Mansfield Legacy High School PTSA

Dr. Bob Morrison shares information on the upcoming Kindergarten Round Up event, the Asa Low Intermediate School's NASA downlink, our new Impact Award (community relations recognition award) and school board recognition month.

Two Mary Lillard Intermediate School teachers, Jill Melchiorre and Vickie Johnson, organized a project back in December in which their students stuffed 65 stockings with donated items to be shipped to the soldiers of Alpha Assault at Camp Marmal, Afghanistan. 
In January, the campus received a letter of thanks on behalf of the soldiers from the Platoon Leader which reads in part:"On 04Jan12, Alpha Assault received a surprising delivery of mail, which included three oversized boxes. Immediately, the company operations momentarily ceased and all took part in opening and disseminating the filled stockings...Upon opening the boxes, smiles raced across every one of my Soldier's faces. There are no words that I can express to you to convey how relieving it was to see such an increase in our unit's morale. Since June 2011, my company has conducted 24/7 full-spectrum operations all across Northern Afghanistan. We have received care packages from many other patriots across America, however, no care package delivery ever measured up to the magnitude that you have donated." [Read the full letter below.]
Below: Lillard Intermediate students pose with their stockings for soldiers.

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. Updated 2/2/12 with additional names.)
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Legacy High School
Girls Soccer:
Caitlynn Rinehart – Texas State
Kensli Pounds – Midwestern State University
Alex Edwards – Midwestern State University
Lauren Kee – Texas Wesleyan
Makenzie Koch – TCU
Maicee Brinkman – Oklahoma Christian University
Jessica Whetzel – Texas Wesleyan

Mansfield High School
Football:
Hassan Ridgeway – University of Texas
Jerod Evans – Air Force
Gary Davis – Air Force
Lenzy Pipkins – Louisiana Monroe
Mouf Adebo – Sam Houston State

Boys Soccer:
Jacob Speed – Kentucky

Softball:
Kelsey Brungs – Hill Junior College

Girls Soccer:
Shay Williams – Angelo State University
Taylor Lowe – East Central University
Krista Kahl – East Central University
Kayla Cheesman – Lander University
Haley Maurice – Oklahoma State University

Summit High School
Football:
Micah Awe – Texas Tech University
Bryan Ohene– Colorado State University
Calvin Burns– West Texas A&M University
Jacolby Robinson– Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Jaylon Singleton– Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Donovan Ellis– Wayland Baptist University
Brendan Pegg– Wayland Baptist University
Jordan Mathews –  Wayland Baptist University

Girls Soccer:
Marisela Chavez –  University of Central Arkansas
Trae Dimanche –  East Central University Antoinette Bennett –  University of Auburn

Timberview High School
Track:
AJ Bailey– Texas A&M University

Football:
Josh Esukpa– Incarnate World University
JE Thomas– Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Michael Adefolarin– Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Nick Lewis– Midwestern State University
Kendall Jackson– Midwestern State University
Rene Lawson– University of Minnesota, Crookston
Frank Kee– Tyler Junior College
Jeremy Miller– Tyler Junior College

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

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

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

Congratulations to the 3-on-3 District Champion Teams:
6th Boys Asa Low Intermediate SchoolShaysten Cornish Cooper Thor Dillon Nguyen
6th Girls Cross Timbers Intermediate SchoolZaria Williams Kristen Evans Tamera Derrough
5th Boys Della Icenhower Intermediate SchoolChris Ford Bryson McKiney CJ Smith
5th Girls Cross Timbers Intermediate SchoolMikalyn Greenzweig Tamara Tickles Jaicia Canaday

On January 25, 2012, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released new regulations for the National School Lunch Program to ensure healthier school lunches for students across the nation.

The final standards make the same kinds of practical changes that many parents are already encouraging at home, including:

• Ensuring students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week;
• Substantially increasing offerings of whole grain-rich foods;
• Offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties;
• Limiting calories based on the age of children being served to ensure proper portion size; and
• Increasing the focus on reducing the amounts of saturated fat, trans fats and sodium.

Mansfield ISD has already taken great strides on our menus to encourage healthy eating throughout the student population. Implementing these changes will be easy for MISD because of the previous menu revisions over the last several years.

At the elementary and intermediate level, all sandwich offerings from lean meat hamburgers to grilled chicken are offered on whole wheat products only. Whole wheat dinner rolls are offered one to two days a week on the elementary and intermediate levels as well. We began serving whole grain pizza in the 2010-11 school year after a taste test was conducted at Holt Elementary school in the spring of 2010. Students were given samples of pizza made from different flour types. When asked to choose which pizza they would like to have in the cafeterias, the response was overwhelming in favor of the whole grain pizza. The pizza is also topped with low fat mozzarella cheese. 

The new regulations require any flavored milk to be nonfat. Again, MISD has already accomplished this by offering only 1% unflavored milk or nonfat unflavored, strawberry, chocolate and vanilla milk. 
MISD offers chef salads and fresh fruit daily at all school levels. Ground turkey in place of ground beef is used in several entrees offered by the District. Other healthy alternatives offered by the student nutrition department are yogurt, fruit parfaits and entrees such as oven roasted chicken and pasta dishes made from whole grain pasta. 
So in response to these regulations, MISD is well prepared and welcomes the changes the government is making to enrich the lives of students across the nation through better nutrition.

Guest post by Emily Waneck, Summit High School Pre-AP English 1/English 1teacher and Student Council Sponsor

What is FROG week? FROG week stands for Friends Reaching Out and Giving. Every year, student council along with the entire student body at Summit High School adopt a child from the Make-A-Wish foundation and have one week to raise enough money to grant the child’s wish.

This year, our child’s name is Sienna. She is a 7th grader at a junior high in Arlington and wishes to go to Florida and Disney World. Here is more about our wish child: Sienna, age 13.

When Sienna was born, she only weighed 4 lbs 15oz , and her mother had only gained 9 lbs. during her pregnancy. After Sienna struggled with eating as an infant, her mother took her to the doctor. When they tested her, Sienna's hemoglobin was only at a 6. Sienna remained in the hospital for almost 3 months. She had every test done imaginable including, bone marrow extraction, a sweat test, tests to check for cancer, etc. Finally after two weeks her family was given a tentative diagnosis of MMA (Methylmalonic Acidemia) with Homocystinuria, but by that time all her organs were failing. She was put on a ventilator and they conducted blood exchanges because her red blood cells were fragmenting.

“We were told to call our families as she was not going to make it through the night,” recalls her mother. “I prayed so hard that night asking God to please let her live and I would take her however he wanted to give her to me and I meant it.”

She lived through the night and started improving a little. Although she was improving she was still a very sick little girl. Said her mother, “at the time of diagnosis we were told there were only 19 children with this diagnosis and that several had died.”

 Now at 13, Sienna has lost her vision due to her illness and reads braille.

Because of our love for Sienna and other children in similar situations, the Summit High Student Council and the Make-a-Wish Foundation have teamed up to grant Sienna’s wish of going to Disney World and Florida. However, we need YOUR help to make her wish come true! Monetary donations help most immediately, but service and time donations are also greatly appreciated. Our student council and school will need as many donations as possible to make this wish come true. Our goal is to raise at least $7,000 for our child. Any donation helps in the long run, whether it is 5 cents or 100 dollars. All contributions will be appreciated.
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Read more in the SHS Jagwire student newspaper.
Contact Emily Waneck via email EmilyWaneck [at] misdmail.org.

On Tuesday, January 24, 2012, the Rachel’s Challenge Organization is coming to Danny Jones Middle School. Rachel’s Challenge is an organization that was started in honor of Rachel Scott, the first student to be killed in the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America.

The mission of Rachel’s Challenge is to inspire, equip and empower every person to create a permanent positive culture change in their school, business and community by starting a chain reaction of kindness and compassion. When asked why Rachel’s Challenge was so important to the students of Danny Jones Middle School, Mr. Travis Moore, the principal replied, “I saw the presentation in Arlington over a year ago. It really touched my heart. I knew that it would have a positive impact on our students.”

Ms. Callie Farr, PTA president of Danny Jones Middle School, helped to raise the funds necessary to bring Rachel’s Challenge to DJMS. When asked why it was so important to bring this national program to her child’s school, she replied “As a middle school PTA, we are challenged to find a program that is of benefit to the students. Rachel's Challenge provides an impact message of personal tragedy that serves to promote positive change in the way students treat others. We want each student know they can make a difference. We want the universal message of kindness and compassion told by Rachel's story to be heard by Danny Jones Middle School students and motivate them to positive change and commitment. We also want parents to attend and know their support of PTA serves to make a difference.”

Rachel’s Challenge will be presented to Danny Jones Middle School students for one hour at the following times on January 24, 2012:

• 7th grade @ 9:30 am (gym A) 
• 8th grade @ 1:30 pm (gym A) 
• RC Chain Reaction training for student leaders @ 3:00 pm (Cafeteria) 
• Community event (open to the public) @ 7:00 pm in the DJMS (Cafeteria) 
  Danny Jones Middle School is located at 4500 East Broad St., Mansfield, TX 76063.

Please visit the Rachel’s Challenge website for additional information.

It’s been said that adversity breeds character and strength. During a period themed by tragedy and pain, Timberview High School head football Coach Mark Walker emerged as a shining example of that adage. It is for this reason, Coach Walker was named the January 2012 Heartbeat Team recipient.

In late October, the students, staff and community were dealt two crushing blows with the loss of two students in a car wreck, followed a week later by the death of assistant football coach Cody McCarty.

Although the odds seemed to be stacked against Timberview, Coach Walker’s faith in his school and his team never wavered. Rather than making excuses, Walker and his Wolves agreed they would dedicate the remainder of their season to McCarty and they were determined to honor his name.

“When the tragedies hit, he took a load on his shoulders and just kind of carried the whole team for a while,” said Derrell Douglas, Timberview High Principal.

Walker led the team to victory and the longest playoff run in Mansfield ISD history, and feelings of loss began to transform into hope. While the on-field success was energizing for Timberview, it was the tidal wave of school pride in the stands that seemed to be healing.  

Although it’s obvious to many that Walker’s strength and perseverance played a major role in the outcome of the season, he gives every bit of credit to his team.

“I’m just proud of the life lessons these young men have learned,” Walker said. “Our group of young men did an excellent job.”

Now on the other side of what once seemed like a set of impassable obstacles, Walker and his team are left with a football season they will never forget and a legacy that will live on forever.

The Mansfield ISD administration is proud to present the January 2012 Heartbeat Team Award to Coach Mark Walker for his inspirational strength and spirit on and off the football field.

Here's an excerpt from the nomination essay submitted by Coach Walker’s colleagues:

“Coach Walker should be honored not only for the tremendous heart and character he has shown in his leadership, but also for inspiring the entire MISD community with an incredible football season that will forever represent an expression of love by the Timberview Wolves family for their never forgotten son, Coach Cody McCarty. Coach Mark Walker helped teach an entire community what can happen when we stick together, lean on one another, support one another and put our heart and soul into something in which we all believe.”




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.

Via Lyndsey Simmons, Assistant Director of Theatre/Communication Applications at Mansfield Summit High School:

On January 26-29, Summit Theatre will open the musical Big River. This piece is a musical adaptation of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and we will collaborate with both the Summit Band and the American Sign Language Department at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy.

Big River has a history of being produced on Broadway by deaf actors. This year, we decided to have our hearing student actors play the roles, and they will be shadowed by both professional and student interpreters from Ben Barber. The Summit Band will also be providing us, for the first time, with a live orchestra.

We are also showcasing out International Thespian Society National Qualifying student designs for costumes and set.

Make reservations for the show via email at summittickets@yahoo.com.

Mansfield High School's Theatre production of Seussical will run January 19-24 at the following times:

• January 19, 20, 21, 23, 24 at 7:00 PM
• January 22 at 2:00 PM

What would you ask astronauts in the International Space Station?

Maybe something like...

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

On Tuesday morning, January 31, students from NASA Low Intermediate School will speak live with astronauts on the International Space Station.
We need your help narrowing down the student questions for the astronauts. Decide which 10 questions students will ask the astronauts by selecting your five favorite from the list on this online survey. [Editor's note: The survey closed January 17.]---------------
In related news, the temporary "N" for NASA Low was put up on the school building over the winter break:

NASA Low Intermediate School will also host their Space Night school community event on Friday, January 27 from 6:00-8:00 PM.---------------
Special thank you to Mouser Electronics for their generous sponsorship of this educational opportunity.

School Trustees get a monthly report that outlines the progress planned by the Construction Program Supervisor. The following items were included in the December 2011 report:

Lake Ridge High School The Lake Ridge High School sports facilities, including fields, will complete in January 2012 for early administrative staff move-in and use. The Complete Facility Substantial Completion Date for the campus is April 2012. The school is located at 101 N. Day Miar Road, Mansfield, TX.

December 1 aerial photo
Mansfield ISD Center for the Performing Arts The Substantial Completion Date for the Center for the Performing Arts is May 7, 2012, with MISD move-in date of May 1, 2012. The MISD Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1110 W. Debbie Lane, Mansfield, TX. 
As the first official use of the facility, all 2012 Mansfield ISD high school graduation ceremonies will be held at the Center for the Performing Arts. Get the graduations schedule.
December 1 aerial photo
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Note: The Executive Program Summaries are available through the School Board meeting agendas and minutes.

The Mansfield Timberview High School varsity football team had the best season of any high school in Mansfield ISD history. Timberview battled their way through the playoffs before ultimately losing in the Class 5A Division II State Semifinals last weekend.

Congratulations, Wolves on your phenomenal season!

Video Tributes
Check out a couple of video tributes produced by Collin Tate, a senior at Frontier High School:

For the month of January, 2012, Asa Low Intermediate School will be renamed NASA Low Intermediate School in preparation for a remarkable educational opportunity. The ceremonial renaming resolution was approved at the Mansfield ISD December School Board meeting.
Education DownlinkThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducts educational opportunities called In-Flight Education Downlinks. In-Flight Education Downlinks allow educators and students to interact with crewmembers aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

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

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

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

Click graphic below to read the full school board resolution: 

Help us collect books for newborns. Volunteers are needed for the Methodist Mansfield Read to Me book drive on Friday, December 9 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Saturday December 10 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Barnes & Noble store at The Parks Mall in Arlington. 
The book drive benefits the newest members in the community through the Read to Me infant book program. Newborns at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center receive a free book that can be read to and shared with siblings. The combined efforts of Mansfield ISD, Mansfield Sunrise Rotary Club, and Methodist Mansfield Medical Center was established in 2010 out of the hope to raise the number of children who become capable and enthusiastic lifelong readers.
“Reading to children is a great and easy way to build early literacy skills,” said Dr. Bob Morrison, MISD superintendent. “It lays the foundation for communication; builds listening, memory, and vocabulary skills; and introduces numbers, letters, colors, and shapes in a fun way.”
Please email angelbiasatti@mhd.com if you would like to volunteer for this weekend's Read to Me book drive. Help is needed during the book drive to stand beside collection boxes and make the customers aware of the book drive.

Dr. Bob Morrison provides in-depth information regarding the proposed eight-period day schedule and the new attendance zone selection process.
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Survey: Please review and take the short Eight-period Schedule Survey.

What happens in Mansfield ISD when temperatures drop and our area has inclement winter weather?

Here is the latest on the procedures, considerations, and decision-making during winter weather events:

1. At or before 4:00 AM a decision is made to deploy the Transportation Weather Team staff.
2. Between 4:15 AM and 4:30 AM, the Weather Team visually inspects various areas across the district of streets for icy, wet, or dry roads along with monitoring the weather information channels.
3. The Weather Team contacts the Director of Transportation with their road information.
4. Road conditions are analyzed along with other related information available from other school districts.
5. If roads are questionable, the Superintendent is contacted after 4:30 AM (but before 5:00 AM) to discuss findings and recommendations.
6. The Superintendent makes a decision by 5:00 AM whether or not to close schools.
7. We then use our standard communication channels if any changes to the district schedule require adjustment: District Homepage, Weather page, phone messaging system, local media outlets, e-mail (Newsletter list for parents/staff/ community) and via Twitter - @mansfieldisd.

Other considerations and notable information

• Many area school districts' transportation directors have a local phone network so they can stay in communication and provide insight to what is happening road-wise with each other.

• How does weather forecasting play a part in the decision-making process? While the Weather Team reports actual conditions, what is expected to happen weather-wise is just as important to the decision process.

• What about early dismissals? If winter weather conditions worsen during the day, we determine if an early release is needed to get the students home sooner and bus drivers back to the bus barn safely prior to darkness. We try to make that decision prior to 10:00 AM in order to adequately coordinate the dismissal process. Generally an early release will only affect the middle schools as we would typically dismiss them at 1:30 PM since currently they end the day the latest. We then continue normal schedules for high, elementary, and intermediate schools. This provides for the least disruption of classes and gets our buses off the road prior to darkness when ice becomes the most dangerous.

A final decision on the proposed eight-period schedule for 2012-13 will be made by the administration after the Winter Break.
— Mansfield ISD (@mansfieldisd) December 14, 2011
Due to the fact the district was cut $13 million this school year by the Texas Legislature and will be cut an additional $13 million next school year, we’ve made the decision to move to an eight-period day at the secondary level (for high school, middle school, intermediate school).

We provided a draft schedule earlier on our blog for the MISD community to review prior to the Thanksgiving break to begin the conversation on this new change for next year. We received some valid concerns and valuable input through the comments in addition to emails, calls, and discussions.

Here's the latest update on the proposed eight-period schedule. The updated schedule includes:

• 45-minute classes
• High School will start at 7:30 AM and end the day at 3:00 PM
• Middle Schools will start 8:45 AM and end their day at 4:10 PM
• Intermediate Schools will start at 8:30 AM and end their day at 3:55 PM
• Elementary Schools will start at 8:00 AM and end the day 3:30 PM

How does an eight-period schedule save $6-$10 million?
On the A/B block schedule, teachers teach six of eight classes. On the eight-period schedule, teachers will pick up one class to teach seven of eight classes. That extra class translates to 67.5 teaching positions or $4 million. Additionally, the students taking courses at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy for 150 minutes on an eight-period schedule generates an additional $3 million in funding through the Career and Technology Education (CTE) Allotment. And finally, when MISD went to the eight-period hybrid schedule for middle and intermediate schools this year, it saved $3 million. We’ll realize that same $3 million in savings next year as well.

We’ve also heard some common academic concerns about changing schedules:

Instructional time - Currently, in a two-week period, high schools have eight classes (four on A days and four and B days). Each class lasts 90 minutes for a total of 450 instructional minutes per two-week period. On the eight-period schedule, the students have eight classes each day. Each class lasts 45 minutes for a total of 450 instructional minutes per two-week period.

Homework - On the A/B block schedule with classes every other day, students can potentially receive homework five days in a two-week period. With the eight-period schedule, schools will develop a homework schedule that enables teachers to assign homework five out of every 10 days in a two-week period. Example, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th periods would be able to give homework on odd days of the week and 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th periods on even days of the week. As you can see, that translates to five days of potential homework in the 10 school day period the same as A/B block.

Testing (Six Week Tests)
A/B block schedule allows time for four tests on A days and four tests on B days.On the eight-period schedule 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th periods would test on odd days of the week; 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th period test on even days of the week.

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Updated Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - A Mansfield News-Mirror December 7 article on the eight-period schedule incorrectly references the next steps in the decision process. The Mansfield ISD school board will not vote on the schedule. The schedule is an administrative decision (not subject to board vote). For reference, the administrative decision on the schedule will be made after the December board meeting.

Updated Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - The MISD Board of Trustees heard a Presentation and held a discussion during the December Regular School Board Meeting. A final decision on the proposed eight-period schedule will be made by the administration after the Winter Break.

Guest post by Rick Curlee, Auto Tech Teacher at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy

Ben Barber Career Tech Academy's Jerry Bellows Automotive Technology Department kicked off the annual Bikes for Angels Fundraiser for Christmas 2011 earlier this fall.

Last year, our Auto Tech students raised over $26,000 to buy 600 bicycles for Angel Tree kids identified by our Intermediate and Elementary schools here in the Mansfield area. We also donated bikes to some of the High School Key Clubs to be distributed through Common Ground Network. It meant so much for the instructors and students delivering these bikes to see counselors, principals, teachers and some of the recipients with tears of joy in their eyes.

We are starting this year's campaign with the goal of trying to buy at least 700 bicycles for needy children who would otherwise not get bikes for Christmas.

Our students are getting so excited about this project and to start work on our Bikes for Angel’s fundraiser. We have had students bringing everything in from Ziploc bags full of change to a student turning over his weekly paycheck to help some of these children. We have had a couple of students who have actually been on Angel Trees and received bikes when they were younger.

We would sincerely like to ask the MISD community to help us beat last year’s total by making a donation of any kind to our fund. We can use almost any type of donation. Some examples are listed below:

• Cars, running or not, and in any shape. Cars must have title and will either be resold or scrapped 
• Auction items (For the December Dinner & Auction) 
• Any type of Scrap Metal. 
• Checks, cash, even your spare change is accepted. It all adds up to bicycles. 
• Salon Packages 
• Assorted Gift Certificates 

Dinner & Auction
A dinner and auction will be held at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy on Friday, December 2 at 7:00 pm to help raise funds. You must have a ticket for the Dinner portion of the event. (Dinner tickets were sold at  the campus.) No ticket is necessary to attend the Auction portion of the event.

Updated Friday, December 2 - It’s not too late to reserve your ticket for tonight’sBikes for Angels Dinner & Auction! We have extended the deadline for thepurchase/reservation of Dinner tickets for tonight!
If you would like to join us for the 2nd Annual Bikes forAngels Dinner & Auction, please RSVP to Misty Smitherman via email mistysmitherman@misdmail.org oryou can call 817-299-1941 by 2:00 pm today (12/2/11).
Join us for a Cajun Themed Dinner catered by Savvy’sBistroWhere: Ben Barber Career TechTime: 7:00Cost: $15
Thank you for considering this year's Bikes for Angels campaign. If you give by check, please make it out to "MISD Auto Tech" and put Bikes for Angels in the memo line.

For questions about the program, please email Mr. Rick Curlee at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy at rickcurlee@misdmail.org or contact by phone at 817-299-1939.

---Check out the photo gallery from the 2010 Bikes for Angels Presentation.

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UPDATED Monday, November 28, 2011 We are currently working on revisions to the eight-period schedule for next year. A revised schedule will be released later this week that will include 45 minute class periods and changes to the start and end times for the day. We appreciate your patience on this schedule update as we address the valid concerns and valuable feedback from the community.
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Original Post from Friday, November 18, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Due to the fact the district was cut $13 million this school year by the Texas Legislature and will be cut an additional $13 million next school year, Mansfield ISD has made the decision to move to an eight-period day at the secondary level (high school, middle, intermediate). Compared to other available options, the decision to change our schedule is in the best interest of our students, staff and district. No programs are being eliminated, so our students will continue to be able to participate in the current programs offered. No staff members will be laid off because of the budget cuts.

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

Dr. Bob Morrison
Superintendent, Mansfield ISD
Click graphic above for larger image. (Graphic updated at 3:40 PM, November 18, 2011.)
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FAQs

Why are we changing our schedule?Mansfield ISD’s state and federal funding was cut $13 million in the 2011-12 school year and is expected to be cut another $13 million in 2012-13 school year. The change to the district’s bell schedule will result in an estimated savings of $6 million per school year. The district has made changes to operations in the last two years to reduce expenses, but the district is now entering a phase where tougher budget decisions will have to be made. 
Why do we need eight periods, instead of seven?All MISD students must earn 27 credits to graduate. A seven period day would only allow for 28 credits and students would lose the ability to take certain elective courses that they enjoy. Students who need to repeat a course would have very little flexibility in their schedules to do so. An eight period day gives our students more flexibility.

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

How will students manage the load of classwork (tests, etc.) and homework required for an eight period day?Principals and teachers will work together to develop a homework, test and project schedule that is manageable for students, so they are not overwhelmed.