Serving Those Who Have Served Our Country: Veterans Day 2017

A veteran of the U.S. Army, and parent of a Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary School student, fought back tears as he was describing his favorite part of the school’s Veterans Day program.

“I don’t want to be emotional about it, but that’s how I feel when I see those kids out there singing and saying ‘thank you,’” said Nana Atkens.

Sheppard Elementary School’s event featured boy scouts escorting veterans to their seats of honor, the singing of patriotic songs, photo shoots and a breakfast.

Librarian Sharon Prince helped coordinate the day’s program. She said it was the least she could do for those who have dedicated their lives for our freedom.

Veterans lined the hallways and were thanked by students.

“We just want them to understand how much we appreciate them because they have been out in the trenches and taking care of us to help keep us safe,” Prince explained.

The campus Veterans Day program is just one of many events happening around Mansfield ISD to show a token of appreciation to the nation’s heroes. Community veterans were invited to attend so that students and staff could personally thank them.

Atkens said he could definitely feel the love.

“That means a lot,” he added. “Veterans Day just means a lot to me.”

The week’s events were a precursor to a major Veterans Day parade that will take place on Saturday, Nov. 11. MISD will be taking part in the City of Mansfield’s inaugural Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m.

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets from each traditional high school will be participating along with the Legacy High School and Mansfield High School bands.

Although actions and words may never be enough to repay the sacrifices paid by our nation’s veterans, Mansfield ISD is proud to honor the men and women who have spent their lives serving us.

Mastering Reading by Increasing Vocabulary

Through the hallways of Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary School, young learners can be heard shouting out some pretty advanced vocabulary words.

“Algorithm! Distinguish! Fiction!” the second-graders said as the teacher gave a definition of each term.

The elementary school, like many others across the district, is focusing on building vocabulary to strengthen reading skills. The emphasis on vocabulary lines up with Mansfield ISD’s Vision 2020 strategic plan, which states that students will read on level or higher by the beginning of third grade and will remain on level or higher as an MISD student.

“We believe that if the students master their academic vocabulary, they will be reading on grade level, especially our second-graders,” said Dr. Lori Ayala, assistant principal of Sheppard Elementary School.

A teacher reviews vocabulary in the hallway.

Teachers have started using several teaching techniques to make vocabulary fun and memorable. They utilize videos, games, flipbooks and vocabulary journals in which the student talks about the word, draws the words and writes the word in a sentence.

“The teachers are constantly reviewing the words, even when they have time in the hallways for restroom breaks,” Ayala explained.

Student progress is also tracked. Word mastery has increased across the campus, and each student keeps a journal of how they are improving.

“Everyone has met their goals so far,” Ayala continued. “Our goal at the beginning of the year was to pass with 70 percent. We’ve met that goal and went beyond that.”

For more information about MISD’s Vision 2020, visit the district website.