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

Author and former NFL star Tim Green visits Mansfield ISD

Tim Green visited four MISD schools this past week, sharing an inspiring message of hard work and the importance of education and reading. Students at TA Howard Middle, James Coble Middle, Danny Jones Middle, and Donna Shepard Intermediate participated in the author visit organized by MISD Librarians.

A little background on the multi-talented Mr. Green: After studying writing at Syracuse University where he was an All American football player, Tim was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons where he was a top defensive player for eight years.

While Tim played in the NFL, he also studied law and began his writing career. By the time he retired from football in 1994, Tim had already published his first book and became a lawyer. In addition to those two jobs, he began working as a television broadcaster for FOX NFL Sunday and other shows, including Battlebots, Good Morning America, Court TV, A Current Affair, and most recently, Find My Family.

After writing more than a dozen books for adults, Tim Green began writing a series of novels for young readers set in a world of sports taken from his own experiences as an athlete and a coach. In the meantime, Tim has visited over 600 schools and spoken to more than 300,000 students across the United States about the importance of education and character, in addition to the joys and benefits of reading.

In addition to his visit, Mr. Green donated hundreds of copies of his newest young adult novel, Force Out, to MISD Title I schools. His generosity and commitment to Mansfield ISD’s young people are greatly appreciated by teachers and students alike.

Tim Green’s Mansfield ISD visit certainly starts the summer right; with a good book!

Tim Green with TA Howard Middle School students

Tim Green with Librarians (L-R) Suzonne Evans (Shepard), Lorrie Wallace (Jones),
Amy Toombs (Howard), Karen Swanson (Wester), and Amy Herford (Coble)

Tim Green signing books at TA Howard Middle School

Tim Green and TA Howard student Allan Njomo

Guest post by Amy Toombs, MLIS, Library Information Technology Educator at T.A. Howard Middle School

Battle of the Books District Champion Teams

Congratulations to the Mansfield ISD Battle of the Books Champion Teams representing middle, intermediate, and elementary schools. Battle of the Books is a school-wide competition where teams vie for the title of Best Readers on their campus held each Spring. Each team reads 10 pre-selected books and answers questions in a Whiz Quiz style round; the team with the most correct answers at the end of the round wins. The winners of first round battle on until only one team is standing. The final team competes against the best readers at their grade level in Mansfield ISD. The competition is intense, and preparation takes months.

This year’s teams have made an incredible effort, reading and practicing under the watchful eyes of their coaches. Congratulations to this year’s winning teams:

Middle School: TA Howard Middle School

Congratulations to the Howard Middle School Battle of the Books District Champion Team members Nathan Haslam, Allan Njomo, Brandon Martin, Jake Stacks, Jared Jeffries, and Lilly Ray

Intermediate School: Donna Shepard Intermediate School

The Donna Shepard Intermediate School’s Battle of the Books team pictured above: (From left to right) Priscilla Brothers, Noah Liukonen, Carter Ho (team captain), Nicholas Winston, Khalid Ahmed, and Leah Nguyen. Each student was required to try out for each school’s team. The students were expected to read and become experts on books from the selected list of ten titles. The detailed questions were asked of all 6 teams at the district battle. The team representing Donna Shepard Intermediate earned the most points, thus winning the district trophy. Each of these Shepard students received a gold medal for his/her hard work.

Elementary School: Roberta Tipps Elementary

MISD held the elementary level district competition for Battle of the Books on Friday, May 3rd. The purpose is simply to encourage students to read good books and have fun while competing with peers. A typical "Battle" is a full day tournament in which students' teams earn points by answering questions about the books on the book list. They play two rounds and at the end of the morning, points are totaled and teams with the top three scores are awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals. In addition the 1st place team wins the district trophy for their school. This year, Tipps Elementary won 1st place. Team members are pictured above (L-R) Ella Scoresby, Ainsley Jones, Julia Lederman, Brenna Franklin, and Sarah des Bordes with Teachers (L-R) Tina Owens and Heather Hughes. After three tie-breaker rounds to determine 2nd and 3rd place winners, Spencer and Daulton Elementary schools tied for 2nd place. Ponder Elementary made it to the tie-breaker round and came in 4th. Congratulations to all the participating teams.

Icenhower Intermediate students donate supplies for DFW homeless children

Della Icenhower Intermediate School held its annual Baby Supply Drive to benefit Captain Hope's Kids, which helps our area homeless children.

"The Icenhower Character Club has sponsored this drive the past four years and it's a pleasure and an honor to see kids helping kids," said Icenhower Counselor, Lisa Fields.

Captain Hope's Kids is dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless children. Over the past two years, Captain Hope’s Kids has raised and donated over $1.3 million in clothes, diapers, school supplies and much more to the homeless children of North Texas.

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.

Zombie Teachers make Talent Show a 'Thriller'

Last Friday, Mary Orr Intermediate School teachers performed Michael Jackson's Thriller during the annual PTA Talent Show. Yes, the teachers dressed as zombies and had some well-choreographed fun. Thanks to Donna Crose, Mary Orr 6th Grade Mathematics teacher, for sharing the YouTube video.

From the looks of it, the faculty entry in the Orr Intermediate PTA Talent Show was a hit:

Impact Award - Coach Coordinates Breakfast for Heroes

Travel back in your mind to the end of summertime… Volcanic temperatures, long sunny days, and for campus faculty and staff – summer planning retreats! The staff from Asa Low Intermediate held their fourth annual retreat on August 8, 2012.

During the retreat, the team split into groups to tackle various objectives and plans for the upcoming school year. At that time their ideas were just notes on paper, but four months later, plans have sprung into action and expectations have been exceeded.

Coach David Rinearson led a Community Outreach planning group. Upon his recommendation, the team prepared plans for a “Breakfast for Heroes,” event that would benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a military-based program that provides programs and services to severely injured service members during the time between active duty and transition to civilian life.

“The goal is to help them get their life back,” said Rinearson. “Sometimes it’s through counseling, sometimes it’s through helping them purchase prosthesis.”

Rinearson worked with the local Applebee’s to coordinate a community pancake breakfast to raise money for the project. He also enlisted Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6111 in Arlington to help publicize the event. 

The students of Asa Low were also instrumental in the success of the event. After gathering donations from family and community members, they raised a grand total of $1,400! Principal Jason Short was impressed with the way the students responded to the event.

“We wanted not just to involve the kids, but to teach them,” Short said. “We teach a lot about character around here, so we wanted them to tie those messages together, and this activity did that.”

On November 11, a group of veterans from Post 6111 came to the campus to accept the check, which was presented by school namesake Asa Low. As a token of their appreciation the veterans presented Rinearson with a special VFW coin. The coin is presented to those who do something beyond the normal scope of duty, and is considered a great honor.

On behalf of the MISD Administration, congratulations to Coach David Rinearson for making a positive impact in his school and community and for being named our latest Impact Award recipient. Job well done!

Watch the Impact Award video on YouTube:

Pictures of the Week (Sept 17-21)

Check out some of the photos from recent events in Mansfield ISD last week:

Mr. Bill O'Neal (above at left), the State Historian of Texas, spoke at two assemblies at Lillard Intermediate on Friday, September 21 for Celebrate Freedom Week. He shared artifacts from early America and spoke with the students about the importance of our Constitution. Mr. O'Neal is the father of Lynn Martinez (pictured at right), a teacher at Lillard.

Glenn Harmon Elementary Students received a grant from the MISD Education Foundation in 2012, to provide seven opportunities for service during the 2012-2013 school year, to the Green Oaks Assisted Living Center. The dream of the Campus is to have each grade level prepare and send students to the Assisted Living Center for a 45 minute visit, which would include a small gift made by students and the residents together, and either a musical, audiovisual or dramatic performance. [photo gallery]

Mouser Electronics hosted students from Ben Barber Career Tech Acedmy as part of their recent community partnership celebration for Mouser employees and special guests. Mouser sponsored a couple of student programs at BBCTA last year, the Robotics teams and the Solar Car team. Dr. Bob Morrison (pictured above), Superintendent, took a test-drive of the BBCTA solar car around the Mouser parking lot. The solar car and team, called the "Shine Runners," competed over the summer in the Solar Car Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway. The student-constructed solar car won the William Shih Award for the highest level of technical achievement at the summer competition.

The student robotics teams at BBCTA were also available for technical demonstrations at the Mouser event. The teams, the Vinegar Vikings, Crusading Cucumbers, and Fighting Pickles (pictured below), each brought robots to feature and thank Mouser employees for their continued support.

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.

Asa Low Intermediate - International Space Station Q&A Video

Students at Mansfield ISD's Asa Low Intermediate School had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to talk live with NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station on Tuesday, January 31. The students took part in a NASA in-flight education downlink with the Expedition 30 crew aboard the International Space Station as it orbits Earth at an altitude ranging from 230-286 miles and a speed of approximately 17,500 miles per hour.



Editor's Note: To view the video inside the MISD network, please use the Video Portal.

To prepare for the downlink, students took part in over 100 space-related lessons and curriculum projects, including a school community Space Night event on January 27. Attractions at Space Night will included genuine moon rocks and a NASA space suit.

In honor of the event, the Mansfield ISD School Board adopted a resolution to ceremonially renamed the campus NASA Low Intermediate School for month of January, 2012.

Asa Low Intermediate teacher, Patricia Londono, worked over two years on the submission with NASA's Teaching from Space team. On July 1, 2011, NASA awarded Asa Low Intermediate School with an In-Flight Education Downlink that was held on January 31, 2012.

NASA Downlink Photo Gallery

Media Coverage:

Mansfield ISD students chat with astronauts in orbit
Astronauts In Orbit Chat With Eager Mansfield ISD Students

Lillard Intermediate Receives Military Thanks

Two Mary Lillard Intermediate School teachers, Jill Melchiorre and Vickie Johnson, organized a project back in December in which their students stuffed 65 stockings with donated items to be shipped to the soldiers of Alpha Assault at Camp Marmal, Afghanistan. 

In January, the campus received a letter of thanks on behalf of the soldiers from the Platoon Leader which reads in part:

"On 04Jan12, Alpha Assault received a surprising delivery of mail, which included three oversized boxes. Immediately, the company operations momentarily ceased and all took part in opening and disseminating the filled stockings...Upon opening the boxes, smiles raced across every one of my Soldier's faces. There are no words that I can express to you to convey how relieving it was to see such an increase in our unit's morale. Since June 2011, my company has conducted 24/7 full-spectrum operations all across Northern Afghanistan. We have received care packages from many other patriots across America, however, no care package delivery ever measured up to the magnitude that you have donated." [Read the full letter below.]

Below: Lillard Intermediate students pose with their stockings for soldiers.

3-on-3 Intermediate School Basketball District Championships

On January 26, 2012, Legacy High School hosted the 19th Annual Mansfield ISD 3-on-3 Intermediate School Basketball District Championships. Each intermediate school held campus tournaments to send their winning teams. In all, approximately 200 intermediate students participated.

The 3-on-3 event started with one school, Cross Timbers Intermediate School, back in 1993. Since then the event has grown to include all six intermediate schools in MISD.

The 3-on-3 intermediate tournament is a part of the Physical Education classes. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament was originally a part of a campus improvement plan. The program was created to improve student attendance and has turned into a great, fun opportunity to learn teamwork. Some of the participants from this event have gone on to play basketball at various levels: 4A and 5A State Champions, NCAA Div. 1 Men’s and Woman’s basketball and even a European league.

Congratulations to the 3-on-3 District Champion Teams:

6th Boys Asa Low Intermediate School

Shaysten Cornish

Cooper Thor

Dillon Nguyen

6th Girls Cross Timbers Intermediate School

Zaria Williams

Kristen Evans

Tamera Derrough

5th Boys Della Icenhower Intermediate School

Chris Ford

Bryson McKiney

CJ Smith

5th Girls Cross Timbers Intermediate School

Mikalyn Greenzweig

Tamara Tickles

Jaicia Canaday

Help Pick Student Questions for the Astronauts

What would you ask astronauts in the International Space Station?

Maybe something like...

• How do you deal with minor and major injuries and/or illnesses while in space?
• How is the ISS protected from space debris and can you feel when debris hits the station?
• Do you sweat in space?  If yes, does it float?
• Does your blood pressure change in space?
• What is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen while in space?

On Tuesday morning, January 31, students from NASA Low Intermediate School will speak live with astronauts on the International Space Station.

We need your help narrowing down the student questions for the astronauts. Decide which 10 questions students will ask the astronauts by selecting your five favorite from the list on this online survey. [Editor's note: The survey closed January 17.]

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In related news, the temporary "N" for NASA Low was put up on the school building over the winter break:

NASA Low Intermediate School will also host their Space Night school community event on Friday, January 27 from 6:00-8:00 PM.

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Special thank you to Mouser Electronics for their generous sponsorship of this educational opportunity.

Intermediate School Renamed for NASA Event

For the month of January, 2012, Asa Low Intermediate School will be renamed NASA Low Intermediate School in preparation for a remarkable educational opportunity. The ceremonial renaming resolution was approved at the Mansfield ISD December School Board meeting.

Education Downlink

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducts educational opportunities called In-Flight Education Downlinks. In-Flight Education Downlinks allow educators and students to interact with crewmembers aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Asa Low Intermediate teacher, Patricia Londono (pictured at right), worked over two years on the submission with NASA's Teaching from Space team. On July 1, 2011, NASA awarded Asa Low Intermediate School with an In-Flight Education Downlink to be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

In honor of this unique opportunity (and because the school name, Asa Low, was one letter away from the space agency's name) Mansfield ISD administrators chose to ceremonially rename the campus NASA Low Intermediate School for the month of January 2012 with the school board's adoption of a resolution in December. (We're even going so far as to add a big letter 'N' next to the school name on the outside of the building.)

NASA Low Intermediate will conduct over 100 space-related lessons and projects, webcasts, and a Space Night event in January 2012.

Click graphic below to read the full school board resolution: 

Eight-Period School Schedule

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UPDATED Monday, November 28, 2011 

We are currently working on revisions to the eight-period schedule for next year. A revised schedule will be released later this week that will include 45 minute class periods and changes to the start and end times for the day. We appreciate your patience on this schedule update as we address the valid concerns and valuable feedback from the community.

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Original Post from Friday, November 18, 2011 at 11:59 AM

Due to the fact the district was cut $13 million this school year by the Texas Legislature and will be cut an additional $13 million next school year, Mansfield ISD has made the decision to move to an eight-period day at the secondary level (high school, middle, intermediate). Compared to other available options, the decision to change our schedule is in the best interest of our students, staff and district. No programs are being eliminated, so our students will continue to be able to participate in the current programs offered. No staff members will be laid off because of the budget cuts.

The length of the school day and the start and ending times of classes have not been finalized. We are continuing to gather feedback on these times from our students, staff and parents. If you have a question or comment, you may comment on this blog post or send it to info@misdmail.org . We will add frequently asked questions below the graphic as new questions are asked. Thank you for taking the time to review this information and providing input.

Dr. Bob Morrison
Superintendent, Mansfield ISD

Click graphic above for larger image. (Graphic updated at 3:40 PM, November 18, 2011.)

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FAQs

Why are we changing our schedule?

Mansfield ISD’s state and federal funding was cut $13 million in the 2011-12 school year and is expected to be cut another $13 million in 2012-13 school year. The change to the district’s bell schedule will result in an estimated savings of $6 million per school year. The district has made changes to operations in the last two years to reduce expenses, but the district is now entering a phase where tougher budget decisions will have to be made. 

Why do we need eight periods, instead of seven?

All MISD students must earn 27 credits to graduate. A seven period day would only allow for 28 credits and students would lose the ability to take certain elective courses that they enjoy. Students who need to repeat a course would have very little flexibility in their schedules to do so. An eight period day gives our students more flexibility.

How will this change impact instructional time at the high school?

An eight-period schedule will increase instructional time for high school students by approximately 10%. The new eight-period schedule will have 8,850 minutes of instructional time for the year, in place of the current 8000 minutes offered by the A/B Schedule. Students will also be able to see their teachers every day. Teachers will have a planning period every day.

How will students manage the load of classwork (tests, etc.) and homework required for an eight period day?

Principals and teachers will work together to develop a homework, test and project schedule that is manageable for students, so they are not overwhelmed.

Kick Chance Raises Cash for Joplin

Della Icenhower Intermediate School student, Kyra (pictured above at right) went through Joplin, MO with her dad this summer and wanted to do something to help. The school decided that they would use the Principal's Extra Point at the Friday, October 7 football game at Newsom Stadium as a way to help the tornado-ravaged community. About 20 staff members decorated a milk jug and collected change. The Icenhower staff member who collected the most change would take the kick at the game instead of the principal. The school raised about $379 dollars, Kyra was able to be down to the field, and teacher Ms. Del Fierro (above left), took the kick.

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The Prinicpal's Extra Point is in its second-year through the Athletics Department. It is an opportunity to give the school principals from our elementary and intermediate campuses a chance to win money for their school's PE department from the MISD High School Athletics Booster Clubs. 

Pictures of the Week (May 23 - 27)

Check out some of the cool happenings that went on in Mansfield ISD last week:

Heartbeat Team May 2011

On Thursday, May 19, 2011, Dr. Morrison presented Jeanne Clayton with the final Heartbeat Award for the 2010-11 school year. Gideon Elementary principal, Imelda Little and other campus staff took their turns in congratulating the third grade teacher with the huge heart.

Full gallery...

(Ok, technically this wasn't last week, but we want to be sure to include it since the staff recognition announcement was made last week.)

May 2011 School Board Meeting

Photos from the Tuesday, May 24, 2011 Regular MISD School Board Meeting including a variety of student recognition and board commendations.

Full gallery...

Cross Timbers - Blessed by a Timberwolf

The students of Cross Timbers Intermediate School (CTIS) were divided into teams and competed in several categories to win the privilege of “Blessing” a volunteer CTIS staff member by throwing a pie in their face, providing a make-over for the day and last but not least – a water balloon lineup.

Full gallery...

Career Day at Worley

The Worley Middle School Career Day took place Wednesday, May 25, 2011. The lineup of presenters represented a broad range of careers and job fields.

Full gallery...

2011 MISD Rangers Game Night

The Texas Rangers invited the MISD Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, along with our Shining Star Winners to be recognized on the field at the Friday, May 27 game. Honorees included MISD Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year and our Shining Star winners. (A special thanks to the Mansfield HS boys chorale for singing the National Anthem.)

Full gallery...

CyberSafety Awareness Week

This is cross-posted from the misdtechnotes blog:

 

During the week of May 16–20, Mansfield ISD Technology will be hosting the first MISD CyberSafety Awareness Week to provide a focus for students, teachers, parents and community about online safety and our students. Topics include safe surfing, cyberbullying, messaging, and how to protect personal information when online.

 

K-4 students will focus on age appropriate topics during their Technology Applications rotation:
Grades K-2

• Ways we use the Internet
• Basic rules for online safety

Grades 3-4

• Cyberbullying (what it is and what you can do about it)
• Safe Surfing (ways to protect yourself online.

5th – 8th grade students will be participate in related learning activities during their advisory period.
Grades 5-6

• Text Messaging (safety, etiquette)
• Keeping personal information safe when online

Grades 7-8

• Smart Surfing (research tools, copyright, viruses/spyware)
• How to handle Cyberbullying, protecting yourself and your information online

Parents, teachers, administrators and community members are invited to attend an event on Thursday, May 19, in the MISD Administration Building Great Room at 605 East Broad Street from 6:30 – 8:00 PM.

A panel of guest speakers will be presenting information with time at the end for questions from the audience.

Topics include:

• UT Arlington Admissions – Social Networking and College Admissions
• MISD Human Resources – Social Networking and Future Employment
• MISD Police – Cyberbullying
• Technology Department – What Parents Can Do

Download the printable information sheet. (PDF)

Asa Low Students Surpass Fundraising Goal

The Student Council members of Asa Low Jr. Intermediate School sponsored a “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society over the course of two weeks in April.

The school’s goal was to raise $1,600, but in the end they collected $3,400 (more than DOUBLE that amount)! The school teams competed to collect the largest team balance, which would earn them a pasta lunch from Olive Garden. 

The penny drive was in memory of Tristen Dasch, a student from Brooks Wester Middle School (and a former Boren Bear from J.L. Boren Elementary) who lost his battle with leukemia this past summer.

Congratulations to the students from Asa Low, who worked so hard to raise money for such a worthy cause. Great job!

Creasing for a Good Cause: 'Cranes for Kids'

Thousands of children were affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and many are left with nothing. When Patricia Londono, a 6th grade Science teacher at Asa Low Jr. Intermediate, heard of a unique opportunity to offer assistance she quickly enlisted the help of her students.

The Cranes for Kids program is meant to empower children to help other kids in need by using their creativity in the art of folding paper origami cranes. Oshkosh B’Gosh has sponsored this relief effort and will donate one article of children’s clothing per paper crane (up to 50,000 cranes).

Two sixth grade teams (Orissa and Himalayas) swung into action, with a goal of folding 1,000 origami cranes for this worthy cause.

“I think sometimes we take clothing and everything we have for granted,” said sixth grader Carrigan Hudgins. “I think the people of Japan are going through a very hard time and it’s important that we do all we can to help them.”

Students studied a “How-To” video about origami and began folding as quickly as possible. After a couple of weeks, they had produced more than triple their goal amount.

“It’s amazing! We’ve folded between 3,500 and 4,000 cranes,” said Ms. Londono. “Students are still bringing handfuls of cranes to me!”

Paper cranes are considered a symbol of great prosperity in the Japanese culture. According to ancient Japanese legend, a group of 1,000 paper origami cranes has the power to grant a wish for someone.

“The students love the idea of helping other kids,” said Londono. “It is our hope that we make many wishes come true for the victims of Japan.”

The Low Intermediate flock of paper cranes will be delivered to the Oshkosh store at Grapevine Mills Mall at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2011.