Grads Make Radio Gold and Take National Title

Sammy Gonzalez, Ryan Tuomey (Media Tech Teacher at BBCTA), and Gabriel Kunda show off championship medals

Congratulations to Sammy Gonzalez and Gabriel Kunda for winning gold in the Audio/Radio category at the 2013 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. The conference was held June 24-28 in Kansas City, MO. The 49th annual SkillsUSA NLSC is a showcase of career and technical education students.

Representing Ben Barber Career Tech Academy's media tech program, Sammy and Gabriel competed and won gold in the Audio/Radio. Listen to their winning entry. Kunda and Gonzalez are both recent Summit High School graduates.

"I couldn't be more proud of my guys," said Ryan Tuomey, media tech teacher at Ben Barber. "I didn't think I would get emotional, but seeing their face and how happy they were when their name was called, reinforced why I became a teacher. They have worked so hard, stayed focused, and their dedication is what brought them success. I took a line from Friday Night Lights, 'Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose' and that became our motto throughout the competition. These are two great young men and I am honored to be their mentor. They will go on to do great things one day."

Gabriel Kunda will attend Dallas Baptist University and plans to major in music and minor in communications. Sammy Gonzalez plans to attend the MediaTech Institute in Dallas for a year, and then on to Full Sail University in Florida.

Check out the video, produced by Ryan Tuomey, documenting the SkillsUSA trip and gold medal win:  
Skills USA 2013 National Championship from 2me Productions on Vimeo.

Congratulations to Sammy & Gabe from @999thewild, 2013 #SkillsUSA Audio/Radio production Nat'l Champs! winning entry: http://t.co/50WVFmQ025
— Mansfield ISD (@mansfieldisd) July 1, 2013

Summit and Legacy High Schools Among Top Teams at State Academic Decathlon

At the Texas Academic Decathlon State competition in San Antonio last weekend, Summit High School placed 11th in the state with a school-record 41,690 points. Earning gold medals for their performance as top honors, scholastic, and varsity team members were Nicholas Toliver, Sina Rahesh, and Ethan Kohner. Additionally James Smith earned a bronze medal for science and a bronze medal for music. Competition team members include James Smith, Victoria Miglets, Nicholas Toliver, Gina Shahidullah, Sina Rahesh, Caroline Rodgers, Ethan Kohner, Felicia Freeman, and Michael Moore. Additionally the team tied for 6th place in super quiz with a score of 2500.

Legacy High School placed 19th at state with a team total of 37,760. State medalists included: Laura Baker (3rd Economics, Legacy’s top Honors student); Amanda Hargett-Granato (3rd Art, Legacy’s top Scholastic student); Sammi Singarella (1st Essay); Austin Bailey (3rd Essay); Nathan Wright (3rd Essay); and Autumn McGaha (Legacy’s top Varsity student).

Congratulations Summit and Legacy Acadec teams.

Related: Acadec Teams Score Big at Regional Competition

About Academic Decathlon
The United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) is a program that provides high school students an opportunity to experience the challenges of rigorous academic competition through participation in team activities. In addition, the Academic Decathlon involves members of the business/industry as active supporters of a program promoting academic excellence.

Orr Intermediate and Jones Middle win District Academic UIL Contest

On Saturday, February 16 the Academic UIL competition for Intermediate and Middle School students was held at Timberview High School. The event was coordinated by Renee Cox, Matthew Swope and Marie Medina along with help from the Timberview’s Academic UIL team. Academic UIL is the academic competition with 16 academic events, three categories of art and one music event.

The contest had a total of 433 student competitors in 28 events from 12 schools; Worley Middle, Howard Middle, Wester Middle, Jones Middle, Coble Middle, Jobe Middle, Low Intermediate, Cross Timbers Intermediate, Orr Intermediate, Icenhower Intermediate, Shepard Intermediate and Lillard Intermediate.

Congratulations to our District Sweepstakes winning schools:

 Danny Jones Middle School

Mary Orr Intermediate School

Visit the Intermediate & Middle School Academic UIL Contest Photo Gallery.

Harmon Elementary 3rd Grader Wins in Arlington Essay Contest

Congratulations to An’nas Bayyoud, a third grade student at Glenn Harmon Elementary, for being named a winner of the 2013 City of Arlington Animal Essay Contest.

The contest is open each year to 3rd – 6th grade students who live in the City of Arlington and attend public, private or home school. An’nas’ essay topic was “If you were asked to help at a local animal shelter, what do you think you would be asked to do?”

When asked about the key message of his essay, An’nas said, “Keep animals clean and healthy and be very friendly to them.”

His essay was one of the three winners selected from 102 essays in the third grade division of the contest. Of the 102 essays, 38 were submitted by Mansfield ISD students. A total of 1,0004 essays were submitted by the four grade levels.

Raul Gonzalez, a Mansfield ISD School Board Trustee, served as one of four contest judges. Gonzalez was joined by other contest judges and officials to surprise An’nas in his classroom on the afternoon of February 8. An’nas was shocked and overjoyed to learn that he had won and would receive a $100 savings bond, a Nook by Barnes and Noble, and a special invitation to an Arlington City Council meeting to be recognized. Just when he thought the day couldn’t get any better, his family arrived to offer additional cheers and hugs.

On behalf of the Mansfield ISD Administration, hats off to An’nas! We hope that you continue to explore your love of reading and writing. Great job!

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."

Acadec Teams Score Big at Regional Competition

The Mansfield ISD Academic Decathlon (Acadec) teams competed in the Regional Competition held at Lamar High School last weekend. Dozens of team and individual medals were won, and the teams from Legacy High School and Summit High School will both advance to the State Competition in San Antonio on February 22. 

Congratulations to these hardworking students and coaches!

Summit High School

Team Members: James Smith, Victoria Miglets, Nick Tolliver, Gina Shahidulla, Sina Rahesh, Caroline Rodgers, Ethan Kohner, Felicia Freeman, Michael Moore

Team Honors:

Gold: Medium School in the Region
Gold: Super Quiz Team Relay (Tie with Legacy HS)

Individual Honors:

James Smith
    Gold: Art, Language/Literature, Science, Social Science
    Silver: Overall Performance, Economics, Music
    Bronze: Interview, Speech   

Victoria Miglets
    Silver: Science
    Bronze: Music
    4th Place: Overall Performance

Nick Toliver
    Gold: Overall Performance, Economics, Essay, Interview, Music
    Silver: Language/Literature, Math, Social Science
    Bronze: Art, Science, Speech

Gina Shahidullah
    Silver: Art
    Bronze: Essay
    4th Place: Overall Performance

Sina Rahesh
    Gold: Art, Language/Literature, Music, Science, Social Science
    Silver: Overall Performance
    Bronze: Economics

Caroline Rodgers
    Silver: Interview, Music

Ethan Kohner
    Gold: Art
    Silver: Overall Performance, Economics, Math, Music
    Bronze: Interview, Social Science

Felicia Freeman
    Bronze: Art

Michael Moore
    Silver: Art, Social Science
    Bronze: Economics, Language/Literature
    4th Place: Overall Performance

Summit High School Academic Decathlon Team Coaches: Melanie Atkinson and Glenn Adams
Study and Support Team Members: Katie Lobodzinski, Emma Luke and Sandro Cervantes

Legacy High School

Team Members: Laura Baker, Reed Steward, Sammi Singarella, Canute Jacobson, Amanda Hargett, Nathan Wright, Austin Bailey, Autumn McGaha, Taylor Ferguson

Team Honors:

    Gold: Super Quiz Team Relay (Tie with Summit HS)
    Silver: Medium School in the Region

Individual Honors:

Laura Baker
    Gold: Economics, Interview, Math
    Silver: Language/Literature, Science
    Bronze: Overall Performance

Reed Steward
    Bronze: Economics, Math, Science
    5th: Overall Performance

Sammi Singarella
    Silver: Art, Speech
    Bronze: Language/Literature

Canute Jacobson
    Gold: Economics
    Bronze: Math
    5th: Overall Performance

Amanda Hargett
    Gold: Overall Performance, Speech
    Silver: Essay, Language/Literature
    Bronze: Economics, Music

Nathan Wright
    Gold: Interview

Austin Bailey
    Silver: Essay
    Bronze: Math, Music

Autumn McGaha
    Gold: Art, Language/Literature, Science
    Bronze: Overall Performance

Taylor Ferguson
    Bronze: Art, Language/Literature

Legacy High School Academic Decathlon Team Coaches: John Davis and Rena Long

Mansfield High School

Team Members: Samantha Gonzales, Emaleigh Lane, Angel Lo, Alyssa Sheraden, Nick Slater, Torrie Young

Individual Honors:

Angel Lo
    Silver: Math
    Bronze: Speech

Torrie Young
    Gold: Essay

Mansfield High School Academic Decathlon Team Coach: Joel DeLong

Lake Ridge High School

Team Members: Jaime Alegria, Keith Breckenridge, Tuan Dinh, Halee Hutchison, Adam Leteff, Tyler Nelson, David Serrano, Tyler Thipsipasom, Hannah Woodlee

Team Honors:

    Bronze: Super Quiz Team Relay

Individual Honors:

Tyler Nelson
    Silver: Interview

Lake Ridge High School Academic Decathlon Team Coach: Brandon Austin

Timberview High School

Team Members: William Bonila, Cory Reed, Maggie Wachira

Timberview High School Academic Decathlon Team Coaches: Barbara Butler and Barbara Gair

   

DECA students winning with youth movement

Thirty-nine DECA students from Ben Barber Career Tech Academy advance to the 2013 Texas DECA State Career Development Conference after wins at the career development district contest.
The Texas DECA District 7 Competition was held at Lone Star High School in Frisco, TX on January 19. District 7 is the largest district in Texas, where we also have the presiding President, Alexis Holleman from Frontier High School. This year, BBCTA took 46 students and 39 advanced to state competition.

When asked if this number was up or down from previous years, DECA advisor Cathy Slagle noted, "last year we took 56 and 53 won; but we had majority of Seniors; this year we had a majority of 9-11th grade students.

Eleven of the competitors were returning DECA members but the other 28 were new to DECA this year.

"We were so excited about the increase in our 9-11th graders winning and allowing them to have more experience in DECA before graduating from high school," says Slagle. "Most students say 'If I had only known about DECA as a Freshman or Sophomore, I could have had so much more opportunities.' We feel we are finally getting the word out!"

The Texas DECA State Career Development Conference 2013 will be held in Corpus Christi, February 28 through March 3.

2013 District 7 DECA Career Development Conference
Ben Barber DECA Competition Team Winners: 39 Plus a District Officer
AAM: Apparel & Accessories Marketing Series (Individuals not a team)
Victoria Carmichael – 12th grade, Lake Ridge
Edyd Medina – 11th grade, Summit

ADC: Advertising Campaign (1 Team of Three)
Oscar Gonzales – 11th grade, Summit
Alexis Holleman – 12th grade, Frontier
Alexis Walworth – 12th grade, Frontier

BLTDM: Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making (2 Teams Won!)
Iguehita Odomore (Team #1) – 12th grade, Timberview
Joelle Ruhana (Team #1) – 12th grade, Summit
David Brefo (Team #2) – 12th grade, Summit
Mojano Elleh (Team #2) – 12th grade, Summit

BMOR: Buying and Merchandising Operations Research (One Team)
Raegan Arnold – 10th grade, Mansfield
Alexis Noble – 10th grade, Mansfield
Megan Taylor – 10th grade, Mansfield

BTDM: Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making (Two teams)
Anna Kurth (Team #1) – 9th grade, Legacy
Grace Taylor (Team #1) – 9th grade, Legacy
Odufa Atsegbua (Team #2) – 12th grade, Timberview
Ebony Jackson (Team #2) – 12th grade, Timberview

DOFC: District Officer Candidate
Kawter Carver - NEW D7 VICE PRESIDENT – 11th grade, Summit

FLPP:Financial Literacy Promotion Plan (One Team of two)
Jordan Eldridge – 12th grade, Frontier
Brandon Hines – 12th grade, Frontier

FMP: Fashion Merchandising Promotion Plan (One Team of Three)
Ashle Colston – 12th grade, Summit
Keri Decay – 12th grade, Summit
Morgan Johnson – 12th grade, Mansfield

FTDM: Financial Services Team Decision Making (Two teams of two) (Both won!)
Andrew Bostic (Team #1) – 12th grade, Timberview
Melany Gonzales (Team #1) – 12th grade, Frontier
Matthew Hogue (Team #2) – 11th grade, Legacy
Cole Stewart-Johnson (Team #2) – 11th grade, Summit

MMS: Marketing Management Series (Individual Event)
Katrina Riley – 12th grade, Timberview

MTDM: Marketing Communication Team Decision Making (Team of two)
Angela Armendariz (Team #1) – 12th grade, Timberview
Michelle Bigirimana (Team #1) – 12th grade, Summit

PBM: Principles of Business Management and Administration (Individual Event)
Jade Odomore – 11th grade, Timberview

PFN: Principles of Finance (Individual Event)
Cory Hughes – 11th grade, Frontier
Asmaa Mohamed – 11th grade, Summit

PHT: Principles of Hospitality and Tourism (Individual Event)
Lauren Mann – 9th grade, Lake Ridge
Donquarius Ross – 12th grade, Summit

PMK: Principles of Marketing (Individual Event)
Justin Aguaze – 11th grade, Lake Ridge
Kawter Carver – 11th grade, Summit
Meagon Jones – 12th grade, Summit
David Ropotusin – 10th grade, Legacy
Chelsea Watkins – 12th grade, Timberview

QSRM: Quick Service Restaurant Management Series (Individual Event)
Ciara Hines – 11th grade, Timberview

RFSM: Restaurant and Food Service Management Series (Individual Event)
Kristin Criswell – 10th grade, Legacy

DECA Advisors: Cathy Slagle, Jennifer Harris, Casey Crow, Debra Permenter, Nancy Kojder, Natalie Franklin

Additional Information: Founded in 1946, the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) has touched the lives of more than 10 million students, educators, school administrators and business professionals. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

JROTC CyberWarriors Secure Damaged Enterprise Computer

Five Mansfield High School JROTC cadets recently competed in the CyberPatriot V – National High School Cyber Defense Competition. Established by the Air Force Association (AFA), CyberPatriot is the nation's largest high school cyber security challenge. This unique competition was designed to give students a hands-on learning experience in cybersecurity and inspire students to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields in their studies. It also offers support and technical expertise from industry leaders, including CyberPatriot's presenting sponsor the Northrop Grumman Foundation.


During Friday and Saturday, November 2 – 3, competitors were scored on how well they strengthened their assigned simulated computer systems by finding and fixing security issues.

This round of competition pitted over 120 schools from around the world in a grueling online game to teach students how to assess and correct vulnerabilities within a corporate Windows 7 network that had been damaged by users that changed critical processes and files. The six-hour event round was also the inaugural run of the new CyberPatriot Competition System (CCS), a new cyber training model.  For the first time teams could receive real-time feedback of their scores along with a report of the scored problems they correctly solved.

Mansfield High School's JROTC team, known as CyberWarrior pictured above during the competition, consisted of student cadets Jonathon Chen, Tristan Crawley, Chris Meek, Anthony White, and Dakota Kuhn. The cadets were not told what type of computer, which operating system would be tested, which repairs are required, or how to go about making corrections until they installed the image from their secret archive that was delivered just in time to start the game.

“The first challenges the team faced were testing the authenticity of the downloaded ISO image by MD5 files checksums and the secret decompression passwords,” said SFC Darrell Watkins, their team coach and Army JROTC Instructor at Mansfield High School JROTC. “For a few minutes, I could see the stress level building as the team worked feverishly to install the VMWare Virtual Machine on their Windows game platform. The team came together and assigned tasks, recorded every error, added and deleted authorized users from their scenario, and developed a trouble ticket methodology to establish their priorities, enjoying their snacks and an occasional joke along their way to securing and protecting the system.”


Effective communication within the CyberPatriot Team on computer vulnerabilities, with their coach for questions of the 400-page rule book, and external communications with CyberPatriot Operations Center (CPOC) that was in the path of Hurricane Sandy last week, would all prove instrumental to their success in this game session.

The goal of this program is to teach young people about myriad security issues that render everything from cell phones to automobile ignition systems very lucrative targets for computer crackers and hackers. SFC Watkins said, “CyberPatriot conducts actual online hacking, since that is exactly what we are learning to prevent with this cyber security program. As the team made security repairs, the game counter noted their progress and assigned them points for each security flaw repaired correctly. With the introduction of over 10,000 iPads devices within Mansfield ISD high schools this school year, we have seen firsthand during the past several weeks the benefits of monitoring what users are doing on computers and correcting vulnerabilities.”

Many users ask their seemingly knowledgeable friends to make system, registry, and network changes that could expose the entire network to damage from others in the interconnected digital world, causing problems that could require hundreds, if not thousands of hours for an organization's IT staff to repair. Mansfield ISD’s network staff deployed many virtual Windows Office platforms in a very short time to our students for use on their Apple devices. This gives students access to applications that many families could not afford in the retail sector. The benefit of the virtual machine on a computer is that if it malfunctions, it can quickly be replaced with the image taken before anything was done to cause it damage.

The team wishes to thank AT&T, Northrup-Grumman, the Air Force Association, and the entire CyberPatriot family for helping each of them to learn to maintain and repair security related computer infrastructure by employing the digital game realm as a learning vehicle.

Shelbi Vaughn: National Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year

Congratulations to Shelbi Vaughn, Mansfield Legacy HS graduate, for being named the 2011-12 Gatorade® National Girls Tack & Field Athlete of the Year. Check out the Player Bio for Shelbi Vaughn.

Below is the full-page ad in the July 5, 2012 Ft. Worth Star-Telegram:

On June 27, the Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPNHS, announced Abraham Hall of South Grand Prairie High School (Grand Prairie, Texas) and Shelbi Vaughan of Legacy High School (Mansfield, Texas) as its 2011-12 Gatorade National Track & Field Athletes of the Year.

At the USA Track and Field Junior Outdoor Championships, Vaughan had a throw of 198 feet, nine inches, that set the national high school and junior records in the discuss throw. She also won the discuss throw at this year's 5A state championships. She finished 4th in the Women’s Discus Throw at the Olympic Trials in Oregon last month. (Shelbi Vaughan "the future of throwing" - ESPN.com)


Check out the announcement videos on Shelbi here, here, and here
Emmitt Smith surprises Shelbi Vaughan: 2011-12 Girls Track and Field POY

Mansfield ISD congratulates Shelbi Vaughn.

Solar Car Team Takes the Challenge

Students from the Ben Barber Career Tech Academy are voluntarily working through their summer vacation to compete in the Solar Car Challenge which will be held later this month at the Texas Motor Speedway.

Thanks to team advisors Jackie Bishop (auto tech teacher) and Rob Goodson (engineering teacher) along with a lot of help from generous sponsors, the students are building the District's first solar car for competition while learning some valuable skills. Approximately 25 students have been busy working on weekdays and a few Saturdays here and there in the BBCTA automotive garage to finish the solar car in time for the race week, July 15-19. The solar car team is primarily for engineering and auto tech students, but anyone can help according to advisor, Jackie Bishop.

While the car will sport large solar panels on its top for power, it has some some simple automotive roots. The chassis is from an old Legends Car that was donated. It has a four-wheeler front-end suspension and a motorcycle rear-suspension. In order to make this solar car and race a reality, students had to learn a lot about solar power, electronics, steel, construction, welding, and even amateur radio skills (and licenses) for track communication.

Check out the MISD Minutes video feature on the Solar Car Challenge (YouTube or MISD Video Portal).

Which Green Beans Took the Gold?

Over the past month, eight campuses have been competing in a Green Bean recipe contest held by the Mansfield ISD Student Nutrition Department. 

Teachers, custodians and aides submitted their favorite green bean recipe to their school’s Student Nutrition Manager to prepare and offer to students. Each campus selected their students’ favorite recipe and entered it into the Finals. 

On Friday, February 10, Brenda Prescott, a third grade teacher from Martha Reid Elementary, won the competition by a landslide with her “Crumby Green Beans!” On Valentine’s Day, the Martha Reid Student Nutrition Team presented Prescott with an Avante360 gift card and a Great Recipe Idea certificate. Each student in Prescott’s class received a coupon for a Frozen Fruit bar of their choice. 

In addition to the prizes, Prescott’s recipe (with a slight name change) will be added to the menu at all school campuses on Wednesday, March 7. 

“Student Nutrition is excited to include students and faculty in our recent recipe contest,” said Gaylan Mathis, Student Nutrition Director. “We are looking forward to putting the winning recipe on our menu!”

Congratulations to Brenda Prescott and thank you for sharing your delicious recipe! Don’t forget to stop by your school cafeteria on March 7 to sample the award-winning Crumbly Green Beans.

Third Grade Student Places in Citywide Essay Contest

Jace White, a third grade student at Janet Brockett Elementary, received a very special surprise on the morning of Friday, February 10. Around 9:15 a.m., White was completing his daily classroom tasks, completely unaware of the excitement and pride he would feel in just moments.

Rewind about two months…

White, an avid essay writer, learned about an essay contest for 3rd – 6th graders who live in Arlington. Without hesitation, White began working on his essay on the assigned topic for his grade level, “If animals could talk, what would they say?”

The “2012 Animal Essay Contest,” sponsored by the City of Arlington, encourages students to learn the importance of responsible pet ownership. The contest, now in its eleventh year, awards a First, Second and Third Place winner in each of the four grade levels involved. The winners receive a Series EE U.S. Savings Bond in the amount of $150, $350 or $500.

This year, approximately 1,275 essays were submitted from students in public, private and home schools. White’s essay was up against about 350 others in his grade level.

Entries were judged on the elements of effective writing: Focus and Coherence, Organization, Development of Ideas, Voice and Conventions. The panel of essay judges was made up of members of the Arlington Animal Services Center Advisory Board and local citizens – including Mansfield ISD Board Member Raul Gonzalez. Entries were selected about one month after the contest deadline, and from what we hear, the competition was steep!

Now, back to that fateful Friday in February…

That morning, White’s parents and younger sister were joined in the front office of Brockett Elementary by Arlington City Council member Sheri Capehart, Arlington Animal Services Manager Chris Huff, MISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bob Morrison, Board Member Raul Gonzalez and Principal Chuck Roe. The group was preparing for what was sure to be an amazing and memorable moment for White.

The group finally entered Mrs. Clay's classroom, where White would soon be surprised. Sheri Capehart addressed the class, informing them of the contest details and revealing that one of their peers was named the Second Place Winner and would receive $350 savings bond and an invitation to be recognized at the Arlington City Council meeting on March 6.

White’s eyes widened as Capehart announced his name as the winner. His classmates cheered with pride. When asked about the main message of his essay about animals, White stated, “I wanted to show that animals are a lot like humans. I think they have the same feelings.”

What does White think an animal might say if they could talk?

“I’m hungry,” or “Can I have a new toy?”

Congratulations to Jace White, Second Place Winner in the Third Grade Division of the 2012 Animal Essay Contest!

'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.

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.”

Students Succeed at National Mathematics Pentathlon Tournament

Thirty-two students from Erma Nash Elementary competed in Division II (2nd and 3rd grade) of the National Mathematics Pentathlon Tournament in Midlothian, Texas on April 2.

This was the second year for Nash students to take part in the Pentathlon tournament, and they arrived with great expectations and a goal to do their very best.  Dozens of parents and teachers attended and volunteered at the tournament to show their support for these determined students.

The rules of a national Pentathlon tournament require each participant to be matched with a different player for each of the five games in the appropriate division. The activities test problem-solving and strategic thinking skills through creative games.

Of the 32 Nash competitors, about 50% were students from the Bilingual program. Instructors believe the Pentathlon exercises are extremely beneficial to students with language barriers.

“Pentathlon is a fun way to improve students’ critical thinking and logical reasoning skills, but it also improves our students’ communication skills,” said Christa Beebe, Nash Math Specialist. “For our Bilingual kids, this program has given them a place to practice the math vocabulary they learn in class.”

The students did a fantastic job at the tournament and most importantly, they exhibited confidence and excitement, which represented their school and Mansfield ISD in a very positive way.

Congratulations to these bright students!

Gold:
Peyton Ruder

Silver:
Xavier Myers

Bronze:
Alicia Mares
Jared Sanchez

Honorable Mention:
Abigail Garcia
Daniel Gomez
Jesus Mancha
Alex Ramirez
Daniel Ramirez

Cross Timbers Students Show Kindness through Competition

When the Student Government students at Cross Timbers Intermediate School came up with the idea of having a school-wide Penny War to raise money for relief efforts in Japan, they never imagined they would receive such an overwhelming response. 

The school was split into teams according to their advisory rooms. For seven days, students opened up their wallets and hearts to donate every bit they could to help the victims in Japan. 

“What I think is so amazing is that about 50% of our student population is economically disadvantaged, yet so many still chose to donate,” said Assistant Principal Jamie Norwood. “We know it was a real sacrifice for some of them and I think that’s what makes it so special.”

In the middle of the fundraiser, the Student Government advisor Dawn Greathouse learned that all of the collection jugs were overflowing, which prompted an emergency trip to the grocery store to cash in the first batch of coins. 

“At that point we had about $1,400 and the money was still pouring in,” said Greathouse. “Even now, days after the event, students are still bringing their donations to me.”

The seven-day fundraiser produced over $2,500, which was presented to a representative from the American Red Cross at a special assembly on April 8, 2011. Mansfield Chamber of Commerce President Lucretia Mills also attended the assembly to show her support to Cross Timbers and Mansfield ISD.

“It’s because of the generous donations from Cross Timbers Intermediate School and so many other gracious individuals across the country that we are able to provide support for Japan,” said Tammy Ripple, Director of Volunteer and Corporate Programs for the American Red Cross. 

Learn more about donating funds to the American Red Cross.

Check out more photos from the Penny War program.

Seven from Ben Barber Qualify for TSA State Contest

Midlothian, TX - Students from the Ben Barber chapter of the Technology Student Association (TSA) competed at the TSA Regional Contest on March 24 and 25. Students competed in projects such as Webmastering, Biotechnology, Technical Sketching, Engineering, Video Game Design, and many more.

Although Ben Barber TSA has been housed in many buildings over the years, it has always had the same purpose: To give all Mansfield ISD high school students the experiences and friendships that TSA has to offer.

Present at the TSA Regional Contest were two Texas TSA State Officers, Travis Welborn (State Reporter) and Justin Ehlert (State Secretary). Travis attends Mansfield High School and Justin Timberview High School, both in MISD. Travis and Justin work with the other state officers to prepare the annual leadership conference, update the state delegation through newsletters, and represented Texas at the national conference in Baltimore, Maryland this past summer.

Ben Barber TSA has had a rising number of students attend conferences each year, as well as competing at the national TSA conferences in Nashville, Tennessee, Orlando, Florida, Denver, Colorado, and Baltimore, Maryland. Ready to continue competing, members will be attending the Texas TSA State Contest at the Waco Convention Center in Waco, Texas May 5-7, 2011.

The following National Qualifying Events advanced to compete at the Texas TSA State Contest:

• 1st Biotechnology Design – Travis Welborn, Lynn Nguyen
• 1st Scientific Visualization (SciVis) – Travis Welborn, Justin Ehlert
• 1st Video Game Design – Justin Ehlert, Travis Welborn
• 2nd Desktop Publishing – Lynn Nguyen
• 2nd Prepared Presentation – Clancy Taylor
• 2nd Webmastering – Travis Welborn, Lynn Nguyen
• 3rd Engineering Design – Ryan Thompson, Christian Negratti
• 3rd Technical Sketching – Ryan Thompson
• State Qualifier – Ross Kelly
• State Qualifier – Ryan Thompson

Advisor Shyla Vire, who teaches Flash Based Game Design at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy and Concepts of Engineering at Mansfield High School, leads Ben Barber TSA. If you would like more information about TSA is, you can contact Mrs. Vire via email or visit the Ben Barber TSA website.

Two Destination ImagiNation Teams Advance to State

Mansfield ISD was represented at the regional Destination ImagiNation competition by 14 campus teams. The contest took place on March 5 at Byron Nelson High School. 

A total of 252 teams from the Greater Fort Worth Region competed in six different problem-solving challenges ranging from architectural design to improvisational acting.

We are proud to announce that teams from Elizabeth Smith Elementary and Mary Lillard Intermediate will compete at the state tournament in Lubbock, Texas on April 1 – 2.

Please join us in congratulating these creative kids!

The Giant Munchkins Team from Mary Lillard Intermediate

Rising Star Teams
Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary (2)
Roberta Tipps Elementary (2)
Thelma Jones Elementary (1)

Competitive Teams
Challenge A: Technical
6th Place, D.P. Morris Elementary

Challenge C: Fine Arts
2nd Place & Advancing to State, Elizabeth Smith Elementary

Challenge D: Improvisational
2nd Place, Asa Low Intermediate
4th Place, Anna May Daulton Elementary
5th Place, Mary Orr Intermediate

Challenge E: Structural
4th Place, Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary

Challenge E: Structural
2nd Place & Advancing to State, Mary Lillard Intermediate

MISD Destination ImagiNation Representative: Hope Hutchison

About Destination ImagiNation:
Destination ImagiNation Inc. is an innovative organization that teaches creativity, teamwork and problem solving to students across the U.S. and in more than 30 countries. Destination ImagiNation is an unconventional team learning experience where student teams all over the world solve mind-bending challenges. Teams are tested to think on their feet, work as a team and devise original solutions.