MISD Crews Prepare Down to the Bell

Anderson Elementary was rebuilt under the 2011 bond package.

In a matter of days, the newest MISD facilities transformed from looking like a construction site to being pristine buildings.

Charlotte Anderson Elementary School and The STEM Academy at Brooks Wester Middle School were ready to accept students and parents for the first day of school, but it took a lot of teamwork to reach to that point.

“It was amazing to see the construction workers, maintenance crews, custodial staff from different campuses, teachers and staff work together,” said Franklin Alvarenga, custodial supervisor for the Anderson Elementary School project. “We worked long nights and early mornings—even on the weekends—but we were so fortunate to have the resources and support needed to get the job done.”

Construction on the facilities were underway for months; however, the weather and earlier start of the school year made the completion schedule even tighter.

Alvarenga said Mansfield ISD staff had six days to move in and clean up at Anderson Elementary School. He said the reward was the look on the children's faces when they saw their newly rebuilt school.

“There’s a sense of satisfaction that your time and effort pays off and is recognized,” Alvarenga said.

The STEM Academy is currently housing 75 sixth-graders.

Over at the STEM Academy, the principal said she was overwhelmed by the amount of support she received to move into the building. Victoria Webster and her staff were given the “okay” to go inside on Monday, giving them only two days to get everything in place.

“The teamwork was absolutely phenomenal,” said Webster. “Everybody was checking up on us, and there was no complaining. The mentality was to get it done, and get it done right.”

Crews remained up until the wee hours of the morning putting the finishing touches on the building. Webster said she was surprised and grateful to see all the progress that was made in such a short amount of time.

“When everything was finally done, it was like a dream,” said Webster. “It was shocking to see something that you’ve been imagining actually come to life.”

Military Dad Surprises Daughter with Homecoming

A late-night email from a kindergartner's mother caused staff from two Mansfield ISD elementary schools to pull together and give the five-year-old a surprise ending to her day.

The email stated that Brielle Garcia would not be in class on Friday because her dad came back from deployment. He had been gone for months and was going to spend some time with his daughter.

Wal-Mart donated small flags for the students to wave
during the impromptu assembly.

But employees at Charlotte Anderson Elementary School and Judy K. Miller Elementary School, who share the same campus, wanted to make the occasion a real hero's welcome.

"I came to school early this morning, sent out a couple emails, and everyone just got the urge and dedication to make something wonderful happen for Brielle and her dad," said Sheira Petty, principal at Charlotte Anderson Elementary School.

In an impromptu kindergarten assembly about heroes, students learned about the different branches of the military. Brielle was then called up to the front of the room because her dad is in the U.S. Air Force.

Brielle was shy but happy to finally see
her father after his deployment.

As the Air Force song played in the background, the curtains to the stage slowly opened to reveal Brielle's dad standing behind her.

She looked back in shock and gave her father a big hug and a kiss. The students who watched it all unfold waved their little American flags and cheered them on.

"I'm actually leaving again to Korea in either January or March; so any time I get to come home, I try to come back and see her," said Staff Sgt. George Garcia.

Brielle didn't have much to say, but her smile said it all. Her daddy was back, and she was going to cherish every moment of it for as long as she could.

Companies Honor Two MISD Teachers for Appreciation Week

Hall was surprised by campus administration and students
at the local Dunkin' Donuts.

Two Mansfield ISD teachers received an extra special treat by local businesses that wanted to give back to educators.

Judy Hall, fourth grade teacher at Charlotte Anderson Elementary School, was recognized by Dunkin’ Donuts as its Teacher of the Year. The South Arlington location contacted schools in three districts and chose Hall after the great feedback received about her.

“I love to teach, and I love these kids,” said Hall. “They are fabulous, and I don’t know what I’d do without them.”

Hall received $1,000, free coffee for one year, a tablet, three dozen roses, and a Dunkin' Donuts card to receive a 50 percent discount for one year.

Marino (bottom right) was presented the award
in the middle of her math class.

A fifth grade teacher at Della Icenhower Intermediate School also received a surprise for a job well done. Kelly Marino was given the Air1 Teacher Appreciation Award.

The radio station took nominations for the award and determined a finalist based on the number of nominations received and the testimonials that were written.

Marino was surprised in her classroom with a bucket full of goodies by an Air1 representative.

“I am shocked and honored,” said Marino. “I don’t even know what to say. I just love my job, and I don’t need recognition for it—but I appreciate it.”

The tokens of appreciation were a great way to end National Teacher Appreciation Week. Mansfield ISD is very fortunate to have teachers who are so passionate about our future leaders.