P.E. Aide Brings Heart to Student Health

See more photos from the Heartbeat Award surprise.

Travel back in your mind to when you were an elementary school student. Can you remember every test grade you got, or every field trip you ever took? Not likely. What about the name of your favorite teacher, or a moment when a teacher made you feel important or special?

It’s a safe bet that some of the current students at Alice Ponder Elementary will someday look back and recall Karin McCormick as one of those bright spots in their educational history.

As a P.E. Aide, McCormick has the opportunity to interact with more than 500 students from five different grade levels. She enjoys the opportunity to see so many different smiling faces each day, and she does her part to make sure each of them feel special.

“She has the opportunity to meet everyone in our school and she makes sure that she knows all of their names,” said Principal Jennifer Stoecker. “She’s just always willing to go above and beyond to help each child be successful, and that’s one of the reasons she’s so great!”

In addition to memorizing hundreds of students’ names, McCormick approaches each school day with a personal goal to make an impact in the life of a student.

“You want to feel like you’ve made a difference in their life,” said McCormick. “Whether it’s just talking a few extra minutes with them or eating lunch with them, they appreciate it and it makes them feel special and it makes me feel special that I’ve tried to do something to help them.”

McCormick’s philosophy is simple, yet effective, and it has certainly gained the attention of those around her.

“I strive to be more like Karin – loving, giving, caring, kind, encouraging and inspirational!” said Art Teacher Stefani Wallace.

On behalf of the Mansfield ISD Administration, congratulations to Karin McCormick, the April 2012 Heartbeat Team Award Winner!

About the Heartbeat Team
The Mansfield ISD Heartbeat Team was established to recognize employees who display heart in their lives and inspire other district employees through their actions. Heartbeat Team members are nominated only by other district employees. Winners are selected during the school year from those nominated. Those named to the Heartbeat Team are still eligible for other district honors.

Icenhower Registrar Steps Up to the Puck to Help

Invaluable. Dedicated. Special. These are just a few terms that Poli Harrell’s colleagues use to describe her role at Della Icenhower Intermediate School.

As the school Registrar, Harrell has the crucial responsibility of designing and implementing the master schedule for the campus. She also tackles the task of assisting staff and parents with the online student information system.

Harrell’s tremendous work ethic makes her an asset to the students and staff at Icenhower, but there is much more to her role on campus than what is outlined in her job description. Harrell exemplifies what it means to be a team player by demonstrating an enthusiastic willingness to lend a hand.

Whether she is assisting with the Open House Art Show, stepping in to cover lunch duty or volunteering to assist with extra projects, Harrell finds a way to fulfill any need that comes her way. 

“She doesn’t do what she does based on her job description,” said Principal Duane Thurston. “It’s never about what is written on paper, it’s about what needs to be done and how she can help other kids.”

When Principal Thurston approached Harrell with the idea to sponsor the after school Hockey Club, she was quick to volunteer her time.

“I’m from Brazil, and I didn’t even know what hockey was,” said Harrell. “They don’t even show it on TV!”

Even though she was unfamiliar with the sport, Harrell knew it would be a great opportunity to teach students about sportsmanship and teamwork, so she didn’t hesitate to step up to the puck.

Harrell considers the staff at Icenhower a family, and she demonstrates her loyalty through her commitment to helping those around her.

“We are very united,” said Harrell. “It makes our lives flow better because we help each other here. It’s a very good feeling working here.”

On behalf of the Mansfield ISD Administration, congratulations to Poli Harrell, the March 2012 Heartbeat Team Award Winner!



[Watch this video inside the MISD network on the Video Portal.]

About the Heartbeat Team
The Mansfield ISD Heartbeat Team was established to recognize employees who display heart in their lives and inspire other district employees through their actions. Heartbeat Team members are nominated only by other district employees. Winners are selected during the school year from those nominated. Those named to the Heartbeat Team are still eligible for other district honors.

Grounds Supervisor Plants Seeds of Kindness

For most of us, the average work day takes place between 8 am and 5 pm, but Grounds Supervisor Mike Wynn has embraced the art of expecting the unexpected.

Wynn and his crew are responsible for maintaining approximately 765 acres of grounds within Mansfield ISD. Anytime there is an issue with district roadways, parking lots or landscaping, Wynn is committed to solving the problem, but his service certainly does not stop there.

“Although he’s over the Grounds Care Department, he’s always made himself available for any type of situation,” said Jeff Brogden, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Support. “We get a lot of calls in the middle of the night and Mike’s phone is always answered, regardless of whether it’s related to grounds care. I know that I can always count on him.”

Throughout his 16 years with Mansfield ISD, Wynn has developed a reputation of being one of those treasured “go-to” people. His selfless attitude and kind spirit are traits that made him a fantastic selection for the February 2012 Heartbeat Team Award Winner.

Upon receiving the award, Wynn was surprised and honored. He shared his refreshingly simple philosophy on running a successful department.

“It’s not always the best work conditions for our department, but I’ve got a good group of people and they don’t complain,” he said. “They get out there and do the job and do the best they can, and that’s all you can ask for.”

Wynn’s positive attitude and compassion have made him a shining example not only to his teammates, but to many others across the district.

“He leads by example without even trying to,” said Michelle Fry, Benefits Coordinator. “Everybody wants a boss like Mike. He is fair, understanding and you know he genuinely cares.”

On behalf of the Mansfield ISD Administration, congratulations to Mike Wynn, our very deserving February 2012 Heartbeat Team Award Winner!

About the Heartbeat Team
The Mansfield ISD Heartbeat Team was established to recognize employees who display heart in their lives and inspire other district employees through their actions. Heartbeat Team members are nominated only by other district employees. Winners are selected during the school year from those nominated. Those named to the Heartbeat Team are still eligible for other district honors.

Timberview Coach Guided Team Through Tragedy; Earns Heartbeat Award

It’s been said that adversity breeds character and strength. During a period themed by tragedy and pain, Timberview High School head football Coach Mark Walker emerged as a shining example of that adage. It is for this reason, Coach Walker was named the January 2012 Heartbeat Team recipient.

In late October, the students, staff and community were dealt two crushing blows with the loss of two students in a car wreck, followed a week later by the death of assistant football coach Cody McCarty.

Although the odds seemed to be stacked against Timberview, Coach Walker’s faith in his school and his team never wavered. Rather than making excuses, Walker and his Wolves agreed they would dedicate the remainder of their season to McCarty and they were determined to honor his name.

“When the tragedies hit, he took a load on his shoulders and just kind of carried the whole team for a while,” said Derrell Douglas, Timberview High Principal.

Walker led the team to victory and the longest playoff run in Mansfield ISD history, and feelings of loss began to transform into hope. While the on-field success was energizing for Timberview, it was the tidal wave of school pride in the stands that seemed to be healing.  

Although it’s obvious to many that Walker’s strength and perseverance played a major role in the outcome of the season, he gives every bit of credit to his team.

“I’m just proud of the life lessons these young men have learned,” Walker said. “Our group of young men did an excellent job.”

Now on the other side of what once seemed like a set of impassable obstacles, Walker and his team are left with a football season they will never forget and a legacy that will live on forever.

The Mansfield ISD administration is proud to present the January 2012 Heartbeat Team Award to Coach Mark Walker for his inspirational strength and spirit on and off the football field.

Here's an excerpt from the nomination essay submitted by Coach Walker’s colleagues:

“Coach Walker should be honored not only for the tremendous heart and character he has shown in his leadership, but also for inspiring the entire MISD community with an incredible football season that will forever represent an expression of love by the Timberview Wolves family for their never forgotten son, Coach Cody McCarty. Coach Mark Walker helped teach an entire community what can happen when we stick together, lean on one another, support one another and put our heart and soul into something in which we all believe.”

About the Heartbeat Team

The Mansfield ISD Heartbeat Team was established to recognize employees who display heart in their lives and inspire other district employees through their actions. Heartbeat Team members are nominated only by other district employees. Winners are selected during the school year from those nominated. Those named to the Heartbeat Team are still eligible for other district honors.

Summit Library Aide Humbled by Heartbeat Award

Brenda Wells has a heart for helping others and an eye for opportunities to serve. As a library aide at Summit High School, Wells goes above and beyond her day-to-day responsibilities to make a positive difference in the lives’ of those around her.

Wells was nominated for the MISD Heartbeat Team Award by her coworkers, who had no shortage of positive things to say about her. When Dr. Morrison, Superintendent of Schools, surprised Wells with the award on the morning of November 11, she was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude.

“I don’t think I’m deserving of this,” she said. “There are so many other people in this school that do so many great things!”

Even in a moment that was intended to honor her, Wells’ instinct was to focus on lifting up those around her.

“We have a great school and great kids,” she said. “The staff is just like a big family and everybody is willing to help everybody and pull together in any situation.”

It’s not uncommon to hear stories about Wells’ generous spirit. She supports many special events at Summit, but is also known for initiating her own special programs. When she heard that a student was in the hospital and would have to miss out on Homecoming and her birthday, she worked to create a poster with hundreds of student signatures and messages for her.

“Brenda has a spark about her,” said Keli Cullen, Teen Leadership teacher. “She is always giving and wanting to do more.”

Wells does so much to make those around her feel special, but thanks to her peers it’s her turn to feel the love. The Mansfield ISD administration is proud to present the November 2011 Heartbeat Team Award to Brenda Wells for her commitment to helping the students and staff of Summit High School.

About the Heartbeat Team
The Mansfield ISD Heartbeat Team was established to recognize employees who display heart in their lives and inspire other district employees through their actions. Heartbeat Team members are nominated only by other district employees. Winners are selected during the school year from those nominated. Those named to the Heartbeat Team are still eligible for other district honors.

Aide Sparks Strength through Struggle

Some people may think of a soldier or a firefighter when they hear the words “hero” and “warrior,” but for the staff at Elizabeth Smith Elementary, these words describe their teammate Zondra Stepney.

Stepney has inspired her coworkers at Elizabeth Smith Elementary through the courage she displayed throughout her battle with breast cancer last year. Despite challenging circumstances, she continued to uplift others. Her uplifting spirit and efforts were evident in the Heartbeat Team nominations she received from campus staff.

“She is an inspiration to everyone on the team,” said Ira Okogbodu. “She is always smiling with a good word for everybody, even when she is in pain.”

Stepney’s attitude has made a positive impact on her coworkers, but she finds her own inspiration in the students she works with each day.

“I didn’t want to let breast cancer get me down,” said Stepney. “It was encouraging to come work with these kids because they have disabilities that they have to live with as well.”

In addition to her job as a Special Ed Aide, Stepney is a devoted wife and mother of four. Throughout her illness, she continued to put others first, scheduling all of her doctor’s appointments in the evening so that she did not have to miss a day of work.

“I think there were more days last year that she felt horrible and probably should not have been here, but she fought through it,” said Principal Lea Boiles. “It never showed that she didn’t have the physical endurance to be here.”

The Smith Elementary team offered an outpouring of love and support last March, before Stepney’s surgery. The staff and students planned a surprise pep rally featuring dance tributes, cheers and special care packages for Stepney and her family.

The pep rally in Stepney's honor was titled “Stomping Out Cancer,” which is exactly what she did - with a beautiful smile on her face.

Congratulations to our courageous October 2011 Heartbeat Team Award winner, Zondra Stepney!

About the Heartbeat Team
The Mansfield ISD Heartbeat Team was established to recognize employees who display heart in their lives and inspire other district employees through their actions. Heartbeat Team members are nominated only by other district employees. Winners are selected during the school year from those nominated. Those named to the Heartbeat Team are still eligible for other district honors.