sent to school with over the counter medications to mask the fever.  Their illness will be prolonged and they are directly exposing other students and staff to their illness.   Also, getting plenty of rest, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, plenty fluids, frequent hand washing, and not sharing food and utensils are all very helpful in preventing illness.  And it is not too late to get a flu shot!

The CISD policy regarding the flu is that students may not return to school until 24 hours after a fever of 100 or more (without the use of fever-reducing medications).

For more information about the flu, visit these official websites:

• http://www.flu.gov/
• http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm 

Dragons Reminded To Be Diligent About Flu Symptoms

Carroll parents, staff and students are encouraged to be diligent about consulting a family physician for flu-like symptoms. Although many believe the H1N1 flu virus has already peaked in the North Texas area, CISD still receives ongoing information about sporadic cases throughout the district. The information below is provided to help assist you with managing through the flu season.

Six Ways To Fight The Flu - Tarrant County Health Department Tip Sheet

Like school districts all across the nation, Carroll ISD has been preparing for an outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus. Last spring, schools faced unprecedented closures and cancellations as school officials worked in consultation with county and state health departments to respond to this highly contagious strain of the flu. Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have changed slightly and leave the decision regarding local action up to the Superintendent and county health officials. Although the CDC is no longer recommending automatic closure, they do provide guidelines to assist school districts in managing through a flu outbreak.

Confirmed Type A Influenza Cases - All CISD Campuses
Carroll ISD has had Confirmed Type A Influenza cases at all of its 11 campuses with multiple confirmed cases at several schools. Doctors are no longer testing for H1N1, but instead are treating all Type A Influenza cases as "Presumed" H1N1. Individual campuses are no longer keeping statistics on new flu cases as absences have slowed down tremendously since the beginning of the school year. The district is appreciative of the way Dragon families have taken precautions to prevent the spread of the flu. Reminder information is provided below in the event a member of your family shows flu-like symptoms.

Please review district procedures and guidelines regarding influenza outbreak below:

If you think your child may have the flu, please consult with your family physician and contact your child's school nurse.

Symptoms
Symptoms of H1N1 include mild fever (99-102), cough, upper respiratory infection, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches and in some cases, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Students or staff experiencing two or more of the symptoms above should seek a doctor’s care immediately AND report their illness/symptoms to the school nurse. Most of the cases this past spring were treated effectively with Tamiflu. However, Tamiflu is only effective if given within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. As of last week, the Centers for Disease Control reported that Tamiflu is now only being prescribed for patients who are hospitalized with the flu.

Although the H1N1 symptoms are relatively mild, the disease is considered highly contagious and can cause serious complications in some patients. Currently a vaccine is being tested, but not yet administered to the general public. For that reason, our staff has been closely monitoring health-related information and guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as state and county health departments and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Carroll ISD has added a comprehensive Pandemic Flu Response Plan to our existing Emergency Operations Plan and we are pre-ordering necessary supplies to deal with flu outbreak. We are also taking steps to educate staff, parents and students about the importance of good hygiene and staying home when experiencing flu-like symptoms. If at all possible, vaccinate your family against the seasonal flu and when it becomes available, get the H1N1 virus vaccination as well.

Click here to read a Letter From Superintendent David J. Faltys

Centers for Disease Control Tip Sheet For Teachers

Centers for Disease Control Tip Sheet For Parents

It is our hope that we are being cautious and that the steps we have taken to plan and prepare for the worst will be helpful in preventing or avoiding a significant flu outbreak all together. We appreciate your help in partnering with us regarding this important health response. CISD will utilize our parent/staff notification system, emails, the web site, newsletters and printed letters home to keep you informed of our decisions and action responses to H1N1 this fall. Our school nurses provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise for Dragon families and staff. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you have any questions about our preparations.

For more information about the flu, visit these official websites:

• http://www.flu.gov/
• http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

Internet Safety

Carroll ISD utilizes an internet filter system to help protect students from viewing unauthorized and unacceptable content. All students and staff are required to sign an Acceptable Use Policy agreement before being allowed to utilize district hardware and software or access the internet using a CISD-owned computer.

To learn more about internet safety, visit the additional resources below:

• http://www.txssc.txstate.edu/txssc/txssc-internet-safety.htm
• http://www.mobile-broadband.org.uk/guides/complete-resource-of-internet-safety-for-kids/
• http://www.wiredsafety.org/

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Lockdowns

In addition to fire drills, CISD campuses are required to conduct annual lockdown drills. These drills help ensure that students and staff can quickly and efficiently be locked safely inside a campus. Lockdowns are ordered by local law enforcement or the Superintendent based on a pending or possible threat on or near school property. Examples of this may include a suspicious intruder in the neighborhood, a hazardous materials spill in close proximity of a campus and/or an agry non-custodial parent approaching the campus. During a lockdown, the principal makes an announcement for staff to secure their classrooms. Instruction can continue as teachers ensure everyone is safely inside the locked classroom and students are moved away from doors and windows. Lockdowns remain in place until the "all clear" announcement is made.

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Mononucleosis

Sometimes known as The Kissing Disease or mono, mononucleosis is an infection typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is common and many people are exposed to the virus at sometime during their childhood years. Exposure, however, does not guarantee illness. In fact, there are many people who carry EBV with them their whole lives and do not become sick. Symptoms of mono include fever, sore throat, headaches, white patches on the back of the throat, swollen glands in the neck, feeling tired and not feeling hungry.  Children can have multiple symptoms that are similar to the flu and may require a blood test by a doctor to confirm mononucleosis.

The mono virus is found in saliva and mucus, and is usually passed from one person to another through kissing, although it may rarely be passed in other ways, such as coughing. Students can avoid the transmission of common colds and viruses, including mono, by following these simple steps:

• Wash hands thoroughly and regularly
• Cover your mouth or use a tissue when coughing or sneezing (immediately wash hands afterward)
• Avoid drinking from a straw or glass used by other students or adults
• Do not share eating utensils with others
• Avoid sharing a toothbrush with another individual
• Avoid kissing or mixing your saliva with another person

Signs of mono usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus and last another four weeks. Generally, people only get mono once. The disease is most common among people 15 to 35 years old. Antibiotics like penicillin are not effective in the treatment of mono because it is caused by a virus, and antibiotics don't work against viruses. If you have a bacterial infection in addition to having mono, your doctor may give you an antibiotic. 

Treatments for mono include rest, drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with salt water to relieve throat pain and taking fever-reducing medications, such as Tylenol. Aspirin should not be given to children due to its association with Reye's Syndrome. In most cases, symptoms go away after several weeks of extra rest and fluids. Avoid sports, activities or exercise of any kind until your doctor tells you it's safe. Moving around too much puts you at risk of rupturing your spleen. You need to avoid physical activities for about 3 to 4 weeks after the infection starts.

Mono symptoms usually go away on their own within 2 to 4 weeks, but the enlarged lymph nodes and spleen can last longer. And in some kids, especially teens, the fatigue and weakness can last for months. in rare cases, complications can occur. These can include blood disorders, such as hemolytic anemia, which involves the increased destruction of red blood cells, and Bell's palsy, an inflammation of a facial nerve that can weaken and paralyze the face muscles (usually temporary). Other rare complications of mono include rupture of the spleen and inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis).

For more information on mononucleosis, visit the links below:

• http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/infections/common/viral/077.html
• http://kidshealth.org/teen/infections/common/mononucleosis.html
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/infectiousmononucleosis.html

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Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis or Whooping cough begins like a cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever and a cough that slowly becomes worse. The could will evolve into strong "coughing fits" often followed by a whooping sound. Pertussis is a bacteria found in the nose, mouth and throat. It may be expelled into the air when the infected person sneeqes, coughs or talks. It may also be transmitted by drinking after an infected person. The symptoms usually appear within 5 to 21 days after being infected. Antibiotics are used to treat the infected person and their close contafcts. Pertussis can be extremely dangerous for babies. Adults, tenns and vaccinated children often have milder symptoms that mimic bronchitis or asthma. The new tetanus, diphtheria and acellelur pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is recommended to be given to adolescents beginning at 11-12 years of age to replace the tetanus/diphtheria (Td) booster dose usually recommended at that age.

For more in formation about pertussis, visit the links below:

• http://www.pertussis.com/
• http://www.cdc.gov/doc.do/id/0900f3ec80228696
• http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-dtap.pdf

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Poison Control

Carroll ISD takes the storage of science lab chemicals and other poisonous materials very seriously. The district's Emergency Operations Plan provides detailed, step-by-step procedures for managing a poison emergency. In addition, the telephone number for poison control is readily available.

If you have a poison-related emergency, call 911 or the Texas Poison Control Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.

For more information on poison control, visit the links below:

• http://www.poison.org/
• http://www.poisoncontrol.org/

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School Emergencies Or Evacuations

The Carroll Independent School District is committed to the safety of all children and staff. Emergency evacuation sites have been designated in the unlikely event the Superintendent and/or building principal deem it necessary. For all other emergencies, students and staff will remain on site and will follow established crisis procedures.

As a parent of a CISD student, we ask for your cooperation if you hear of an emergency at school.

• The appropriate campus and/or district Emergency Operations Team will be activated and appropriate steps taken to provide a safe and supportive environment for children and staff.
• No student will be dismissed from school unless a parent (or his/her designee on the emergency card) comes for him/her. No child will be allowed to leave without the adult responsible for his/her care providing positive identification. It is the responsibility of the parent to keep all emergency records up-to-date.
• Students must sign out through the principal's office or designated dismissal site before leaving the campus.
• Please do NOT call the school. We must have all the telephone lines open for emergency calls. If your child has been injured or needs assistance, a crisis team member will call you immediately.
• During or immediately following an emergency, do NOT drive to school. The school access route and entrances must remain clear for emergency vehicles.
• The district will utilize the emergency telephone notification system (Connect-ED) to inform parents of the latest instructions before, during or after the school crisis. Parents may also listen to news radio (WBAP 820 AM or KRLD 1080 AM). Information and specific directions parents are to follow will be announced.
• Buses will not make their runs during dangerous weather conditions. Students will be supervised at school until weather permits their safe return home.

 For more information, contact CISD at 817-949-7080.

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Sex Offenders

The safety of Carroll ISD students is a top priority. All employees have a formal, criminal background check completed at hiring. In turn, the district conducts criminal background checks on all vendors and individuals who provide contracted services to the district. Surveillance cameras are installed at all major entrances and exits, with emergency operations procedures in place should an unidentified person be found on school property. Our employees and our parent volunteers are diligent in keeping a watchful eye out for unusual activity in or near school property. In turn, Carroll ISD has an excellent working relationship with the Department of Public Safety. This cooperative spirit has been extremely helpful in handling safety issues involving campuses.

The state of Texas provides a comphrensive website of registered sex offenders. This information is available for public review. As a school district, CISD takes precautions to screen visitors to the campus. The Raptor swipe-card system checks visitors' driver's licenses against the state's sex offender database. Procedures are in place if and when an individual visiting a campus refuses to swipe his/her license. In addition, local law enforcement is called if the Raptor system shows a visitor to be a registered sex offender.

To learn more about sex offenders in your area, visit the resources below:

• Texas Sex Offender Registry
• National Sex Offender Registry

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S.P.A.R.K. Committee

Carroll ISD and the City of Southlake have had an active Drug and Alcohol Awareness Committee for many years. Volunteers from both entities join local citizens to support awareness programs and initiatives. Recently, this committee changed its focus to include a broader definition of teen concerns and abuses. In fact, a new committee was formed to address potential and real risks to teenagers in the community. Students and Parents Against Risk To Kids (SPARK) offers educational programs and activities to create a greater awareness of important topics such as internet predators, alcohol abuse, date rape, and more.

For more information about S.P.A.R.K. or related events, visit the link below:

• S.P.A.R.K. Committee Website 

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Staph Infections

Like many schools across the nation, Carroll ISD has been working diligently to educate students, staff and parents about the problem of staphylococcus bacteria, better known as "staph." This is a common type of bacteria that can cause skin infections in some individuals. We deal with cases of staph every year, but recent news of a more drug-resistant (MRSA) strain has caused increased concern. In the past, you read mostly about staph infections following surgical procedures in hospitals. if staph can be found in a sterile hospital setting, you can imagine how difficult it is to control the bacteria in other public places such as grocery stores, restrooms, school locker rooms, etc.

Symptoms of staph include a rash, pimple or boil area that may be red, swollen, painful or have pus or other drainage. Staph can be spread through skin to skin contact - especially if the individual has an exposed open cut or wound. The presence of these symptoms does not necessarily confirm a staph infection. There have been a number of students and adults who believed they might have staph only to learn they had a simple rash, bug bite or poison oak. However, it is important to check with your family physicial to be sure. It is important that if you think you may have staph that you contact your school nurse or personal physician.

The absolute best remedy for preventing the spread of staph is frequent hand washing with soap and water. We regularly encourage our students to wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs, but having parents reinforce this message at home would be helpful. We also encourage students not to share equipment, water bottles, towels and clothing with other students and to avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Another great preventative strategy is for students to take gym clothes and uniforms home for washing every night.

To learn more about staph infections, visit the helpful links below:

• Tarrant County Health Department Bulletin
• University Interscholastic League
• Centers For Disease Control & Prevention
• http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/staphylococcus.html

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Steroids

Anabolic steroids are for medical use only. State law prohibits the possession, dispensing, delivery, or administering of an anabolic steroid in any manner not allowed by state law. The law provides that boby building, muscle enhancement or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a person who is in good health is not a valid medical purpose. Only a medical doctor may prescribe an anabolic steroid or human growth hormoe for a person. A violation of state law concerning anabolic or human growth hormores is a criminal offense punichsable by confinement in jail or imprisonment in the institutional division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The state of Texas recently implemented a random drug testing program to detect and deter steriod use among high school athletes. Oversight for this random drug testing program is managed by the University Interscholastic League or UIL. CISD's athletic program was randomly selected for drug testing in 2008. All 85 of the CISD athletes tested showed negative results for steroids.

For more information on steroid use and abuse, visit the resources below:

• University Interscholastic League (UIL)
• http://www.steroidabuse.org/

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Stress

Stress is a biological term which refers to the consequences of the failure of a human or animal body to respond appropriately to emotional or physical threats to the organism, whether actual or imagined. It includes a state of alarm and adrenaline production, short-term resistance as a coping mechanism, and exhaustion.

For more information about stress, visit the links below:

• http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/stress.html
• http://www.stress.org/
• http://www.medicinenet.com/stress/article.htm

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Student Code of Conduct

In any school district is it necessary that rules and regulations be established for the safety and well-being of all. Carroll ISD operates under the philosophy that it is important to teach students self discipline through making decisions and understanding that decisions have consequences. The Student Code of Conduct is just one tool to help students, parents, teachers and administrators work together to teach children self discipline. To achieve the best possible learning environment for all our students, the Student Code of Conduct explains what is expected of each student and tells the students what will happen if a rule is violated. The purpose of the document is to teach each student self discipline and to provide a safe and secure learning environment for the benefit of all students.

To learn more about the Student Code of Conduct, visit the additional resources below:

• Carroll ISD Student Code of Conduct
• Campus Handbooks and Forms

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Substance Abuse Parent Training

All parents of students involved in extracurricular activities must participate in a substance abuse awareness seminar at least one time during your child's 7-12 grade years. Online courses are now available for your convenience. To learn more about the online course, click here.

To visit the online course curriculum, click here.

For more information about substance abuse, visit the link below:

• http://www.drugabuse.gov/

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Suicide & Teen Depression

Each year in the United States, thousands of teenagers commit suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for 5-to-14-year-olds.

To learn more about suicide, visit the resouces below:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

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Tobacco Use & Smoking

Tobacco use and smoking are prohibited in all Carroll ISD buildings AND on school property. Tobacco use and smoking is harmful to nearly every organ of the human body.

For additional information on tobacco use and smoking, visit the resources below;

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

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Video Surveillance System

Carroll ISD has video surveillance equipment on all major entrances and exits and other key locations throughout district facilities. In addition, video surveillance equipment is available on district-owned school buses. Copies of tapes containing personally identifiable information for students are not allowed to be viewed by third parties. However, Carroll ISD reserves the right to use video surveillance footage in matters pertaining to security, facility maintenance and student/staff discipline. The exact location of district video surveillance equipment is not published for obvious security reasons. Most of the equipment, however, was purchased as part of the February 2006 bond package approved by Carroll voters. The program allows off-site viewing of footage by members of the Southlake Department of Public Safety. As always, video surveillance equipment is in place for the protection of Carroll ISD property, employees and students. Questions regarding this surveillance program may be directed to Dr. Derek Citty, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services at dcitty@cisdmail.com.

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Carroll ISD Provides Swine Flu Facts

As a general rule, the same precautions to avoid various strains of human influenza will serve you well in helping to avoid the spread of swine flu.

Click here to view a general Influenza PDF flier form the Tarrant County Health Department.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur. Public health officials have determined that this strain of swine flu virus spreads from human to human and can cause illness.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially have you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, the Center for Disease Control recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• Swine flu is not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
• People who get vaccinated for human flu can still get sick from swine flu.
• The virus can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs.
• The government is now discouraging any non-essential travel between the United States and Mexico. Masks are being worn by a large portion of the population in Mexico.

New Ordinance Banning Hand-held Communication Devices In School Zones Approved

On January 20, the Southlake City Council gave final approval to a new ordinance banning the use of hand-held communication devices in school zones. The ordinance makes it an offense for motorists to use hand-held communications devices while driving in active school zones. Enforcement will not begin, however, until signage is installed at each of the school zone locations. The proposal received the unanimous support of the community group Students and Parents Against Risks to our Kids (SPARK) and the unanimous vote of Council members. For more information, contact Pillar Schank at 817.748.8006.

To read the wording of Ordinance 952, click here.

Current School Zone Times

Carroll Elementary School

7:25 to 8:30 a.m.
1:30 to 3:25 p.m.

Johnson Elementary School

7:25 to 8:30 a.m.
1:30 to 3:25 p.m.

Rockenbaugh Elementary School

7:25 to 9:10 a.m.
2:25 to 4:10 p.m.

Old Union Elementary School

7:25 to 8:25 a.m.
2:25 to 3:25 p.m.

Walnut Grove Elementary & Durham Intermediate School

7:25 to 9:10 a.m.
2:25 to 4:10 p.m.

Eubanks Intermediate & Dawson MIddle School

8:10 to 9:10 a.m.
3:10 to 4:10 p.m.

Carroll Middle School

8:10 to 9:10 a.m.
3:10 to 4:10 p.m.

Carroll High and Carroll Senior High Schools

7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
2:10 to 3:10 p.m.
3:20 to 4:20 p.m.

Have A Topic For Dragon SafetyZone?

Have a suggestion for a topic to add to the Dragon SafetyZone?
Simply email karen.flexer@southlakecarroll.edu or rick.herrin@southlakecarroll.edu

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