JROTC Programs earn 'Honor Unit' accolades

The Junior ROTC Battalions from Mansfield High School, Legacy High School and Summit High School earned or retained the highest JROTC unit commendation, Honor Unit with Distinction, during their Army-directed Formal Inspections last week.

The inspection looks at every aspect of the manner in which the cadet staff, commanders, and students run their Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps unit as a business. Logistics, Public Affairs, Administration, Finance, Management, and Reporting are all evaluated using checklists. The unit members are inspected both wearing their uniforms correctly and marching as a member of the combined unit.

“The effort of each cadet, coupled with a phenomenal battalion staff, was clearly evident during the day’s demanding activities”, says LTC Pat Easley, the Senior Army Instructor.

Inspectors noted how very pleased they were to see as a district, Mansfield ISD takes positive actions to promote JROTC as one of the most rewarding electives available to high school students.

SFC James Darrell Watkins, Mansfield High School JROTC Army Instructor

Legacy High School - Marching to Honor: JROTC Federal Inspection

According to Legacy High School's Sergeant Major Smith, evaluators were impressed on how well-organized the inspection went and how Legacy cadets looked and performed. Legacy JROTC members received a score of 590/600 placing them in the top 1% of 318 schools in the entire fifth JROTC Brigade covering eight states.

“Though we are happy with our results, we will strive to improve in the few areas noted we need work,” said Sgt. Major Eric Smith of the inspection process. View the Legacy HS JROTC Commend Inspection photo gallery.

"These Formal Inspections were conducted by our higher headquarters, 5th Brigade in San Antonio, TX," said Major James Fry. "We also received an honor unit with distinction (580 out of 600) as did Mansfield and Legacy."

Congratulations, cadets!

Editor's Note: Lake Ridge High School was not inspected as they are a new unit and the inspections are every three years.Also, the Timberview High School Air Force JROTC unit had their last formal inspection during the 2010-11 school year and received the AFJROTC Distinguished Unit Award.

Five Cities Proclaim February 21 as Celebrate Texas Public Schools Day

In honor of Texas public school districts and the students we serve, the cities of Arlington, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, Mansfield, and Midlothian issued proclamations naming Thursday, February 21, 2013 as Celebrate Texas Public Schools Day.

The timing of these proclamations was aligned to the Celebration Rally for Texas Public Schools scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts. The rally is presenting by coordinating schools districts Arlington ISD, Grand Prairie ISD, Kennedale ISD, Mansfield ISD, and Midlothian ISD.

The five city proclamations read as follows:

Whereas, the students of Texas public schools hold the promise of a successful future in their capable hands; and

Whereas, the independent school districts provide the foundation that is so vital toward childrens' futures through a quality education; and

Whereas, the dedicated efforts of parents, educators, business representatives, civic leaders and the community as a whole will provide the support and strength to our schools; and

Whereas, students are attaining a higher level of achievement, because of our schools' commitment to excellence and focus on continued improvement; and

Whereas, the observance and support of a Celebration Rally for Texas Public Schools, will demonstrate the significant impact of education on our future and our communities; then

Therefore, I, the ____________________________ of ________________do hereby and proclaim February 21, 2013 as Celebrate Texas Public Schools Day and urge all citizens to reaffirm their commitment to our schools, taking time attend local public schools or to find ways to contribute their time to make a difference in the futures of our young people.

Signed this ____________________ day of ________________________, 2013

Thank you to each of the cities cities of Arlington, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, Mansfield, and Midlothian for recognizing and supporting Texas public schools.

Harmon Elementary 3rd Grader Wins in Arlington Essay Contest

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

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

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

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

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

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

2013 Mansfield ISD National Signing Day

Mansfield ISD congratulates student-athletes on signing national letters of intent to compete at the college level. National signing day is traditionally the first day a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for college football, field hockey, soccer, track & field, and cross country. (Thanks to the Athletics Department for compiling this list. This list will be updated as additional students make decisions.)

______________________________________________________________

Legacy High School
Girls Soccer
Morgan Nutley – Navarro Junior College
Callie Jo Davis – Southwestern Christian University
Kallie Moores – Louisiana State University Shreveport
Stephanie Gutierrez – Texas Woman’s University
Jamie Couch – Texas State University

Golf

Marchie Murdock, Legacy HS committed to Illinois

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/02/04/4599899/city-of-mansfield-enjoys-boom.html#storylink=cpy

(PHOTO: Star-Telegram, Ron Jenkins)

Andrew Dixon – Boys Golf – Southwestern Christian University
Amber Campbell – Girl Golf – Southwestern Christian University

Football
Brady Burke – Evangel University
Marchie Murdock – University of Illinois

Lake Ridge High School
No students this signing date

Mansfield High School
Football
Austin Davis – Duke
Zach Crabtree – Oklahoma St.
Chad Whitener – University of California
George Baltimore – TCU
Trent Gow – Air Force
Bryan Shanklin – Air Force
Calum Rodriguez – Henerson St.

Track
Aleeah Stigarll – Troy University
Sydnee Worlds – University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

Soccer
Sydney Newton – Abilene Christian University
Manny Sevilla – Ottawa University, Kansas

Baseball
Ryan Brooks – Grayson County Junior College


Summit High School
Baseball
Brady Usherwood (Short stop) – Grayson Junior College

Football
DL Bryson Henderson – TCU
DE Kendrick Johnson – Northern Colorado
WR Derrick Styles – SW Oklahoma State
WR Patrick Tshituka – SW Oklahoma State
LB Quan Mathews – Cisco Junior College

Timberview High School
Football
Josh Smith – Liberty
D’Andre Fuller – ACU
Blake Mendenhall – Southwest University
Khalid Conner – SWOSU
Kendell St. Romain – Austin College
Ugonna Nwarie – OPSU
Maurice Smith – Grandview College
Ernest Cash – Grandview College

Girls Track
Briana Adams – Texas State
Jazmine Warden – Houston Baptist

Related: City of Mansfield enjoys boom times in recruiting, DFWVarsity.com

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/02/04/4599899/city-of-mansfield-enjoys-boom.html#storylink=cpy

Regional Academic Meet at Danny Jones Middle School

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

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

Some notable results from the competition were as follows:

Calculator: 2nd place - Noah Edwards (DJMS)

Science: 2nd place - Vincent Stevenson (JCMS)

Team Awards (Danny Jones Middle School):

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

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

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:

Acadec Teams Score Big at Regional Competition

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

Congratulations to these hardworking students and coaches!

Summit High School

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

Team Honors:

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

Individual Honors:

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

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

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

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

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

Caroline Rodgers
    Silver: Interview, Music

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

Felicia Freeman
    Bronze: Art

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

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

Legacy High School

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

Team Honors:

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

Individual Honors:

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

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

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

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

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

Nathan Wright
    Gold: Interview

Austin Bailey
    Silver: Essay
    Bronze: Math, Music

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

Taylor Ferguson
    Bronze: Art, Language/Literature

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

Mansfield High School

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

Individual Honors:

Angel Lo
    Silver: Math
    Bronze: Speech

Torrie Young
    Gold: Essay

Mansfield High School Academic Decathlon Team Coach: Joel DeLong

Lake Ridge High School

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

Team Honors:

    Bronze: Super Quiz Team Relay

Individual Honors:

Tyler Nelson
    Silver: Interview

Lake Ridge High School Academic Decathlon Team Coach: Brandon Austin

Timberview High School

Team Members: William Bonila, Cory Reed, Maggie Wachira

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