New to Carter? FAQs and Terms to know
Parent Teacher Organization
A group of parents, teachers, and staff who work together to support the school, students, and special events. At some schools, this organization is called a PTA (Parent Teacher Association).
PBIS - This stands for Positive Behavior Incentive System.
This is a schoolwide framework that encourages positive behavior and recognizes students for making good choices. Students can earn points from teachers and other staff members. Students can redeem points at the PTO sponsored PBIS store once a month for coupons or other prizes.
Ron Clark House System
Carter Elementary participates in The Ron Clark House System, which promotes leadership, relationships, school spirit, and a sense of belonging for all students.
Carter Elementary is divided into four houses:
Amistad – Red
Isibindi – Green
Rêveur – Blue
Altruismo – YellowDuring their first year at Carter, students participate in a special house reveal. They spin a wheel and slide down a large inflatable slide to discover which house they will join. Students remain in the same house throughout their time at Carter Elementary. House members encourage one another, celebrate successes together, and participate in friendly competitions throughout the school year.
Do students really dress up on house days?
Yes! Carter students love representing their houses, and House Days are a favorite tradition for many students.
Once each quarter, students have the opportunity to dress in their house colors, and many choose to go all out! You might see students with colored hair spray, tutus, fun hair accessories, face paint, spirit gear, and other creative decorations that show their house pride.
Participation is completely optional. Your student can dress up as much or as little as they would like—from simply wearing their house color to creating a full spirit-day outfit.
Coach the Coyote is our school mascot and represents Carter pride and school spirit.
His name comes from our school namesake Coach Don Carter. Mr. Carter served as the offensive coordinator at Lamar Consolidated High School from 1980 to 2002. He also taught World History at the high school from 1980 to December 2006, when he retired from education. Mr. Carter is an active member of the Coyote community and regularly visits Carter Elementary.
Innovation Day or Innovative Day
Once every two weeks, students participate in Innovation Day, a special opportunity to explore hands-on learning experiences beyond their regular classroom schedule. These half days outside the classroom give teachers planning time with their grade level while helping Carter Students learn something new. On innovative days, your student’s lunch will be at a different time.
Where can I find the school calendar?
Here is a link to the Carter calendar. This will be filled in more as the year begins.