Euless Trinity story on the front page.....

[TrinityTrojan80]

Check out the story:
http://www.star-telegram.com/407/story/54983.html

[jrock210]

Check out the story:
http://www.star-telegram.com/407/story/54983.html

Judson could never ahve those signs up because a big upset came when both black history and mexican history month had signs put up but there is no white history so some students fought the administrators over it and got a white history month sign but up whenever that is.

[TrinityTrojan80]

Judson could never ahve those signs up because a big upset came when both black history and mexican history month had signs put up but there is no white history so some students fought the administrators over it and got a white history month sign but up whenever that is.

That's what happens at most schools and what makes what happens at ET special.

[The Great Evaluator]

I've never seen a school that was more of a melting pot than Trinity - with students from 30 different countries??? Whether they realize it or not, they are an inspiration to the rest of the world and a great example of how life can be. Despite cultural differences and various religious backgrounds, you never hear of any problems within. Obviously the school's leadership is doing a great job with the students there.

[TrinityTrojan80]

I've never seen a school that was more of a melting pot than Trinity - with students from 30 different countries??? Whether they realize it or not, they are an inspiration to the rest of the world and a great example of how life can be. Despite cultural differences and various religious backgrounds, you never hear of any problems within. Obviously the school's leadership is doing a great job with the students there.

As far as football goes, there is a fine line as to discipline. Coach Lineweaver allows a player to enjoy his individuality but there are many things that will not be tolerated!

[78 Spartan]

I'm just impressed that somewhere there's a principal who runs a school based on his own common sense and not based on the policies and procedures driven by lawyers and HR types.

[TrinityProud]

When some friends were planning a move into the Northeast Tarrant County area, they visited several different high schools and interviewed the principals about the school's academic and fine arts programs, etc. for their teenagers. They met with Andy Cargile, and compared Trinity and its programs with other schools in the area. As they finished the interview, they were surprised when Mr. Cargile told them "You forgot to ask the most important question----why should I choose Trinity?". "OK, they said, "why should we choose Trinity?" "Because, Mr. Cargile said, "the kids will have more fun!" :D

What a great administrator, and what a great school!!!

[TrinityTrojan80]

When some friends were planning a move into the Northeast Tarrant County area, they visited several different high schools and interviewed the principals about the school's academic and fine arts programs, etc. for their teenagers. They met with Andy Cargile, and compared Trinity and its programs with other schools in the area. As they finished the interview, they were surprised when Mr. Cargile told them "You forgot to ask the most important question----why should I choose Trinity?". "OK, they said, "why should we choose Trinity?" "Because, Mr. Cargile said, "the kids will have more fun!" :D

What a great administrator, and what a great school!!!

Your name says it all!!! BTW Trinity scrimmaged against SLC and Arlington Bowie tonight in 7 on 7, it was great!

[baylordad]

I have lived in Euless since 1974. I don't know of any of the community leaders since then that have had such a positive impact on our students. I have known Andy since my daughter entered high school in 1995. He is correct in stating our kids have more fun because he has made it more fun for all of us!! Never seen the man without a smile on his face. We are truly blessed to have him as our principal and a true leader in our community!!

[drgnbkr]

I have lived in Euless since 1974. I don't know of any of the community leaders since then that have had such a positive impact on our students. I have known Andy since my daughter entered high school in 1995. He is correct in stating our kids have more fun because he has made it more fun for all of us!! Never seen the man without a smile on his face. We are truly blessed to have him as our principal and a true leader in our community!!

What a great commentary! With all of the tough challenges in our schools today it is really refreshing to see this story!

[Drake]

I wasn't nearly as impressed by the story as others seem to be.

First, bragging that your scores are higher than the other Tarrant County schools (2) of similar socio-economic make up is not anything to brag about at all... How are you faring against all schools? If the kids are just dumber there then fine. But if they're setting a lower bar just because they're mostly poorer or minority then they're doing those kids a real disservice.

Second, being allowed to wear anything you want may make you a unique and hip school, but what does it teach kids about respecting institutions.

School is supposed to be preparing kids to be productive adults and for jobs/careers. As an employer I want to see applicants that have enough respect for a job that they dress appropriately for interviews and work (if hired). I also want them to be smart and productive period, not just smarter and more productive than others from their neighborhood...

[twcpfan1]

A liitle bit off topic but about ET. Their ethnic breakdown lists 13% Asian. Are the Pacific Islanders included in this number? Just curious.

[drgnbkr]

I wasn't nearly as impressed by the story as others seem to be.

First, bragging that your scores are higher than the other Tarrant County schools (2) of similar socio-economic make up is not anything to brag about at all... How are you faring against all schools? If the kids are just dumber there then fine. But if they're setting a lower bar just because they're minorities then they're doing those kids a real disservice.

Second, being allowed to wear anything you want may make you a unique and hip school, but what does it teach kids about respecting institutions.

School is supposed to be preparing kids to be productive adults and for jobs/careers. As an employer I want to see applicants that have enough respect for a job that they dress appropriately for interviews and work (if hired). I also want them to be smart and productive period, not just smarter and more productive than others from their neighborhood...

Wow Drake! Your hard to impress....:rolleyes:

[Drake]

Wow Drake! Your hard to impress....:rolleyes:Maybe so... What impressed YOU about the story?

[Favpack]

Maybe so... What impressed YOU about the story?

I thought it was great Drake. What impressed me is that, in this age of dress codes and super-strict adherence to our rules, this principal has opted to treat these students as young adults. Dangerous - yes, but I admire his courage. Sadly, I think at times we see a diverse campus and think "we've got to be strict on these kids so they don't get out of hand" rather than cutting them some slack.

I'm not saying that Trinity is the best way for all, but it works for them.

[KT2000]

School is supposed to be preparing kids to be productive adults and for jobs/careers. As an employer I want to see applicants that have enough respect for a job that they dress appropriately for interviews and work (if hired). I also want them to be smart and productive period, not just smarter and more productive than others from their neighborhood...

Drake, I was impressed with the article and like the fact the principal is allowing the students to be themselves. I think you can take students out of their comfort zone if everything they do is regulated. I don't see the harm in allowing students the freedom to express their individuality. Going to school, as with church, is a bore for just about anyone 18 and under so I'm in favor of things that make the schoolastic environment more inviting and comfortable.

Since diversity is one of the elements mentioned in the article, I'll throw in an example from overseas that this article reminded me of.

Have you ever seen a documentary on the city of Tokyo, Japan or been there yourself?

Tokyo may be the most eclectic city in the world as far as its diversity, fashion and the overall expressiveness of its people is concerned. Yet, it manages to be the safest, cleanest, most productive and most efficiently run city on the planet.

[ken-in-rockwall]

I wasn't impressed either. What does it show ?? That breaking the rules is ok.

Quoted from the story.. "The Hurst-Euless-Bedford dress code specifically addresses hair, clothing and piercings:

Hair shall be clean, neat and well-groomed, according to the code. Pants should be worn at the "natural waist." Shorts and skirts must reach to the students' fingertips. Other than earrings, piercings are not permitted.
And according to the district's electronics policy, use of cellphones and iPods is prohibited during school.
At Trinity, those rules are, more often than not, ignored."

This shows that breaking the rules set by senior administration is to be ignored or broken. And we wonder why some kids don't have respect for authority !

[farmerfan]

I wasn't impressed either. What does it show ?? That breaking the rules is ok.

Quoted from the story.. "The Hurst-Euless-Bedford dress code specifically addresses hair, clothing and piercings:

Hair shall be clean, neat and well-groomed, according to the code. Pants should be worn at the "natural waist." Shorts and skirts must reach to the students' fingertips. Other than earrings, piercings are not permitted.
And according to the district's electronics policy, use of cellphones and iPods is prohibited during school.
At Trinity, those rules are, more often than not, ignored."

This shows that breaking the rules set by senior administration is to be ignored or broken. And we wonder why some kids don't have respect for authority !

Whos to say those kids re disrepescting authority or going to break the rules?
Just by judging from their football team that is not the case at all.
Judging by their womens basketball team over the years that once again has not been the case either.
Trinity like many middle to lower class schools has produced some excellent students who have gone on to excel in everything they do. Just like any other school Trinity has had some kids that havent. I guess if we could all have and experience the utopia that is Rockwall or Strake Jesuit then we would be making model citizens and our world would be a much better place :rolleyes:

[Drake]

I don't even know what "eclectic" means...

But being of simple mind, what I do know for sure is that some of these kids will be going to college and more will be seeking employment right out of high school... If placing "white only" signs over the water fountains to remind them of how oppressed they once were, if ignoring the rules of appropriate dress so you can express yourself or your ethnicity, and if being commended for being the best of the dumb schools will help them succeed in that, then perhaps this principal is on to a new way to prepare kids for their future...

Personally, I believe it's setting them up to fail because like it or not, conformity is required in most workplaces. But what's worse, I see it as conditioning them to BLAME SOMEONE ELSE when they can't get a decent job rather than recognizing they're not desirable because of their education or appearance... Of course, they can always move to Japan...

[LPFAN]

I wasn't impressed either. What does it show ?? That breaking the rules is ok.

Quoted from the story.. "The Hurst-Euless-Bedford dress code specifically addresses hair, clothing and piercings:

Hair shall be clean, neat and well-groomed, according to the code. Pants should be worn at the "natural waist." Shorts and skirts must reach to the students' fingertips. Other than earrings, piercings are not permitted.
And according to the district's electronics policy, use of cellphones and iPods is prohibited during school.
At Trinity, those rules are, more often than not, ignored."

This shows that breaking the rules set by senior administration is to be ignored or broken. And we wonder why some kids don't have respect for authority !

Do you have kids? Do you speed or do you run red lights when your kids are in the car? If you do then you too are showing that breaking the rules/law is ok. If you don't then good for you. If you do not have respect for authority or the laws of the road your kids will see it. I don't get how some people can point fingers yet not look at how they break the law every day. Oh but that is different right? Wrong! While I see your point and agree with it I just wanted to point out that it all starts at home when it comes to our kids. We can always find fault with others and forget or choose not to look at our own faults.

[drgnbkr]

I don't even know what "eclectic" means...

But being of simple mind, what I do know for sure is that some of these kids will be going to college and more will be seeking employment right out of high school... If placing "white only" signs over the water fountains to remind them of how oppressed they once were, if ignoring the rules of appropriate dress so you can express yourself or your ethnicity, and if being commended for being the best of the dumb schools will help them succeed in that, then perhaps this principal is on to a new way to prepare kids for their future...

Personally, I believe it's setting them up to fail because like it or not, conformity is required in most workplaces. But what's worse, I see it as conditioning them to BLAME SOMEONE ELSE when they can't get a decent job rather than recognizing they're not desirable because of their education or appearance... Of course, they can always move to Japan...

Best of the "dumb schools" ??:eek: You are bordering on the outrageous.

[farmerfan]

I don't even know what "eclectic" means...

But being of simple mind, what I do know for sure is that some of these kids will be going to college and more will be seeking employment right out of high school... If placing "white only" signs over the water fountains to remind them of how oppressed they once were, if ignoring the rules of appropriate dress so you can express yourself or your ethnicity, and if being commended for being the best of the dumb schools will help them succeed in that, then perhaps this principal is on to a new way to prepare kids for their future...

Personally, I believe it's setting them up to fail because like it or not, conformity is required in most workplaces. But what's worse, I see it as conditioning them to BLAME SOMEONE ELSE once they realize the way they were taught in school is not accepted there (the workplace)... Of course, they can always move to Japan...

Thats why your not in school administration and the principal at ET is. He is running his school the way he sees fit and until you yourself get into school administration your opinion will remain just that and far from being fact.
You know I spent my high school life in private school. As structured an environment as you can find. Uniforms, strict school policies, tons of homework and test prep. The funny thing is you according to you that is the setup that needs to happen in order to be successful, well out of a graduating HS class of 51, there were only 12 of us who graduated from college with a few in jail and one dead due to a drug overdose. There were and are other private schools in this area that see much the same. But according to you the way the private model is setup meaning to have those strict rules in place and following them is the way to go right?

[farmerfan]

Best of the "dumb schools" ??:eek: You are bordering on the outrageous.

I guess its a private thing or something. :eek:

[Drake]

Do you have kids? Do you speed or do you run red lights when your kids are in the car? If you do not have respect for authority or the laws of the road your kids will see it. I don't get how some people can point fingers yet not look at how they break the law every day. Oh but that is different right? Wrong! While I see your point and agree with it I just wanted to point out that it all starts at home when it comes to our kids. We can always find fault with others and forget or choose not to look at our own faults.I totally agree with this. Regardless of the rules at school, it is almost child abuse for parents to allow kids to wear rapper clothes, get body piercings, tattoos, not learn to read and write good english etc. because most will suffer for it (and regret it) as adults... (I better go to lunch, I'm starting to sound like Bill Cosby :))

[Drake]

Best of the "dumb schools" ??:eek: You are bordering on the outrageous.I don't know anything about ET other than what I read in the article... But I know if I had a kid there and an article came out a kept repeating that "of the 3 disadvantaged schools, ET was the best" over and over, I would be offended... First, it makes it sound like the kids are dumb by adding the qualifier, and second, I'd wonder why my school wasn't better than all the schools in Tarrant County...

[LPFAN]

I totally agree with this. Regardless of the rules at school, it is almost child abuse for parents to allow kids to wear rapper clothes, get body piercings, tattoos, not learn to read and write good english etc. because most will suffer for it (and regret it) as adults... (I better go to lunch, I'm starting to sound like Bill Cosby :))

Just lay off the Jello Pudding Pops!:eek: :D :cool:

[koldham]

I wasn't nearly as impressed by the story as others seem to be.

First, bragging that your scores are higher than the other Tarrant County schools (2) of similar socio-economic make up is not anything to brag about at all... How are you faring against all schools? If the kids are just dumber there then fine. But if they're setting a lower bar just because they're mostly poorer or minority then they're doing those kids a real disservice.Second, being allowed to wear anything you want may make you a unique and hip school, but what does it teach kids about respecting institutions.

School is supposed to be preparing kids to be productive adults and for jobs/careers. As an employer I want to see applicants that have enough respect for a job that they dress appropriately for interviews and work (if hired). I also want them to be smart and productive period, not just smarter and more productive than others from their neighborhood...

Trinity also has an International Baccalaureate program. I wont go in detail what this is, you can do the homework yourself.
Having a kid there, and being an alumni, I know the great number of outstanding students they produce. These kids are some of the brightest kid's you could imagine.

As for the dress, that is a very small minority of students.

You are invited to come see for yourself. I think you would be very impressed.

[farmerfan]

I don't know anything about ET other than what I read in the article... But I know if I had a kid there and an article came out a kept repeating that "of the 3 disadvantaged schools, ET was the best" over and over, I would be offended... First, it makes it sound like the kids are dumb by adding the qualifier, and second, I'd wonder why my school wasn't better than all the schools in Tarrant County...

Drake do you have any or have you ever had kids in public school?

[Drake]

Trinity also has an International Baccalaureate program. I wont go in detail what this is, you can do the homework yourself.
Having a kid there, and being an alumni, I know the great number of outstanding students they produce. These kids are some of the brightest kid's you could imagine.

As for the dress, that is a very small minority of students.

You are invited to come see for yourself. I think you would be very impressed.Koldham... If that's the case then great! You must admit the article painted a different picture of their academic prowess...

[Drake]

Drake do you have any or have you ever had kids in public school?Sure have, sure do...

[ken-in-rockwall]

Do you have kids? Do you speed or do you run red lights when your kids are in the car? If you do then you too are showing that breaking the rules/law is ok. If you don't then good for you. If you do not have respect for authority or the laws of the road your kids will see it. I don't get how some people can point fingers yet not look at how they break the law every day. Oh but that is different right? Wrong! While I see your point and agree with it I just wanted to point out that it all starts at home when it comes to our kids. We can always find fault with others and forget or choose not to look at our own faults.

Yes, I do and yes we all break the rules of authority to some extent, BUT If I get caught I pay the fine/price. I'm adult and make that decision. I teach my kids that if you break the law/rules and get caught; You pay the price. I been caught with my kids in the car speeding. I paid the fine.. No questions asked and didn't try to get out of it. They have been caught wearing the 'wrong' clothes to school and I have had to take clothes to them at their school. They got into trouble at school, missed a class, couldn't make up a test and got grounded for making a parent have to leave work, and for the bad grade. Broke the rules, got caught, paid the price.

In football, there is holding almost every play and players continue until they get caught (flag/penalty).

The principal is running the school as he thinks it should be, but he gets paid by the school administration which has set the rules. It will be very interesting the out-come of this (if any) from the School Administration since it has become "public".:eek: Now you will have one school breaking the rules so others will want to do it; thus the administration will have to force the rule.

[farmerfan]

Sure have, sure do...

so why the affliation with strake?
is that where you graduated from?

[The Great Evaluator]

Being a graduate of THS, I feel compelled to put in my 2 cents on this interesting debate. I can certainly see how someone from outside of the school would see this as a red flag.

First of all I want to acknowledge both Strake and Ken-in-Rockwall as being 2 posters whose thoughts I enjoy reading and quite often agree with. Its been 20 years since I graduated and the school has changed in terms of makeup quite a bit.

As the article alluded to, there are students literally from all over the world!
Coming from far away places such as Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and most notably the Tongan Islands.

I'm very proud of how the school has evolved, when I was there I can't recall more than 4 or 5 different nationality's. Mr. Cargile is in a very unique situation that very few other Principals are in. He has to make things as fair as possible and deal with a lot of circumstances that are out of the ordinary to say the least!

In my eyes he's done a great job and of course nowadays, a Principal's job is measured most by the school's test scores. With so many students from other countries, it's a big challenge to get those scores to an acceptable level.

The Tongan kids have come a long way frome where they were when I was in school. A generation ago, they were fairly new to the U.S. but now a lot of those kids have been born and raised here and they speak English a WHOLE lot better.

As Farmerfan said, just becaause the kids are given extra latitude doesn't mean they will all abuse it. More often than not, they understand and respect the fact that they are treated more as adults than they are as kids.

That type of atmosphere existed to some extent when I was there and most of us understood it and did our best to reciprocate by behaving. When I first read the article I had the EXACT same thoughts as Strake and Ken but having been around the school for a long time, I know that it works.

There's a saying at Trinity that "our greatest strength is our diversity". I learned tolerance and acceptance of other cultures when I was there and from what I've seen in recent years, the school is a great example of how people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds can get along.

The administration deserves credit for fostering an environment that promotes this.

[Drake]

so why the affliation with strake?
is that where you graduated from?Had a kid go there too...

[KT2000]

I don't even know what "eclectic" means...

Allow me to help learn ya something today:

from websters.com

eclectic (adj.)

1. Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles: an eclectic taste in music; an eclectic approach to managing the economy.

2. Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources.

You are drawing some awfully bold conclusions that I'm certainly not prepared to consider based on that article. It's certainly a unique approach, but I'm interested. Sometimes, breaking the rules isn't all bad. Some of the best inventions in the history of mankind came about because some scientist, musician, etc. decided to go against the grain.

I agree that a certain level of conformity is required to be a productive member of society, but I didn't read anything in the article that said kids can do whatever they want, whenever they want. It seems as though the principal has forged a genuine respect with the student body.

My approach to leadership would be that people do their best work when they are given the freedom to do exactly that, work. If I'm constantly breathing down their neck and analyzing their every move, then chances are they won't really respect me and they won't be as motivated to produce.

Personally, I felt I learned much more in college academically when I got out of the rigid curriculum of grade school. I went from having two quizzes a week and one test every two weeks to maybe having six graded works total for a semester. I really enjoyed that because I could take the time to actually soak in what I was learning. I retained much more of what I was studying because of that new freedom to truly learn the material, rather than stress out because my teacher had to power through chapters to meet a district mandated curriculum requirement as was the case in grades 1-12.

A little freedom goes a long way in my opinion.

So, as usual :) , we're on opposite ends with this one Drake.

Of course, they can always move to Japan...

A study abroad would probably be better given their families might miss them a little bit ;) , but who knows, there just might be a valuable lesson or two there that can be learned.

[Drake]

Being a graduate of THS, I feel compelled to put in my 2 cents on this interesting debate. I can certainly see how someone from outside of the school would see this as a red flag.Your post did the school a lot more justice than the article did... Thanks.

[Drake]

Allow me to help learn ya something today:Thanks! (believe it or not, I actually knew eclectic meant :))

We are not on opposite sides. I totally agree with your approach to TEACHING and MANAGING. Micromanaging is the least productive form of either in my opinion.

Where we disagree is on what is appropriate dress for high school? I have my opinion about it, and have given my reasons why. If you believe dictating and requiring adherence to a dress code inhibits learning then we'll just have to agree to disagree. I think it enhances production (i.e. learning in a school) by removing distractions and most, at least in the workplace, agree with that. So if high school is preparing kids for the workplace, why not expect it there too?

[mojotrain]

Check out the story:
http://www.star-telegram.com/407/story/54983.html

Uh Oh! Warning! If a guy named bissinger shows up at your front door bearing good tidings don't let him in. You'll be in a book and movie.

[KT2000]

If you believe dictating and requiring adherence to a dress code inhibits learning then we'll just have to agree to disagree. I think it enhances production (i.e. learning in a school) by removing distractions and most, at least in the workplace, agree with that. So if high school is preparing kids for the workplace, why not expect it there too?

I definitely think there should be certain measures to adhere to as far as dress is concerned. I fall right in the middle on that. I'm not in favor of uniforms, but I'm also not in favor of some kid showing up in a speedo.

I work in a major corporate environment (oil company), and have actually been surprised with how most here are dressed. Most on my floor usually dress in a collared shirt, jeans and tennis shoes. It's a lot more relaxed than I expected. You'll see everything from workout outfits (fitness center onsite) to suits.

[koldham]

I definitely think there should be certain measures to adhere to as far as dress is concerned. I fall right in the middle on that. I'm not in favor of uniforms, but I'm also not in favor of some kid showing up in a speedo.

I work in a major corporate environment (oil company), and have actually been surprised with how most here are dressed. Most on my floor usually dress in a collared shirt, jeans and tennis shoes. It's a lot more relaxed than I expected. You'll see everything from workout outfits (fitness center onsite) to suits.

:mad:

[koldham]

Thanks! (believe it or not, I actually knew eclectic meant :))

We are not on opposite sides. I totally agree with your approach to TEACHING and MANAGING. Micromanaging is the least productive form of either in my opinion.

Where we disagree is on what is appropriate dress for high school? I have my opinion about it, and have given my reasons why. If you believe dictating and requiring adherence to a dress code inhibits learning then we'll just have to agree to disagree. I think it enhances production (i.e. learning in a school) by removing distractions and most, at least in the workplace, agree with that. So if high school is preparing kids for the workplace, why not expect it there too?

I can assure you that the dress code or lack of, is not a school wide issue.
I am sure quite a few of these student would be in danger of dropping out with just a little "shove". Maybe this atmosphere actually keeps them going.

[svhorns]

I totally agree with this. Regardless of the rules at school, it is almost child abuse for parents to allow kids to wear rapper clothes, get body piercings, tattoos, not learn to read and write good english etc. because most will suffer for it (and regret it) as adults... (I better go to lunch, I'm starting to sound like Bill Cosby :))

hahaha some of ya'll make me laugh and not because I think its funny... didnt know clothes were specified by music genre...

I guess I would be a pop/rap/alternative dresser

[Drake]

hahaha some of ya'll make me laugh and not because I think its funny... didnt know clothes were specified by music genre...

I guess I would be a pop/rap/alternative dresserPardon my misnomer... I was trying to describe those clothes that have jean pants or shorts only pulled up to the thighs, a shirt (usually a jersey of some sort) just long enough (hopefully) to cover the drawers, enough fake jewelry to be mistaken for a kiosk at the mall, and the $150 hi-tops that are untied. (I'm sure they're untied because you can't tie shoes with one hand and one is occupied holding up the pants...)

Anyway, that's what I meant... What is the proper name for that get up?

[koldham]

Pardon my misnomer... I was trying to describe those clothes that have jean pants or shorts only pulled up to the thighs, a shirt (usually a jersey of some sort) just long enough (hopefully) to cover the drawers, enough fake jewelry to be mistaken for a kiosk at the mall, and the $150 hi-tops that are untied. (I'm sure they're untied because you can't tie shoes with one hand and one is occupied holding up the pants...)

Anyway, that's what I meant... What is the proper name for that get up?

Someone who is not ever going to take one of my daughters out.:eek:

[Down n' Out]

I wasn't impressed either. What does it show ?? That breaking the rules is ok.

Quoted from the story.. "The Hurst-Euless-Bedford dress code specifically addresses hair, clothing and piercings:

Hair shall be clean, neat and well-groomed, according to the code. Pants should be worn at the "natural waist." Shorts and skirts must reach to the students' fingertips. Other than earrings, piercings are not permitted.
And according to the district's electronics policy, use of cellphones and iPods is prohibited during school.
At Trinity, those rules are, more often than not, ignored."

This shows that breaking the rules set by senior administration is to be ignored or broken. And we wonder why some kids don't have respect for authority !
But according to the article, these kids do have respect. I think it's great that someone is breaking the mold and trying a different approach.

[Down n' Out]

I don't even know what "eclectic" means...

But being of simple mind, what I do know for sure is that some of these kids will be going to college and more will be seeking employment right out of high school... If placing "white only" signs over the water fountains to remind them of how oppressed they once were, if ignoring the rules of appropriate dress so you can express yourself or your ethnicity, and if being commended for being the best of the dumb schools will help them succeed in that, then perhaps this principal is on to a new way to prepare kids for their future...

Personally, I believe it's setting them up to fail because like it or not, conformity is required in most workplaces. But what's worse, I see it as conditioning them to BLAME SOMEONE ELSE when they can't get a decent job rather than recognizing they're not desirable because of their education or appearance... Of course, they can always move to Japan...
Let's talk about conformity in the workplace. Up until a few years ago eveyone in the corporate world were required to wear tiew. Then someone got practical, went against the grain and started casual Fridays.
Now it's not so uncommon to see people in corporate America dressed in business casual throughout thier workweek. My point is that change is good and I admire the Principal for doing something great for his students, getting them to think outside the box.

[Drake]

But according to the article, these kids do have respect. I think it's great that someone is breaking the mold and trying a different approach.I have a new dentist. I love him because he makes it so much easier to go to the dentist than any other dentists I've used... When I go he just calls me in and puts me in the chair and does nothing. After 30 minutes I leave, no pain or anything... It's a very unique approach but it makes my time at the dentist so much more bearable and sometimes fun... I plan on going there more regular because of it... :)

[The Great Evaluator]

Let's talk about conformity in the workplace. Up until a few years ago eveyone in the corporate world were required to wear tiew. Then someone got practical, went against the grain and started casual Fridays.
Now it's not so uncommon to see people in corporate America dressed in business casual throughout thier workweek. My point is that change is good and I admire the Principal for doing something great for his students, getting them to think outside the box.

Down n' out gets it. Allowing the kids the freedom to make their own choices and give them some extra leeway takes some courage and as far as I can tell it has worked. They are smart enough to realize that at least in the seniors case, they are just a few months away from being on their own anyway.

From what I remember about my time there, the privleges seemed to increase as you got closer to graduation. To illustrate the laid back atmosphere, would you believe there used to be a smoking area on campus?

No joke an area approximately 75X150 feet was attached to the library by a chain link fence. On a given day between classes you would see between 30-45 people tokin away in there.

I believe that was removed years ago and when I asked why they allowed it in the first place, I was told that the administrators would often find students "smokin in the boys room" just like the song. So they brought it out into the open.

[The Great Evaluator]

Your post did the school a lot more justice than the article did... Thanks.

I kinda felt obligated since I'm one of the few people here who actually attended Trinity at one time. I've been to a lot of different high schools over the years through the course of my job and I can truly say that THS is one of the most unique schools out there.

It was built in the late 60's and there's actually a bomb shelter underneath one of the main buildings. Since it was built at the height of the cold war, nothing was left to chance. I had forgotten about all those old films in school that taught us to get under our desk if a bomb were dropped. Like that would help if a nuke bomb landed on the school??

On a different note, Allen High School also rates as one of the more unique schools I've ever seen. There are more resources there than one can imagine. Everything is state of the art!

[koldham]

Down n' out gets it. Allowing the kids the freedom to make their own choices and give them some extra leeway takes some courage and as far as I can tell it has worked. They are smart enough to realize that at least in the seniors case, they are just a few months away from being on their own anyway.

From what I remember about my time there, the privleges seemed to increase as you got closer to graduation. To illustrate the laid back atmosphere, would you believe there used to be a smoking area on campus?

No joke an area approximately 75X150 feet was attached to the library by a chain link fence. On a given day between classes you would see between 30-45 people tokin away in there.

I believe that was removed years ago and when I asked why they allowed it in the first place, I was told that the administrators would often find students "smokin in the boys room" just like the song. So they brought it out into the open.

That was the smoking section. Where the "freaks and heads" hung out.:)

[wide-e-wide]

not impressed...
Of course I was never impressed by the whole "sun God" dance thing either.

[svhorns]

Pardon my misnomer... I was trying to describe those clothes that have jean pants or shorts only pulled up to the thighs, a shirt (usually a jersey of some sort) just long enough (hopefully) to cover the drawers, enough fake jewelry to be mistaken for a kiosk at the mall, and the $150 hi-tops that are untied. (I'm sure they're untied because you can't tie shoes with one hand and one is occupied holding up the pants...)

Anyway, that's what I meant... What is the proper name for that get up?

I would go with Urban...

[ktCarl]

Drake, I was impressed with the article and like the fact the principal is allowing the students to be themselves. I think you can take students out of their comfort zone if everything they do is regulated. I don't see the harm in allowing students the freedom to express their individuality. Going to school, as with church, is a bore for just about anyone 18 and under so I'm in favor of things that make the schoolastic environment more inviting and comfortable.

Since diversity is one of the elements mentioned in the article, I'll throw in an example from overseas that this article reminded me of.

Have you ever seen a documentary on the city of Tokyo, Japan or been there yourself?

Tokyo may be the most eclectic city in the world as far as its diversity, fashion and the overall expressiveness of its people is concerned. Yet, it manages to be the safest, cleanest, most productive and most efficiently run city on the planet.

I thought Tokyo was mostly a homogenous population. I bet there is a high percentage of Orientals there.

Those kids from Euless Trinity are going to be in shock when they get out in the work force.

[farmerfan]

I thought Tokyo was mostly a homogenous population. I bet there is a high percentage of Orientals there.

Those kids from Euless Trinity are going to be in shock when they get out in the work force.

Some will be in shock and some wont. Some will go into the corporate world and do just fine and others wont and do just fine. I bet if you look at every HS in this state it has and will continue to have graduates who will be in for a shock when they entire the work force. You will also have graduates who wont.

[grayowl60]

I thought Tokyo was mostly a homogenous population. I bet there is a high percentage of Orientals there.

Those kids from Euless Trinity are going to be in shock when they get out in the work force.
Yes, it is a good bet that there quite few Orientals in Tokyo. I bet the same is true in Hong Kong:rolleyes:

[FeeltheHaka]

I am also a proud graduate of Trinity (1986). If it says anything, I have 3 kids who I am looking forward to attending Trinity. There are many places that I could live, and my kids attending Trinity is believe it or not a huge factor. Great Evaluator and Koldham have done a great job of defending Trinity. And also, you guys have brought back some memories! And Koldham, I'm glad you mentioned the International Baccalaureate program. Believe it or not, every year kids from Southlake and Colleyville, try to transfer to Trinity or Bell to take advantage of this program.
Like others have stated, I feel very advantaged to have gone to school with people of so many backgrounds. I can without a doubt say that it has helped me when it comes to dealing with others. I, myself am from a mixed family and a multicultured background, so the atmosphere at Trinity while I was a young man growing up was a great affirmation of who I am. When you are young, everything is drama; and we are all struggling to find our identities. Going to Trinity helped take that drama off my shoulders.
When I was there, Mr. Cargile was the assistant principal. Mr. Murray was the principal, and I feel he deserves alot of Mr. Cargiles credit. Mr. Murray had most of the kids respect including mine, and he taught me many good lessons. One I think about all the time is: You can tell alot about a man by his shoes. To this day, when I meet someone, I look at there shoes! I kind of thought back then, that Mr. Cargile was wound kind of tight, and Mr. Murray was the laid back one. If you saw Mr. Murray in person, you would think he was old school conservative. But, when you had to deal with him, you learned that he was this way, but; he was very accepting. He would tell you his opinion, and where he stands; but he was one of the most fair minded people I know. Being the rebellious type I used to be back then, I would goad Mr. Cargile sometimes. I would leave Mr. Murray alone out of respect. I'm glad that Mr. Cargile has seemed to learn from Mr. Murray.

As far as the dress code goes Drake: In every workplace there are people who don't follow the dress code as adults. Even when I was in the military, there were guys who would push it then. Go to any workplace, and I challenge anyone, to find a workplace that everyone follows the dress code, including the military. When kids are in high school, there is so much drama, and identity crisis, just leave the kids alone to find themselves within reason. And as Koldham posted, the kids who push the dress code is a very small minority. Some break the codes due to their culture.
On the cell phones and Ipods: you have to see our campus layout to understand. There can be quite a walk between buildings, so there is time to get a phone call in, or listen to an ipod song. There are plenty of adults out there, who don't follow cell phone rules as it is. And that goes especially in the workplace. I'm not saying let the kids do what they want with the phones and ipods, but just be reasonable. There are so many other things to worry about.
And as far as others reading from the article that Trinity is the best of the dumb schools. I can tell you that the education one gets from Trinity is top notched. I was a science major in college, when it came to Math courses, I basically just showed up to take the tests, and I did well. Going to Trinity helped prepare me for college, and I feel that I recieved a great education. If it says anything, do some research on the International Baccalaureate program. Many other schools have tried to get this program in their school, and have not been accepted. I am proud to say that my oldest son will be in this program next year. Also, to mention; I returned to college this spring to take classes to get a Math degree and teaching cerificate to become a teacher at Trinity when I retire in 4 years from my current job.

[Drake]

Some will be in shock and some wont. Some will go into the corporate world and do just fine and others wont and do just fine. I bet if you look at every HS in this state it has and will continue to have graduates who will be in for a shock when they entire the work force. You will also have graduates who wont.Nothing truer has ever been posted here. :D

[Drake]

I am also a proud graduate of Trinity (1986). If it says anything, I have 3 kids who I am looking forward to attending Trinity. There are many places that I could live, and my kids attending Trinity is believe it or not a huge factor. Great Evaluator and Koldham have done a great job of defending Trinity.Agreed. All I knew about the school was based on my interpretation of the article, yet y'all make ET seem intriguing and unique. Sounds like a special place...

[The Great Evaluator]

It certainly is and Feel the Haka was spot on with everything he said. The best point is that there is plenty of time to make a call between classes or listen to a song because the campus is really spread out.

It's great preparation for college because when you first get there, you don't just have to find the right classroom - you have to find the right building too. Plano and Plano East are very similar in that regard.

He's right about the dress code too. It seems that conformity is a struggle virtually anywhere you look with the exception of a bank. Personally I was and still am very much on the conservative side and I really don't approve of varying to far off the course of good taste but i've always felt like I was in the minority on that one.

I would venture to guess that most people that have graduated from Trinity will talk about their time there with the same warm memories that FTH and Koldham and I have shared. The most unique thing that I failed to mention earlier was the lack of cliques.

There wasn't a great disparity in economic situations for a lot of the kids and consequently not a lot of envy or jealousy. The kids who had money were very down to Earth and we were all like family to one another. From what I can tell it's very much the same today.

The HEB district which includes L.D. Bell has always been on the progressive side of things. If a child struggles with traditional concepts of learning in the classroom I'd be willing to bet they would do better at either of these 2 schools.

There is a wide range of elective classes that give students an invaluable lesson in hands on experience that is second to none. As Feel the Haka said when I got to college I was prepared. I didn't even buy the textbooks for the classes in my major - I had already seen it all the previous 2 years at Trinity.

I'm not saying its for everyone but speaking for myself, there's nowhere I would rather have gone to high school and I'm estatic that Mr. Cargile and Coach Lineweaver (who were both there when I was) are the 2 most influential educators on campus.

[koldham]

Agreed. All I knew about the school was based on my interpretation of the article, yet y'all make ET seem intriguing and unique. Sounds like a special place...

My earlier invitation still stands. Come visit and you will walk away impressed by the layout of the campus and the friendliness that ensues.

http://schoolctr.hebisd.edu/education/sctemp/ffe18e4095f03277a6aff2c18240b543/1176237302/Trinity_Campus_Map.pdf

[North Texas Football]

I love watching Euless Trinity Trojan Football every year! They are a class act and do things the right way.

[farmerfan]

My earlier invitation still stands. Come visit and you will walk away impressed by the layout of the campus and the friendliness that ensues.

http://schoolctr.hebisd.edu/education/sctemp/ffe18e4095f03277a6aff2c18240b543/1176237302/Trinity_Campus_Map.pdf

Koldham
How we coming on the Got Haka shirts?
Would love to represent Trinity out here in Georgia

[koldham]

Koldham
How we coming on the Got Haka shirts?
Would love to represent Trinity out here in Georgia

I haven't forgot. Next years booster club is working on all that stuff now.
What are you doing in Ga.?:eek:

[farmerfan]

I haven't forgot. Next years booster club is working on all that stuff now.
What are you doing in Ga.?:eek:

spreading the word on Texas HS football.
I'm out here for a girl. It's crazy my friend.
Hopefully I will be able to get back in the fall to watch some football. Im excited as always about Trinity but I have a good feeling that Lewisville is going to surprise many a folks next fall and that gets my blood boiling

[The Great Evaluator]

Yes, the Farmers more than held their own against Southlake - at least defensively. If that game was any indication they should take another step forward this year.

[BigJim331]

35-0:rolleyes:

[farmerfan]

Yes, the Farmers more than held their own against Southlake - at least defensively. If that game was any indication they should take another step forward this year.

The defense will be excellent now its time to see this offensive mind Coach Gaddis possesses

[farmerfan]

35-0:rolleyes:

No **** we wewre shut out. We did play a solid defensive game and had held yall to 7 pts in the first quarter and in the second half up until the final two minutes when yall decided to go deep after the game was well in hand. We held yall below you avg in both points and total yards and had we had any kind of offense it would have been a good football game. Then again your the typical arrogant *** that cant give anyone not in green any type of credit.

[The Great Evaluator]

35-0:rolleyes:

35 point was 2 touchdowns below their average. They had to throw deep balls with the starters in throughout the 4th quarter to bring the score up to 35. If I'm not mistaken 7 of those points came off a defensive touchdown, or a very short field off a turnover.

Of course that's Southlake's perogative but it's posters like you that give SLC a bad rap. Fortunately I'm intelligent enough to realize that rookies like you don't represent the majority of Dragon fans.

[TrinityTrojan80]

No **** we wewre shut out. We did play a solid defensive game and had held yall to 7 pts in the first quarter and in the second half up until the final two minutes when yall decided to go deep after the game was well in hand. We held yall below you avg in both points and total yards and had we had any kind of offense it would have been a good football game. Then again your the typical arrogant *** that cant give anyone not in green any type of credit.
Oh, I thought you guys were talking about the 7 on 7 scrimmiage with SLC and Trinity and Arlington Bowie on Monday.

[1896]

Just a bit of information for the person who said that the school administration is paying Mr. Cargile's salary - actually the "community" is paying for his salary. Since all applicants have to be approved by the board who are voted in by the "community" doesn't his pay check really come from our tax payers?

And about the article I have one thing to say.....Something I have learned through education is if it isn't working then try a different approach. And I think all schools should look at this because in the school I work in everyday we battle dress code/cell phones/ipods/etc. I sometimes think our AP's and teachers can't do thier job because they are to busy being the police. On a side note I was at an educational conference yesterday with educators from all over the metroplex and I saw many with mutiple ear rings, some with nose rings, even some with purple and red hair and majority would get on their cell phones during the break or they might even ring during a session. So why do we say that when these kids get in the "real world" they will not be able to do these kinds of things?? I think what the article was trying to say (and remember this was written by someone who is not even associated with this school so things could be misinterpreted - everything reported in the news is not 100%) is that our schools are changing and maybe what worked in the past is now longer working ...... look around our schools are night and day different!!!

[Drake]

Just a bit of information for the person who said that the school administration is paying Mr. Cargile's salary - actually the "community" is paying for his salary. Since all applicants have to be approved by the board who are voted in by the "community" doesn't his pay check really come from our tax payers?

And about the article I have one thing to say.....Something I have learned through education is if it isn't working then try a different approach. And I think all schools should look at this because in the school I work in everyday we battle dress code/cell phones/ipods/etc. I sometimes think our AP's and teachers can't do thier job because they are to busy being the police. On a side note I was at an educational conference yesterday with educators from all over the metroplex and I saw many with mutiple ear rings, some with nose rings, even some with purple and red hair and majority would get on their cell phones during the break or they might even ring during a session. So why do we say that when these kids get in the "real world" they will not be able to do these kinds of things?? I think what the article was trying to say (and remember this was written by someone who is not even associated with this school so things could be misinterpreted - everything reported in the news is not 100%) is that our schools are changing and maybe what worked in the past is now longer working ...... look around our schools are night and day different!!!I don't completely get what you’re saying... But let me take a stab...

You're saying that having certain rules, like a certain expectation of dress, no cell phones, no ipods, etc is detracting from the education process because teachers and administrators are spending more time enforcing the rules than they are teaching? I can buy that.

But new isn’t always better. The barometer for success should not be attendance figures, amount of gun play reduced, or how diverse and unique the campus is… The question is; are the kids learning?

The article states that they did not meet federal minimum improvement thresholds in 2005 and even the principle admits Trinity’s TAKS scores have not been acceptable. So unacceptable in fact, he hints that he should leave if they don’t get better…

I understand that Trinity is a unique situation, but LEARNING and preparing for the workplace is what high school is for. Before the alternative method of expectations and discipline are deemed a success, shouldn’t we give it a few years and see if ET’s graduation rate has improved, if their TAKS scores have improved, if more graduates are going to college, what their average SAT/ACTs are etc.? I’d like to see that before I agree that allowing what amounts to more distractions in the high school setting is actually more productive… Am I being unreasonable?

[FeeltheHaka]

I don't completely get what you’re saying... But let me take a stab...

You're saying that having certain rules, like a certain expectation of dress, no cell phones, no ipods, etc is detracting from the education process because teachers and administrators are spending more time enforcing the rules than they are teaching? I can buy that.

But new isn’t always better. The barometer for success should not be attendance figures, amount of gun play reduced, or how diverse and unique the campus is… The question is; are the kids learning?

The article states that they did not meet federal minimum improvement thresholds in 2005 and even the principle admits Trinity’s TAKS scores have not been acceptable. So unacceptable in fact, he hints that he should leave if they don’t get better…

I understand that Trinity is a unique situation, but LEARNING and preparing for the workplace is what high school is for. Before the alternative method of expectations and discipline are deemed a success, shouldn’t we give it a few years and see if ET’s graduation rate has improved, if their TAKS scores have improved, if more graduates are going to college, what their average SAT/ACTs are etc.? I’d like to see that before I agree that allowing what amounts to more distractions in the high school setting is actually more productive… Am I being unreasonable?

To answer your question if you are being unreasonable: Yes, and No. Yes people need to learn how to follow rules. No, we all don't follow unreasonable rules. Until adults can control their cell phone and ipod use in the workplace/public; should we expect different from kids? It seems that Mr. Cargile has learned that enforcing a rule that is not followed in the real world, is more distracting than the distraction itself. You have to pick your battles.

Consider the learning at Trinity: The tools are all there for a student to be well prepared for college. Some of the teachers I had are still there 20+ years later. Read my earlier post on this, and do research on the International Baccalaureate program. To post what the I.B. program is would consume too much space. Really the problem at Trinity, is that the area is predominately lower middle working class, and getting parents to get on their kids tails to learn is the key. Now what a Principal can do to get on parent's tails, I don't know.

[Drake]

To answer your question if you are being unreasonable: Yes, and No. Yes people need to learn how to follow rules. No, we all don't follow unreasonable rules. Until adults can control their cell phone and ipod use in the workplace/public; should we expect different from kids? It seems that Mr. Cargile has learned that enforcing a rule that is not followed in the real world, is more distracting than the distraction itself. You have to pick your battles.

Consider the learning at Trinity: The tools are all there for a student to be well prepared for college. Some of the teachers I had are still there 20+ years later. Read my earlier post on this, and do research on the International Baccalaureate program. To post what the I.B. program is would consume too much space. Really the problem at Trinity, is that the area is predominately lower middle working class, and getting parents to get on their kids tails to learn is the key. Now what a Principal can do to get on parent's tails, I don't know.Makes sense. I hope people realize, especially ET people, that while the subject was raised because of the ET article, the issue is broader and therefore makes for an interesting debate. Citing the article to make a point is not an attempt to demean the students, teachers, administration or anything else ET, but simply to frame a thought. The fact is, while ET may be the most extreme example of variety in culture and diversity of background, almost all Texas public schools in urban and suburban areas face similar issues: How can we best educate our kids, and run our school's most efficiently?