Every incoming senior leaves with a polished yearbook portrait that looks like it belongs on the cover of a magazine.
What you don't see is everything happening just outside the camera frame.
The tuxedo shirts? They're completely open in the back and go on more like an apron than an actual shirt. It's the original "business on the top, casual on the bottom" look. The jackets come in a variety of sizes that can leave students scratching their heads, but somehow the Strawbridge Studios staff can size you up with one quick glance. There are only a handful of bow ties making the rounds, so yes, everyone gets a turn with the same one for a few minutes.
The young ladies wear the traditional black velvet drape for their portraits. Since one size definitely does not fit all, the drapes are often secured in the back with binder clips. If they choose, they can also add a classic strand of pearls to complete the look. Just like the bow ties, it's the very same necklace making its way from one senior to the next throughout the day. Our very first senior this year confidently slipped her drape on, only to announce that it was a skirt because it reached all the way to her waist. Thanks to Mom and the Strawbridge staff, it was quickly turned the right way, clipped into place and transformed into a beautiful senior portrait.
It's just another reminder that yearbook photos are a little bit of movie magic. What looks elegant and effortless in the final picture is often held together with binder clips, shared bow ties, one well-traveled strand of pearls, a little creativity and plenty of laughter behind the scenes.
Enjoy a few of our favorite "what's really happening" moments from Senior Startup! And stay tuned for more photos from Senior Startup on the District Facebook page.
🌟 Panther Kickoff freshman orientation from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Incoming freshmen are invited to spend the time touring the school, meeting their teachers, connecting with classmates and learning about activities and expectations. Students are encouraged to stay the entire time. They may also get their laptop and pay the $25 technology fee.
🌟 Panther Prep open house for sophomores and juniors from 1-7 p.m. Freshmen who cannot attend their special orientation can also come at this time. During this open house, students can get their computer and pay the $25 technology fee, receive school supplies, obtain important back-to-school information, meet teachers and staff, and become familiar with their classrooms.
We look forward to seeing all of our Panthers!
These are the only things we are asking from our families:
CCCDC
A backpack without wheels - Head Start/Preschool only
KWP (Grades K–1):
A backpack without wheels
A change of clothes to be kept at school in case of spills or accidents
Cartmell (Grades 2-4)
A backpack without wheels
Two sets of headphones (can be 3.5 mm aux connection or USB)
A change of clothes to be kept at school in case of spills or accidents
Wish List for Cartmell - Optional items that we will take any time throughout the year!
Expo Markers
Post It Notes
Ziploc Bags – Gallon or Quart sized
Pencil Top Erasers
Highlighters
Tissues
Paper Towels
Clorox Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
CCMS (Grades 5–8):
A backpack without wheels
CCHS (Grades 9–12):
Clear backpacks are provided at the school
A set of headphones (can be 3.5 mm aux connection or USB)
Any parent or community member who would like to donate supplies to our schools can contact the school offices, and they will be able to provide information about the school’s needs.
Carroll County High School - 732-7075
Carroll County Middle School - 732-7080
Cartmell Elementary School - 732-7085
Kathryn Winn Primary School - 732-7090
Carroll County Child Development Center - 732-7016
Panther families, please complete the online registration for your student as soon as possible. Completing your child's registration before Open House will help make the start of the school year much smoother.
💻 Please note: Student computers will not be issued until registration has been completed.
While families may complete registration during their school's Open House, it will take additional time and may delay receiving important back-to-school information and devices. We encourage everyone to complete registration before attending Open House whenever possible.
If you currently have a student enrolled in Carroll County Schools (Grades K-12), simply log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal and click Online Registration.
Register here: https://www.carroll.kyschools.us/page/registration
If you've forgotten your Parent Portal username or password, you can:
• Use the account recovery option in Infinite Campus
• Call the Board of Education at 502-732-7070
• Email melissa.hann@carroll.kyschools.us
All students are required to have updated enrollment information each school year. Thank you for taking a few minutes now to help us get your child ready for a great school year!
A reminder for all incoming CCHS freshmen! 🖤💛
Join us for Panther Kickoff on Monday, Aug. 3, from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students are asked to stay for the entire Panther Kickoff.This special welcome event is designed to help you start your freshman year with confidence.
You'll have the chance to explore the school, meet staff, connect with classmates and get the information and resources you need before the first day of school. We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2030 to Carroll County High School!
Staff return to school on Monday, August 10 and students return on Wednesday, August 12. We look forward to a great 2026-2027 school year!
(Photo contributor: Mr. Dwayne Smith)
An informational meeting for any high school student interested in playing on the CCHS boys' golf team is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the CCHS cafeteria. The team is open for students in grades 9-12 only.
🎉 Calling all incoming CCHS freshmen! 🐾
Join us for Panther Kickoff on Monday, Aug. 3, from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special welcome event is designed to help you start your freshman year with confidence.
You'll have the chance to explore the school, meet staff, connect with classmates and get the information and resources you need before the first day of school. We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2030 to Carroll County High School!
Please use this link to RSVP. https://forms.gle/oSYyxLg44ftZjT317
Carroll County Schools is in need of bus drivers! If you enjoy driving and spending time with students, we would love for you to apply for this job.
Applications can be found at join.ccpanthers.com.
https://app.smore.com/n/gtzc7
The Family Ties Resource Center and Youth Services Center have once again partnered to offer the Ready Fair for all Carroll County students. The event will be Thursday, July 23 from 3-6 p.m. in the Carroll County High School gym.
Attendees can get a free backpack as well as important resources about healthcare, dental care, child care, grandparents caring for grandchildren and children's immunizations. Free hot dogs, chips, water and ice cream will be served. More information is available on the Family Ties Resource Center Facebook page.
According to the KHSAA, during this two-week period, student-athletes may not receive coaching or training from school personnel, and schools cannot hold practices, workouts, camps, open gyms, conditioning sessions, or other team activities. School athletic facilities, equipment, uniforms, transportation, and funds also cannot be used for KHSAA-sanctioned sports during the dead period.
The annual break was established to give student athletes, coaches, administrators, and families time away from the demands of school sports while helping prevent year-round athletic participation.
The wonderful staff at the Carroll County Youth Services Center and Family Ties Service Center are available to help families throughout the summer, not just during the school year.
The Youth Services Center, which is located at Carroll County High School, can assist with in-school and community resources. “We can get families signed up for our in-school resources, such as Backpack Buddies, and if families are in need of emergency assistance, we can help them get connected with those community resources for food, clothing, finances, transportation, family resources, etc.,” said YSC Coordinator Sydney Ball. The center also offers assistance with college and career applications.
The Family Ties Service Center, which has an office at Cartmell and Kathryn Winn, is also staffed during the summer from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. “We can help with signing families up for services or, if they need help finding services in our community, we can direct them or contact services for them,” said Family Ties Coordinator Aayme Kindoll. She is also able to help with emergency food assistance and signing children up for school.
Ball, Kindoll, CCMS Youth Services Coordinator Sharonia Barr and Amanda New, Director of Federal Programs and Families in Transition Coordinator, are pictured collecting items students identified they would need during the summer.
“The FRYSC team surveyed our students and a lot said they needed basics like underwear, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste,” New said. The team filled backpacks that were handed out before the school year ended. Students received food packs, shampoo, a blanket, educational books, toothpaste, toothbrush, soaps and washrags.
New said Title 1 money, which is specified for very unique purposes, was used for the project. She learned about the idea at a conference she attended last school year and hopes to continue it throughout the future. “We’re trying to keep the family in mind and I would like to keep building on this,” she added.
Donations can be made by contacting New at amanda.new@carroll.kyschools.us or calling 502-662-0590.
Please use this information if you are in need of assistance:
Carroll County Youth Services Center
At CCHS from 8am-2pm Monday-Friday or by appointment
Call: 502-732-9272 for the direct office line
Email: sydney.ball@carroll.kyschools.us
Family Ties Service Center
Aayme Kindoll, Coordinator
Cartmell Elementary School (502) 732-7008
Open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday-Friday
Email: aayme.kindoll@carroll.kyschools.us
Attendees can get a free backpack as well as important resources about healthcare, dental care, child care, grandparents caring for grandchildren and children's immunizations. More information is available on the Family Ties Resource Center Facebook page.
The students partnered with board certified behavior analyst Stevie Mefford to develop the project, while the City of Carrollton Public Works Department fabricated the metal and concrete display, and Heitz Signs printed the board.
This simple addition has the potential to make a meaningful difference for families by giving more children a way to communicate while enjoying one of our community's favorite parks.
(Photos courtesy of Mr. Fremin)
