MISD Students Crack the Code

Students at Perry Elementary complete a coding problem.

Coding can be an intimidating subject, but students all across Mansfield ISD are proving that it’s so easy, a kindergartner can do it.

Kids from various grade levels are engaged in learning computer science. It’s all part of the Hour of Code, a global movement where people of all ages spend an hour learning the basics of coding and solving problems in fun ways.

The Hour of Code takes place each year during Computer Science Education Week. This year, it landed on Dec. 5-11.

Technology teacher Jami Davis from Annette Perry Elementary School said she can see the difference in her students when they begin to decipher code.

“Code develops higher-level thinking and problem solving,” said Davis. “Once they start coding and solving the questions, they start feeling good about themselves and getting more self-esteem.”

Davis said she implemented the Hour of Code at her school three years ago when the worldwide initiative was launched because she saw how important the skill is for each child’s future.

“I believe that making these students efficient in technology is just as important as math and reading for future jobs,” she continued.

Source: HourofCode.org

Although the level of difficulty for coding varies by grade levels, Davis said one thing remains the same—student engagement.

She noted that students are wanting to code in their free time, and she has expanded her coding lessons to three weeks because one hour is not enough to her.

“I encourage any teacher who is hesitant about joining to just do it—even if you don’t know code. Code.org has made it very easy with videos and tutorials. It’s a great experience.”

To date, tens of millions of students in more than 180 countries have participated in the Hour of Code. One-hour tutorials are available in over 45 languages. For more information, visit the website.

Fourth Graders Prep for STAAR Test with Prom

The girls had on their prettiest dresses, the boys were dressed to the nines, and it was all in preparation for prom.

But it wasn’t your usual high school prom.

Fourth graders at Annette Perry Elementary School attended DIVAS EXPENSIVE PROM on Friday. The event allows students to have fun before next week’s STAAR writing test while culminating what they’ve been learning throughout the year.

Teacher Brook Campbell and her students dancing at the prom.

DIVAS EXPENSIVE PROM stands for dialogue, idioms, vivid verbs, alliteration, sentence structure, million dollar words, personifications, referents, onomatopoeias, metaphors, and similes.

“It helps the kids remember what they need to include in their writing assignments,” said writing teacher Brook Campbell. “That acronym just came to me one day, and I’ve been using it ever since.”

This is the fourth year the English Language Arts department has hosted DIVAS EXPENSIVE PROM. Campbell said each year, the event gets even more extravagant.

“Our kids have been so excited for this prom. We dance, sing, eat, and review for the test in-between,” said Campbell.

As each child walked into the pink and green decorated classroom, they were in awe.

“I had no clue what to think when I first walked in. I was speechless,” said Omar Piña, fourth grader at Annette Perry.

Fourth grader Raiya Villarreal walking into prom.

Students got their prom picture taken before the inaugural karaoke and dance session began—all with the focus of providing encouragement for the upcoming test.

“I didn’t want to do a test review boot camp; I wanted the kids to relax,” said Campbell.

The fourth graders said they're not worried about taking the STAAR test next week.

“I’m very excited because I’m ready for writing. We’ve practiced all year,” said fourth grader Raiya Villarreal.

And it’s because of the practice that Campbell said she’s certain the students will ace the exam.

“They’ve learned everything they need to know. All they have to do now is show it,” said Campbell.

STAAR testing will be held on March 30, March 31, and April 1. View the District calendar for more details.

Elementary Coach Still Making Big Strides After Heart Surgery

It’s no surprise to see dozens of students running laps at Annette Perry Elementary School after school on Mondays.

When Deidra Zschiesche started Annette Perry’s running club three years ago, she didn’t know what to expect. All she knew is that she loved running, and wanted to spread that love to her elementary school students.

Deidra Zschiesche coaching her running club.

The enthusiasm certainly caught on. The club has nearly 100 students who participate every week. That’s more than 25 percent of the total school population!

The P.E. teacher had been running all of her life, so it came as a big surprise when Zschiesche had a medical episode in 2013 and discovered, on Thanksgiving Day, that she had a tumor attached to her heart.

“It was something that the doctors said I probably had since birth,” said Zschiesche. “The tumor was making my heart work very hard just to breathe.”

A month later, the coach underwent surgery to remove the cardiac tumor. After eight weeks of recovery, Zschiesche laced up her running shoes and continued doing what she loved most. The surgery was so successful that Zschiesche ran the fastest half marathon of her life about nine weeks after her surgery.

Coach Zschiesche talking about her passion for running.

“It felt great,” said Zschiesche. “It was like I had a load off my chest.”

The students in the running club were happy to have their coach back. With her motivation, many of the kids also participate in local races.

“I love her as a coach,” said Mason Foreman, fourth grader at Annette Perry. “She’s helped me through a lot of things.”

“I’ve been running since I was in kindergarten here,” said Brianna Fosnaugh, second grader. “She’s the best P.E. teacher I’ve ever had.”

Zschiesche now has a different take on life and she hopes her story will inspire others to not waste a single second of life.

“Live life to the fullest,” said Zschiesche. “Do things that make you happy because life’s too short.”