New District Website Launch

The Mansfield ISD website received a digital makeover this week to bring the district and department-level pages up to the same design and management standards as the campus websites. The new design and management uses the finalsite web software content management system. In May, 2011 the School Board approved the purchase agreement to put the website redesign project wheels in motion.

Following a comprehensive design and training schedule, the campus websites went live in April, 2012. After the campus sites were up and running, MISD Web Services Coordinator, Alicia Alford, moved on to the district and department redesign project.

A Website Redesign Committee was established and met to discuss the aspects of the district website that worked well in addition to things that needed improvement. Among the areas for improvement:

• Header (navigation bar) needed to be compatible with all platforms
• More consistency at lower level pages
• Cleaner, more updated look similar to campus redesign
• Mobile-friendly design and functionality

After the new design parameters were established, the redesign and content transfers began in November, 2012 and the site is ready for show @ www.mansfieldisd.org

Frequent users of the MISD website should notice some major changes and will hopefully be pleased with the new look. If you've bookmarked specific pages such as Skyward or Cafeteria Menus, you'll need to update those bookmarks to the new pages.

Record-Breaking Attendance at 8th Annual Curriculum Conference

Over 1,500 teachers from across Mansfield ISD attended the 8th Annual MISD Curriculum Conference held at Legacy High School from June 4 - 7, 2012.

This event gives our district educators the opportunity to earn required staff development credit hours each year. The MISD Curriculum and Instruction Department estimates a total of 14,442 credit hours were earned during the event last week.

A total of 218 different sessions were offered including including iPad training courses, “make and take” activities for next year and several courses to assist teachers in implementing Ron Clark Academy-inspired strategies.

A special thank you to the staff at Legacy High School for hosting the event, and to the MISD Curriculum and Instruction Department for working so hard to plan and organize this fantastic annual event.

Mansfield ISD Senior Tour 2012

On Thursday, May 24, 2012, nearly 50 senior citizens from across the community boarded school buses at Vernon Newsom Stadium to join us on the inaugural Mansfield ISD Senior Tour.

This year’s tour sites were Summit High School, Willie Brown Elementary, Ben Barber Career Tech Academy and the Center for the Performing Arts.

The action-packed event allowed participants to take a closer look at Mansfield ISD academics, special programs and extracurricular activities.

Throughout the day, guests enjoyed several student performances and activities, including a hands-on Robotics lab at Willie Brown, a behind-the-scenes look at the television production studio at Ben Barber, and a chance to shoot hoops with the Lady Jags – the reigning 4A State Champions from Summit!

Although we weren’t able to take the seniors to visit every MISD campus, we certainly covered a lot of ground and provided an in-depth look at some of the wonderful things happening across the district. The Senior Tour is an annual event, and will visit different campuses and district facilities each year.

Special thanks to all of the MISD students and staff who contributed to the success of this event!

MISD iPhone App: Version 1.31 Now Available

An updated version of the Mansfield ISD iPhone App is now available in the App Store.

What's New?

• Updated links to our new and improved campus websites
• Addition of the 2012 - 13 district calendar
• Addition of a link in the News section for the latest information about the Center for the Performing Arts

Be sure to download the latest version today! More details.

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.

Mansfield ISD Celebrates School Board Recognition Month

This year, February is School Board Recognition Month in Mansfield ISD. This event is an opportunity to say thanks and show our appreciation for the crucial role these dedicated men and women play in our communities and schools.

At the February 28 Regular Board meeting, the board members received an outpouring of gratitude from across the district. Prior to the meeting, the board enjoyed a special dinner prepared and served by the BBCTA Culinary Arts Students from Savvy’s Bistro. The Legacy Chamber Singers and Show Choir provided a special performance during the meal.

The board room was brightly decorated with student artwork that fit this year’s School Board Recognition theme, “Help Our Kids Shine.” Many campuses also prepared special crafts and keepsakes for each board member.

In addition to several campus presentations, representatives from the United Educators Association (UEA) and the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) addressed the board with messages of appreciation and thanks.

The Mansfield ISD Board of Trustees is an extraordinary group of people who voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing a school district. Their actions and decisions affect the present and future lives of our children. On behalf of MISD, thank you to our wonderful School Board!

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.

Student Makes the Most of Leadership Position

by Abby Cloud

Senior Jordan Robinson has more on his mind than college, prom and graduation. As the President of the Texas Association of DECA, he leads over 10,675 members and represents the third largest association within the National DECA organization.

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Robinson to discuss his role as Texas DECA President, his recent leadership conference in Washington D.C. and more.

Abby: This is a really big year for you! How did this leadership opportunity come about?

Jordan: When I decided to run for office, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. Once I got to the conference and set up my campaign booth, I learned quickly that I had to come out from behind the booth to build connections and have one-on-one conversations with people.

Abby: I hear you gave an epic campaign speech. Why do you think it was so successful?

Jordan: The day before the speeches I talked to a lot of members and I got a really good feel for what they wanted and expected from a President. I realized my original speech did not line up with their feedback, so I was up until about 2:00 that night making changes to my speech. Also, mine was one of the last speeches delivered, so after hearing everyone else’s, I knew what I needed to do to set myself apart.

Abby: Fast forward to your current position as President… what responsibilities do you have on your plate?

Jordan: I’m gearing up for a leadership conference in New Braunfels. We’re working on a Dress for Success workshop that will help give people the basics on professionalism. I’ve also been coordinating community service projects for our chapter, which is something I am really passionate about.

Abby: How much of your free time is spent working on DECA projects?

Jordan: I work on DECA stuff every day! I made myself take a week off during the summer, but then I ended up with two weeks of work to catch up on. It’s definitely a huge responsibility, but I know it is worth it.

 Abby: What about the fun stuff? How was your leadership trip in D.C. this summer?

Jordan: It was definitely an opportunity for me to bond with my leadership team. We went on a lot of different tours, so I was able to see the Smithsonian and the Arlington Cemetery, which was awesome! I think the most valuable thing I took home from the trip was what I learned about coordinating and leading a team.

Abby: In what ways has this leadership position allowed you to impact others? 

Jordan: I think I have inspired my teammates through my accomplishments. Now there are other people in my chapter that want to run for district or state office. I helped show people that even if you come from a small town, you can still do big things.

Abby: Now the inevitable interview question for seniors… How about those future plans?

Jordan: I’m hoping to start college at TCU next year, and if they don’t already have a DECA chapter, I would love to get one started and get others involved. I’m interested in studying chemical engineering or computer science. Even though DECA has more of a business focus, I have learned things about time management and organization that I think will be helpful to me no matter what career I choose.

Abby: What else do you want people to know about you?

Jordan: When I decided to run for DECA office, a lot of people were worried that it would change me. Yes, I am the state president and I have a lot of stuff to do, but I would still drop anything to be there for my friends. I’m still Jordan, just a busier version. 

Good Fun for a Good Cause

When members of the Women’s Division of the Mansfield Area Chamber of Commerce began planning the 2011 Mansfield Style Show and Shopping Expo several months ago, they set two goals: to raise over $60,000 for the community and to create the biggest and best style show and shopping expo in Mansfield history.

The event will take place Saturday September 10, from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Tarrant County College’s Southeast Campus. The program is packed with fun activities for the whole family:

• 100 shopping booths by local merchants with free samples and door prizes throughout the day


•  A community stage featuring local performing arts groups and organizations


• Mansfield ISD student art contest featuring participants from 14 campuses


• Taste of Mansfield event with local restaurants and caterers offering delicious samples – Nothing Bundt Cakes, The Melting Pot, Double Throw Down BBQ and more


• Celebrity Chef Carol Ritchie will demonstrate some of her famous healthy recipes


• Miss Mansfield will be the emcee for the Children’s Showcase Style Show featuring clothing from local boutiques modeled by local children 


• Style Show featuring local fashions modeled by a combination of professional  models and local residents

This event will benefit many local charities and organizations, including the Mansfield ISD Scholarship Program, Mansfield ISD Education Foundation and the Mansfield ISD Fine Arts Department.

Visit the event website for additional information and to purchase tickets.

New Foundation Mini-Grant Program

The MISD Education Foundation has started the "WeCan...Choose!" mini-grant program. This new grant program inspires teachers to write grants for projects and materials for immediate implementation in their classrooms.

The goal is to give our parents and our community an opportunity to help us fund more of these terrific projects and get much needed resources into our classrooms to benefit our children.

NOTE: From August 29 – September 29 you can donate online to specific "We Can...Choose!" grants.

The MISD Education Foundation is a 501c3 organization that has provided more than $2.3 million to teachers in our district to fund innovative projects in our classrooms. Over the past 12 years the Foundation has funded more than 990 grants though two grant rounds a year. In addition to the new mini grant program, teachers can apply for up to $1000 and a grade level or campus can apply for up to $5000. Special THINK BIG grants provide $10,000 in funding. These grants are made possible by the generous donations from businesses and corporations and individuals and organizations in our community.

2011 by the numbers and interesting facts

Image by DrBacchus via FlickrAs the 2010-11 school year comes to a close and we head into the summer months, we would like to share some of the more interesting facts and figures from the District:

• We currently have 4 construction projects representing approximately 750,000 square feet of space.
• The Mansfield ISD Education Foundation has given over $2,000,000 in the form of educator grants to our teachers since 1998.
• We have approximately 75 applicants for every principal job that opens in our District.
• In the last 2 years, approximately 70% of our principals, directors, and coordinators level positions have been filled with internal candidates.
• 137 student teachers were placed this year with 213 cooperating teachers.
• We average 125 applicants for every assistant principal opening and have had as many as 182 applicants for a high school assistant principal job.
• On average we have 300 teacher applicants for every open position.
• We have 55 teachers going through an administrator's training class taught by Human Resources; so far 3 of our assistant principal positions were filled with these interns.
• 114 scholarships totaling $84,850 were awarded in the 2011 Mansfield ISD Community Multi-Scholarship program.
• The Mansfield ISD website has had over 4,900,000 hits since August 2010.
• There are over 110 languages spoken in Mansfield ISD other than English.
• The Technology Department handles approximately 150,000 e-mails per day.
• Generally speaking, it takes $1,000,000 per day to operate Mansfield ISD.
• Our Transportation Department carries 22,390 passengers per day traveling over 2.5 million miles per year.
• Our Student Nutrition Department  served 776,848 breakfasts, 2,892,222 lunches, and 3,093,032 cartons of milk.
• A staffing survey by the Texas Association of School Boards shows that Mansfield ISD has 512 fewer employees than comparible districts across the state.
• On average, MISD grows in enrollment by the size of a middle school each year.
• Mansfield ISD has 5,350,967 square feet of air conditioned space and 800 mowable acres of land.
• Mansfield ISD used 55,828,455 KwH of electricity last year - enough to power all the electricity needs for the homes of each of our students and staff for one year (approximately 37,000 homes).
• Mansfield ISD operates under budget.

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.

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.

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.