Elementary Students Give Back Through Soup-er Bowl Drive

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Although second-grade teacher Cheryl Wisch won’t be watching the Super Bowl, she has some other traditions that make this time of year special to her. For about 20 years, she has led a Super Bowl-themed canned food drive at her campus.

During the Soup-er Bowl Soup Drive, teachers and students of J.L. Boren Elementary School collect cans to give to those in need. The drive is part of a service project for Bears Care, the school’s student council.

“I knew that food pantries after Christmas start running low because they’re depleted during Christmas,” said Wisch. “I’m trying to connect what’s happening in the world with ways to help others, so I came up with soup and Super Bowl because I know most of the kids do watch the Super Bowl.”

The Soup-er Bowl Soup Drive occurs annually the week before and after the Super Bowl. Boren Elementary usually donates about 15 boxes of canned goods to the Mansfield Mission Center.

Students also wear their favorite jersey to keep with the theme. 

“When we receive donations to our Mission Market, it gives families in our community another way to put food on the table if they're having financial difficulties,” said Carmin MacMillian, executive director of Mansfield Mission Center. “It's a way to show them love and let them know their community cares about them. We couldn't do what we do without the generosity of MISD.”

Wisch said she enjoys doing the canned food drive because the students get to experience giving to others with no reward.

“We try very hard to teach our kids service for others, and I think the parents appreciate we are trying to teach our students that,” she said.

Students who participated said they feel they are making a difference by bringing the cans.

“I think it’s important to help others because some people don’t have food, and then they can have food to stay alive and be healthy,” said Landry Slinkard, second-grader at Boren Elementary.

Their team may not win the big game on Sunday, but Soup-er Bowl Soup Drive organizers said the drive is still a touchdown for the community. The Mansfield Mission Center is open to donations from anyone. Its hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MISD Students Make Holidays Brighter for Community Members

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‘Tis the season to give to others, and many Mansfield ISD students did just for people of all ages before leaving for the winter break.

QUALITY TIME WITH SENIORS

Students at The Phoenix Academy walked down to the Mansfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with decorations, food and games to let residents know that they are not forgotten. It’s a tradition that the teenagers and staff members look forward to every year.

Phoenix Academy students sing carols down the halls.

“We do lots of activities,” explained Sally McClure, a science teacher at the school. “We cut out snowflakes. We pass out stockings, refreshments and Christmas cards. The students go caroling around the halls for the residents. It’s just a great time.”

Although it may seem like a small gesture, senior Kelsy Jackson said she knows it makes an impact in the lives of the elderly residents because quality time is important to them.

“Honestly, I think it just brings them a lot of joy because some of them just haven’t seen their family in a long time or they haven’t had visitors,” she said. “So when we come and visit them, I feel like maybe it just makes them a bit happier.”

McClure said the event helps the development of the students as well. She said they are able to develop empathy and learn how to get along with various members of the community.

KIDS HELPING KIDS 

Over at Rogene Worley Middle School, students adopted 25 Mansfield ISD elementary school students to make their holiday season a little more joyous.

As part of its Adopt-A-Kid program, Worley Middle School gets a list of what some less fortunate students will need for the holidays, and the middle schoolers buy as many of the items as they can.

Worley students gather as their adopted child opens one of many gifts.

Principal Julia McMains said she heard heartwarming stories of fundraising efforts throughout the week, but one in particular really showed how dedicated her students were to the cause.

“My friend came into class, and she had mentioned that she had seen a big dollhouse, and she really wanted to get it, but it was $200,” said eighth-grader Zachariah Castillo. “Whenever I did the math, it would have been $8 per student, so we pushed to raise the money. I was surprised that it worked out. We didn’t get a lot at first; but by the third day, we had more than enough to make a little girl’s dreams come true.”

Apart from gifts, the elementary-aged children are also treated to a time of food and fun.

Worley Middle School has held its Adopt-A-Kid Program for more than 30 years. Hundreds of children have been adopted by the school within that span of time.

Student Starts Organization to Help Homeless Kids

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As she accompanied her mom to help out those who do not have a permanent place to live, McKenzie Charles noticed something—the homeless adults often had children who needed certain items as well.

The sixth-grader at Mary Lillard Intermediate School started thinking about what she could do to solve the problem and came up with an idea.

“I decided to start McKenzie’s Helping Hands to specifically target kids who are less fortunate and need their own items and hygienic products,” she said.

She recruited a group of friends to help plan the execution of the idea and began raising money and products for her cause.

After about a month of fundraising and soliciting donations, she and her friends spent a day gathering all the items and preparing them for distribution.

Charles (second from left) held weekly meetings about the drive.

“We made blessing bags, and we put soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion and feminine products that they might need,” Charles added. “We also collected blankets because it’s getting colder outside, and the kids would have something of their own to keep them warm.”

Altogether, 100 blessing bags, 75 blankets and several books were donated to Arlington Life Shelter. Those who helped deliver the items said it was a very humbling experience.

“When we walked into the center, I could tell that the manager on duty was very happy that we were there to deliver them,” explained Chaneera Francis, a kindergarten teacher at Martha Reid Leadership Academy. “But the children—our kids—were pretty much quiet and taking in everything and just having a moment of gratefulness that they were able to give back and have an impact on their community.”

Francis said that the project was completely student-run, and it taught the students some valuable lessons as well.

“They had real meetings with each other to go over logistics and ramp up their fundraising efforts,” Francis continued. “There were a lot of learning experiences along the way, and they were able to hone a lot of their social and business skills while helping others.”

Charles said she likes giving back. Eventually, the 11-year old said she wants to make her organization global.

“Some of the other countries I’m thinking of helping are Russia, Spain, Panama…just anywhere that has a need really. I don’t want anybody to go without the basics.”

Charles plans to host another drive to help local homeless children in the spring. She said she is already in talks with shelters to see what items will be needed.

Teacher Recently Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Finds Strength in Colors for Caring

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June 11, 2018 is a day that will be forever etched into DeAnna Garner’s memory. Along with her wedding planning, closing on a new house and enjoying the summer, she received devastating news from her doctor.

“I have triple negative breast cancer, and then it’s also in my lymph nodes, so I’m stage three,” explained the Martha Reid Leadership Academy art teacher. “It makes you feel kind of like poisoned or something. I wanted it out of me.”

Garner said breaking the news to her kids was probably the hardest part. She said it was also hard reliving the moment of her diagnosis with each person she told.

The mother of four began chemotherapy in the summertime, and shaved her head beforehand due to the hair loss it causes.

Garner (center) and her coworkers sport one of the shirts
that was made in her honor.

She was worried about how to introduce herself to her new students with her new look, so she turned to her best coping mechanism—humor.

“I wore a shirt that said, ‘Does this shirt make Ms. Dee’s head look bald?’” Garner said with a chuckle. “That’s how I want them to know that it’s okay.”

Apart from comedic relief and her strong faith, Garner noted that the love she receives from her school has been tremendous on her road to recovery. She said there have been fundraisers, shirts, gifts and an outpouring of kind words that have helped her make it through tough times.

The teacher also said Mansfield ISD’s Colors for Caring monthly initiative, which encourages the community to wear cancer awareness colors to show support for a loved one affected by cancer, took on a whole new meaning for her.

“I think Colors for Caring is amazing because coming to school on a day when people were wearing pink for me…it does make you feel better,” Garner added. “I think it’s really good.”

Garner underwent her most recent chemotherapy on Sept. 20. She has a few more rounds of chemotherapy to go before she undergoes surgery.

She hopes to transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor by August 2019. Learn more about MISD's Colors for Caring days here.

Displaced Foreign Exchange Students Find Refuge in Mansfield ISD

Foreign exchange students Marine Torres and Nina Kuepper took flight from Europe at the beginning of the school year to get a taste of the American experience. They were placed in a Houston home, but things took a turn for the worse when Hurricane Harvey hit.

The damage and historic flooding forced 17,000 people in the Gulf Coast areas to go into shelters. Torres and Kuepper were among those who had to evacuate. They later found out that their host families' homes were destroyed, along with all their belongings.

“After the evacuation, we found out from the television that the area was totally flooded, so the house of my family was flooded too,” Torres, from France, recalled. “I felt very sad for the family.”

“We drove to Fort Hood and then to Dallas, and we lived in a hotel for three days. It was a scary experience,” said Kuepper, a Germany native.

Kuepper and Torres also enjoy Byrum's service dog.

They found refuge at the home of a Mansfield High School teacher. Marilyn Byrum has been part of a foster family for 10 years, but decided not to do it this year. That is, until she received an emergency call from the foreign exchange agency. She then jumped at the opportunity.

“The hurricane of a lifetime had just happened, and they have an experience of a lifetime that was about to happen,” Byrum explained. “I didn’t want the hurricane to interfere with their experience of a lifetime because they’ve been looking forward to this year in America.”

The English teacher took the two teenagers shopping to buy more clothes. Torres said she was excited to see the shops, but most amazed by the warm welcome they received.

“People here are very friendly and welcoming. It’s cool,” the exchange student said.

The girls expressed extreme gratitude to Byrum for allowing them to live with her. Byrum said she wouldn’t think twice to do it again.

“Our motivation in life is to help those who are helpless, father the orphaned, care for the refugees, care for the downtrodden,” she said. “They needed help. I had a room. We did what we could."

A Districtwide Celebration of Diversity

Many drums. One beat. That’s the theme for the Mansfield ISD Multicultural Fest, and the strength of the district’s diversity was seen in every ethnic cuisine, performance, and activity that was on display for the event.

An estimated 6,000 people were in attendance on Feb. 27 to embrace the various cultures represented within the MISD community.

Participants were welcomed into the MISD Center for the Performing Arts by praise dancing. Once inside, there was a live wax museum of students representing historical figures from all backgrounds, and a variety of activities that highlighted the culture of different nations.

Participants stop to view the live wax museum.

“It was fun!” said Grace Anthony, fourth grader at Annette Perry Elementary School who was with her classmate Abby Mincer. “We went around to the different areas to play the games and activities.”

The definite fan favorite was all the free food samples prepared by the Ben Barber Career and Technology Academy culinary students.

“I definitely enjoyed all the food tasting,” said first-time attendee Tricia Grinolds. “I kept going back to the Cuba booth for their food and that virgin mojito drink.”

Event coordinator Lynn Wilkie said the MISD Multicultural Fest is one of her favorites because she gets to see how unique everyone is, while still coming together as a district.

“We are all MISD,” said Wilkie. “I love seeing every campus, department, and community member come together and be proud of where they came from. We had a great turnout, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success.”

The Multicultural Fest started in 2013 as a way to educate the community of the various cultures within MISD in a fun and interactive way. The event has grown every year since then.

View the full photo gallery of the event here.

Mansfield ISD Toys for Tots 2015 Brings in More Than 30,000 Toys!

The entire Mansfield ISD community came out to show record-breaking support for the fourth annual MISD Toys for Tots event. With the amazing generosity of everyone involved, more than 30,000 toys and approximately $9,000 was donated to the campaign.

Campuses and departments held several contests to encourage students and staff to give to the cause. On the night of the Dec. 9 event, community members came out to the MISD Center for the Performing Arts to drop off even more donations.

Attendees brought their donations and were able to stay to enjoy free activities, such as a snow sledding hill, Santa photos, live reindeer, bounce houses, crafts, and student performances.

“I am always amazed at the amount of enthusiasm our students, parents, staff, local businesses, and other community members have for MISD Toys for Tots,” said Lynn Wilkie, sales and marketing coordinator at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts. “So many people have given so much of their time, energy, and resources to make sure this event was a hit, and I am truly appreciative to everyone for that. Words cannot describe it.”

The number of toy donations received for MISD Toys for Tots has continually increased since its inception in 2012. In its first year, 16,000 toys were given. 20,000 toys were given in 2013, and 26,000 were donated in 2014.

Event organizers said they are already thinking of new rides and activities to “wow” the crowds for next year. View a video, photos, and a social media collage of all the MISD Toys for Tots fun.
Special thanks to: The U.S. Marine Corps, Mansfield ISD campuses and departments, The City of Mansfield, FOX 4 News, Two Men and a Truck, Mansfield FFA, Texas Trust Credit Union, Top of Texas Photography, Mansfield Methodist Medical Center, Starbucks, First United Methodist Church of Mansfield, Hawaiian Falls Water Park, Raising Cane's, Mellow Mushroom, Art Ballet Academy, Lifetime Fitness, UpStage, Common Grounds Community Network, Chisolm Trail Jeep Club, Sports Clip, Canales Furniture in Arlington, Lone Star Irrigation, and the Mansfield ISD community.

MISD Teacher Shares Story of Fighting Breast Cancer While Pregnant

Janie Woolsey back in the classroom after delivering
a healthy baby boy in May 2015.

Within the span of one year, third grade teacher Janie Woolsey experienced three life-changing events: the death of a child, a diagnosis of breast cancer, and the birth of her son.

“I’ve always heard that God won’t give you more than you can handle. Apparently, He thinks that I can handle quite a bit,” said the Willie Brown Elementary School teacher with a chuckle.

Woolsey’s 12-year-old daughter died suddenly of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in July 2014. She said she wanted to have another child so that her son would have a sibling, so she became pregnant two months later.

In the sixth month of her pregnancy, she detected signs of breast cancer. Her suspicions were confirmed after a series of medical exams.

Woolsey keeping a cheerful attitude
while undergoing her chemo treatments.

“I was so scared,” Woolsey recalls. “I didn’t know what to do and how the cancer would affect the baby.”

Woolsey started her rounds of chemotherapy. She took a break from the treatments to give birth to a healthy baby boy, and then resumed the treatments afterwards. Her radiation therapy will continue through the end of the year.

“I really hope everything goes well. If the doctors see no growth and no new masses, I’ll be very happy,” said Woolsey.

Woolsey said the support she received from her campus and the community during her cancer diagnosis was overwhelming. Staff members, students, and parents from Willie Brown Elementary School and the surrounding community raised money through “Woolsey Warriors” t-shirt and wristband sales. The total amount raised was approximately $10,000.

She said the extreme generosity showed to her makes her proud that Mansfield ISD launched the Colors for Caring initiative this school year. Colors for Caring takes place on the first Monday of the month, and the community is encouraged to wear a color that represents a cancer that affected the life of a loved one.

The Willie Brown Elementary community showing
support for their beloved teacher.

“It makes the people going through it feel supported. It’s a great feeling to know that someone cares and that people are thinking of you.”

Through it all, Woolsey has kept her contagiously cheerful spirit and chooses to look for a silver lining to her situation. She has personally felt the power of community and wants to pay it forward.

“I think Colors for Caring is an awesome idea. It brings people closer and lets them know that they're not alone,” she added.

View the Colors for Caring photo gallery here.

MISD Students Create Logo and Website for New Local Business

Students and employees at the ribbon cutting of Bark Out Loud.

When you walk into the Bark Out Loud Doggie Boutique and Café in Mansfield, you don’t have to look far to see the impact of a determined group of Mansfield ISD high School students.

About 35 students in the graphic design club at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy are the masterminds behind the company’s branding.

The Team of Animation and Graphic Design (TAGD) was contacted in February to tackle the logo and website. It was a mission that the first-year club was excited to take on.

“It’s one thing to be teaching it in the classroom, but having an actual client gives the students real-world feedback. They can add this on their resume rather than just getting a grade," said Brandon Buckner, graphics design teacher at Ben Barber.

The students worked on the project for a few hours every week, and were able to see the fruits of their labor at the company’s ribbon-cutting on August 4.

Connie Romano excited to open shop with
the help of MISD students.

“It was fun, and everyone had a hand in it,” said Connie Romano, owner of Bark Out Loud. “I would definitely recommend them. They did a great job, and I was glad to be able to support them.”

Buckner hopes his TAGD students will continue to get opportunities that will add to their portfolio while helping local businesses.

“I encourage them to think global, but act local,” said Buckner. “We would love more clients so that we can get involved in the community as much as possible.”

For more information about Ben Barber’s TAGD club, visit the campus webpage.

2014 Toys for Tots Event Brings in 26k Toys

The third annual Mansfield ISD Toys for Tots event was a stunning representation of the giving spirit of our community. Parents, students, staff, and local community members opened their hearts and donated 26,000 toys and an estimated $8,000 for DFW Toys for Tots!

The event was held on Wednesday, December 10, from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts. FOX 4 was on site to capture the magic of the evening, as joyful community members flooded the big event. The festivities were kicked off by a student/staff parade, followed by photos with Santa, a giant snow tubing hill, a bounce house and obstacle course, live reindeer, food trucks, more than 30 onstage student performances, and a variety of activities for kids and families.

We are so grateful for the continued support of this fantastic event. Thanks to the many student groups, sponsors, community leaders, and volunteers who make this event possible!

 

Go to full photo gallery

Special thanks to: Mansfield Police Department, the City of Mansfield, Mayor David Cook and the Mansfield City Council, MISD Board of Trustees, Mansfield ISD Police Department, MISD Warehouse Crew, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, Fox 4, Steele Freeman Construction, Huckabee, Lee Lewis Construction, Texas Trust Credit Union, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s Top of Texas Photography, Two Men and a Truck, Sports Clips, Starbucks, First United Methodist Church of Mansfield, Home Depot, Hawaiian Falls Water Park, Mellow Mushroom, BBCTA’s radio station 99.9 THE WILD, Dr. Chuck Roe from the Fine Arts Department, Mark Walker from the Athletic Department,  MISD Transportation Department, Quentin Myers the Music Man, and last but not least – all MISD schools and departments for supporting this event and helping promote the spirit of giving.