8:06 PM on Aug 30, 2021 CDT Updated at 1:21 PM on Sep 1, 2021 CDT. He just wants to enjoy his senior year, and I want to do everything I can to help him., But, she says, she believes she has a mission. Can you hide it?' In May 2018, Dr. Ryan was named the 2018 Region XI Superintendent of the Year. He wrote on Facebook that he could not ask others to speak up if he wont and just because I am a school administrator that does not take away my rights and ability to be human and defend myself.. I just wish everyone else would.. The driver, the stockiest of the bunch, rapped on Bryans window. They would cooperate fully with the News reporters, but they wouldnt give anyone up. Colleyville Heritage became the focus of a district investigation during the 2004-2005 school year after a Panther football/baseball player and his mother confronted school administrators and GCISD about his use of performance-enhancing drugs. We've received your submission. Colleyville Heritage High School in Colleyville, TX - US News Best High and I asked, 'Why? 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. People know each other. Anybody really believe that? Lewis was dumbfounded. He pulled forward into a parking space and waited on his friends, hoping everyone else would ignore him. Colleyville is a Yuppie burb, sure, with a median home price of $335,000, but it is affluence packed on top of a former tiny farming community, a fine cloth draped over an old couch. The video was shot off campus and not during normal school hours.. I knew it as soon as I finished the story. If my house was on fire, would you put it out? she asked. But you figure theres a problem at the school, you call the school. We remain committed to providing a learning environment at Colleyville Heritage that fosters and encourages student academic and extracurricular achievement," Grapevine-Colleyville ISD said in a news release. But as Lewis read it, she found something horrible. The 18-year-old was arrested on charges of trespassing on school grounds and having a weapon in a place where its prohibited. Dallas, Texas 75201. Police did not identify either individual. Dr. James Whitfield has been promoted several times in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD system. Cooper vs. Colleyville Heritage - Texas High School Girls Basketball The Tarrant County Narcotics Unit, now working the steroids investigation, told Lewis that her first call should have been to them months ago. 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They could not tell anyone her identityor else, as she put it, I will sue you. Given the extreme care administrators used with her identity in e-mail correspondence during the next few months (obtained by D Magazine), they took her threat seriously. Love will! A Texas school board proposes the non-renewal of a contract for a 535. But if were really concerned about reputations here, whose reputation has been damaged more? Football players were calling him Patrick. Conversations stopped when he arrived. "But if it's not CRT for this group, it will be something else.". Phone calls can only be accepted the day of the absence. All that stuff I could handle, and I do handle, she says. We just have to lay low, she said. They were extremely polite but thorough. Colleyville Heritage High School (TX) Varsity Basketball Colleyville Heritage Panthers Varsity Boys Basketball Colleyville, TX 22-23 V. Basketball Home Schedule Roster Standings Rankings Photos Videos News More / Colleyville Heritage High School Basketball Colleyville Heritage Basketball OVERALL 22-10 0.69 Win % DISTRICT 9-5 4th in District By now, she had revealed her identity in subsequent newspaper stories. Lewis told Beal that her son had used steroids, that he obtained them from other kids on the team, that they got them from someone at the nearby Whataburger. He knows its just because she loves him, but, damn, so many other kids get away with telling white lies, staying out late. I can control my kids, one parent said to her during the meeting. Enjoy unlimited access to all of our incredible journalism, in print and digital. Colleyville Heritage High School 5401 Heritage Avenue Colleyville, TX 76034 P 817-305-4700 F 817-358-4765 Like Our Page on Facebook Follow us on Twitter He hopes he starts, he says. She says she sued Coach Cunningham not just because she feels his remarks made life tough in Colleyville, but because she says she wants to be sure other schools will think twice before ignoring a whistle-blower. It was supposed to be a celebration for Whitfield, who had just been named principal of Colleyville Heritage Middle School two years ago, and his family. Besides, she said. An 18-year-old man and a juvenile student are facing criminal charges after a handgun was found inside a students car at Colleyville Heritage High School on Tuesday. Lewis said she didnt want the schools help. Even though it was approved by the district, the presentation was used to vilify my colleagues and me, he wrote. Thinks he will. Read more about this topic: Colleyville Heritage High School, Athletics, And therefore, as when there is a controversy in an account, the parties must by their own accord, set up for right Reason, the Reason of some Arbitrator, or Judge, to whose sentence, they will both stand, or their controversy must either come to blows, or be undecided, for want of a right Reason constituted by Nature; so is it also in all debates of what kind soever.Thomas Hobbes (15791688), Bret Boone - Professional Career - Legacy -. Update: Revised at 9 p.m. with more information. Were set to play more disadvantaged and diverse opponents Trinity. But James Whitfield said he took it to mean the issue was he was in an interracial relationship. Officers were called around 3:20 p.m. to the campus in the 5400 block of Heritage Avenue about a man with a gun. NO NAMES. The titles in the list range from children's books and anti-bullying tips to novels that discuss racism and sexuality. Just over a month later, the district has suspended Colleyville Heritage High School Principal James Whitfield without explanation, he told The Washington Post on Tuesday. That they will no longer give into that culture of forcing to assimilate and being ashamed of their identity," said student Sunehra Cowdhury. This was so she could direct Lewis to the appropriate vice principal. Texas school district suspends Black principal after critical race THEATRE DEPARTMENT. The man, Stetson Clark, narrowly lost a school board race in May to the incumbent, Becky St. John. Dude, I think thats your mom.. Butbefore he could pop open the champagne his boss called and asked him to check his email. He decided in the summer to concentrate on baseball. "We don't make rules unless we're asked by our member schools.". Hes not happy that Im still talking to the media. Lewis wanted to get up and walk out, but she stayed put, stayed silent. They had to get everything ready for when they return after the summer, when Bryan plans to go out for the varsity team. Some parents learned about the photo incident when they read Whitfields account on Facebook. All she does is shake her head and say, The parents in this town Shes already seen how it has enveloped Bryan. Summarizing his defense, he finally blurted, Mom, the majority of the football team is taking them.. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Stand with us in our mission to discover and uncover the story of North Texas, 18-year-old man, student face charges after gun found in car at Colleyville Heritage High School, What we know after 3 children killed, 2 wounded at Ellis County home, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones defers comment on revival of sexual harassment lawsuit. They know.. A petition in support of Whitfield has hundreds of signatures, and he said he's humbled for the support he's received and regrets he held this in for so long. But I didnt want any of this for Bryan, Lewis says. That Friday after the story had come out, near midnight, Bryan got a call on his cell phone. According to their story, Cunningham went on a 15-minute rant and blamed the then-unidentified mother for creating this problem. Other people in the audience shouted in support and cheered when Clark made his remarks. Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Superintendent Robin Ryan announced Whitfield was being placed on leave in a message to parents Monday. 817-305-4717. She said the issue comes up informally "every time a professional athlete makes headlines" for steroid use. Colleyville High School Principal Says He Expelled Gay Student Because Colleyville Heritage High School Principal James Whitfield opened up in a lengthy Facebook post on July 31 about the incident from 2019 shortly after he had been promoted to the top post at the middle school. "I chalk it up to educators are held to a different standard, unfortunately. There were four teenagers inside, two in the front seat, two in back. How long did you do it? Hate and #racism will not rule the day. Colleyville Heritage 31 Arlington Heights 41 Final Box Score All Contest Videos Oct 15, 2022 @ 2:59am Texas: Defensive Touchdowns from Weekend of Oct 7th, 2022 Watch this highlight video More Videos Oct 14, 2022 @ 5:54pm Contribute to the Team Complete the Schedule Add missing games to the schedule Complete the Roster In December, however, nine students involved in football and other unspecified sports came forward and said they used steroids last spring. Mom, they already know. Anna Caplan, Special Contributor. She didnt believe it. Colleyville Heritage High On Lockdown After Gun Reported In - MSN Theyre mad at my mom because shes messing with that.. Colleyville players admit to briefly using steroids - Chron My mom catches me at everything, Bryan says. 972-983-4822 cell. Theres no reason for me to take this photo down,' he told KXAS. In February 2005, The Dallas Morning News published an in-depth report entitled "The Secret Edge", a look at the topic of steroids in high school sports. Faking it wasnt easy. They were identified merely as the athlete and his mother.. I have done nothing wrong by anyone, Whitfield said. She told the pharmacist she needed to vaccinate a horse. The district had no additional comments Monday night because it is an ongoing personnel matter, a spokeswoman said in a prepared statement. On their cardboard, handmade wall, they wrote: 'Paid for by . By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Stand with us in our mission to discover and uncover the story of North Texas, Colleyville Heritage principal accused of teaching critical race theory put on paid leave, the principal and a crowd of supporters attended a school board meeting, multiple sources in the district have said, an incident in which a school administrator asked Whitfield to remove a photo of him and his wife, who is white, After call for his firing, Colleyville Heritage principal speaks about critical race theory claims, What we know after 3 children killed, 2 wounded at Ellis County home, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones defers comment on revival of sexual harassment lawsuit. Ive told you everything I know. It ate at her. Do you value our journalism? Theyre open late, they have cheap food, and theyre close by. Copyright 2023, D Magazine Partners, Inc. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The weekend before the series was to run, a fax came to the Morning News. Can you take this picture down? Kids need us! the principal added. Its he and his beautiful wife, they have a beautiful family, Sunni Roppollo, who has children at Colleyville Heritage High, told KXAS, adding that there was no reason to censor him.I chalk it up to educators are held to a different standard, unfortunately. This year Colleyville Heritage High School found only 19 girls out of a school of 2,400 students good enough for their cheerleading squad. Its been a roller coaster for him, she says. Colleyville Heritage High School in Colleyville TX - SchoolDigger She expected to hear from him in a week or so. Colleyville Heritage High School Unclaimed. My friends are used to it. at 7pm. 5401 Heritage Avenue, Colleyville, TX 76034. HERE IS PART OF ABC CHANNEL 8 SPORTS director Dale Hansens on-air editorial from April 19, the day Lewis filed a lawsuit against Coach Chris Cunningham for slander, asking for $1.5 million in damages. Lewis told Beal she was left with no choice but to take her story to the media. Live. How Colleyville Heritage's Black principal was swept into a "critical You may need to show identification if this was not done at walk-thru. 750 North St.Paul St. Some of the photos the district received contained poses that are questionable for an educator, especially a principal or administrator. None of the individuals had weapons on them, but a handgun was found in one of the students cars, police said. A few days later, he dialed the players cell phone to arrange delivery, reaching him in an SAT preparation class.. Ironically, it was the place where hed purchased his steroids. Bryan never had to wonder whether his mom was engaged, as Dr. Phil likes to say. I am the first African American to assume the role of principal at my current school in its 25-year history, and I am keenly aware of how much fear this strikes in the hearts of a small minority who would much rather things go back to the way they used to be.". Dr. James Whitfield, the former principal at Colleyville Heritage High School, filed a $250,000 defamation lawsuit against Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District and board member Tammy . Officers on the scene have "the individual involved detained.". CHHS PTSA Reflections Chair. The answer, anabolic steroids, provided a bit of relief. They shouldnt be filing stupid lawsuits. Thats your investigation? COLLEYVILLE The Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Tarrant County on Tuesday requested a meeting with the civil rights office of the U.S. Department of Education to discuss the ongoing. James Whitfield at his home in Hurst on Sept. 16. Bryan sat across from them, Lewis next to him. What's wrong with the picture?' The theory's central idea is that racism is not something restricted to individuals, but that bias is something embedded in policies and legal systems. No one has provided any evidence that Cunningham knew about the steroid use on his football team, and theres no evidence that Lori Lewis is a crazy mom. By midweek, Bryan couldnt take the whispers and the barely contained seething of the football players. The driver came after him. She went to sleep thinking it was the right thing to do. It centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nations institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society. On the front page blared her sons story: Colleyville player says pressure to improve prompted steroid use.. If you know that is on your trusted email list, contact your child's school office (Grade Level Learning Community, Building, or SLC) to have your email added to the system. The photos were from an anniversary trip. For weeks, kids buzzed about who they thought might be the anonymous athlete caught using steroids. District Calls Anniversary Photo of High School Principal and His Wife McClure said the school began investigating the matter in October. Eric Celeste is the editor at Spirit, the inflight magazine of Southwest Airlines. James Whitfield - Colleyville Heritage High Principal (CBS 11), Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Releases New Statement On Decision To Put Principal James Whitfield On Paid Administrative Leave. "We're talking about a very short period, weeks," district spokeswoman Robin McClure said. Compare Colleyville Heritage High School to Other Schools gcisd-k12.org So I wouldnt feel comfortable mowing your lawn.. Colleyville Heritage High School Principal James Whitfield opened up in a lengthy Facebook post on July 31 about the incident from 2019 shortly after he had been promoted to the top post at. Stressed over the accusations, Whitfield said he couldn't shake the photo incident of 2019 from his head and the district's conclusion the photo was inappropriate. Proponents also believe race is culturally invented, not biological. Im going to fight him.. Black principal told to remove Facebook photo with white wife Nor was the decision made in response to allegations Dr. Whitfield was teaching Critical Race Theory, or because of the photos on his social media account that were brought to the attention of the District in 2019. They are: 1. # 1,954 in National Rankings. Hes just got to get a little faster, a little bigger, a little stronger. I am the first African American to assume the role of Principal at my current school in its 25-year history, and I am keenly aware of how much fear this strikes in the hearts of a small minority who would much rather things go back to the way they used to be, he wrote. 4:25 PM on Mar 1, 2022 CST Updated at 8:58 PM on Mar 1, 2022 CST. It was too quiet, she says. In early August, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD placed Whitfield on administrative leave. Not Bryans. Never missed one, she says proudly. Students were dismissed about an hour late Tuesday, the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District tweeted. Dave Denning, a former Grapevine High School principal, will serve as interim leader of the campus, Ryan said. And, of course, making everyone in town proud, which is what winning does. He sounded drunk. Theyd made a mistake, she says. They asked Bryan to relive every detail. This is how competitive it is in this town, Lewis says, smiling. Theres SO much, but I am beyond humbled by the kindness, support, love, & encouragement being shown to me and my family, he said in a tweet. When Ted Beal answered his phone that morning, September 23, the nightmare began for the CHHS administration. From the moment I called the school, I didnt want him involved. Like most teens, he acts blas, even when talking about how much he cant wait for college so I can get away from this town, all the crap thats gone on., Not that hes obsessing about it, either, he says. Hes a happily married man. No real names, anyway. Jones and Jacobson, sick that theyd inadvertently revealed Bryans identity, suggested that the papers lawyers could convince the school district to pay for Bryans tuition. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Woman in viral pizza rant now facing ethnic harassment charges, Murdaugh Judge Clifton Newman: From segregated schools to the best we want in our jurists, NYC DOE probing anti-white texts linked to black superintendent, Black children attack, force white kids to say Black Lives Matter at Ohio school: video. In the minds of many, she carries with her the scarlet S affixed to those in small towns, suburban or rural, who dont honor the sanctity of high school football: snitch, squealer, sinner. At least hes not a drug addict, she thought. The Grapevine . But he doesnt like it., When her son talks, she stares at him intently, looking for signs that hes upset or angry. James Whitfield chose to resign from his position as principal of Colleyville Heritage High School and the school board unanimously accepted on Monday. Focusing on unique things school districts are doing to help children succeed. One of those parents complained. Texas School Finds Few Girls Good Enough for Cheerleading Ive moved on. Her son, a junior at Colleyville Heritage High School, had several such travel bags in his closet, but the others were all pressed flat, unused. Whitfield added that he has no regrets over what has transpired over the last couple of months, hes happy that he stood up for what he believed in and he hopes thats what people can learn from his situation. But no names were used. Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. No big deal, Bryan thought. Critical race theory is a way of thinking about Americas history through the lens of racism. Bryan may be able to help, but dont contact him at school. She worried he would be labeled a snitch if it became a public ordeal. Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District - Wikipedia Principal Speaks Out After School District Brands His Anniversary Pic Thats it? A weighted scale means additional GPA points are assigned to courses with greater rigor. State Rep. Matt Krause of Fort Worth, who is running for state attorney general, recently launched an inquiry into the types of books students can access in Texas schools, which included an 850-book list. Contact info. We understand that members of our community have questions, but the District does not resolve personnel matters in the media. Who is available? Thats how competitive it is.. COLLEYVILLE, Texas The embattled principal of Colleyville Heritage High School is expected to learn his employment fate this coming Monday. Grapevine-Colleyville sources have said that the district does not teach CRT, a doctrine that pushes the notion that racism underpins Americas history, laws and institutions, according to the Dallas Morning News. SOUTHLAKE, Texas - Carroll ISD is punishing some students for an offensive video that shows a group of teens chanting the n-word. I knew what I was getting into. In fact, she knows that by filing a slander suit against the schools football coach, Chris Cunningham, she has only invited more recrimination. ), & 6 (Mon.) CHHS has several sub-administrators who are given students to oversee based on last name. She makes mention of that one time someone said or did something to her daughter relating to the steroids backlash, but when I ask about it, she says she wont talk about it. The story said one boy admitted to using them. Dozens Of Colleyville Heritage High Students Rally In Support Of But that one sentence stuck with Lewis. . I am not the CRT (Critical Race Theory) Boogeyman. Colleyville Heritage High School - Athletics - Steroid Controversy Overall Score 89.05 /100. Whitfield is now speaking out about the incident and responding to what he claims are bigoted and racist attacks, including accusations that he is a proponent of critical race theory. It has 2,123 students in grades 9th through 12th. COLLEYVILLE - Nine Colleyville Heritage High School students involved in football and other athletics have admitted to using steroids, district officials said Friday. Colleyville Heritage High School is the 235th largest public high school in Texas and the 1,266th largest nationally. Colleyville Heritage High School is a public high school of the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District located in Colleyville, TX. His friend stopped him. They said, Could you take it down? GRAPEVINE, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - A high school principal at the center of a controversy in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is now on administrative leave. They were changed to Patrick and Michelle. Gregg Jones and Gary Jacobson sat at Lewis kitchen table, in her upper-middle-class, redbrick home, on a quiet street in Colleyville, and grilled the mother and son for hours, during several interview sessions. Well, I had an interesting day, he told his mother by phone that night. Get the latest breaking news from North Texas and beyond. "It would be my hope that more rational minds prevail. Read more about CRT here. In a letter to parents Monday, Superintendent Robin Ryan wrote that Whitfield has been placed on leave but that he would not go into the specifics because it is a personnel matter., Whitfield, the schools first Black principal, told The Dallas Morning News on Monday night that he was told he was put on leave indefinitely because the superintendent has determined that doing so is in the best interest of the District.. Here is a look at the Top 3 girls teams in Class 5A. We hid the photo, no one from above ever mentioned anything else about it, but the damage was inflicted on us in profound ways. The tick-tock drama of Bryans story, that compelling personal narrative, the hour-by-hour recounting of his traverse from good kid to drug user, would elevate the series. Aug. 5, 2021 In June 2019, shortly after James Whitfield, a Black educator, was hired as the principal of a middle school in Colleyville, Texas, an administrator with the school district. He will step down as principal at Colleyville Heritage High School and remain on paid leave until 2023. first accused of teaching critical race theory during a Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District school board meeting. Dallas Cowboys want another playmaker on offense. But other than that, its great. They even went to football games, sat in the stands, and made a list of the players who looked like they might be using steroids, based on the common signs: acne, muscular definition, rage. Under mounting pressure from district officials, local and national media, and law enforcement, a total of nine other CHHS athletes confessed to use of steroids and other PEDs. District: Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (ISD) SchoolDigger Rank: 370th of 1,876 Texas High Schools. A new study says yes. GRAPEVINE, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Dozens of students and parents rallied outside Grapevine-Colleyville ISD's school board meeting Monday night, August 23, to show support for Colleyville. After months of trying, Jones and Jacobson finally interviewed coach Chris Cunningham, who declined to talk to D Magazine through a spokeswoman and through his lawyers. Sitting in her living room, Lewis moans slightly and puts her head down when her son explains what his life is like now: I just want this to be over, Bryan, 17, says. They werent snitches. For nearly 10 years, she wrote restaurant reviews for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and her work has appeared in 360 West, Eater Dallas, Edible DFW, A+C magazine, D CEO, GlobeSt.com and Houstonia magazine. She didnt take long to make her decision: Bring it on.. 18-year-old man, student face charges after gun found in car at The district told WFAA again Friday that the decision has nothing to do with critical race theory or allegations by a small group of parents. No one could see her talking to school officials. Then, two weeks later, Bryan left a movie theater on a weekend night. Then she reached inside and took hold of the vial.