Remembering Vernon Newsom

Today I lost a dear friend and mentor. Vernon Newsom was more than just the superintendent of Mansfield ISD. He was a man of integrity. He had a passion for kids and compassion for all of those who had served with him.

I had just attended a superintendent's conference in Minneapolis with him and his wife Nadyne. He was looking forward to exploring the United States while on vacation as well as being back in Mansfield for the naming ceremony of the Vernon Newsom Stadium.

I have many wonderful memories of Mr. Newsom. Please feel free to share any of your memories or stories below.

Sincerely,
Dr.Morrison
MISD Superintendent

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Mr. Newsom, who recently retired from the District, died July 22 from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident while vacationing in South Dakota with his wife.
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The MISD Community is invited to share any thoughts and or memories you would like to leave in the comments below.

School namesake tours newest intermediate

The namesake for MISD new intermediate school, Mr. Asa E. Low Jr. had an opportunity to tour the campus that bears his name.

Mr. Low and a few family members were guided by Mr. Jason Short, the school's principal.

Asa E. Low Jr. Intermediate School will open on August 24, 2009 with the start of the 2009-2010 school year.

School is just around the corner

It is hard to believe it, but we are just over 30 days until the start of a new school year.
(Seriously, where has this summer gone?!)

Here are just a few things as we get ready for the new year:

• Check out Back to School information - school supply lists, schedule pick-up and more
• Download your printable 2009-2010 Calendar as well as the A-B Student Calendar.
• Updated immunization requirements for kindergarten and 7th grade (don't wait until the last minute)
• Athletics - Physicals will be held at Mansfield HS on August 1 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
• Speaking of athletics - Join us for Fan Fest 2009 on Thursday, August 13
• Remember the Texas Sales Tax Holiday is August 21-23
  

We are excited to open up a couple of new campuses, Linda Jobe Middle and Asa E. Low Jr. Intermediate. The District will hold dedication services for these two new campuses on Sunday, August 23. Details to come. (For those of you paying attention, I have not included Annette Perry Elementary since that campus will open up later in the school year.)

I hope you enjoy the remainder of your summer.

(photo credit: This Year's Love)

New Immunization Requirements

On March 5, 2009 new immunization requirements took affect that will have an impact on all incoming kindergartners and 7th grade students. The changes are as follows:

Kindergarten - All students entering kindergarten, statewide, will be required to have:

• 2 doses of Hepatitis A 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
• 2 doses of varicella vaccine (or a written statement from a parent/legal guardian, or physician stating the child has a positive history of varicella disease (chicken pox).

7th Grade - All students entering 7th grade will be required to have:

• 2 doses of varicella vaccine (or a written statement from a parent/legal guardian, or physician stating the child has a positive history of varicella disease (chicken pox). 1 dose of Tdap vaccine (if it has been 5 years since their last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine).
• 1 dose of meningococcal vaccine

*Please note - These changes are in addition to the current immunization requirements*

This information can be downloaded from the MISD Health Services Web page as well as on the Department of State Health Services Web site.

In the interest of transparency, please note: parents can also find information on exclusions from compliance which are "allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications, reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, and active duty with the armed forces of the United States."

If you have any questions regarding the new immunization requirements, please contact your primary health services provider or the MISD Health Services Department at 817-299-6370.