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  • PSAT for sophomores and juniors is Oct. 13
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Caroline Caruso

Caroline Caruso, Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Caroline Caruso is a junior transitioning into her third year on staff! Aside from writing for Wingspan, she is also involved in NHS, PTSA, Frisco ISD’s Student Advisory Board, Varsity cheer, choir, and is President of the Best Buddies chapter on campus. Outside of school you can catch her stocking cards at the Hallmark store (which is a pretty amazing job, if she does say so herself), and staying involved in her church. She is thrilled to work with the rest of the writers on staff this year, as well as her fellow editors. 

 

Contact: caroline.caruso.433@k12.friscoisd.org

All content by Caroline Caruso
The Redhawks take it to the court Friday for a District 9-5A volleyball game. The Redhawks look to lay their losing streak to rest and bring home a win.

Volleyball hopes to bounce back against Lebanon Trail

September 17, 2021
Best Buddies will be having a Back-to-School Bash Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. It is also an opportunity for some students to earn service hours.

Best Buddies hosts Back to School Bash

September 10, 2021
National Honor Society will be holding their first meeting in person meetings of the year since Spring 2020 this Tuesday and Wednesday. “I think the biggest difference between last year and now is the volunteer opportunities we have for members,” she said. “This year, we really want to provide opportunities that are geared towards our members’ interests.

NHS meetings back to in person

August 31, 2021
The first of many social gatherings set for students to attend this fall, performances at Redhawk Rally bring spirit to students and families.

Redhawk Rally sets tone for social gatherings this fall

August 16, 2021
In the eyes of Managing Editor Caroline Caruso, some of the most memorable life experiences stem from days in elementary and early middle school. Caruso expresses her opinion on K-6 students having the option to return to virtual learning this school year.

A new proposition: K-6 given option to return to virtual learning

August 12, 2021
Due to an absence of virtual learning options this year, the entire sophomore class will be returning for in-person schooling this Thursday. For many in the class of 2024, this will be their first time to set foot on campus.

Second year of high school, first year on campus

August 12, 2021
The legacy continues as the 2020-2021 yearbook is released for students on campus. Students who pre ordered their book are able to stop by the cafeteria during lunch hours Wednesday and Thursday. Those wanting to purchase a book on the spot must be prepared to pay an $80 fee, and cannot be guaranteed a book.

Yearbook pick up window opens Wednesday

May 12, 2021

The Twilight Zone transitions into 1985

May 5, 2021
Throughout April and May, many seniors will be able to revisit their elementary schools or join in on a virtual meet-up with their school. For many, this is a chance to visit old teachers and end their time as a student in FISD on a high note.

Seniors revisit their elementary schools one last time

April 28, 2021
Track will compete today and Saturday at regionals where they look to accomplish personal and team goals to move on to state.

State on the line for track and field athletes

April 22, 2021
Despite being limited to the number of participants allowed, chapter Social Advisor and junior Marcela Pedron believes that the community walk was successful in relaying the club’s inclusive values. “Since Best Buddies International usually plans everything and sets it up, we had to plan a lot more,” Pedron said. “We had to think about food, music, games, things to do, etc, which isn’t something we would have to think about in years past.”

Best Buddies participates in annual Friendship Walk

April 19, 2021
HOSA is hosting its annual Blood Drive sponsored by Carter BloodCare this Wednesday near the auditorium doors from 8:30-3:30 PM.

HOSA hosts Carter Bloodcare Drive Wednesday

April 14, 2021
Although STAAR tests are normally held in the spring, dual credit students took their EOC Monday through Friday. Therefore, the library was closed due to testing.

Is there any value in state testing?

April 7, 2021

60 years later: The Twilight Zone

March 31, 2021
Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, who are interested in applying for an officer position with HOSA for 2021-2022 must turn in their application and recommendation by Friday at 5 p.m.

HOSA officer applications due Friday

March 25, 2021
During their conference period, teachers on campus will be able to partake in LHS Real Talks, a monthly meetup for staff designed to celebrate diversity present on campus.

Teachers set for Real Talks on Thursday

March 17, 2021
Two orchestra students on campus, both of whom were selected to advance from the preliminary round of the Coleman Chamber Music Competition, will have a chance to win the People’s Choice Award. 

Two orchestra students on campus advance to next round of Coleman Chamber Music Competition

March 5, 2021
Children, adolescents, and adults alike share in celebrating World Read Aloud Day this Wednesday.

Bookmark Wednesday as World Read Aloud Day

February 3, 2021
The legacy continues as the 2020-2021 yearbook is released for students on campus. Students who pre ordered their book are able to stop by the cafeteria during lunch hours Wednesday and Thursday. Those wanting to purchase a book on the spot must be prepared to pay an $80 fee, and cannot be guaranteed a book.

Friday last day to order yearbook

January 28, 2021
Now an English teacher, veteran David Volkmar reflects on his time as a Marine.

Once a Marine, always a Marine

January 28, 2021
Student Council is looking for new members for the 2021-2022 school year. Applications will be done via a Google form, and they will close Jan 22. I need more people who think outside the box, self-starters, and I’m just looking for people who are committed to creating a more inclusive and inviting campus, Student Council sponsor Kandy Stevens said.

StuCo applications open through Friday

January 21, 2021
In years past, freshmen on campus have filled the hallways for one night exclusively, Rising Freshman Night. Now, this years participants will be taking a virtual approach, as the night will be composed into a webinar.

Wednesday’s Rising Freshman Night goes virtual

January 20, 2021
Another grading period brings on another opportunity for students to switch between in-person and elearning classes. Those returning are in the process of coming back this week.

Another semester, another switch in learning environments

January 7, 2021
Frisco ISD continues to increase the number of course offerings available for students with the addition of new classes and pathway programs for the 2021-2022 school year. Starting next fall, those interested will be able to explore a multitude of options, with electives ranging from African American studies to a Multicultural Section of AP Seminar. 

New course offerings available for 2021

December 16, 2020
Shelter project

StuCo accepting donations for Austin Street Shelter

December 10, 2020
A year after their musical Matilda, theater returns to the stage Wednesday for their next fall performance The Laramie Project. The show aims to shed light on serious issues with relevance to today’s world, specifically regarding violence towards members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Theater returns with production of The Laramie Project

December 1, 2020
Starting off with the 2020-2021 school year, Pre-AP classes will be given a new name. The change to “advanced” has been in the works for a while, and is a result of a decision ultimately made by the College Board.

Pre-AP now a thing of the past

November 18, 2020
Unable to do a traditional choir concert due to COVID-19 restrictions, the FISD choir department has joined students to create a virtual concert experience on Thursday at 7 p.m.

No stage required for virtual choir concert

November 12, 2020
CollegeBoard has launched BigFutureDays, a regional series of virtual college fairs with registration now open for Texas and its regional event on March 30. “Student Search Service is a free voluntary program connecting students with information about educational and financial aid opportunities from eligible colleges, universities, scholarships, and other educational programs,” College and Career Facilitator Leslie Thompson said.

AP Exams payment window adjusted by College Board

November 2, 2020
To help provide parents with more information on these substances, Frisco ISD is hosting a webinar “Real Talk: CBD, Cannabis, & Edibles” Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. Hosted by Irene Little, the CEO and Director of Access Counseling, the main goal of the presentation is to keep parents of teens informed on trends and concerns that have popped up in recent years. 

CBD, cannabis, and edibles webinar tonight

October 28, 2020
Once recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Week by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Hispanic Heritage Month finally made its debut as a national holiday during Ronald Reagans presidency in 1988. The month itself seeks to highlight the cultural contributions made by both Hispanic and Latino Americans. Through the eyes of two Hispanic staff members and one student on campus, Wingspan takes a look at what it means to be Hispanic in 2020.

Their heritage is more than a month

October 15, 2020
With both of his parents born in Mexico, senior Juan Pablo Trujillo is influenced by his Hispanic heritage. “Hispanic culture has shaped me primarily through the interactions with my family, who mostly live in Mexico,” he said. “I like that I get to see different perspectives, habits, and environments whenever I visit them, and I think that is really what makes me who I am today.”

Normality in two cultures: Juan Pablo Trujillo

October 14, 2020
For art teacher Fred Rodriguez, his Hispanic heritage is something that influences him as a dad. With three children Nate (5), Noah (7), and Luke (8), Rodriguez and his wife Nancy incorporate their background into every day life. “My culture influences a lot of the ways I raise my kids. Hispanic culture is very family oriented, so we tend to have a lot of family events,” Rodriguez said. “We have a lot of friends that come over and become like family. In those ways my culture influenced just how my family and I interact with people in our community.”

Passing down culture to next generation: Fred Rodriguez

October 14, 2020
After concluding meeting one out of three on Dual Credit information last week, Frisco ISD plans for a second seminar Wednesday. Interested applicants or parents can log on to the Zoom call starting at 6:00 p.m. In order to get the Zoom link, students must RSVP.

Part two of Dual Credit Night expected to take place this evening

October 7, 2020
IMG_0284

[PHOTO] Months away, cheer begins to prepare for UIL

November 6, 2020
cheer

[PHOTO]

November 6, 2020
Cast and crew lists for theaters upcoming fall production, The Laramie Project, were released Sunday, after students auditioned last week.

Theater releases cast list for fall show

September 29, 2020
FISD launches brand new Alumni network that will help connect current students and faculty with FISD graduates. Signing up for the network allows members to get many benefits such as scholarship opportunities and alum-to-alum engagement.

School board to discuss topics from budget to construction plans

September 14, 2020
With half of FISD students choosing to stay virtual, the Child Nutrition department has expanded the meals-to-go programs for the rest of the year. Distribution will continue to be scheduled for Thursdays.

Child Nutrition Department expands meal pick-up plan

September 14, 2020
With COVID-19 still very much a concern for many people, most health experts are encouraging flu shots this year to help reduce a possible overload on hospitals and the medical field. All participants must register online and there will be no walk-up appointments available.

Annual flu clinic registration open for students and staff

September 8, 2020
While most students began the 2020-2021 school year virtually, special education students participated in face-to-face classes since the first day. Parents and teachers agree that maintaining structure and routines is beneficial to special education students, which is difficult to do virtually.

Special Education students get head start on face-to-face instruction

September 2, 2020
Tuesday marks the opening for the Spring Dual Credit registration window, which is open until Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. Before registration, students must fill out a permission form by 4 p.m on Nov. 20.

Students begin Dual Credit classes as the Collin semester starts

August 26, 2020
When parts of Frisco suffered from a brief internet outage on Friday during third period, senior Tom Punnen temporarily took over teaching his ISM class. “When we realized that there was an internet issue, the ISM 2 students collectively stepped up in the absence of the teacher. We had all been through a year of ISM, so we could continue explaining the course to our fellow classmates. With the host abilities, I decided to share my screen and give a brief overview of the course and Canvas until Mrs. Secord returned, he said.

Brief internet outage leads to creative solutions

August 17, 2020
The band wont be seen in the parking lot practicing for the first three weeks of school, as it and other fine arts programs like choir and the Red Rhythm drill team are completely online for that time period.

Show will go on, fine arts fully virtual first three weeks

August 13, 2020
With its annual Scholarship Night cancelled due to limitations of social interactions, this year the Frisco Education Foundation delivered news of scholarships to the homes of students.

Scholarship night moves to home delivery

May 20, 2020
The Star wont be packed full of friends and families, nor will the artificial grass be planted with graduating seniors, as graduations across the district will be taken outside for socially distance ceremonies hosted at the Toyota Stadium on May 29, 30, and June 1. “As a school board and administration, we have tried to plan with several things in mind. We have wanted all along to conduct a graduation ceremony that is as close to a traditional ceremony as possible, Frisco ISD Board of Trustees Vice President John Classe said.

Taking it outside, graduation to be held at Toyota

May 14, 2020
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[PHOTO] Top 5 Ideas for Mother’s Day

May 8, 2020
Joining together every week, Frisco ISD librarians launched a podcast when the districts eLearning program began. A new podcast is uploaded every week on Wednesdays and is available through various streaming services.

Weekly podcast brings librarians together

April 22, 2020
Posing for a picture, Shiloh the rescue dog is the namesake of Shilos Road to Hope, an organization looking to put rescue animals in safe homes during quarantine. They rescue dogs from kill-shelters across the country, and place them with families who will care for the dogs in their time of need.

Shelter dogs looking for new homes as people shelter in place

April 15, 2020
Sitting on a bench when he was younger, Lewis smiles for a picture. Later on when Lewis entered high school, he would meet teacher Cheryl Madani. Throughout his four years at Liberty he has grown so much, Madani said. He can now easily share his thoughts and feelings with us. Dylan is much more independent.

Day, month, or year, Lewis’s courage shines through any challenge

April 9, 2020
With schools and libraries in FISD closes, the Virtual Insanity Book Club is now available via Zoom. Hosting its first meeting at noon, the group looks to organize readers, and provide a social outlet for students across the district.

Virtual book club connects readers across the district

April 8, 2020
Red Rhythm junior lieutenant Annie Tian performs at the spring pep rally. With COVID-19, Red Rhythm, cheer, and color guard have to postpone their tryouts.

Tryouts pushed back to COVID-19

March 27, 2020
During their fall performance season, senior Emma Hancock dances during half time for Red Rhythm alongside her fellow dancers. Each spring, Red Rhythm, Cheer, and Colorgaurd typically host tryouts, but with current health concerns, these will be pushed to a later date.

Time off campus pushes performing arts tryouts at a later date

March 25, 2020
Academic Decathlon students gather around a table at a past competition in 2019. As per COVID-19 restrictions, AcDec competitions went online for this school year, including the Irving ISD Invitational Competition, where the team took home eighth place out of competitors from across the country.

ACDEC tests their knowledge state-wide

March 4, 2020
Competing in a series of basketball related events, Best Buddies students headed to Frisco Fieldhouse. With a variety of events like shooting hoops and dribbling, the participants have an opportunity to socialize and exercise in a welcoming environment.

Best Buddies hit the court for the Special Olympics

February 26, 2020
Former Best Buddies president Isabella Pedron (right) poses with club members after last years winter formal.

Dressing their best, Buddies ready for winter formal

February 13, 2020
Students in PAP English 2 take literary analysis to the next level this week by sharing thoughts with their classmates over their novel.

English students deepen understanding with discussions

February 4, 2020
Freshman Sanjheev Rao works alongside sophomore Leo Larsen in an interactive activity in geometry on January 29th.

Measuring learning outside the classroom

January 29, 2020
Freshman William Zhang and the rest of the students in the AP Human Geography class spent Wednesday and Thursday creating paper doll chains. The arts and craft project saw students cut out the dolls and then write facts about women in agriculture on them.

Paper doll chain illustrates new concept in AP Human Geography

January 23, 2020
For the first time in FISD history, the cheer team now has a class period. This allows for less conflict in the practice schedule, like their was in the past with practice being after school.

Cheer takes the spotlight in Spirit State Championship

January 17, 2020
Getting the chance to link their Khan Academy and College Board account, sophomores and juniors have been provided with free SAT Prep Course on Canvas.

Prepping underclassmen for the SAT

January 13, 2020
Eggsquisite excels at brunch

Eggsquisite excels at brunch

January 7, 2020
Former officers Isabella Pedron, Jessie Rho, Sarah Kleyman, Amelia Jauregui, and Donnie Pham pose at the Best Buddies winter party last year. Jauregui is the current president of the chapter club on campus and led in the planning of the winter party taking place on Thursday.

Best Buddies welcomes the break with celebration

December 19, 2019
An aspiring playwriter, senior Chloe Zonis sits down with Wingspan to talk about her passion for the stage.

Curtains rise for the opening night of Matilda

December 5, 2019
In 2018, the choir made their first appearance at a professional sporting event, singing the national anthem at FC Dallas. This year, the choir will be heading to the Comercia Center to sing the anthem before a Texas Legends basketball game.

A change of scenery, choir sings at Texas Legends game

November 20, 2019
Freshman Akash Pradeep sits in the cockpit of an aircraft operated by the Civil Air Patrol. Pradeep fell in love with flying as a scout in Virginia.

Freshman flies towards pilot’s license with the Civil Air Patrol

October 22, 2019
During bands halftime performance, Marin Webber marches with her fellow band students. As a french horn player, Webber is a crucial part of the ensemble, and adding different musical layers to the performance.

Marin Webber

October 2, 2019
The club fair is Tuesday in the rotunda. Students may check it out during advisory and lunches.

Students get a taste of clubs on campus

September 23, 2019
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Caroline Caruso