Your Mansfield ISD

Boren student welcome local public safety officers.

There was a sea of blue at many Mansfield ISD schools in support for public safety officers. Communities nationwide joined together on September 4 and wore blue for “Back the Blue” day.

Several MISD officers were invited to different campuses so that students and staff can personally show their gratitude.

First graders at J.L. Boren Elementary School even wore paper police hats and welcomed officers with a sign that read “You’re Our Hero.”

Jobe Middle School students gather before school
to support the blue.

Linda Jobe Middle School held a gathering before the start of school at the flag pole to present their officers with a special token of appreciation through cards and recognition.

“We just felt like we needed to do something for our officers because they give back so much,” said Blane Elliot, teacher and student council sponsor at Jobe Middle School. “We want them to know that we respect them for the sacrifices they make every day.”

Sgt. Eric Roberson said he definitely felt the love and does not take it for granted.

“It touches my heart knowing we have a supportive community. We are so very fortunate to serve them,” said Sgt. Robertson.

Officer Nelson and Sgt. Robertson at Jobe Middle School.

Officer Rexanne Nelson, Jobe’s student resource officer, said she was holding back tears as she was presented with the thoughtful notes and letters that the students wrote.

“The kids are why I do this,” said Officer Nelson. “It means a lot to me that they would organize something special just for me and my fellow officers.”

Where were you on September 11, 2001 when the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center? Many of us can remember it like it was yesterday; but there’s a growing number of people (like a majority of today’s students) who were not born or were too young to understand what this day really means.

It’s important that we never forget—not only to commemorate the lives lost and affect by the largest terrorist attack on U.S. soil, but to make sure future generations don’t lose the meaning of a dark day in history that grew the country’s bond stronger.

Campuses across MISD started school with a moment of silence, followed by a spotlight of 9/11 in the morning announcements. Some schools took it upon themselves to invite the community to memorialize what is now called Patriot Day.

A Step in Their Shoes
Legacy High School’s JROTC started the ceremonies bright and early by raising the flags before the start of school. Student Resource Officer Daryle Ryan took it upon himself to physically remember what the first responders at Ground Zero experienced. He climbed the stairs up and down at Legacy more than 30 times in honor of those who climbed the flights of stairs at the World Trade Center to rescue 9/11 victims.

A Tradition of Remembrance
Hundreds of people packed the front of Willie Brown Elementary school, where students held an assembly to remember 9/11. It’s a tradition the school has upheld since 2002. Many local law enforcement were present to be honored in the ceremony. The assembly began with the boy scouts raising the flag. Students also sang songs of unity and strength for those in attendance.

A Heart of Gratitude
Students and staff at Roberta Tipps Elementary School used Patriot Day to thank those in public safety positions. Students gave out cookies, thank you cards, letters, and Gatorades as a token of appreciation for the men and women in uniform who come to our “ade.” Mansfield ISD police, Mansfield police, Arlington police, and Mansfield fire crews attended the event, which is in its third year. Members of the police and fire units even signed autographs because the kids were very excited to see them all.

Whether campuses held events, or wore patriotic colors with hallways adorned with flags, today was a day of remembrance throughout the district for 9/11. And the message was very clear no matter which activity you took part in—our community will never forget.

View full photo gallery of Patriot Day events

Phoenix Academy graduate Amber Fewell returns to the campus
to visit the staff that helped her.

When Amber Fewell became pregnant as a high school junior at age 17, she said a lot of people told her she would not be able to earn her diploma. She missed an entire semester of her senior year after having her baby, but was determined to still graduate on time.

“Everyone I talked to would say, ‘You can’t do that! You missed too much school, and you have a daughter to take care of now,’” Fewell recalls. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I needed help.”

Her help came in the form of Mansfield ISD’s Phoenix Academy. She finished a year’s worth of credit in one semester.

“The Phoenix Academy offered a lot of resources that kept me motivated. I had one-on-one attention, and a mentor mother came in to talk to me about school-life balance. Being able to talk about my situation was very helpful,” said Fewell.

Just as planned, Fewell received her diploma with her peers. She described crying in disbelief and being proud that she was able to reach her goal no matter how many doubters there were.

“That was the moment I realized there was no stopping me,” said the recent graduate.

Fewell currently works in the healthcare industry and has dreams to become a trauma nurse, and later a CareFlite nurse. She said she’s been taking care of others as early as 10 years old—when her grandfather was diagnosed with melanoma cancer. And when he later passed away, she began looking after her grandmother who was severely diabetic.

With her foot in the right direction, Fewell wants others to remember two simple words that saved her at her lowest moments.

“You can. No matter how many people say you can’t, you can. Keep telling yourself that all the time."

The open field behind Tarver-Rendon Elementary School.

You can call it a field of dreams. After all, that’s what it is right now—a partially-mowed vast area of land near the back entrance of Tarver-Rendon Elementary School.

However, staff members envision that space as a getaway for children to explore the math, arts, sciences, and technological world.

They call it the Tarver-Rendon Discovery Park. The entrance of it will house a sensory garden. Then, the path will continue to lead students to different areas of the park. There will be an area for live theatre performances, butterflies gardens, plant assortments, QR codes, Legos, chess or checkers, animals from the nearby agricultural barn—the possibilities are endless.

“We’re all about outside-the-box thinking,” said Allison Adkison, the kindergarten teacher at Tarver-Rendon who came up with the idea. “The discovery park is not a normal way to teach, but that’s why we’re doing it. We look for different ways to keep kids engaged.”

Adkison said after she thought of the idea, librarian Susan Buckles and technology teacher LaDena Drake became part of her support team.

“Anywhere you go in the park, it will be a learning experience,” said Drake. “It’ll help them see that you can play outside and still have fun learning.”

(View a diagram of the park here and a video of the concept here.)

Adkison, Buckles, and Drake take a visit to the proposed park.

The visionaries hope to turn the dream into a reality through community involvement and a grant from the Mansfield ISD Education Foundation. However, they say even if they don’t win the grant, it’s still going to happen.

“We're so determined. Our community is already pulling together for it,” said Adkison. “We have a group of dads and husbands coming out to help landscape the area some more. Our Tarver-Rendon parents are going to be a big resource to us, and we want local scouts and organizations to be a part of this too.”

The ideas for the park keep evolving, and it only reiterated what these educators teach their students: dream big.

Dwayne Tampkins and Kelly Campbell checking the boiler
temperature at Legacy High School.

When the more than 50 Mansfield ISD buildings are empty in the wee hours of the night, two MISD employees are busy walking through each hallway and room with one mission in mind—saving the district money.

Energy education specialists Kelly Campbell and Dwayne Tampkins have helped save the district more than $4.5 million since the MISD energy program started in 2012. The total cost reduction averages to about 17 percent per year.

“We partner with ENERGY STAR, and they give us great resources and tips to help us see where else we can cut energy costs,” said Campbell. “The district has been named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for two years in a row. We’re shooting for a three-peat this year.”

Campbell and Tampkins go around to each campus and office building ensuring heating, cooling, and watering systems are off when no one is in the building. The team said they are able to reduce costs through these types of mechanical checks and by promoting behavioral changes.

Initiatives like Turn it off, Shut it off, Close the door are what the duo teaches at MISD schools and facilities to help spread the importance of conservation and sustainability. Tampkins said through building these relationships, everyone starts to invest in the mission.

“It’s the power of one,” said Tampkins, “If one person starts tweaking their behavior, it ignites the fire in others to do it, and those savings add up.”

Some campuses, such as Elizabeth Smith Elementary School, have gotten students involved in the effort. In-school suspension aide Suzanne Stevens started Watt Watchers, a club consisting of about 40 third and fourth graders in which students learn about energy conservation, environment preservation, and leadership.

A group of Watt Watchers after making their rounds in
the Elizabeth Smith hallways.

“These students walk all through the hallways and look into classrooms making sure lights are off, computers are shut down, and doors are closed,” said Stevens. “Our teachers have really bought into the program because they know if they are in violation, the Watt Watchers are going to give them a red ticket, and then we talk about why they got the ticket.”

Stevens added that the good habits children learn in the program trickle out into the community. Parents have told her that their children started practicing energy conservation at home, and some of Stevens’ past students have started similar programs at their new schools.

Hearing about programs like Watt Watchers and other schools that implement campus-wide eco-friendly incentives is what keeps the MISD energy team motivated.

“I love being able to contribute to the district. Money is going back to MISD, and it directly benefits our students. It doesn't get much better than that,” said Tampkins.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Smith explains how he became an amputee.

“How would you feel if a person with one arm beat you in Ping-Pong? But guess what? I bet I will.”

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Smith’s candor and confidence is what captivated his audience of students and staff at The Phoenix Academy. He kept the crowd smiling with his anecdotes, but there was a period in his life that wasn’t very bright. In fact, Smith said he didn’t know if he would live to see the next day.

In 2011, Smith said he was riding his motorcycle when a woman who was texting while driving hit him from behind. The 35-year-old was thrown off of his motorcycle over the road barrier and was hit by another oncoming vehicle.

The accident caused him to lose his arm, but not his fighting spirit. The Texas native has a heart of a soldier. He served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and was determined to continue to protect and serve his country. After months of rigorous rehabilitation, Sgt. 1st Class Smith became the first above-the-elbow amputee to be deemed fit for duty in the army.

“No matter what your injury is—physical, mental, emotional—do not allow that to stop you from doing what you want,” Smith told the students.

With that mindset, he has won many medals in the army and for athletic competitions. He said he is even trying out for the U.S. Olympic bobsled team.

Sgt. 1st Class Smith and Principal Regenia Crane.

Junior Zyrinka Maclam said Smith’s words were inspiring. She said she came from a similar background as Smith, and it was good to hear how far he had come.

“I didn’t have a lot of support growing up, so this allowed me to see that anything is possible,” said Maclam.

Smith ended his visit by encouraging students to get out of their comfort zone and use the doubt people may have in them as motivation to go beyond expectations.

A student getting support as he prepares for the 100m dash.

Several weeks of planning and several hours of coordinating logistics among every campus at Mansfield ISD was all worth it when staff and volunteers saw one simple gesture—the smile of a child.

MISD’s 11th annual Special Education Field Day was held on October 14 and 15 at the track behind Brooks Wester Middle School. It was a chance for all students in the district’s Fundamental Academic Living Skills (FALS) classes to kick back and enjoy a half-day of games, sporting events, and dancing. More than 200 students attended the field days. Intermediate-level students attended on the first day followed by elementary students the next day.

The Special Education Field Day was created by the Adaptive Physical Education Department, made up of David Jimenez, Rudy Dominguez, Dana Beal, and Becky Poggensee. The group said the event started as a Special Olympics tryout event, but later expanded to provide recreational opportunities to all MISD students with special needs.

“It’s just a great opportunity to see the children be successful,” said Poggensee. “They get to be the kids that they are without worries, and the parents love to see their children having fun too.”

Jeremy Green with his son Ashton after Field Day ended.

Jeremy Green, parent of a fourth grader with Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome, said he remembers back when he was in school and not every child was given the fair chance to participate in field day events.

“They didn’t have days like this when I was in school, so I love that Mansfield ISD does this,” said Green. “My favorite part is seeing the kids run against each other and the excitement on their faces when they finish the race.”

Although field day is a day of fun, there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. Transportation ensures every student leaves and returns safely, and dozens of staff take the necessary precautions to keep every child safe at the event.

“It’s overwhelming to me to see what our teachers do every day to make sure these children are taken care of,” said Carmelynn Bragiel, director of special education. “I call them the unsung heroes.”

With the help of those teachers and staff, along with student and parent volunteers, cheerful grins were seen all around; and that’s what keeps the Adaptive Physical Education Department motivated to keep getting better each year.

View a full photo gallery of the two-day field day event here.

Coach Alex Howard holding a trophy with his 2014-15 team
after being named tournament champions.

T.A. Howard Middle School basketball coach Alex Howard has been coaching for 20 years; but when he first came to Mansfield ISD three years ago, he said he knew there was something special about the group of boys who would later make up his eighth grade team.

“Those guys were really good and competitive,” said Howard. “They had natural talent, but they also had a relentless work ethic. They were always willing to get better, and you don’t see that all the time. Everyone who saw them play noticed it too.”

The team went undefeated as seventh graders in the 2013-14 school year, and continued to be unstoppable as eighth graders the following year. The boys dominated in all in-district games, out-of-district games, and tournaments. Howard said his eighth graders never shied away from tough teams all over the metroplex.

“Parents, referees, workers—people from everywhere we played would always stop and ask how I was able to get all of those highly skilled players on one team.” Howard continued. “It was a sight to see, and all of them were MISD-bred.”

Eighth graders Timi Efunboade and Jaedaun Slack after
a day of drills in basketball class.

With that type of notoriety, there’s a lot of pressure on T.A. Howard’s new eighth grade basketball team to carry on the tradition this season, but Jaedaun Slack says he’s up for the challenge.

“I want to keep it going,” said Slack, who looked up to the undefeated team as a seventh grader. “It’ll take hard work and teamwork, but I think we can do it.”

Timi Efunboade, who is also ready for a flawless season, said he thinks the 2015-16 team can do it again if they learn to cooperate on and off the court.

“On the court, last year’s team played every game with all their hearts like it was their last. Off the court, they were really good friends. I want to do an even better job of that this year,” said Efunboade.

The Howard Knights will get a chance to carry on that legacy in the coming weeks. Tryouts are Nov. 9-11, and the first game is Nov. 19.

Red Ribbon Week, the nationwide campaign to take a stand against drugs, is 30 years strong and continues to gain momentum. The annual initiative is held every year on Oct. 23-31.

Joe Scriv, Champ, Principal Rita Ashley, and Mavs Man
getting ready to inspire kids to be drug free.

Campuses around Mansfield ISD joined the effort to show the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle. Students and staff took part in activities like putting a cap to drugs by hearing hats, showing that they have power over drugs by dressing up as super heroes, and turning their backs to drugs by wearing their clothes backwards.

Mary Lillard Intermediate School had something special in store for their students to kick off Red Ribbon Week. Dallas Mavericks mascots Champ and Mavs Man visited the campus to encourage the kids to stay confident and resist peer pressure.

“We talk to the kids about making sure they stay drug free and make better choices so that they can stay on the path to success,” said Joe Scriv of the Dallas Mavericks Organization.

Organizers said the performers were the perfect touch to get the message across.

“We really wanted to provide something students could relate to,” said Lillard PTA chairperson Lisa Huff. “After brainstorming, we thought this high-energy show would bolster student morale and let the students know that cool people really don’t do drugs.”

Mansfield Mayor David Cook and Principal Rita Ashley
after the proclamation of Red Ribbon Week.

The finale was certainly one to remember as Mavs Man dunked over several students and staff who were standing under the basketball net. It was yet another reminder to the kids that they can’t perform at those optimum levels if they start using drugs.

Mansfield Mayor David Cook ended the event by proclaiming it to be Red Ribbon Week in the City of Mansfield. He inspired the crowd to take the Red Ribbon theme to heart throughout the entire year: Respect yourself. Be drug free.

Dallas Williams (left) and her art camp students.

When it comes to creating art, there is an element of surprise that can sometimes lead to a stroke of genius. The same concept came into play when Timberview High School art teacher Dallas Williams prepared to launch an Art Camp seven years ago.

When Williams was in high school, she experienced a tough time, and it wasn’t until she connected with her art teacher-turned-mentor that she gained clarity about her future.

“I went from being a very poor student to a straight-A student,” recalls Williams. “It was definitely the relationship I made with my art teacher that made all the difference for me.”

Williams went on to receive the “Bootstrap Award” for improvement her senior year. It was then that she decided she wanted to work to inspire positive change in the lives of students, just as her mentor had done for her.

Williams has now been teaching art for 20 years, 10 of which have been in MISD at Timberview High School. Seven years ago, she began offering an art camp for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Middle school and high school students also participate in the camp as volunteer helpers and counselors. As the camp gained popularity, Williams gladly developed a plan for expansion. There are now four art camps offered throughout the year.

The camp has drawn students from all across the district, as well as some out-of-district students. For Williams, the greatest surprise has been watching the relationships develop between the campers and the high school students that volunteer as counselors.

“Watching the creative connection between the kids is so rewarding,” Williams said. “A lot of them continue to come back each year and they build on those relationships. It’s really special for me because I can say firsthand; you never know when you’re going to meet that one person or mentor that could change your life forever.”

A student learning how to sculpt clay.

Many of the counselors enjoy helping out with the camp so much that they continue to volunteer even after they’ve graduated from Timberview.

“My absolute favorite thing about the camp is getting to know all of the little kids and seeing their personalities come out through their artwork,” said 12th grader Keshayla Gainer, who is considering returning to volunteer at camp after graduation this spring.

In addition to being an avenue for the development of many friendships and mentor-mentee relationships, the camp also serves as a substantial fundraiser. This year, Williams will be taking some art students on a trip to New York where they will have an opportunity to view lots of famous art and take part in a workshop at the legendary Guggenheim Museum.

No matter which Mansfield ISD school you stepped foot into on Veterans Day, there was a recurring theme of extreme gratitude from staff and students.

Veterans were invited to an array of events, which included flag raisings, free breakfast, patriotic programs, and parades. It may not seem like a big gesture—and compared to the sacrifice our service men and women make to serve our country, it’s not—but it was a token of appreciation that went a long way for those who served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

A veteran at one of the campus events wearing
a reminder that freedom costs.

For Lyle Keith, who retired from the U.S. Army with a ranking of Spec. 5, programs like “Bring a Vet to Lunch” at Elizabeth Smith Elementary are special.

“I’m the only vet in the family for my granddaughters, so I took a day off to be here,” said Keith who has two granddaughters at Smith Elementary. “I feel it’s very important because it gives these children a heritage and teaches respect for veterans.”

Grace Lindsay, second lieutenant in Summit High School’s JROTC program, said she’s proud to celebrate Veterans Day because veterans are the foundation of the country.

“They’re the people who’ve given us what we need—the people who’ve shown us that we can do our stuff with them as our front line,” said Lindsay. “They can protect us and still keep us safe even when we’re at school.”

Because we realize that freedom is not free, MISD thanks all those who served the U.S. in times of war and peace. Veterans Day is celebrated once a year every Nov. 11, but our appreciation will last a lifetime.

View the full Mansfield ISD Veterans Day 2015 photo gallery here.

Portraits that are ready to be shipped to children overseas.

The students in Summit High School’s Pre-AP and AP art classes have a knack for bringing objects to life on a piece of paper; but they never expected that their talents would be able to change the lives of children in impoverished countries.

Through The Memory Project, the students created portraits for youth around the world who have faced substantial challenges, such as neglect, abuse, loss of parents, and extreme poverty. The finished portraits are then sent back to the nonprofit organization and personally delivered to the child.

Art teacher Jennifer Messer learned about the project and presented the idea to her students. She said it can be difficult for an artist to give away his or her work, but her students didn’t think twice about it.

“They were super excited about the project,” said Messer. “I wanted them to have a sense of how much their talent would mean to somebody else and the kindness that the child would see from getting such a personal art piece.”

Junior Drew Johnson putting the finishing touches on his artwork.

Many people wouldn’t consider having a picture of themselves as being a luxury; but for thousands of underprivileged children around the world, it is the one thing they can finally call their own.

“A lot of times, these kids have to share their belongings, so this is something just for him to keep,” said junior Drew Johnson about the boy from Madagascar who will receive his portrait. “I hope he’s really happy with it.”

Senior Katelynn Sigrist used her portrait to share a message of thinking past current circumstances and setting bigger goals.

“The background of his portrait is outer space because I wanted him to feel like he can go anywhere and do anything,” said Sigrist. “I wanted to put him somewhere he wouldn’t have thought to go.”

Katelynn Sigrist paints a picture she hopes will give
inspiration to the young boy who receives it.

Messer said she’s proud of her students and is not surprised about the level of talent she saw with the finished artwork.

“They all did a fantastic job,” Messer added. “Each of them got to use their own artistic voice, and they brought true passion to each portrait.”

With the help of talented artists like the students in Summit High's advanced art classes, The Memory Project has been able to create more than 80,000 portraits for children in 35 countries.

Janie Woolsey back in the classroom after delivering
a healthy baby boy in May 2015.

Within the span of one year, third grade teacher Janie Woolsey experienced three life-changing events: the death of a child, a diagnosis of breast cancer, and the birth of her son.

“I’ve always heard that God won’t give you more than you can handle. Apparently, He thinks that I can handle quite a bit,” said the Willie Brown Elementary School teacher with a chuckle.

Woolsey’s 12-year-old daughter died suddenly of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in July 2014. She said she wanted to have another child so that her son would have a sibling, so she became pregnant two months later.

In the sixth month of her pregnancy, she detected signs of breast cancer. Her suspicions were confirmed after a series of medical exams.

Woolsey keeping a cheerful attitude
while undergoing her chemo treatments.

“I was so scared,” Woolsey recalls. “I didn’t know what to do and how the cancer would affect the baby.”

Woolsey started her rounds of chemotherapy. She took a break from the treatments to give birth to a healthy baby boy, and then resumed the treatments afterwards. Her radiation therapy will continue through the end of the year.

“I really hope everything goes well. If the doctors see no growth and no new masses, I’ll be very happy,” said Woolsey.

Woolsey said the support she received from her campus and the community during her cancer diagnosis was overwhelming. Staff members, students, and parents from Willie Brown Elementary School and the surrounding community raised money through “Woolsey Warriors” t-shirt and wristband sales. The total amount raised was approximately $10,000.

She said the extreme generosity showed to her makes her proud that Mansfield ISD launched the Colors for Caring initiative this school year. Colors for Caring takes place on the first Monday of the month, and the community is encouraged to wear a color that represents a cancer that affected the life of a loved one.

The Willie Brown Elementary community showing
support for their beloved teacher.

“It makes the people going through it feel supported. It’s a great feeling to know that someone cares and that people are thinking of you.”

Through it all, Woolsey has kept her contagiously cheerful spirit and chooses to look for a silver lining to her situation. She has personally felt the power of community and wants to pay it forward.

“I think Colors for Caring is an awesome idea. It brings people closer and lets them know that they're not alone,” she added.

View the Colors for Caring photo gallery here.

The entire Mansfield ISD community came out to show record-breaking support for the fourth annual MISD Toys for Tots event. With the amazing generosity of everyone involved, more than 30,000 toys and approximately $9,000 was donated to the campaign.

Campuses and departments held several contests to encourage students and staff to give to the cause. On the night of the Dec. 9 event, community members came out to the MISD Center for the Performing Arts to drop off even more donations.

Attendees brought their donations and were able to stay to enjoy free activities, such as a snow sledding hill, Santa photos, live reindeer, bounce houses, crafts, and student performances.

“I am always amazed at the amount of enthusiasm our students, parents, staff, local businesses, and other community members have for MISD Toys for Tots,” said Lynn Wilkie, sales and marketing coordinator at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts. “So many people have given so much of their time, energy, and resources to make sure this event was a hit, and I am truly appreciative to everyone for that. Words cannot describe it.”

The number of toy donations received for MISD Toys for Tots has continually increased since its inception in 2012. In its first year, 16,000 toys were given. 20,000 toys were given in 2013, and 26,000 were donated in 2014.

Event organizers said they are already thinking of new rides and activities to “wow” the crowds for next year. View a video, photos, and a social media collage of all the MISD Toys for Tots fun.
Special thanks to: The U.S. Marine Corps, Mansfield ISD campuses and departments, The City of Mansfield, FOX 4 News, Two Men and a Truck, Mansfield FFA, Texas Trust Credit Union, Top of Texas Photography, Mansfield Methodist Medical Center, Starbucks, First United Methodist Church of Mansfield, Hawaiian Falls Water Park, Raising Cane's, Mellow Mushroom, Art Ballet Academy, Lifetime Fitness, UpStage, Common Grounds Community Network, Chisolm Trail Jeep Club, Sports Clip, Canales Furniture in Arlington, Lone Star Irrigation, and the Mansfield ISD community.

Several gifts adorned the table for one of the 18 adopted children.

Walking through the hallways of Rogene Worley Middle School, it felt a lot like Christmas morning. Holiday tunes were playing, presents were underneath decorated Christmas Trees, and several presents were piled underneath the trees.

It wasn’t your typical end-of-the-year party, though. All of the gifts and activities were for a group of 18 children who otherwise may not have received much for Christmas this year.

Worley Middle School’s annual tradition is to adopt kids in need from nearby Alice Ponder Elementary School and give them a special day to remember. It’s the 25th year the middle school has held its Adopt-a-Child Day, and Worley’s principal said it’s one of her favorite events.

A Ponder student opened her gifts with the help of Worley students.

“I love watching our kids appreciate the joy on the faces of these younger children,” said Principal Julia McMains. “In the age of social media and self-absorption, it’s nice to see these teens have real and meaningful interactions. They’re showing their true caring selves, and I love it.”

Adopt-a-Child Day is coordinated by Worley’s student council. The elementary school students go to different classrooms set up with decorations, food, and presents just for them. A teacher noted that some of the middle schoolers didn’t ask their parents to give. Instead, the students contributed in their own way.

“One of my students came up to me and said that he bought a big basketball hoop with a gift card he received,” said Jill Melchiorre, eighth grade science teacher. “I just started crying right then and there because I was touched to see his compassion.”

A Ponder student was happy to unwrap her new backpack.

Smiles were on full display in each room. Children’s faces lit up as each gift was being handed to them, the middle schoolers watched in delight to see their gifts make an impact, and staff grinned in delight viewing the selflessness of it all.

“It really was a whole team effort,” said eighth grader Naomi Nebe, who is also a student council member. “We were all so excited to set it up and create these great memories for the kids.”

Coach Thor and quarterback Jett Duffey embrace after winning
the state semifinal game. Courtesy: Dallas Morning News.

For head coach Kirk Thor, the journey has been surreal. He went from starting Lake Ridge High School’s football program in 2012 with a record of 0-10 to going into the 5A Division I state championship game as an undefeated team three years later.

The 2015 matchup is the first time Mansfield ISD has reached a state championship game in football.

“I knew it would be a tough road, but it energizes me to build programs and people,” said Coach Thor.

“We have a tremendous coaching staff, and our focus is on the process and building a culture of acceptance. We love you for who you are, and we want you to do your best at all times. It’s not about the scoreboard.”

The Lake Ridge Eagles became runner-ups in the championship game against George Ranch Longhorns on Dec. 18, but Thor said he still has plenty to be happy about.

The 2016 senior class at Lake Ridge High School will be the first class that has been at the school all four years. Coach said it has been amazing to see his team grow throughout the years and accomplish so much.

The Lake Ridge football team gathers together after a victory.

“I’m like a proud dad,” Thor added. “It’s been fun as a coach to see these boys develop into the great young men they are today.”

Thor noted that senior quarterback Jett Duffey, who has committed to Texas Tech University, stays humble even after winning so many awards and recognitions for his athleticism. He said his entire team deserves the spotlight and there are plenty of unsung heroes.

Being able to make it all the way to the state championship game has been a great ride for coach. He said he is thankful for the community support he has received along the way.

“To be able to make it that far is exciting,” said Coach Thor. “It’s a neat experience, and we’re humbled and very grateful.”

The 2015-16 Mini-Mentors pose with their interviewers.

At Louise Cabaniss Elementary School, it's never too early to become a great role model. That's why each year, a small group of hardworking and motivated students are selected to step up to the plate and become Mini-Mentors for their peers.

The Cabaniss Mini-Mentors are a council made up of fourth grade students with big responsibilities and even bigger hearts. They are committed to peer tutoring, community outreach for campus events and programs, delivering the school announcements, and organizing various projects.

The selection process for these mentors is rigorous and gives the students the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the program.

After being nominated by their classroom teacher, the nominees have to develop and present a resume detailing their accomplishments, academic goals, extracurricular involvement, family value system, future aspirations, and references.

The Cabaniss Cowboys select
six Mini-Mentors each year.

The next phase of the process includes interviews that challenge students to elaborate on their resume amongst an interview team of four teachers. If students make it past that portion of the process, they compete in a debate-style setting to prove to a panel of judges that they have what it takes to be a member of the Cabaniss Mini-Mentor team.

Out of more than 33 nominees, six dedicated students are finally selected.

Sherry Smith, the lead ESL teacher at Cabaniss Elementary, and math specialist Alethia Williams, oversee the program and assist with each phase of the process.

“The Mini-Mentors are like the role models for our school,” said Smith. “They are responsible, honest, hardworking, and very kind-hearted.”

Cabaniss Mini-Mentors are trained to be effective, age-appropriate mentors. They meet weekly with their younger mentees and help out with various campus activities.

Before the run, students and parents recited
the pledge of allegiance.

It was time for a different kind of fundraising at Thelma Jones Elementary School. Teachers and staff wanted to raise money for more technology in the classroom, but they didn’t want to deal with selling and delivering products.

“We figured that if we gave something to our community that was healthy, they’d appreciate it, participate in it, and help the cause,” said PTA president Angela Cleversy.

As hoped, the community response was positive for the campus’ first ever Boosterthon Fun Run. It’s a program that wraps fitness, leadership, and character together.

First grade boys ran first while the girls cheered them on.

For two weeks, students learned about different character traits—like teamwork and humility—during their enrichment period. As they developed sportsmanship, the students prepared for the fun run by asking for pledges based on the number of laps they ran on the final day.

“It’s fundraising, but the focus is on character, fun, and fitness,” said second grade teacher Aline Trinh. “It’s something that I had done in my old school district in Virginia, so I suggested the idea to the PTA.”

The preliminary results amazed the staff. On the day of the fun run, more than $27,000 pledges were received from 36 states and five countries.

Not only will the funds be used to help the campus—some of the money also helps those in need. For every class that raises $30 or more per lap, Boosterthon Fun Run will donate a pair of shoes to a person overseas who needs it.

Angela Cleversy (third from left) is all smiles with
Principal Dameon Gray (left) and helpful teachers.

“It’s just been a great overall learning experience for the students. These kids are excited to get fit, and they’re excited to learn about the different character lessons. They're more united,” said Trinh.

Cleversy, who is also a special education teacher at Jones Elementary, said the school will use their portion of the funds raised to purchase more learning iPads, starting with third grade, fourth grade, special education, and enrichment classes.

Ambassador Training spotlights the positivity in public schools.

For the past three years, Mansfield ISD has partnered with Friends of Texas Public Schools to bring the Ambassador Training Academy to staff members from across the district. The program unites campus and departmental employees around the district’s overall mission to foster a community built on mutual support and to cultivate productive, lifelong learners.

Each year, a group of 100 individuals are nominated by district leadership to represent MISD and come together for three energizing and informative professional development sessions. Participants learn how the power of professional unity profoundly impacts the field of public education.

The program explores some of the major issues negatively affecting the perception of Texas public schools, but the majority of the sessions are spent focusing on and celebrating all that is going right in public schools. The overall goal is to change the conversation about public education from the inside out by addressing the attitudes and mindsets of those working in the schools, and helping them to step up as ambassadors for themselves, their classrooms, their campuses, district, and the profession.

MISD ambassadors engage in the interactive sessions.

Ambassadors engage in a variety of activities including a book study, headline-gathering to share strengths and achievements from each campus and department, and the development of an activity or program that promotes comradery and teamwork. Each year, the participants share more than 1,000 "good news" stories from across the district.

"The Ambassador Training Academy was a great opportunity to learn about the wonderful things going on at all the MISD campuses and to see how well we appreciate and encourage each other in the district," said Todd Butler, third grade dual language teacher at Erma Nash Elementary School. "I've always believed that the public school system works well, but I learned things about its effectiveness that surprised even me."

Upon the completion of the program, ambassadors are challenged not only to continue their role as advocates and champions for Texas Public Schools, but also to share what they have learned to empower others with the same type of optimism and hope for the future of education.

"I truly enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of this year’s Ambassador Training Academy," said Beatrice Owens, instructional specialist at Lake Ridge High School. "The atmosphere was electrifying which challenged people to self-motivate. Personally, it was a great time to lift my spirit, and I left each meeting refreshed and ready to cheer on the staff at Lake Ridge."

The 2015-16 MISD Ambassadors are encouraged to share what they learned to their peers.

This year’s class completed the program on January 13. There are now 300 Mansfield ISD employees who have fulfilled the training requirements to become MISD Ambassadors. Although the training is complete, the role of each ambassador is just beginning.

She usually likes to stay behind the scenes, but Brooks Wester Middle School teacher Stephanie Shackelford was front and center to be recognized for a job well done by a local radio station.

Hundreds of students and staff gathered in Wester’s gym to honor Shackelford for receiving the 94.9 KLTY Teacher of the Month award. The award is given to deserving teachers who are nominated by the public. Coworker Julia Stephen said she wrote into KLTY after seeing how hard Shackelford worked to raise more than $10,000 for the campus’ Angel Tree program.

Radio host Frank Reed talking to Shackelford about her award.

“She really took the bull by the horns,” said Stephen, seventh grade science teacher. “She did the planning, and put in the hours, and the time, and the energy. She was just incredible to work with—very excited, motivating, and inspirational.”

Shackelford said she is in shock and humbled by such acknowledgement.

“I’m not used to having the attention on me, so this is all so new for me,” said Shackelford. “I hope students take away from this assembly that when you do good, something good eventually comes to you—even though you’re not doing it to get any sort of recognition for it.”

As the KLTY Teacher of the Month, the eighth grade English teacher received hundreds of dollars in gift cards, a complimentary facial treatment, and a plaque of recognition.

Buckets and TNT speaking to Wester Middle school students.

At the award ceremony, the audience received an additional treat by having two members of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters speak to them about the importance of having good character. Afterwards, Buckets and TNT brought members from the crowd down to the court to teach some of their basketball skills.

The students left the presentation learning about cooperation, healthy mind and body, effort, enthusiasm, and responsibility (C.H.E.E.R.). The acronym is used to get the kids to care about school and each other to better prepare them for the challenges they may face as young adults.

Mansfield ISD Students and Staff Come Together to Back the Blue

Never Forget – A Mansfield ISD Tribute to 9/11

Phoenix Academy Graduate Shares Success Story

Tarver-Rendon Staff Dream Big for New Discovery Park

Making Small Changes to Save MISD Millions

Army Amputee Challenges MISD Students to Push the Limits

A Day of Fun for MISD Students with Special Needs

MISD Basketball Team Looks to Continue Two-Year Undefeated Streak

Respect Yourself. Be Drug Free.

MISD High School Art Camp Quadruples in Size

Land of the Free Because of the Brave

MISD Students Create Stroke of Kindness for Children in Need

MISD Teacher Shares Story of Fighting Breast Cancer While Pregnant

Mansfield ISD Toys for Tots 2015 Brings in More Than 30,000 Toys!

Middle School Students Show Spirit of Giving to Neighboring Elementary Students

Lake Ridge Football Makes District History by Going to State Championship

Fourth Graders Take on Big Responsibility as Mini-Mentors

Building Character and Raising Funds Through Fitness

MISD Staff Spotlight the Good in Schools and Departments

MISD Teacher Named KLTY Teacher of the Month