'Get Healthy Texas' Features Impact of Wellness Campaign

Martha Reid Elementary staff was recently featured by our local CBS affiliate for positive results from a friendly health competition among campuses thanks to Methodist Mansfield Medical Center's District-wide wellness campaign.

MMMC Principals' Fitness Challenge - Martha Reid Elementary health feature [VIDEO], dfw.cbslocal.com



Background
The wellness campaign started back in October when Methodist Mansfield Medical Center donated 4,000 pedometers to the Mansfield ISD staff as well as sponsored a Principals' Fitness Challenge program to promote the importance of health and fitness. By helping principals and school personnel create a healthier atmosphere for learning and working, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center hoped to create a healthy environment for the community.

“Methodist Mansfield Medical Center is joining forces with Mansfield ISD to promote healthy schools and improve health and academic outcomes,” said President of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center Laura Irvine at the time of the campaign launch. “By providing pedometers and sponsoring the Principals' Fitness Challenge we hope to increase healthy behaviors, encourage healthy role models for students, increase employee morale and promote a positive community image.”

“I want our employees to know we value their health and wellness,” said Dr. Bob Morrison MISD Superintendent of Schools. “If our staff identifies even small ways to improve their health, we'll have accomplished something positive.”

The Principals' Fitness Challenge was designed for campus administrators to voluntarily challenge themselves to a free and simple-to-follow 12-week fitness and wellness program. The goal is to encourage participants to take the first steps towards living a healthier lifestyle by increasing physical activity and improving nutrition. MISD staff members are invited to participate through championing their administrator and even taking the challenges on themselves.

Check out all of the winning campuses and principals from the challenge.

Pictures of the Week (May 23 - 27)

Check out some of the cool happenings that went on in Mansfield ISD last week:

Heartbeat Team May 2011

On Thursday, May 19, 2011, Dr. Morrison presented Jeanne Clayton with the final Heartbeat Award for the 2010-11 school year. Gideon Elementary principal, Imelda Little and other campus staff took their turns in congratulating the third grade teacher with the huge heart.

Full gallery...

(Ok, technically this wasn't last week, but we want to be sure to include it since the staff recognition announcement was made last week.)

May 2011 School Board Meeting

Photos from the Tuesday, May 24, 2011 Regular MISD School Board Meeting including a variety of student recognition and board commendations.

Full gallery...

Cross Timbers - Blessed by a Timberwolf

The students of Cross Timbers Intermediate School (CTIS) were divided into teams and competed in several categories to win the privilege of “Blessing” a volunteer CTIS staff member by throwing a pie in their face, providing a make-over for the day and last but not least – a water balloon lineup.

Full gallery...

Career Day at Worley

The Worley Middle School Career Day took place Wednesday, May 25, 2011. The lineup of presenters represented a broad range of careers and job fields.

Full gallery...

2011 MISD Rangers Game Night

The Texas Rangers invited the MISD Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, along with our Shining Star Winners to be recognized on the field at the Friday, May 27 game. Honorees included MISD Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year and our Shining Star winners. (A special thanks to the Mansfield HS boys chorale for singing the National Anthem.)

Full gallery...

MISD Short Cuts - Summit Storybooks

Students from Summit High School's Spanish classes took part in creating storybooks for students from nearby D.P. Morris Elementary. The books were written in Spanish and translated for each child by a Summit student.

Over 140 storybooks were created by the Summit HS students!

Pictures of the Week (May 16 - 20)

Check out some of the neat things that went on at Mansfield ISD last week:

Danny Jones - Talent Show

The Danny Jones Middle School "Student Talent Showcase" took place on the afternoon of Friday, May 20, 2011. The event was packed with lots of fantastic individual and group performances.

View the complete gallery.

Carol Holt Career Day

Career Day was held at Carol Holt Elementary on Friday, May 20, 2011. Students had the opportunity to learn about many different professions through special presentations.

View the complete gallery.

Danny Jones Middle School 2011 Band Concert

Danny Jones Middle School Band held their Spring Concert at the Willie Pigg Auditorium on Thursday, May 19, 2011.

View the complete gallery.

Smith Elementary Reading Restaurant

3rd Grade students hosted a ‘Reading Restaurant.’ Students dressed up and played the part of ‘waiters,’ taking ‘orders’ from the ‘menus’ of titles of their writings throughout this school year.

View the complete gallery.  

Multi-Scholarship Breakfast

Mansfield ISD high school seniors were honored at the Multi-Scholarship Breakfast on May 17. One hundred-fourteen scholarships totaling $84,850 were presented to qualifying graduating seniors. 

View the complete gallery.



Community Dinner at Martha Reid 

In an effort to express thanks to the community for continued support, Martha Reid Elementary hosted a community appreciation dinner outside of the school on May 17. 

View the complete gallery.

Faculty Art Show 

The first ever Mansfield ISD Faculty Art Show is on display at the Mansfield High School Library the month of May 2011. Artwork submitted by current and former MISD employees was featured.

View the complete gallery.

School Supply Time - Common Ground Network

As the number of Mansfield ISD families in need continues to grow, there are many opportunities to lend a helping hand. Each year, hundreds of MISD families receive help with school supplies through Common Ground Network’s School Supply Program.

Sounds great! How does it work?

The Common Ground Network works diligently to find families that qualify for assistance and provide each child with a bag of school supplies (about $25 per child) and a Payless Shoe Store voucher for a new pair of shoes. The organization purchases many of the supplies in bulk, to keep the costs as low as possible.

The collection process begins in May to ensure that all qualifying students receive the necessary supplies by August. Volunteers from throughout the community will come together in August to prepare and distribute the supplies before school starts.

Does Your Family Need Help Purchasing School Supplies?

Necesita Su Familia Ayuda Para La Compra De Articulos Escolares?

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How can I help?

If your organization would like to support this program, send your tax deductible donation, made payable to Common Ground Network (Memo: School Supplies) to:

Common Ground Network
P.O. Box 1049
Mansfield, TX 76063

Contributors’ names will appear in the Mansfield News-Mirror as a Mansfield children’s supporter. The Common Ground Network will also provide a letter to each contributor for tax purposes.

In order for the organization to determine the number of students they will be able to assist, donations must be received by June 30.

Remember, when it comes to promoting the success of Mansfield ISD students, no amount of support is too small!

More about the Common Ground Network:

The Common Ground Network is an association of churches and support agencies in the Mansfield community who work together to coordinate programs that effect needy families throughout the Mansfield ISD. Each year, they join together to coordinate a number of different programs; food drives to support local pantries, holiday giving for children and two summer programs, School Supplies and Feed the Kids for Summer.

For more information, visit the website or contact Common Ground Network President, Susan Luttrell, 817-473-6650 or susanl@firstmethodistmansfield.org.

Common Ground is a non-profit agency. All donations are tax deductible.
Mansfield ISD is a partner with the Common Ground Network.

Pictures of the Week (May 9-13)

Check out some of the cool things that went on in Mansfield ISD last week:

Mary Jo Sheppard - Field Day

The teachers and students of Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary had a blast during Field Day on May 13. Events included a shoe-kicking race, 50-yard dash and more!

View the complete gallery.

2011 MISD Employee Recognition Banquet

The annual MISD Employee Recognition Banquet honors Retirees, Teachers of the Year, Shining Star Recipients and employees receiving 20, 25 and 30 Year Service Awards.

View the complete gallery.


Cross Timbers - Blessed by a Timberwolf (Round 1) 
Cross Timbers students competed in several categories to win the privilege of “Blessing” a volunteer staff member with a pie to the face.

View the complete gallery.

Campus Candids

This new album holds a random collection of pictures that get sent to the Communications Department. Many different campuses and events will be featured.

View the complete gallery.

2011 Student Art Show (Updated)

The Elementary Art Show (grades K-4) was held May 9 - May 12, 2011, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The reception was held 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Thursday, May 12 in the Commons Area.

View the complete gallery.

Tigers Coach Heads Texas All-Star Basketball Team

Each year, the most talented high school senior basketball players from across the state are selected to compete in the ultimate showdown, also known as the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) All Star Game. Naturally, a game played by the best is also coached by the best, and this year is no different. 

Mansfield High School’s own Coach Richie Alfred was selected to coach one of the 4A/5A All-Star boys teams at Trinity University in San Antonio on May 20.   

Alfred is completing his 28^th year as a basketball coach, which makes him an outstanding candidate for an All-Star game coach. In addition to his impressive tenure, Alfred brings a bevy of winning qualities to the table. He was nominated for the honor by his former assistant coach Marchie Murdock, who now serves as head basketball coach at Legacy High School. 

In Murdock’s nomination letter to the TABC Committee, he referred to Alfred as “one of the best defensive tacticians to ever grace the sidelines,” adding that the teams who have fallen victim to his players over the years are still “scratching their heads in mystery.” 

Alfred’s coaching skills have led to more than 400 victories as well as recurrent playoff seasons. In addition to being considered a brilliant coach, Alfred serves as a mentor and role model for many young men. Murdock writes:

“The young men under his guidance get a daily character lesson which helps them to not only understand how to overcome life obstacles, but to believe in themselves and perfect the little things that will aid them in victory. Whether it is used in competition or in life, his method for success has proven to be a valid formula.”

Alfred believes that young athletes can learn many life lessons through hard work and competition and he makes a consistent effort to bring those lessons to light. 

“I am a firm believer that athletics mirrors life and that there is much to be learned through sports,” said Alfred. “I try to use basketball as a tool to teach those lessons and I believe there is a correlation between that and student success.”

As Coach Alfred prepares for the big event next week, he will draw upon 28 years of competitive milestones and memories. 

“This feels like the culmination of a long career,” said Alfred. “I’ve had some great teams and we’ve won a lot of games, but what I’m most proud of is how our determination and heart brought us to where we are today.”

Superintendent Update - April 2011

Dr. Morrison shares the latest information on the impending state budget shortfall, construction updates for the Center for the Performing Arts and Nancy Neal Elementary, end of school year activities, and graduation information.


Please note: Due to scheduling conflicts, this video update is being posted in May instead of the planned April release.

CyberSafety Awareness Week

This is cross-posted from the misdtechnotes blog:

 

During the week of May 16–20, Mansfield ISD Technology will be hosting the first MISD CyberSafety Awareness Week to provide a focus for students, teachers, parents and community about online safety and our students. Topics include safe surfing, cyberbullying, messaging, and how to protect personal information when online.

 

K-4 students will focus on age appropriate topics during their Technology Applications rotation:
Grades K-2

• Ways we use the Internet
• Basic rules for online safety

Grades 3-4

• Cyberbullying (what it is and what you can do about it)
• Safe Surfing (ways to protect yourself online.

5th – 8th grade students will be participate in related learning activities during their advisory period.
Grades 5-6

• Text Messaging (safety, etiquette)
• Keeping personal information safe when online

Grades 7-8

• Smart Surfing (research tools, copyright, viruses/spyware)
• How to handle Cyberbullying, protecting yourself and your information online

Parents, teachers, administrators and community members are invited to attend an event on Thursday, May 19, in the MISD Administration Building Great Room at 605 East Broad Street from 6:30 – 8:00 PM.

A panel of guest speakers will be presenting information with time at the end for questions from the audience.

Topics include:

• UT Arlington Admissions – Social Networking and College Admissions
• MISD Human Resources – Social Networking and Future Employment
• MISD Police – Cyberbullying
• Technology Department – What Parents Can Do

Download the printable information sheet. (PDF)

Feed the Kids for Summer - Common Ground Network

The following is a special post for our community about the Feed the Kids for Summer program from the Common Ground Network:
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Created and administered by the staff and volunteers of the Common Ground Network, Feed the Kids for Summer is a program which assists struggling Mansfield ISD area families to meet their grocery needs during the summer break from school.

Families who depend on the government-sponsored school meal programs to help provide their children with nutritious food are left with a large void to fill during the summer months. Common Ground interviews hundreds of families to determine the most urgent needs and then goes into action to make sure that supplemental groceries can be provided to them for the duration of the summer.

Feed the Kids for Summer is designed to help supplement lunch and breakfast food for children in the Mansfield ISD. The food is kid friendly and does not require a stove or oven to prepare.

Last year the program provided over 5,000 bags of groceries at a cost of over $25,000.00. As you can well imagine, the need this year will be even greater.

Additional information can be found on the Common Ground Network website. Also, if you know of a family who could benefit from this program, please download the Feed the Kids for Summer Distribution Flyer (pdf) and share with them.

Feed the Kids for Summer Stats:

2010 Program
Bags of groceries: 5,000+
Cost of program: $25,000+

Estimated Needs for 2011
Bags of Groceries: 6,000
Cost of Program: $27,500+

Mansfield ISD is a partner with the Common Ground Network.

Pictures of the Week

Welcome to a new feature of the Mansfield ISD blog. Each week, we will post a photo re-cap of the week's events. "Pictures of the Week" is your new one-stop-shop for weekly photo updates!

Check out some of the cool things that went on in Mansfield ISD last week:


Summit Students Read to D.P. Morris Students

Summit High School students visited the first grade classes at D.P. Morris Elementary on the morning of May 6 to deliver a one-of-a-kind gift. 

View the complete gallery.

Cross Timbers - Apache Helicopter Landing

On the morning of May 5, students from Cross Timbers Intermediate and Carol Holt Elementary had the opportunity to watch a U.S. Army Apache helicopter land on their very own playground.

View the complete gallery.

Kenneth Davis - Cinco De Mayo Celebration

Students from several different grades and classes at Kenneth Davis Elementary put together a special parade and celebration in honor of Cinco de Mayo on May 5. 

View the complete gallery.

Summit Theatre Students Perform at Tipps

The Summit High School Theatre students visited Roberta Tipps Elementary on May 4 to perform some selections from their Spring Show.

View the complete gallery.

 
Wild Wonders at D.P. Morris

The students of D.P. Morris Elementary were visited by some very special guests from the Fort Worth Zoo on May 4.

View the complete gallery.

Glenn Harmon Career Day

It's not every day that students have the opportunity to hear presentations from engineers, emergency personnel, cake decorators and business leaders!

View the complete gallery. 

2011 Academic Recognition Banquet

Each year, the Mansfield ISD Education Foundation honors the Top 60 graduating seniors with an Academic Recognition Banquet.

View the complete gallery.

Asa Low Collects Pennies for Patients

The Student Council members of Asa Low Jr. Intermediate School sponsored a “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society over the course of two weeks in April.

View the complete gallery.

A Cultural Exchange at Mary Jo Sheppard

Students from Dallas Baptist University (DBU) visited Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary on April 29. The students were part of DBU's international student program and represented six different countries (China, Japan, Vietnam, Brazil, Taiwan and Korea).

After sharing their customs and culture with the third grade classes, the special guests divided into smaller groups to observe individual classrooms.  After the classroom visits, the international students ate lunch with the fourth grade classes.

"This program is a great way for kids to experience different cultures by learning about their clothing, language, flags and food," said Sheppard Principal Gary Manns.  "It also gives the international students the opportunity to learn about American education."

The event proved to be a powerful learning experience for both the elementary and the college students.

"I'm so glad for the opportunity to meet these children," said one Korean student (pictured above). "I have been in America for seven or eight months and I've never been to a regular elementary school like this."

DBU supports more than 540 international students from over 50 countries. 

Asa Low Students Surpass Fundraising Goal

The Student Council members of Asa Low Jr. Intermediate School sponsored a “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society over the course of two weeks in April.

The school’s goal was to raise $1,600, but in the end they collected $3,400 (more than DOUBLE that amount)! The school teams competed to collect the largest team balance, which would earn them a pasta lunch from Olive Garden. 

The penny drive was in memory of Tristen Dasch, a student from Brooks Wester Middle School (and a former Boren Bear from J.L. Boren Elementary) who lost his battle with leukemia this past summer.

Congratulations to the students from Asa Low, who worked so hard to raise money for such a worthy cause. Great job!

District/Campuses No Longer Using Facebook?

Mansfield ISD will no longer host district or campus-level Facebook pages. The open nature of the Facebook commenting feature continues to cause regular disruption and place the district as a liable participant in issues related to sharing of private student information, defamation of employees and other abusive online behavior. In addition, MISD is not able to commit the administrative or campus staff time necessary to adequately moderate user content posted to these pages.

If Facebook changes the settings of their service to allow for comment moderation, the district will reconsider use of the service at that time. Mansfield ISD will continue to use Twitter, blogs, and other online communication tools that do not share these liability issues and are better suited to the school business environment. 

Per our MISD employee handbook, classroom teachers will be able to continue to host information-oriented pages on Facebook. If objectionable content is posted on these teacher pages, the teachers are responsible to delete the material and report it to their supervisor, as necessary. 

Thank you for your continued support and interest in Mansfield ISD.