Low Intermediate School Raises Diabetes Awareness

Students and staff were asked to wear white as a
sign of support for diabetes awareness

November 14, is World Diabetes Day. Asa Low Intermediate conducted a special day-long awareness program for the students and staff to demonstrate the statistical realities of the number of people diagnosed with diabetes. November 2013 as National Diabetes Month.

What is Diabetes?
There are two different types. Type 1 is a rare form in which the body is unable to make the hormone insulin. Insulin is used to convert sugar or glucose into fuel for the body. People with Type 1 must take injections or use an insulin pump to control their diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 95% of all diabetes diagnosis. Type 2 occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or the cells are unable to use insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes is treated with healthy meal choices, losing excess weight, exercise, oral medications and/or insulin injections. A third type, gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and can increase both the mother and baby's chances of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Brandie McCormic lead the charge at Asa Low Intermediate to host a Mock Diabetes Diagnosis Day. Worldwide, 8% of the population has diabetes. The school demonstrated that statistic today by pretending to "diagnose" 8% of the combined staff and students at Asa Low equaling 76 people by providing a white wristband to indicate a diagnosis.

 Through the activity, 71 people were be assigned with the more common Type 2 diabetes and five were designated with the rare form of Type 1 diabetes.

The administrators and staff selected this activity to raise diabetes awareness and help prevent, treat, and manage the disease particularly the alarming increasing development of TYPE 2 diabetes.While today 1 in 13 are being diagnosed, studies indicate that if current trends continue, that 1 out of every 3 people born in 2000 will develop Type 2 diabetes.

What can we do?
Studies have also shown that reducing high sugar foods such as colas and candy, leading an active life, shedding excess weight, can reduce or forestall the development of Type 2 diabetes by 58%. 

A poster was provided in the cafeteria for students to staff who chose to could list people
that they knew who live with diabetes as a reminder about the importance of prevention

Did you know...

• Worldwide, 382 million people have diabetes in 2013; by 2035 this will rise to 592 million
• The number of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing in every country
• 80% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries
• The greatest number of people with diabetes are between 40 and 59 years of age.

Asa Low Intermediate School principal, Jason Short at left
with the diabetes activity inspiration, Brandie McCormic 

Related: 
International Diabetes Federation, Diabetes Atlas
Presidential Proclamation -- National Diabetes Month, 2013

Regional Academic Meet at Danny Jones Middle School

Danny Jones Middle School hosted its first ever regional math and science competition in coalition with the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association. This is organization is made up of several middle schools across the state of Texas in which students compete in academic UIL events in the core areas of mathematics, science, number sense and calculator practice.

Approximately 350 students representing 20 middle schools from all over the Dallas/Ft. Worth area competed in the Saturday, January 26 all-day event. Students from Mansfield ISD campuses came from Danny Jones Middle School, Mary Lillard Intermediate School and James Coble Middle School.

Some notable results from the competition were as follows:

Calculator: 2nd place - Noah Edwards (DJMS)

Science: 2nd place - Vincent Stevenson (JCMS)

Team Awards (Danny Jones Middle School):

• Number Sense - 3rd place
• Calculator - 2nd place
• General Math - 3rd place
• General Science - 3rd place
• Sweepstakes for Large School - 2nd place

"All of these students and their sponsors should be commended for their efforts, dedication and hard work, said Travis Moore, Principal at Danny Jones Middle School. "A special kudos goes to Ms. Julie Jager, Casey Williams and the many other volunteers and sponsors who assisted to make this event a great success for our students. Danny Jones Middle School was honored to host this awesome academic tournament. Hopefully, this will be an annual event that will expand to more and more surrounding schools."

Superintendent Update - December 2012

Watch the Superintendent Update on our YouTube channel or the MISD Video Portal (inside the district network).

Dr. Bob Morrison discusses the latest on the new Student Nutrition online meal payment system, recent grant awards by the MISD Education Foundation and the district-wide Toys For Tots program that will be held at the Center for the Performing Arts.

Toys for Tots Drive and Community Event - Dec 12

Join Mansfield ISD and Toys for Tots for a community-wide FREE event at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 from
5:00 - 10:30 p.m.

Live FOX 4 TV coverage between 5:00-6:30 p.m. and 9:00-10:30 p.m. broadcasts

We will have FREE Santa photos to all bringing a (new, unwrapped) toy, a pair of real reindeer to pet, crafts, face-painting, fire truck, inflatable bounce activity, music, high school drumlines, popcorn, hot cocoa, entertainment, and much more.

Toy collection boxes are also available at every Mansfield ISD campus and many local businesses. All are invited to bring collection boxes with toys to the December 12 community drop-off event.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October - December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area.

Download and print the Event Flyer (PDF):

Superintendent Update - November 2012

Dr. Bob Morrison shares information on the iPad Program and upcoming special events including Veterans Day campus observances, Toys for Tots, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and a MISD Education Rally event next February.

Watch the video on YouTube or on the Video Portal from inside the MISD network.)

Three Schools want to Stuff the Bus with Food

Three schools in Mansfield ISD are preparing for community food drive during which they hope to fill a school us with nonperishable food items for distribution.

Starting Monday, November 12, Cross Timbers Intermediate School, Carol Holt Elementary School, and T.A. Howard Middle School will join forces for their first ever joint Stuff the Bus Food Drive.

Each campus will collect canned and nonperishable food items the week of November 12 -16.

Items collected will be placed on one of the District's school buses in hopes to fill it by the end of the week. The campuses are inviting all parents, faculty, staff and students to participate. All food drive items will benefit food pantries in the Mansfield Common Ground Network. (The Common Ground Network is a community partner organization for the MISD.)

Drop off locations: 
Cross Timbers Intermediate - 2934 Russell Road, Arlington, TX 76001
Carol Holt Elementary - 7321 Ledbetter Road, Arlington, TX 76001
T.A. Howard Middle School - 7501 Calendar Road, Arlington, TX 76001

Get the flyer (PDF)

Chemistry help from APE MAN at Jones Middle

Danny Jones Middle School 8th grade students were presented with a challenge to design a T-shirt that reflected their learning of the chemistry unit taught during the first six weeks.

Students were introduced to the acronym APE MAN.

The APE MAN acronym is used to help students remember how to calculate information regarding elements on the periodic table.

Atomic number = # of Protons = # of Electrons

  Mass number
- Atomic number
  Neutrons

Then on October 10, 2012 students participated in APE MAN day. Students wore their shirts and attempted to complete a scavenger hunt that consisted of nine challenges such as:
a)    Find five different elements that are metals.
b)    Find three different elements with the same number of valence electrons.
c)    Find two different elements that are metalloids.

APE MAN day was a great success with over 95% participation. Students and teachers enjoyed seeing the creativity and effort that the students put into their shirt design.

Students were asked to reflect on the day. Here are some of the comments from students:
I learned a lot from this project the best part was designing the shirts. Alexis F.
It was fun being able to use my phone at school while learning! Billea H.
I felt as if I was surrounded by paparazzi, it was fun! Everyone participated and whoever didn’t missed out on a fun project. Alex A.
We had fun finding elements similar to ours. Candria C
I love making the shirt. The easiest part was finding the information for my shirt because all I had to do was download a free app about elements. MaKenzie B.

Rachel's Challenge Comes to Worley Middle School on Oct 11

Guest post from Dr. Shelly Butler, Principal of Rogene Worley Middle School

Worley Tigers are excited to bring Rachel's Challenge to Mansfield!

The Rachel's Challenge organization is a non profit, non political, non religious organization based in Littleton, Colorado. The objective of this program is to equip students and adults with strategies to combat bullying and feelings of isolation or despair.

Seventeen year old Rachel Scott was the first student killed at Columbine High School in 1999. Rachel left behind a legacy of positivity and caring for others through her writings and drawings. Rachel's story has been shared with the world through the Rachel's Challenge organization. Her hope was to start a "chain reaction" of kindness and compassion. (www.rachelschallenge.org)

Our number one reason for inviting Rachel's Challenge to Worley is to change the culture of bullying, teasing and harassment in today's society by empowering our students with the social and emotional tools they need to exist in an ever changing global society. According to the Rachel's Challenge website, the assembly conveys the power of deliberately reaching out in word and action to others. It also encourages listeners to examine their own lives, their relationships with the world around them and the impact their behavior has on others by taking on 5 challenges.

We believe that it is vitality important for our families and our community to hear the Rachel's Challenge message, understand what IS and IS NOT BULLYING and join our student body in taking on the 5 challenges.

Our students have raised the funds to bring Rachel's Challenge to our school through a Fund Run. Thanks to our coaches and students, we have raised enough to pay for the program and the prizes for the run.

Rachel's Challenge will be presented at Worley Middle School on Thursday, October 11 for our students at 9:00 a.m. that morning and 7:00 p.m. for parents and the local community. The one hour evening community event will be held at the Mansfield ISD Center for the Performing Arts in the Professional Development Center.

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Editor's Note: Other MISD campuses have also brought in the Rachel's Challenge program including events at Linda Jobe Middle School, Danny Jones Middle School and Lake Ridge High School within the past year.

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!

Texas Rangers Mansfield ISD Night - May 25

Mansfield ISD students, staff, family and friends are invited to spend an evening with the Texas Rangers on Friday, May 25, 2012. The MISD community is eligible for a savings of over 40% off regular gate price for our selected game. Plus, $2 from each ticket sold is donated back to the district.

--> Use the promo code: RangersISD and purchase discounted tickets online
(be sure to select the May 25 - TOR - 7:05PM CDT.)
Or download the printable order form (PDF).

Arrive early to listen to members of the Mansfield Legacy High School Choir perform the national anthem and see other pre-game activities involving Mansfield ISD.

For questions or orders of 10 or more tickets, please email isdnights@texasrangers.com.

But wait, there's more...

You could win 6 Free Tickets + 2 Parking Passes to the MISD night at the Ball Park with a click of a button.

The Mansfield ISD Education Foundation will give away 6 tickets + 2 Parking passes to the Friday May 25 Texas Rangers vs. Toronto Blue Jays game. Tickets are located in section 32 (Home Plate). Everyone who goes to the Foundation Facebook page and clicks “Like” between May 2 and May 23 will automatically be entered into the drawing for the tickets and parking passes.

And still more...

Would you like to throw out the first pitch? The MISD Education Foundation is auctioning off the ceremonial first pitch opportunity + four game tickets to the May 25 MISD Night at the Ballpark. This online auction begins Monday, May 14 and ends Wednesday, May 23 at 4:00 pm. Email your bid to lindabacsik@misdmail.org. Current bid will be posted each morning on the foundation website at www.mansfieldisdfoundation.org as well as the Foundation Facebook Page. Check to see what the current bid is each day. Winners will be notified on Thursday, May 24 and given instructions. For questions on Foundation items, call 817-299-6354.

Ok, that's it. Go Rangers!

Summit HS Students Create and Share Storybooks with First Graders

Summit High School teacher, Ruben Mascarenas, took 93 of his Spanish students to D.P. Morris Elementary to present bilingual children’s books that they created to present to first grade students.

The high school students made enough books so that every first grader at D.P. Morris (100+) was able to go home with a book that day. The SHS students spent almost two hours reading and sharing with their first grade partner. See more photos.

Mavs Man Encourages Students to Slam Dunk the STAAR Test

The third and fourth grade students of Roberta Tipps Elementary received a special visit from the Dallas Mavericks mascot, the Mavs Man, on Monday, April 23. 

 

While on campus, the Mavs Man encouraged students to focus and work hard to achieve success on the STAAR Test, which kicked off today, April 24.

 

On behalf of the Mansfield ISD Administration and our new friend, the Mavs Man, best of luck to all students taking the STAAR Test this week!

 

Check out more photos of the Mavs Man's high-flying routine here.

Texas Poet Laureate Makes a Mansfield Stop

The 2010 Texas State Poet Laureate and Mansfield HS alumna, Karla K. Morton visited and spoke to students in the school library on Tuesday, April 17. 

Ms. Morton is continuing her publicity tour for her newest poetry book, “Little Town, Little Texas” (Spring 2013, TCU Press). Art work and poetry created by three of MHS English teacher, Corinne Thomason’s Creative Writing students were selected to be published in this upcoming book. She made a previous stop on this tour at Mansfield HS back in 2010.

Morton read some of her poetry and shared with the young writers ideas for getting their works published. She also offered thoughts and words of encouragement for the students to aspire to higher education and beyond.  

Ms. Morton loves to promote poetry and serves as a board member of the Greater Denton Arts Council, a founding member of the Denton Poets’ Assembly (part of the Poetry Society of Texas) and as a member of the Texas Institute of Letters, the Western Writers of America, the Writer’s League of Texas and the Academy of American Poets. In her role as Texas Poet Laureate, she created the Little Town, Texas Tour, and logged thousands of miles across Texas to take poetry and the arts into schools across Texas, focusing particularly on small towns underserved by the arts.

Karla K. Morton, the 2010 Texas Poet Laureate and a member of the Texas Institute of Letters, is a celebrated poet, author, storyteller and speaker. A Betsy Colquitt Award Winner, a two-time Indie National Book Award Winner, a Councilor-at-Large for the Poetry Society of Texas and a Foreward Book of the Year Award Finalist, she has been widely published in literary journals and is the author of six books of poetry. Morton was born in Fort Worth, graduated from Mansfield High School, holds a Journalism degree from Texas A&M University and currently resides in Denton, Texas.

Science Teacher Makes an Impact in Space

Teachers can make an impact in the classroom and even in the community, but have you ever met a teacher that made an impact in space?

Patricia Londono, a Science Teacher at Asa Low Intermediate School, was the driving force that brought the NASA Downlink “Teaching from Space” event to her campus and Mansfield ISD in January 2012.

The monumental event allowed students to have a live Q & A with the astronauts on the International Space Station, and until this year, there was only one event of its kind held in the DFW area.

When Londono’s first proposal to NASA was rejected in early 2010, she refused to take “no” for an answer.  She contacted NASA for input, tweaked the proposal and resubmitted it the following school year. Her persistence paid off, and in July of 2011, Londono received word that Asa Low Intermediate School had been awarded the downlink.

 “I remember when the first proposal was turned down, she immediately began working on improvements for the next draft,” said Principal Jason Short. “Instead of hanging her head, she chose to persevere, especially because she knew the program would be great for the kids.”

Upon receiving the green light from NASA, Londono pulled a team together and got the ball rolling on plans for the event. Over several weeks, Londono helped coordinate over 100 space-related lessons, projects, webcasts and a Space Night event that featured genuine moon rocks and a NASA space suit. The excitement surrounding the event spread districtwide when the Mansfield ISD School Board approved a resolution to ceremonially rename the campus “NASA Low Intermediate School” for the month of January.

 “I started getting feedback from other campuses and people out in the community and I began to see what kind of impact this program was making,” said Short.

After months of planning and anticipation, the event culminated on January 31, when Mission Commander Dan Burbank spoke the words, “We’ve got you loud and clear, welcome aboard the International Space Station,” upon establishing a connection through the satellite feed. 

“It really seemed surreal that day that it was actually occurring,” said Londono. “It had taken so long to get to that point and so much work and so many ups and downs. It was amazing to finally get there.”

The Q&A session was viewed live by thousands of MISD students and many others throughout the community. In event was covered by several local news stations, and was also highlighted on CNN.   

The experience was definitely a teaching dream come true for Londono, but after all is said and done, the students remain the driving force behind all of her hard work.

“They [the students] probably won’t remember my name but they’ll remember they got to talk to the astronauts and that’s what is important,” said Londono.

On behalf of the MISD Administration, congratulations to Patricia Londono, a very deserving winner of the Impact Award!



[Watch this video inside the MISD network on the Video Portal.]
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The Impact Award was established to recognize individual staff members, departments, campuses or other employee groups that have promoted teamwork and unity by initiating a program or event that made a positive impact within Mansfield ISD and the community. Impact Award winners may be nominated by staff, students or community members.

Winners are selected each month throughout the school year. Staff members who receive The Impact Award are eligible for other district honors.

Van Cliburn Foundation's Colors You Can Hear

Slow. Fast. Happy. Sad. Major. Minor. 

These were just some of the words Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary students used to describe the music being played by a concert pianist from The Van Cliburn Foundation. Second, third, and fourth grade students were treated this afternoon to a program entitled, Colors You Can Hear from The Van Cliburn Foundation's Musical Awakenings educational outreach initiative.

Musical Awakenings  was designed to introduce young audiences to classical music. According to the Foundation's website, the purpose is "to teach children about the basic elements of music through fun, interactive activities within the context of classical piano repertoire."

"...Each interactive concert, which lasts about forty-five-minutes, features a program facilitator and guest pianist. Following each presentation, students ask questions to learn more about the pianist. A grand piano is brought into the school and a camcorder and projector are used to project the pianist's hands onto a screen for all students to view.  Illustrations further enhance the students' experiences."

This is the second year Mansfield ISD elementary schools have been hosts for Musical Awakenings.

This year's elementary schools include Erma Nash, Nancy Neal, Alice Ponder, Mary Jo Sheppard, and Tarver-Rendon. The final campus presentation this year will be Thursday, May 17 at Annette Perry Elementary.

Last year, (2010-11) other MISD elementary schools participated in hosting this free learning opportunity; J. L. Boren, Janet Brockett, Anna May Daulton, Kenneth Davis, Carol Holt, Roberta Tipps, Elizabeth Smith, and Cora Spencer. 

Mansfield High School Speech Team Awards

Congratulations to the Mansfield High School Speech Team members who competed earlier this month at the Texas Forensic Association's State Tournament.  Out of 211 schools from all over the state, MHS placed 13th in overall sweepstakes during the tournament held March 1-3 in Amarillo, TX. 

From left to right: Daniel George, Stephonie Rodgers, Aldean Pearson II, Devin Hunt, Olivia Soliz, and Beaven Waller  

• Aldean Pearson II - Quarter Finalist in Dramatic Interpretation 
• Aldean Pearon II and Olivia Soliz - Placed 9th in Duet Acting 
• Stephonie Rodgers and Aldean Pearson II - Quarter Finalists in Duo Interpretation 
• Daniel George - Semifinalist in Poetry 

Beaven Waller and Devin Hunt are the Texas Forensic Association State Champions in Duo Interpretation. 

Aldean Pearson II qualified to the National Speech and Debate competition.

Thank you for your support.
Information provided by Kristy Thomas, Mansfield HS Speech Coach

Leadership Mansfield Boards ActivBus

Tuesday, February 21, was “Education Day” for the members of Leadership Mansfield. The group toured several Mansfield ISD facilities and even had the opportunity to hop on board the Promethean ActivBus as it was stationed at BBCTA.

The 36’ long custom RV travels across the country to visit school districts and allow participants to take a “test-drive” of some of their interactive technologies, many of which are available in District classrooms. 

The ActivBus features a model ActivClassroom with  Promethean boards, document cameras, learner response systems and the newest Promethean product, the ActivTable. The ActivTable is a large touch-driven table featuring dozens of educational applications (similar to a massive iPad).

Did You Know?

• Every K-4 classroom in MISD has an ActivBoard installed
• Every 5-12 classroom in MISD has an ActivSlate
• Every K-12 classroom in MISD has a mounted projector and document camera
• Every K-12 campus in MISD has at least one set of ActivExpression clickers
• The revenue generated through the new MISD Marketing Program was used to purchase a set of ActivExpression clickers for each MISD campus this year

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.

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!

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.