Transportation Teams up for Food Drive

From Assistant Director of Transportation, Brian Merchant:

I wanted to take a moment and share something that has been truly wonderful here at the Transportation Department. This year, Mr. Scott Shafer [Director of Operations] introduced several new team concepts to our employees here that has been very beneficial to our morale, and co-worker relationships. We have two locations where we have six Route Specialists at 6th Avenue, and six Route Specialists at Main St. All of the full-time drivers and attendants have been placed on these 12 teams and divided up into to 12 different colors that are apparent by the lanyards they wear each day.

This month the team challenge was a canned food drive where the winning team would win a trophy to proudly display where the winning team is located.

The drive ended this week and the teams from 6th Avenue and Main Street donated a combined 4,300 items for First Methodist Mansfield 's Wesley Mission Center food pantry. 

I wanted to share this with you because the generosity of our teams has truly been a blessing to everyone here and to the recipients they will never meet.

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Editor's Note: There are food drives going on across the school district. Please check with your school for details on how you can support our local food pantries.
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T.A. Howard Middle School and Cross Timbers Intermediate School Stuff the Bus Food Drive benefiting Harvesting International Ministry Center.
 

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

Superintendent Update - November 2013

Watch Dr. V's November Superintendent Update on YouTube:

Dr. V shares the latest on the MISD Staff Clinic, DSO On The Go concert, the upcoming College and Career Night event and the District's involvement with Restore West ISD efforts.

Staff kicked the year off with Convocation

On Wednesday, August 21, the entire Mansfield ISD staff gathered for the annual Convocation event to kick off the school year. Convocation is our pre-back-to-school event when we get a chance to bring all the employees together in what we hope is a fun, festive and motivating experience. This year, we tried something a little different and asked one of our assistant principals, Josh Roberts, to be our host. (In addition to serving as a veteran educator, Josh is also no stranger to the stage as one of the members of Four Day Weekend improv comedy troupe in Ft. Worth.)

Our keynote speaker was Mr. Flip Flippen from The Flippen Group and he gave an inspirational message of encouragement and support through stories. Flip is Chairman of the Flippen Group, a respected leadership development and talent assessment company and the largest educator training company in North America. (Mr. Flippen also laid the groundwork for the Teen Leadership teacher certification program and classes that are offered at all MISD high schools.)

Check out the photo gallery from the 2013 Convocation:

 

A special thank you to the cadets from Legacy High School Junior ROTC for the presentation of colors and to our MISD staff singers who performed the National Anthem:

• Adam Zrust, Legacy, Director of Choirs
• Keli Ferrier, Summit, Director of Choirs
• Reginal Wright, Mansfield, Director of Choirs
• Jane Andrews, Mansfield, Associate Director of Choirs
• Josi Alexander, Timberview, Director of Choirs
• Philip Glenn, Lake Ridge, Director of Choirs 

On top of the fun atmosphere, funny host, and motivational speaker, staff heard from the new Superintendent, Dr. Jim Vaszauskas, School Board President, Mrs. Beth Light, as well as Education Foundation Board President, Mr. Mike Leasor.

The following videos were also shown during the event:

God Made a Teacher

What Makes a Great Teacher?

Impact Award: Career Prep Teacher Connects Students with Internships

When teachers are asked the question, “What do you teach?” most will respond in the form of a subject area, such as reading, language arts, or math. Melanie Stillings describes her role in a different way.

“I teach students,” Stillings says with a smile.

As the Career Prep teacher at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy, Stillings works to prepare students for the real world by connecting them with internships in the local business community.

By joining a local business as an intern, students get a one-of-a-kind learning experience, and the opportunity to connect what they are learning in the classroom to real life experiences in the workforce.

The response from the business community has been overwhelmingly supportive, but it took a bit of convincing in the beginning. One of the first businesses Stillings reached out to was Klein Tools. As a worldwide provider of tools, Klein has an honored reputation to uphold. Although the company had never hired interns before, they were willing to give Stillings’ students a shot.

“They met with us and were so impressed with our engineering program and our robotics program that they took the gamble and hired our students,” Stillings said. “They ended up hiring some of them on as employees because they were so impressed with the skillset they had and how prepared they were for the work force.”

Through her involvement with groups like the Mansfield AreaChamber of Commerce and Leadership Mansfield, Stillings has developed a wide range of contacts in the local business community, and has been able to connect students with internships in the field they are interested in.

Throughout the semester, students work closely with their mentors to develop a capstone project, which is evaluated by a panel at the Senior Showcase Night. The panel consists of business and community partners that donate their time to assist the students with their unique projects, which range from detailed business proposals to actual products such as a fully developed iPhone App to a custom-built engine that runs on fuel vapors.

Under Stillings’ guidance, her students have been able to build a strong foundation for the future and accomplish some truly amazing things.

“She has such a love for what she does,” said campus counselor Michelle Smith. “She cares about their future and really wants to see them succeed and be the kind of person that she sees each one of them can be.”

Watch the Impact Award video on YouTube or the MISD Video Portal:

On behalf of the Mansfield ISD Administration, congratulations to Melanie Stillings, our latest Impact Award Winner!

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The Impact Award was established to recognize individual staff members, departments, campuses or other groups that have promoted teamwork and unity by initiating a program or event that made a positive impact within Mansfield ISD and the community. Impact Award winners may be nominated by staff, students or community members.

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

Shining Star Award Nominations

The Communications Department is accepting the nominations for the District's annual Shining Star Award recognizing exceptional non-teaching Mansfield ISD staff members.

Please complete the Shining Star Nomination Form:

The six Shining Star Award winners will be selected and announced in May.

Note: Teachers are recognized through the campus and district Teachers of the Year program.

Impact Award: Center Director Draws Community Event to Mansfield

When most people look at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts they envision choir and band concerts, graduations and district events. When Center Director, Flo Torres looks at the facility, she sees all of those things, plus a vast realm of exciting possibilities.

Torres joined Mansfield ISD as the Center Director in August of 2012, bringing with her over a decade of experience in the special events industry. It didn’t take long for Torres to recognize the potential for the Center and the positive impact the facility could have on the district and community.

After only a few months on the job, Torres set her sights on the upcoming Toys for Tots event. The nationwide campaign collects toys and funds for less fortunate children during the holiday season. She knew this event would be a fantastic way to showcase the Center while contributing to a worthy cause.

“The Toys for Tots event brings an opportunity for communities to get together,” said Torres. “I think we, as an entity, can bring so much to the table.”

After conversations and planning meetings, Torres announced that for the first time, MISD would be an official drop-off location for the Toys for Tots organization. To add to the excitement, Fox 4 News confirmed that the Center would be one of their designated sites for live news coverage.

Collection boxes were dispersed to all MISD campuses and dozens of local businesses, student performances were scheduled, vendor booths and activities were sponsored, and Santa Claus and his reindeer were rumored to be in attendance!

Despite the frosty weather on the night of the event, the school district and community came out in full force. A collective donation of over 16,000 toys and $17,000 was presented to representatives of the Toys for Tots organization. It was one of the largest donations the organization had ever received from a single collection event in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

“The Mansfield community responded in an amazing way,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Jim Vaszauskas. “In my 31 years of education, the Mansfield Toys for Tots event was the greatest charitable effort that I have ever seen.”

Following the event, it was clear that the district and community were wowed by the successful outcome, but Torres was most impressed with the hard work put forth by her team and an army of volunteers.

“The commitment of the employees of the ISD is amazing,” Torres said. “I kept seeing people that we didn’t even call to help us showing up and helping, whether it was directing traffic or picking up trash, they looked around and saw a need and took care of it.”

Torres pursued the Toys for Tots event in hopes that she could show that the MISD Center for the Performing Arts has a lot to offer to the Mansfield community. In the end, she was able to meet that goal, and she also discovered that the community has much to offer in return.

“I was able to see firsthand the power of this community,” said Torres. “I am very proud to be part of the team.”

On behalf of the MISD Administration, congratulations to Flo Torres, our latest Impact Award Winner!

YouTube Video: MISD Impact Award - Flo Torres 

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The Impact Award was established to recognize individual staff members, departments, campuses or other district groups that have promoted teamwork and unity by initiating a program or event that made a positive impact within Mansfield ISD and the community. Impact Award winners may be nominated by staff, students or community members.

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

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:

Toys for Tots Community Event a Great Success

That. Was. Awesome.

Thank you so much to everyone in the Mansfield ISD community who donated toys and/or came out last night to The Center for the Toys for Tots drop-off event. We had a huge crowd of parents, students, staff, and people throughout the community who came by to support this effort. The media team from FOX 4 and organizers from DFW Toys for Tots were thrilled and impressed with the magnitude of our toy drive and community event. All of you did that. Well done!

Did you go? Please share some of your photos from last night's Toys for Tots event at The Center and we'll add them to our online photo gallery. Please send event photos to mansfieldisd [at] gmail.com.

Earlier in the day, we started gathering toys from around the district.

Buses are going around MISD picking up over 12,800 toys from schools for tonight's #ToysForTots drop-off event @ The Center w/ @

Updated (December 14): We received a final count from the DFW Toys for Tots warehouse on the total number of toys and donations from the MISD drive - 16,148 toys and $15,550 in donations!

Thank you to all of the student performers, school and local business volunteers who provided activity booths, event organizers, sponsors and partners, and of course FOX 4 and DFW Toys for Tots for letting MISD be a part of something big.

Impact Award: Career Tech Instructors Soar with Solar Power

When Jackie Bishop was researching home solar panels online last spring, he came across a project that would soon make Mansfield ISD history.

The Solar Car Challenge was founded to motivate students in science, engineering, technology and alternative energy – plus, it involves some pretty cool race cars!

After discovering the challenge, Bishop, an Auto Tech teacher at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy, quickly enlisted the help of Rob Goodson, an Engineering teacher on campus. The enthusiastic duo recruited a group of about twenty-five students to form “The Shine Runners,” MISD’s first ever solar car team.

Their mission was to design and construct a solar car to compete in the Solar Car Challenge, which is held at Texas Motor Speedway each summer. Since forming in 1993, the competition has grown from a high school extracurricular activity to a national event drawing over 65 schools from 20 states.

As construction on the car kicked off at the end of the school year, Bishop and Goodson enlisted the help of students from auto tech, engineering, media tech, graphic design, welding and construction; each of whom offered a level of expertise in their area.

In addition to uniting students from across the campus, the solar car project drew interest and support from several community businesses, including Mouser Electronics, The Power Store, ExelTech and Lockheed Martin. These sponsors contributed to the success of the project through donations of funds, equipment and even brain power.

A senior electrical engineer from ExelTech logged about 300 hours working closely with the students.

“It was a huge benefit to work with industry professionals,” said Bishop. “They learned about technology we wouldn’t typically learn in class. The experience they gained from this is something they will never forget.”

The team worked long hours throughout the summer, to ensure the car would be ready for its debut at Texas Motor Speedway.

The Shine Runners emerged victorious from their first race, with the 6th place title and the prestigious William Shih Award, presented to the solar car team with the highest level of technological achievement.

“It was probably the safest one out there,” said Goodson of the solar car. “It may not be the fastest, but it was most structurally sounds and had the best overall features. We are very proud of them for that.”

Following the success of their first race, the Shine Runners are already looking forward to their next challenge. They plan to take part in an eight-day cross-country race from Dallas to Los Angeles in July of 2013.

On behalf of the Mansfield ISD Administration, we wish the Shine Runnners the best of luck in their future challenges and we congratulate their fearless leaders, Jackie Bishop and Rob Goodson, for receiving our latest MISD Impact Award! They have truly earned their place in the sun.

Lady Tigers Volleyball Coach Celebrates 500 Career Wins

Congratulations to Lady Tiger volleyball coach Judith McGill for the awesome accomplishment of winning 500 career games! The monumental victory took place when the Lady Tigers defeated the Panthers on Friday, October 12, in Midlothian.

When we asked Coach McGill how she accomplished the tremendous feat of reaching 500 victories, her answer was simple – it’s the kids.

“Behind every win is a hardworking, dedicated team,” said McGill. "The only way you make it to 500 is by having great kids, and I think that is really the key to any successful school program."

Although reaching 500 wins is a crowning achievement for Coach McGill, she has no intention of slowing down.

“I want to keep winning games and support hardworking kids that will go on to be productive citizens and good people,” said McGill. “That goal will never change.”

On behalf of the MISD Administration, congratulations to Coach Judith McGill! We appreciate your commitment to the Lady Tiger Volleyball program, Mansfield High School and the Mansfield ISD community.

College Colors Day - Friday, August 31

Friday, August 31, 2012 is College Colors Day. Mansfield ISD students and staff are invited to show their school spirit by wearing the colors of their favorite college or university.

College Colors Day is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the traditions and spirit that embody the college experience by encouraging fans across America to wear their favorite college or university apparel throughout the day.

Participation Gallery: If we receive enough photo submission emails of students and staff showing off their college colors, we'll post them in an online photo gallery. Please submit .jpg files via email to mansfieldisd [at] gmail.com with the subject line 'college colors'.

Also, mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 17, 2012 for this year's Mansfield ISD College and Career Night at Legacy HS from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Community Partnership Impacts School and Church

Frazier accepts Impact Award on behalf of Nash Staff. Also pictured,
Principal Rennda Branson and Superintendent Dr. Bob Morrison.

When Leigh Anne Frazier’s church congregation was in search of a group to sponsor through their community outreach efforts, it didn’t take her long to make a suggestion. As a member of Community of Hope (COH) United Methodist Church of Mansfield and a Title I Reading Teacher at Erma Nash Elementary School, Frazier was placed in a very special position.

“I’m on a committee at church that focuses on helping groups in our community,” said Frazier. “I also work at a Title I school where our students and their families have many needs including educational, financial, physical and emotional.”

With the assistance of Frazier and the staff at Erma Nash, a mutually beneficial partnership between Nash Elementary and COH was born. Over the course of the year, COH extended support to Nash families in need through donations of clothing, school supplies, food and money, including an anonymous check for $1,750 which funded the purchase of technology equipment for the classrooms and students.

Church members were also able to make an impact throughout the holiday season. Another Mansfield ISD employee/COH member Shelley Trammell has had the opportunity to experience the dual benefits of the partnership

“To see both groups come together, working as one for the education of our little ones has been more than breath-taking,” said Trammell. “As a member of COH I head up our Angel program and this year all of our efforts went to adopting Nash students and their siblings. The church went bananas with donations – it was incredible!”

Many students and families at Nash have benefited from the amazing outpouring of support from the Community of Hope congregation, and the joy is definitely felt by both parties. 

“Being able to see one help the other has been so life-changing for me,” said Frazier “Most of all this has been great for the kids.”


On behalf of the Mansfield ISD Administration, congratulations to the entire staff of Erma Nash Elementary for receiving the Impact Award for helping to foster such a fantastic partnership with the Community of Hope United Methodist Church in Mansfield.

Summit Library Aide Humbled by Heartbeat Award

Brenda Wells has a heart for helping others and an eye for opportunities to serve. As a library aide at Summit High School, Wells goes above and beyond her day-to-day responsibilities to make a positive difference in the lives’ of those around her.

Wells was nominated for the MISD Heartbeat Team Award by her coworkers, who had no shortage of positive things to say about her. When Dr. Morrison, Superintendent of Schools, surprised Wells with the award on the morning of November 11, she was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude.

“I don’t think I’m deserving of this,” she said. “There are so many other people in this school that do so many great things!”

Even in a moment that was intended to honor her, Wells’ instinct was to focus on lifting up those around her.

“We have a great school and great kids,” she said. “The staff is just like a big family and everybody is willing to help everybody and pull together in any situation.”

It’s not uncommon to hear stories about Wells’ generous spirit. She supports many special events at Summit, but is also known for initiating her own special programs. When she heard that a student was in the hospital and would have to miss out on Homecoming and her birthday, she worked to create a poster with hundreds of student signatures and messages for her.

“Brenda has a spark about her,” said Keli Cullen, Teen Leadership teacher. “She is always giving and wanting to do more.”

Wells does so much to make those around her feel special, but thanks to her peers it’s her turn to feel the love. The Mansfield ISD administration is proud to present the November 2011 Heartbeat Team Award to Brenda Wells for her commitment to helping the students and staff of Summit High School.

About the Heartbeat Team
The Mansfield ISD Heartbeat Team was established to recognize employees who display heart in their lives and inspire other district employees through their actions. Heartbeat Team members are nominated only by other district employees. Winners are selected during the school year from those nominated. Those named to the Heartbeat Team are still eligible for other district honors.

Aide Sparks Strength through Struggle

Some people may think of a soldier or a firefighter when they hear the words “hero” and “warrior,” but for the staff at Elizabeth Smith Elementary, these words describe their teammate Zondra Stepney.

Stepney has inspired her coworkers at Elizabeth Smith Elementary through the courage she displayed throughout her battle with breast cancer last year. Despite challenging circumstances, she continued to uplift others. Her uplifting spirit and efforts were evident in the Heartbeat Team nominations she received from campus staff.

“She is an inspiration to everyone on the team,” said Ira Okogbodu. “She is always smiling with a good word for everybody, even when she is in pain.”

Stepney’s attitude has made a positive impact on her coworkers, but she finds her own inspiration in the students she works with each day.

“I didn’t want to let breast cancer get me down,” said Stepney. “It was encouraging to come work with these kids because they have disabilities that they have to live with as well.”

In addition to her job as a Special Ed Aide, Stepney is a devoted wife and mother of four. Throughout her illness, she continued to put others first, scheduling all of her doctor’s appointments in the evening so that she did not have to miss a day of work.

“I think there were more days last year that she felt horrible and probably should not have been here, but she fought through it,” said Principal Lea Boiles. “It never showed that she didn’t have the physical endurance to be here.”

The Smith Elementary team offered an outpouring of love and support last March, before Stepney’s surgery. The staff and students planned a surprise pep rally featuring dance tributes, cheers and special care packages for Stepney and her family.

The pep rally in Stepney's honor was titled “Stomping Out Cancer,” which is exactly what she did - with a beautiful smile on her face.

Congratulations to our courageous October 2011 Heartbeat Team Award winner, Zondra Stepney!

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.

'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.

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...

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.”

Harmon Hero Award Winner Never Misses a Beat

Updated April 18, 2011
Each year, the Score a Goal in the Classroom organization selects one outstanding educator to receive the prestigious Chesapeake Energy Hero Award. This award honors the day-to-day commitment of hardworking school employees; the true heroes of education!

We are proud to announce that our very own Catherine Schulze, the music teacher at Glenn Harmon Elementary School has been selected as the 2011 Chesapeake Energy Hero Award winner!

So what makes Ms. Schulze stand out above 600 other nominees?

In addition to skillfully keeping the attention of a class full of elementary school children, Schulze is known for her exceptional classroom organization and order. She also exudes compassion and energy throughout each school day.

Schulze, who holds a Masters degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas, is a continuous learner of different teaching methods. She implements an original technique she calls Focus Movement, which incorporates motion into the music. This activity allows students to express the music through their bodies while increasing rhythm, coordination and balance.

“I want the kids to feel like music is natural and playful,” said Schulze.

Schulze also engages students through the use of the Promethean Interactive Whiteboard in her classroom.

“The kids are so techno-savvy,” Schulze said. “Sometimes they catch on to the tech tools even quicker than I do!”

Soon to complete her 14th year of teaching for Mansfield ISD, Schulze’s love of musical instruction is as strong as ever. Her joy and devotion to music shine through as she interacts with her students each day.

“She sets her expectations up front and the kids know what they are,” said Glenn Harmon Principal Sharon Ferguson.  “They are on task and focused because they enjoy what they are doing. They want to be there and they want to be active.”

Principal Ferguson made it clear that there is no shortage of kind things to say about Schulze. She pours her heart into every music lesson and the students are captivated by each note.

“I feel I am so lucky to be honored for something I love to do,” said Schulze. “I can’t wait to get to work every day!”



Shulze received the Hero Award at a concert by the world-renowned Schola Cantorum of Texas Choir. The concert was held at Mansfield First United Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011.

Budget impact from proposed Texas education funding cuts

Mansfield ISD Superintendent, Dr. Bob Morrison, discusses the financial state of the district as he details the impending Texas state education funding cuts and the possible effects on the District.

Superintendent Budget Letter for the District Community 
(Get a printable PDF version.)


Dear MISD Family:

The reports about Texas’ budget concerns are getting a lot of publicity, and you are probably reading about many school districts who are having serious financial difficulties. Mansfield ISD is in sound financial condition, and the purpose of this letter is to inform you of our plans to deal with the state’s budget difficulty and its impact on our district.

Mansfield is taking a wait and see what happens approach to the state’s budget. It is very early in the state’s budget process, and we know from experience that the first budget drafts will change dramatically as the legislative session continues. We do not want to respond to rumors. Early projections have Mansfield ISD’s 2011-2012 budget being cut between $10-$30 million. Obviously, a $30 million funding decrease would be very difficult to absorb without deep cuts. A $10 million funding decrease would be difficult as well, but the District would be able to absorb the loss with some operating and program adjustments. Our strong fund balance will allow us to wait until we have facts before we respond.  The actual amount of the decrease will determine exactly how we respond.

Our Board and executive council are committed to providing quality instruction for our students and a good working environment for our employees. A recent staffing audit of the District revealed that Mansfield ISD is staffed very conservatively. According to the report, we have 512 fewer administrators, teachers, and support personnel than comparable districts of our size. Because we are already so lean, we do not feel we will have to make any personnel cuts for the 2011-2012 school year. However, depending on the budget reductions, we may not replace the positions of some who retire or voluntarily leave our district. Until we have the facts, I cannot make predictions or guarantees for the 2012-2013 and beyond school years.

We recognize that the state of Texas is in a tough financial situation, and Mansfield ISD is willing to do our part to help our state during this budget crisis. We are committed to operating on a balanced budget and will remain conservative with our staffing. Tighter budgets in the coming years are a reality. However, if you share our concerns with the impending decrease in state funding to public education in Mansfield ISD, I encourage you to contact your legislators. Tell your elected officials that a balanced state budget should not sacrifice the quality of education.

Thank you,

Dr. Bob Morrison
Superintendent, Mansfield ISD
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Contact your state representative. Find who represents you. http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/
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