Elementary Students Becoming Bilingual Learners

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Through immersion and collaboration, Mansfield ISD elementary school students in the Two-Way Dual Language Program are learning a second language.

English and Spanish native speakers are grouped together for classes that are taught 50 percent in English and 50 percent in Spanish. The result is a room full of students who are able to understand another language and learn other cultures.

“The benefit is just them accepting other cultures and being able to look at other people and find value,” said Tiffanie King, principal of Erma Nash Elementary School. “Eventually, they’ll be able to apply for jobs that they may not have been able to apply for and pursue because they have two languages, and they are bilingual and biliterate.”

Two-way dual language began in Mansfield ISD last school year at the kindergarten level at Erma Nash Elementary and D.P. Morris Elementary School.

Students listen intently as their science is taught in Spanish.

In the initial year, students learned the basics of their second language. Students who have entered into the second year are now able to integrate other languages into their everyday conversations.

“When they’re speaking to me, they’ll substitute some of the English words for a Spanish word or two and vice versa,” said Crystal Flores, a two-way dual language teacher at Nash Elementary School. “At this point, a realistic goal may be to communicate a thought to one another.”

Students in the program said the program is fun because they are constantly learning something new--even when they don’t realize it.

Drew Kindred, a second-year student in the program said he likes having a skill that others do not and plans to use his second language of Spanish wherever he can.

“My favorite thing about this class is learning because I like to learn English and Spanish,” the first-grader continued with excitement. “All about about timers...all about everything!”

Principal King said she gets chills to see how the students have progressed within the two-way dual language program. The program will continue to expand to the fourth-grade level with hopes of having a similar program at an intermediate school.

For more information about MISD’s Two-Way Dual Language Program or any other Power of Choice program, visit the district’s webpage.

Students Spend Quality Time with Grandparents and Grandfriends

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“Mimi!” “Gigi!” “Grandpa!”

Those were the words being shouted by Mansfield ISD children this week with big smiles plastered across their faces.

The students at Nancy Neal Elementary School and many campuses across the district celebrated National Grandparents Day, a day in which grandparents and grandfriends can celebrate intergenerational relationships and family time.

“It’s a special day in my heart because I’m very close with my grandparents, and I feel like it’s a great way to bring our grandparents into the classroom and into our school… and spend some quality time with them,” said Lesley Norris, librarian at Neal Elementary School.

Grandparents and grandfriends of Neal Elementary School were invited to eat lunch with their grandchildren.

Dill said she used to travel from New Braunfels to celebrate
the school's Grandparents Day.

Afterward, they were welcome to go into the library to participate in the book fair.

“I’ve been going to Grandparents Day for five years,” said Ellen Dill, a grandmother of a fourth-grader. “It’s just another bond between the grandparents. [My granddaughter] gets all excited about it. It’s a little reminder that she knows she’s special.”

National Grandparents Day falls each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. The purpose of the holiday is to honor grandparents, give them an opportunity to show love for their children's children and to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

“I always tell my kids if their grandparents live far away or if they’re not close by, call them on the phone, tell them how much you love them and just share that special moment with them,” Norris said.

Norris added that it warms her heart to see the grandparents and grandfriends interact with each other. She said that is her motivation behind coordinating the event each year.

MISD Clubs Grooming Boys into Gentlemen

Chivalry isn’t dead, and staff at Mansfield ISD schools is making sure young males understand that.

Some MISD campuses host after-school clubs, like Men of Distinction, that are dedicated to transforming boys into gentlemen.

At D.P. Morris Elementary School, the boys actually meet during school hours to learn different lessons to present themselves well and treat others with respect.

The club, Men of Morris, meets every Friday morning for young males ages 8-10.

“They learn how integrity works and how to become a productive citizen, which is in line with the district’s vision,” said Cash Rountree, third-grade teacher and co-founder of Men of Morris.

The boys learned to give a firm handshake and keep eye contact.

Rountree and fellow teacher Matt Koceich wanted to start the club to teach the boys important life principles that will help them for years to come.

“Being a man is a very hard thing to do,” Rountree continued. “This is a right age where they can learn all of what it means to be a gentleman, and they can use what they learn to have a better future.”

Men of Morris is in its first year, and Rountree said he is starting to see a positive difference in the way the boys act with teachers and other students.

Third-grader Maxwell Miles said he can use the skills at home as well.

“I like learning how to be a man and a gentleman,” the 9-year-old said. “When you get older, you have to take care of yourself; and if you’re a nice person, you can get a job.”

Many Mansfield ISD elementary schools take part in different weekly clubs during the school day in an effort to get more students to take part in extra and co-curricular activities. For a list of all school clubs and activities, visit the MISD schools calendar.

MISD Elementary School Wins $30,000 Makeover

Martha Reid Leadership Academy is getting a hefty cafeteria makeover, and it’s all thanks to a peanut butter rice flan recipe.

As reported weeks ago, 5-year-old student Gabby and her mom, Luciana Malkomes, entered the nationwide Ben’s Beginners cooking photo contest.

The mother said Gabby loves helping her in the kitchen, and the contest was a perfect way to continue bonding with the chance of winning a monetary prize for her family and school.

Out of more than 500 photo entrees, the Malkomes family was picked as a top 25 finalist. The public then voted for their favorite picture. Winners were chosen based on number of votes, creativity, presentation of dish and appetite appeal.

“I received a call around Veterans Day that Gabby had won,” said Principal Rebecca Stephens. “We had to keep it a secret from them until today’s surprise presentation.”

Gabby and her mom taught students how to cook the winning recipe.

Luciana Malkomes thought she was going to a school assembly about cooking. Little did she know, she was the guest of honor for the big announcement.

“I still can’t believe it,” the mother said. “I’m really happy and thankful to God, Uncle Ben’s and Martha Reid for this opportunity. This is going to be a story [Gabby] keeps for the rest of her life.”

The winner of the contest wins $15,000. Another $30,000 is given to the school for a cafeteria makeover. School and district officials will work together to see what cafeteria upgrades would best meet the needs of students.

“We can’t wait to sit down and see how we can transform the cafeteria and encourage kids to try different and healthier options,” Stephens added.

The Ben’s Beginners contest first launched in 2011. The program’s goal is to encourage kids to cook and develop healthier eating habits.

New Early Literacy Center Designed for Interaction

A new facility that changes the way young students will learn is on the horizon at Mansfield ISD. The MISD Early Literacy Center, set to open in the 2018-19 school year, will be an innovative school for children ages three and four that takes learning beyond the four walls of a classroom.

“It’s basically structured in what early childhood research says is best for how students learn,” said Kristi Cobb, MISD’s director of early literacy. “Young students can come attend and learn through play, learn through unique experiences and learn through interacting with students.”

The focus of the learning center will be to promote literacy and numeracy development at an early age in an exploratory and engaging environment.

A rendering of a room dedicated to the study of Earth.

The facility will have 16 unique learning experiences, what people would typically call classrooms, that are structured into pods of learning: exploration, investigation, imagination and navigation. In each pod, children will be immersed in learning about different topics, such as the ocean, greenhouses, animals, construction and space.

“The building is very unique. It’s not like a traditional literacy center and not like a tradition school,” said Jeff Brogden, associate superintendent of facilities and bond programs. “For instance, one of the experiences is about the ocean, so there is an interactive submarine that is part of the experience. Students and teachers will be able to take an interactive field trip through the ocean to visit different mammals and learn all about that realm.”

The facility will be located near Della Icenhower Intermediate School off of South Collins Street. Each morning and afternoon session will consist of 15-17 students, a teacher and an instructional aide. Between 480-500 students will be able to enroll each year.

The school will also host field trips and other activities so that all Mansfield ISD students have the opportunity to benefit from the facility.

MISD's Early Literacy Center is aligned with the district's Vision 2020 guiding statement that indicates students will read on level or higher by the beginning of the third grade and will remain on level or higher as an MISD student.

View more details and renderings of the future school here.

Elementary Schools Unite to Create Jr. Hoops Basketball Club

Sports fans around the country have been filling out brackets and following along with the NCAA basketball tournament, but a group of Mansfield ISD elementary schools are taking part in their own version of March Madness.

Early in the school year, Janet Brockett Elementary School principal, Tamara Liddell, was introduced to the district’s guiding statements for the newly introduced strategic plan Vision 2020. One of the guiding statements states that all students will be involved in at least one extra or co-curricular activity, Liddell immediately had an idea.

"My colleagues and I began talking about how we could support Vision 2020, I threw out starting a basketball league,” Liddell said about the creation of the league. "We started and he had six schools that wanted to be involved. Our children were ecstatic to now have, what they have asked for quite often, basketball."

The team from Imogene Gideon receives the trophy
after winning the championship game of the playoffs

For the first year of the MISD Elementary Basketball League, teams from Janet Brockett, Imogene Gideon, Louise Cabaniss, Thelma Jones, Erma Nash and Glenn Harmon elementary schools played weekly games against each other and concluded their season with a playoff tournament.
 

In order to give these elementary students the feel of the 'big leagues,' the games are played at James Coble Middle School. Coaches from within the school community volunteer their time to help these young hoop hopefuls hone their skills and prepare for each game.

These games are more than just basketball competition for the students on the team; many of the schools have started a cheerleading club to support the students on game nights, as well on campus. The cheer clubs are responsible for organizing pep rallies for the teams on game day, providing signs and spirit sticks to fans, but most importantly they are there to cheer their team on at the game.

By having so many students involved in various ways, this event is truly bringing the MISD community together. During these games, the stands in the middle school gyms are packed with parents, grandparents, and other students from their campuses.

The students are not only getting to play a sport they love, but also getting to learn teamwork, sportsmanship and also having the opportunity to make new friends. Juelz Harris, an Imogene Gideon fourth grader, is really enjoying this experience.

"We have built a lot of friendships and it has been very fun working with our coaches. It’s my favorite sport, I am glad we get to play now."

For the principals of these campuses, the league isn’t about a trophy or wins and loses. Shanee Charles, Principal at Imogene Gideon Elementary, appreciates what this league is teaching, not only her students, but the school community as a whole.

"I feel like this basketball league has not only given us a stronger sense of community, but also, a stronger sense of school pride. The other students that are not on the team come to school asking who we play this week and if we’ve won the game. Next year we would like to see this program grow to more campuses."

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.

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.

Elementary School Focuses on Teaching the Heart and Mind

Sara Buchan and two of her students who have earned blue butterflies.

Although Friday is the last day of National Random Act of Kindness Week, Martha Reid Elementary School spreads the kindness year-round.

Students and staff have all taken part of the Kindness Challenge. It’s an initiative started by first grade teacher Sara Buchan who wanted to teach children how to pay it forward.

“I can make them brilliant in math, but if they do not have social and emotional intelligence, I have failed them,” said Buchan.

The eight-year Mansfield ISD teacher started incorporating what she coined as a kindness mat. The mat is a non-reward-based sheet of paper with different nice gestures students can do. She later contacted the founder of Secret Blue Butterfly and received blue butterflies for teachers to hand out to students who go above and beyond.

The blue butterflies hang to remind students and staff
to spread kindness.

An entire hallway is adorned with blue butterflies hanging from the ceiling as a reminder to children to pollinate the world with kindness and love.

“None of this could have happened without the support I received from the principal and teachers,” said Buchan. “We have a segment on the morning announcements about the Kindness Challenge, and everyone has really bought into the whole idea of promoting joy.”

The saying is true: a little bit of kindness goes a long way. Reid Elementary staff hopes the kids use the lessons learned to continue having a heart of compassion as they grow older.

Eighth Grader Spells His Way to Victory...Again

Spelling Bee winner Jeremy Phan receives his championship plaque.

It’s a word Jeremy Pham will never forget. After successfully spelling catastrophe, the James Coble Middle School eighth grader was named the 2016 Mansfield ISD spelling bee champion.

Pham, who also won the district spelling bee last year, was the last student standing out of the 35 contestants from each of the district’s elementary, intermediate, and middle schools. He said he is proud to be able to take home another winner’s trophy.

“I’m happy I was able to win because there were many tough competitors,” said Pham. “You have to study every day for a few hours, and it’s best to study with flashcards to go over the words.”

The district spelling bee’s coordinator said the contest is not just about spelling words correctly. The contestants are developing skills that they will use even after graduation.

First runner-up Kailey Choi was a past district
spelling bee winner.

“The Bee fosters public speaking skills, enhances vocabulary and grammar skills, as well as building self-confidence through a friendly competitive environment,” said Krista Cobb, ELA instructional coordinator. “These are life-long skills that students can apply throughout all aspects of their lives.”

The district spelling was held Friday, Feb. 12 at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts. It was sponsored by the Mansfield Sunrise Rotary Club.

Congratulations to Jeremy Pham, first runner-up Kailey Choi from Cross Timbers Intermediate School, and the following campus winners who competed in the district bee.

School	Name
Alice Ponder Elementary	Michaela Oczak
Anna May Daulton Elementary	Erica Christenson
Annette Perry Elementary	Jordan Bosuro
Asa Low Intermediate	Vivian Cao
Brooks Wester Middle School	Gregory Jason Dey
Carol Holt Elementary	Lauren Eddington-Dixon
Charlotte Anderson Elementary	Ezra Escamilla
Cora Spencer Elementary	Ezenna Akubukwe
Cross Timbers Intermediate	Kailey Choi  (first runner-up)
D. P. Morris Elementary	Jacqueline Hoang
Danny Jones Middle School	Quinten Dukes
Della Icenhower Intermediate	Niladri Nath
Donna Shepard Intermediate	Eric Alan
Elizabeth Smith Elementary	Alvin Rhaman
Erma Nash Elementary	Aiden Bond
Glenn Harmon Elementary	Laila Mohammed
Imogene Gideon Elementary	Synia Roberts
J. L. Boren Elementary	Phillip Besand
James Coble Middle School	Jeremy Pham  (winner)
Janet Brockett Elementary	Aaron Pradith
Judy Miller Elementary	Peyton Mitchell
Kenneth Davis Elementary	Tiffany Lam
Linda Jobe Middle School	Micah Donathan
Louise Cabaniss Elementary	Annabelle Rodriguez
Martha Reid Elementary	Oluwatade Olayiwole
Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary	Jayden Nche
Mary Lillard Intermediate	Michael O. Asokwah, Jr.
Mary Orr Intermediate	Tojumi Olayiwole
Nancy Neal Elementary	Shaun Ukeje
Roberta Tipps Elementary	Oladipo Owoyele
Rogene Worley Middle School	Sandra Khuon
T. A. Howard Middle School	Jonathan Walker
Tarver-Rendon Elementary	Grant Ruhland
Thelma Jones Elementary	Precious Agwagom
Willie Brown Elementary	Prapti Patel

Gifts of Love to Our Four-Legged Soldiers

Fort Hood soldiers and their canine partners introduce
themselves to Daulton Elementary students, parents, and staff.

They may be cute and cuddly, but don’t let the fur fool you. Military dogs are an integral part to the protection of our country.

Students and staff at Anna May Daulton Elementary School are helping those four-legged soldiers get the support they need by raising money and collecting supplies to ship overseas. Through Operation Military Care K9, the campus is sending the military dogs and their handlers items to keep them healthy and protect them from harsh weather conditions.

“I want the kids to know how important these dogs are to our military,” said Lynn Kostel, librarian at Daulton who organized the fundraiser. “These dogs are nobody’s pet, and they’re vital to the survival of our guys.”

A military canine retrieves an object for his handler.

All branches of the armed forces utilize military service dogs specializing in drug and bomb detection. The canines sniff out narcotics, search for explosives, and support in other roles.

To kick off the fundraiser, Fort Hood soldiers visited the school with their canine partners to demonstrate how the dogs are used in different missions. The kids and adults were excited to see the dogs as they exhibited their talents.

“We try to teach kids about what the dogs really do,” said Sgt. 1st Class William Morton. “They always see dogs out and about, but this is a little different from the dogs they have at home.”

After the demonstration, the soldiers were surprised with baskets of supplies that were donated by local businesses. Kostel said the entire community did not hesitate to support when they heard about an opportunity to support the troops.

Local businesses donated gifts for the military dogs.

“I cried when I saw everything that they brought,” said Kostel. “Chick-fil-A sponsored the soldier’s lunch. We also had Petco, Petsmart, and Pet Supplies Plus supply items for the dogs.”

Daulton Elementary hopes the gifts of love keep coming. Money can be donated through the PTA, and the campus will be accepting items through Friday, Feb. 12. A list of needed canine supplies is available here.

Building Character and Raising Funds Through Fitness

Before the run, students and parents recited
the pledge of allegiance.

It was time for a different kind of fundraising at Thelma Jones Elementary School. Teachers and staff wanted to raise money for more technology in the classroom, but they didn’t want to deal with selling and delivering products.

“We figured that if we gave something to our community that was healthy, they’d appreciate it, participate in it, and help the cause,” said PTA president Angela Cleversy.

As hoped, the community response was positive for the campus’ first ever Boosterthon Fun Run. It’s a program that wraps fitness, leadership, and character together.

First grade boys ran first while the girls cheered them on.

For two weeks, students learned about different character traits—like teamwork and humility—during their enrichment period. As they developed sportsmanship, the students prepared for the fun run by asking for pledges based on the number of laps they ran on the final day.

“It’s fundraising, but the focus is on character, fun, and fitness,” said second grade teacher Aline Trinh. “It’s something that I had done in my old school district in Virginia, so I suggested the idea to the PTA.”

The preliminary results amazed the staff. On the day of the fun run, more than $27,000 pledges were received from 36 states and five countries.

Not only will the funds be used to help the campus—some of the money also helps those in need. For every class that raises $30 or more per lap, Boosterthon Fun Run will donate a pair of shoes to a person overseas who needs it.

Angela Cleversy (third from left) is all smiles with
Principal Dameon Gray (left) and helpful teachers.

“It’s just been a great overall learning experience for the students. These kids are excited to get fit, and they’re excited to learn about the different character lessons. They're more united,” said Trinh.

Cleversy, who is also a special education teacher at Jones Elementary, said the school will use their portion of the funds raised to purchase more learning iPads, starting with third grade, fourth grade, special education, and enrichment classes.

Fourth Graders Take on Big Responsibility as Mini-Mentors

The 2015-16 Mini-Mentors pose with their interviewers.

At Louise Cabaniss Elementary School, it's never too early to become a great role model. That's why each year, a small group of hardworking and motivated students are selected to step up to the plate and become Mini-Mentors for their peers.

The Cabaniss Mini-Mentors are a council made up of fourth grade students with big responsibilities and even bigger hearts. They are committed to peer tutoring, community outreach for campus events and programs, delivering the school announcements, and organizing various projects.

The selection process for these mentors is rigorous and gives the students the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the program.

After being nominated by their classroom teacher, the nominees have to develop and present a resume detailing their accomplishments, academic goals, extracurricular involvement, family value system, future aspirations, and references.

The Cabaniss Cowboys select
six Mini-Mentors each year.

The next phase of the process includes interviews that challenge students to elaborate on their resume amongst an interview team of four teachers. If students make it past that portion of the process, they compete in a debate-style setting to prove to a panel of judges that they have what it takes to be a member of the Cabaniss Mini-Mentor team.

Out of more than 33 nominees, six dedicated students are finally selected.

Sherry Smith, the lead ESL teacher at Cabaniss Elementary, and math specialist Alethia Williams, oversee the program and assist with each phase of the process.

“The Mini-Mentors are like the role models for our school,” said Smith. “They are responsible, honest, hardworking, and very kind-hearted.”

Cabaniss Mini-Mentors are trained to be effective, age-appropriate mentors. They meet weekly with their younger mentees and help out with various campus activities.

Tarver-Rendon Staff Dream Big for New Discovery Park

The open field behind Tarver-Rendon Elementary School.

You can call it a field of dreams. After all, that’s what it is right now—a partially-mowed vast area of land near the back entrance of Tarver-Rendon Elementary School.

However, staff members envision that space as a getaway for children to explore the math, arts, sciences, and technological world.

They call it the Tarver-Rendon Discovery Park. The entrance of it will house a sensory garden. Then, the path will continue to lead students to different areas of the park. There will be an area for live theatre performances, butterflies gardens, plant assortments, QR codes, Legos, chess or checkers, animals from the nearby agricultural barn—the possibilities are endless.

“We’re all about outside-the-box thinking,” said Allison Adkison, the kindergarten teacher at Tarver-Rendon who came up with the idea. “The discovery park is not a normal way to teach, but that’s why we’re doing it. We look for different ways to keep kids engaged.”

Adkison said after she thought of the idea, librarian Susan Buckles and technology teacher LaDena Drake became part of her support team.

“Anywhere you go in the park, it will be a learning experience,” said Drake. “It’ll help them see that you can play outside and still have fun learning.”

(View a diagram of the park here and a video of the concept here.)

Adkison, Buckles, and Drake take a visit to the proposed park.

The visionaries hope to turn the dream into a reality through community involvement and a grant from the Mansfield ISD Education Foundation. However, they say even if they don’t win the grant, it’s still going to happen.

“We're so determined. Our community is already pulling together for it,” said Adkison. “We have a group of dads and husbands coming out to help landscape the area some more. Our Tarver-Rendon parents are going to be a big resource to us, and we want local scouts and organizations to be a part of this too.”

The ideas for the park keep evolving, and it only reiterated what these educators teach their students: dream big.