A Salute to the MISD Librarians

Dutton said she enjoys making learning
fun for children of all ages.

April 10-16 is National Library Week. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions of librarians across the country—including those who work in our schools.

When people think about school librarians, they often think of a person who works in the library spending their day checking in and checking out books. But as the librarians in Mansfield ISD will tell you, that’s only a small fraction of their job.

“The library is the nucleus of our school,” said D.P. Morris Elementary School librarian Shannon Dutton. “It’s a multipurpose area where kids come to check out books, read, do homework, take accelerated reading tests, do intervention classes...It’s the center of our school.”

School librarians serve as an integral part of a student's learning experience by guiding children through research and helping to make learning fun.

“We enjoy teaching students how to effectively research so they may find the joy, not the struggle, in the process,” said Amy Herford, librarian at Rogene Worley Middle School. “By doing what we do, we support all parts of the school through the library.”

Herford took a selfie with students for a live Twitter chat
about the novel "One for the Murphys."

And of course, reading is a passion that they try to share with everyone who enters through the library doors.

“My favorite part of being a librarian is getting the kids excited about reading and opening their eyes to things that expand their imagination,” said Dutton.

“We are technology gurus, design specialists, research assistants, passionate thinkers, and motivating doers,” Herford added. “We have taught in the classroom and have a heart for student success.”

So, the next time you see a school librarian, thank them for their dedication to education. Let them know that the hard work they do certainly does not go unnoticed.

Science Coordinator Displays Artistic Side

An attendee admiring Garza's artwork.

As art enthusiasts toured the Mansfield High School library viewing an amazing 35-piece exhibit of paintings, one of the patrons turned to her friend and said, "And to think, this was all painted by some science guy!"

That was the sentiment of several people who attended Tuesday's debut of "Shadows and Reflections" by Dr. Fred Garza, which featured paintings of literary novels brought to life or kitchen tools through the eyes of a cooking aficionado.

Dr. Garza is Mansfield ISD's science curriculum coordinator who has been with the district for more than 20 years.

Science and art aren't typically used in the same sentence. However, for Dr. Garza, those two words sum up his greatest passions.

"It's all about creating to me. In chemistry, you're creating a new product. In art, you're creating a new piece," said Garza.

Garza always had a knack for the arts because both of his parents were artists. He said he would always critique his mother's artwork, which led her to tell him to take art classes and make his own creations. And that's exactly what he did.

Dr. Fred Garza and Suzanne Moncuse enjoying the exhibit.

Although this is the second year the former science teacher displayed his artwork at Mansfield High School for the public to see, he said he wasn't always comfortable showing off his creative side to outsiders. It took some nudging from his friends.

"Once Suzanne Moncuse [Mansfield High School's librarian] found out that I was an artist, she pushed to have me showcase my work in the library," said Garza. "Now, I wouldn't have it any other way. She shows a true appreciation and care for the artwork."

Moncuse said the honor is all hers to be able to host such a local artist in the library.

"With the level of talent he has, he could easily be showing his pieces in art galleries. I'm glad to support him, and even happier that our district also supports the arts." said Moncuse.

Garza hopes his story will encourage others to not be afraid to tap into their own passions.

"Everyone has potential," he said. "They just need to dive in."

Garza's work will be on display at the Mansfield High School library until March 1.

Go to full photo gallery.