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

Healthy Fundraiser Inspires Two Elementaries

When Jennifer Spiegel was brainstorming fundraiser ideas this fall, she diverged from the norm and developed an idea that would make a meaningful and lasting impact on her students as well as those from a nearby campus in need.

Spiegel, the P.E. coach at Roberta Tipps Elementary, teaches her students the importance of developing active and healthy habits to practice in gym class and during their free time. As she searched for a fundraising opportunity that matched her healthy mission, she came across the Ultimate Fitness Challenge, a timed obstacle course resembling a wonderland of bounce-houses and inflatable activities.

In addition to being a fun and healthy activity, this was also a way for students to collect funds via pledges from family, friends and neighbors. The kids enjoyed the obstacle course, but they were ultimately motivated by the purpose of the event – raising money to purchase sports equipment for low income students at Erma Nash Elementary, a neighboring MISD campus.

“Our students here at Tipps have so much and I wanted them to give to others here in Mansfield who don’t,” said Spiegel. “I’m trying to teach empathy for others and I wanted them to see it in action for themselves.”

70 students participated in the challenge and raised enough money to purchase equipment for 78 students at Nash. On December 7, Spiegel and her students loaded the equipment on school buses and traveled to Nash to present the goods. It was a heartwarming and pure display of generosity and graciousness.

As the Tipps students handed out soccer balls, footballs, basketballs, hula hoops and jump ropes, they were each given a handwritten thank you card in return.

“I’ve never been given something like this from another school,” said Ariana Rosborough, a 4th grader from Nash. “I’m thankful for the equipment and I hope someday we can do something like this for other students too.”   

It was clear that the students from Nash were thankful and inspired by this act of kindness, but it also held a meaningful lesson for the Tipps kids.

“I think they are really happy and it made me feel happy too,” said Diesel Ayres, a 1st grader from Tipps. “It’s good to raise money for others because it’s helpful and it helps other kids get healthy.”
 

Helping Over 14,000 Smiles

Guest post by Beth Light, President 2011-12 MISD Council of PTAs
According to a surgeon general’s report, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease. Additionally, school nurses say it’s common for children in our community to not own a toothbrush. To help fight this problem and in support of National Children’s Dental Health Month, the Children’s Oral Health Coalition, led by Cook Children’s, hosted its fifth annual Drive for a Smile toothbrush collection drive in February. 

Mansfield ISD was asked to participate in the Drive for a Smile toothbrush drive during the month of February. Jane Latimer of Cook Children's coordinated with the Mansfield ISD Council of PTAs to inform the schools of the drive.

For the last two years, the MISD schools have participated. Local PTAs coordinate the donation drive with the help of student groups, counselors, teachers, school and central office administrators, and various MISD departments. This year, our schools and departments donated over 14,000 toothbrushes.

Our largest donor was Mansfield High School. Coach Patton coordinated the toothbrush drive with the assistance of the Teen Leadership classes. Students visited classrooms and discussed the importance of the toothbrush drive. MHS donated over 5,000 toothbrushes.

We want to recognize and say thanks to all the MISD schools and MISD Departments for their hard work and generous donations. And, a big THANK YOU to all the students and parents who donated.

We want to offer a special recognition for these schools:

Elementary Schools:

• Nancy Neal - over 2,000
• Janet Brockett - over 1,000
• Roberta Tipps - over 600
• Willie Brown - over 500

Intermediate Schools:

• Della Icenhower - over 200
• Cross Timbers - over 100

Middle Schools:

• Danny Jones - over 400
• Brooks Wester - over 200

High Schools:

• Mansfield - over 5,000
• Summit - over 600

Mansfield Early Childhood PTA donated over 400.

Mansfield ISD Council of PTAs and Cook Children's say THANK YOU to all the schools that participated, spent the time coordinating the toothbrush drive and to everyone who donated a toothbrush. We really appreciate all the time and effort spent on the toothbrush drive.

Photo by photobunny via Flickr Creative Commons

Thank you, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center

Guest Post by Eric White, MISD Athletic Trainer

On behalf of Mansfield Independent School District Athletic Department, I want to express my gratitude to Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, its physicians, nurses, and staff for the spirit of volunteerism that they displayed on Saturday, July 30, conducting sports physicals and echocardiograms for more than 300 athletes. Their generous donations of time and equipment ensured many of our athletes are ready to compete safely as the season gets underway.

Volunteering their time at Mansfield Summit High School were local physicians Darin Charles, MD; Nancy Georgekutty, MD; Donna Shannon, MD, Keto Trivedi, MD; Mary Welp, MD; and Jeff McDaniel, MD. Cardiologists Joshua Jacobi, MD and Alan Taylor, MD.

Additionally, volunteers who helped organize and assist in the sports physicals and echos were Angel Biasatti, Henry Burdine, Mario Chavez, Casey Darwin, Julia De La Guardia, Annie Dukes, Christie Enslin Rijan Giri, Carol Hague, Beverly Hill, Stacey Hensley, Herman Jaime Jr., Bernnie Kennedy, Jay Lavers, Patricia Looper, Kalinda Longino, Victoria Mays, Paula McMahan, Rosa Nyaoga, Jeanne Reeves, Amber Roten, Sandra Sanchez, Shelby Shaw, Debra Stafford, Christina Tillotson, Teresa Tucker, Kimberlee Williams, Michelle Williams, Karen Yates and Vicki Yoder.

With the help of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center the Mansfield Independent School District athletic department has benefited immensely and we are appreciate of their community outreach efforts and their health programs that benefit our entire community.

While we partner with Methodist Mansfield year-round, this one-weekend’s effort has not only helped our coaches, it has brought increased visibility to our role in mentoring and supporting healthy athletes in our community.

The Mansfield Independent School District athletic department thanks Methodist Mansfield Medical Center for its commitment to building a healthy community and we look forward to continuing to work toward a better community.

Sincerely,
Eric White
Athletic Trainer

'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.

HOSA Students Prove the Value of a Vial

The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) of Ben Barber Career Tech Academy (BBCTA) have launched a service project that will allow them to give back to the community while offering a potentially life-saving resource.

The Vial of L.I.F.E. (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) is a container that stores important medical information, which can be accessed by emergency personnel in the event of a crisis in a person’s home.

Gary Welborn, the Health Science Instructor at BBCTA heard about this project from multiple sources and saw a great opportunity to reach out to the citizens of the Mansfield ISD community.

“If a paramedic needs instant access to a patient’s medical history, the vial is easy to get to,” said Welborn. “It’s also very useful in the event that a patient is unconscious or unable to quickly remember all of the prescriptions they are taking.”

With the help of donations from the Meadows Foundation and Ray’s Pharmacy, the materials for the project were obtained at no cost. A $500 donation from the Meadows Foundation covered printing expenses and Ray’s Pharmacy provided the plastic vials. Students assisted with the graphic design aspects of the project as well as the assembly of the materials.

So, what exactly is inside these vials?

The outside of each plastic vial is marked with a red and white label which reads, “Vial of Life: Look Inside Refrigerator for Complete Medical Information.” There are two additional labels inside the vial; one to be placed on the door of the individual’s home and the other (which is adhered to a magnet) to be mounted on the refrigerator. Most importantly, a medical history sheet is folded inside the vial. Keeping the vial in the fridge allows paramedics to locate it quickly.

The HOSA students will assist with the distribution of the vials, offering them to their parents, grandparents and neighbors. Their goal is to get these vials into the hands of as many people that need them as possible.

“I plan to go around my neighborhood to offer the vials to people and tell them about the program,” said HOSA student Angela Tetteh. “It can really help save a life, so I believe it’s very important.”

How can I get a Vial of L.I.F.E. for myself?

The vials can be picked up from Mrs. Mullins in the front office of BBCTA (1120 W. Debbie Lane). For additional requests, contact Gary Welborn (garywelborn@misdmail.org or 817.299.1916).

Supplies are limited, so don’t wait!

How can I return the kindness of these students?

While the HOSA students are proud to present this resource to community members at no cost, they hope people will “pay it forward” and keep the chain of kindness going by offering a donation to the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life.” You can donate online or drop off your contribution to the BBCTA bookkeeper.

A donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated. Donations will be accepted through June 10, 2011.

Students and Parents Jive in the Gym

The students of Boren Elementary put on their dancing shoes for the 8th annual Jivin' in the Gym event. This program gives students the opportunity to invite their parents to P.E. class to learn a series of fun dances.

Boren P.E. teacher Cheryl Stranahan started this event to encourage parent involvement with students on campus. It has been very successful over the past several years and very well received.

In addition to the program being good exercise for parents and students, it also serves as a great way for parents to get to know some of the Mansfield ISD staff.



(Editor's note: The Jivin' in the Gym activities at Boren Elementary took place mid January, but we thought it was still cool enough to share.)

Saving Lives Is Everybody's Business: Every 15 Minutes Program

The following is from an email sent from the local community sponsor of an event that will serve as a fundraiser for the 'Every 15 Minutes' program:

Community Comes Together For Our High School Students
by Daryle Perez, Alternative Funeral Services
March 10, 2011

As funeral professionals in our community, we have had to experience the difficult process of making funeral arrangements for a student that has died due to an alcohol related collision.

We as a community feel the loss and come together to greive in our own way and at times thinking that it could have happened to my family.

Life's lessons are best learned though experience. Unfortunately, when the target audience is teens and the topic is drinking and texting while driving, experience is not the teacher of choice.

So what can we do? Educate.

Every 15 Minutes Program
The Every 15 Minutes Program offers real-life experience without the real-life risks. This emotionally charged program, entitled Every 15 Minutes, is an event designed to dramatically instill teenagers with the potentially dangerous consequences of drinking alcohol and texting while driving. This powerful program will challenge students to think about drinking, texting while driving, personal safety, and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives are involved.

Historically, only two high schools in the Mansfield ISD participated. The decision was made to share the experience with all four MISD high schools. Funding is provided by the Mansfield Police Department's "Every 15 Minutes" program and the addition of two more schools created the need for additional funding from the individual schools.

We believe that this program greatly impacts our high school students and that it is the responsibility of our business community to ensure that these types of programs continue in the future.

Benefit Art Show
We would like to invite your to an evening of art and music as we help to raise monies for the "Every 15 Minutes" program.

Saving Lives: Benefit Art Show
3/26/11  5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Alternative Funeral Services

1556 W. Heritage Parkway at HWY 287

Admission is Free - Donations will be accepted

Donated artwork will be auctioned and all proceeds will be given to the Mansfield Police Department's "Every 15 Minutes" fund.

Get directions and information about AFS Gallery Night Benefit Art Show.
Donations can be made payable to: AFS-1556 Heritage Parkway, Mansfield, TX 76063

Superintendent Update - October 2010

District Superintendent Dr. Bob Morrison shares his monthly video series for the District community. This month he discusses our new phone notification system, health and fitness initiative with employees, and an update on the Center for the Performing Arts. in this October update.

(This video was shared on the District's YouTube channel earlier this month.)

National Take-Back Day in MISD

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, the Mansfield ISD community is invited to join the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Mansfield Police Department, and Cook Children’s in a local and nationwide effort to halt the disturbing rise in addiction caused by the misuse and abuse of drugs.

Collection activities will take place from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at sites established throughout the country. The Mansfield drive-by drop off location will be at the Mansfield Public Safety Building located at 1305 E. Broad Street Mansfield, TX 76063.

The National Take-Back Day provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications for destruction. These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use, and present a poisoning danger to children as well as to public health and safety.

This one-day effort is intended to bring national focus to the issue of increasing pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse.

• Participants will be held anonymous and will not be subject to arrest.
• Prescription and over the counter solid dosage medications, i.e. tablets and capsules accepted.
• Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and needles will be accepted.
• Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine will be accepted.

Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

"With this National Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign, we are aggressively reaching out to individuals to encourage them to rid their households of unused prescription drugs that pose a safety hazard and can contribute to prescription drug abuse," said Acting Deputy Attorney General Gary G. Grindler. "The Department of Justice is committed to doing everything we can to make our communities safer, and this initiative represents a new front in our efforts."

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Please note: You can search other collection-sites for locations near you.

School is just around the corner

It's that time of year again. No, not back to school...yet. It's the hot summer days and school district personnel are in and out on staggered vacation days. We've all been getting the last bit of time before another school year begins.

So if you've tried to contact someone in administration and it has taken some extra time to get a return call or e-mail you'll know why. Campus personnel will report back to work soon as well. Thanks for your patience.

But we are getting close
The school year is right around the corner. The first day of school is Monday, August 23, 2010. You still have time to squeeze in some summer fun. Also, be sure check the MISD website for back to school information in the coming days (with registration dates, school supply lists, and more). Don't wait to take care of any immunization needs and athletic physicals.

Enjoy what's left of the summer.

(Image: jaqsphotogarage)

Legacy HS students raise funds and awareness for breast cancer screenings

Recently, Legacy High School students in Dena Schimming's Teen Leadership II class presented a $30,000 donation check to representatives from the Moncrief Cancer Resources at UT Southwestern Medical Center for the Mobile Mammography Screening unit. The funds were raised during the campus's Pink Fest, a series of fundraisers and breast cancer awareness programs in October of 2009.

Here's a recap in the latest MISD Minutes series:


Additional details:
The LHS 2009 Pink Fest included an eight-hour walkathon. They chose eight hours because 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

The UT Southwestern Medical Center's Mobile Mammography Screening unit is the only digital mammography unit in a mobile environment available in Dallas and the southwest U.S.

Legacy High School's Pink Fest began in 2007. The efforts included $12,000 alone in Pink Fest t-shirt sales alone.

See the related Rider Online article: Pink Fest Raises Funds for Cancer.

New Immunization Requirements

On March 5, 2009 new immunization requirements took affect that will have an impact on all incoming kindergartners and 7th grade students. The changes are as follows:

Kindergarten - All students entering kindergarten, statewide, will be required to have:

• 2 doses of Hepatitis A 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
• 2 doses of varicella vaccine (or a written statement from a parent/legal guardian, or physician stating the child has a positive history of varicella disease (chicken pox).

7th Grade - All students entering 7th grade will be required to have:

• 2 doses of varicella vaccine (or a written statement from a parent/legal guardian, or physician stating the child has a positive history of varicella disease (chicken pox). 1 dose of Tdap vaccine (if it has been 5 years since their last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine).
• 1 dose of meningococcal vaccine

*Please note - These changes are in addition to the current immunization requirements*

This information can be downloaded from the MISD Health Services Web page as well as on the Department of State Health Services Web site.

In the interest of transparency, please note: parents can also find information on exclusions from compliance which are "allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications, reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, and active duty with the armed forces of the United States."

If you have any questions regarding the new immunization requirements, please contact your primary health services provider or the MISD Health Services Department at 817-299-6370.