The Dream Team - Ryan Carroll, Longview ISD
Positive Climate Programs

At Forest Park Magnet School, Principal Ryan Carroll intentionally brings general education students together with self-contained special education students to build lasting friendships that strengthen the school community through the Dream Team program. Through inclusive classroom activities—such as reading, games, counting, coloring, science experiments, crafts, and holiday decorating—students of all abilities learn, create, and interact side by side. Daily positive connections, like saying “hi” in the hallway, giving high fives or fist bumps, and participating together in special events such as Socktober, Sock Delivery, field trips, and Field Day, help build trust and belonging.

The program began with teachers identifying general education students who already demonstrated kindness, leadership, and acceptance of others. These student leaders then participate in structured opportunities to interact with self-contained special education students. Staff training on inclusive practices and positive school climate further ensures the program runs smoothly and safely.

This program exceeds basic legal requirements for bullying prevention and education found in Texas Education Code 37.0832 by going far beyond policy compliance and creating a deeply relational, proactive approach to school safety and climate. Instead of focusing only on responding to problems, the program fosters kindness, inclusion, and community before issues arise, strengthening school climate in a holistic and preventative way. By selecting student leaders who model acceptance and empathy, the district has created a student-led culture of kindness that reduces social isolation, increases peer support, and improves overall safety.