Mission Mission Statement:Statement:To develop in each student the

character, confi dence, knowledge

and skills to be successful in life.

ConnectionsThe Newsletter of Midlothian Independent School District

100 Walter Stephenson Rd. • Midlothian, TX 76065 • 972.775.8296

December 2007

Great things are happening in our schools!

FFA Poultry Team - National Champions!Winners of the National FFA Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event were announced in October 2007. The Midlothian team won 1st place at the 80th National FFA Convention held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, IN. Winning team members received scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 each to further their education at a post-secondary institution of their choice.

New Agricultural Science Facility- $2.5 million was approved by voters to build a new Ag Science Facility.- VLK Architects is working with district staff on architectural plans.- Construction is projected to begin August 2008 (Site to be determined)

Vitovsky Elementary kinder students estimated how many students could fi t in a box during their Musical Art Class. Musical Art teaches and encourages students to problem solve, be creative, learn drama, and even think outside the box - or sometimes think inside the box.

Pictured left to right: Karmen Gillingham, Garrett Cornett, Lydia Morris, Kevin Ellis, Paige Horton, Lindsey Pack, and Will Ellis

Running for State Honors All four Cross Country Teams won 15-4A District crowns. The Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls dominated as they qualifi ed and competed at Regionals in Arlington. The Girls team placed 5th and the Boys were Regional Runner-Up, qualifying for the State Meet for the 2nd straight year. Carly Kitts qualifi ed individually by placing 3rd at Regionals. The Boys Team fi nished 8th overall in the 4A State Meet. Freshman Carly Kitts placed 6th overall at the State Meet. Senior Kyle Lister placed 9th in Boys 4A. Both were named to the All-State teams. Carly Kitts, Kyle Lister, Raylon Evans, and Neal Ellis were named to the All-Region teams. The Dallas Morning News named Kyle Lister and Carly Kitts to 1st team. Raylon Evans and Neal Ellis were both named to 2nd team.

20 Students 20 Students Named AP Named AP ScholarsScholarsTo achieve an AP Scholar Award, students must receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Students honored for AP Scholar are Joshua Able, Carissa Carroll, Arturo Espinoza, Michael Gummelt, Logan Gunter, Camille Hurst, Carson King, Nathan Larson, Kenneth Lundberg, Emily Miller, Brittany Nelson, Amanda Perkins, Ainsley Wieland, and Joshua Wood. AP Scholars with Honor are David Atherton, Stefan Berthelsen, Thomas Kuhn, Stephen Nabinger, and Matthew Spross who received an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams. AP Scholar with Distinction is Chelsea Lawson who received a 3 or higher on all five exams.

National Merit Scholars SemifinalistsThe National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifi nalists from a fi eld of 1.4 million candidates in the 52nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Midlothian ISD is proud to recognize two students from Midlothian High School who have been named National Merit Semifi nalists. Seniors Stefan Berthlesen and Nathan Larson are recipients of this prestigious achievement for the 2007-2008 school year.

Andrew Rowell was awarded a Letter of Commendation that signifi es his designation as a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Andrew is part of 34,000 students nationwide who have shown exceptional academic performance.

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Regiment takes Regiment takes 4th in Area4th in Area

The Panther Regiment competed in the Area C marching contest at Mesquite Memorial Stadium on Oct. 27. They placed 4th in our area, with only the top 2 advancing to the state contest. Claire Pender was one chair away from making the All-State Jazz Band placing 3rd in the state on alto saxophone. Zac Colquitt (Tuba) and Russ Horsley (Trombone) both placed 1st on their respective instruments at the All-Region Orchestra auditions.

Leaders of Leaders of TomorrowTomorrow

Mayor Boyce Whatley presented Joseph and Trace, 2nd graders at Baxter Elementary, with Outstanding Leadership Awards. Mayor Whatley talked with the 2nd graders about his job as mayor and some of the exciting things they can expect to see in Midlothian. Students were very excited upon hearing about the new park the city is planning to build.

MISD Connections

2007 Gold Performance AcknowledgementsThe Gold Performance Acknowledgments refl ect areas of academic performance and growth that go beyond state accountability ratings.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) awarded all eight Midlothian ISD campuses and the District with Gold Performance Acknowledgements (GPA). The GPA system acknowledges districts and campuses for high performance on indicators other than those used to determine accountability ratings. Commended Performance refers to the percent of examinees scoring at or above the TAKS commended performance standard (scale score 2400). A campus/district may be awarded Gold Performance Acknowledgment(s) by each subject tested if 25% or more of its students receive commended performance.

Midlothian ISD - Commended Performance in Reading, AP/IB, TSI ELA, and TSI Math. District Accountability rating is Academically Acceptable.T.E. Baxter Elementary - Commended Performance in Writing and Comparable Improvement in Reading. Accountability rating is Recognized. J.R. Irvin Elementary - Commended Performance in Math, Reading and Science. Accountability rating is Recognized.Longbranch Elementary - Commended Performance in Reading, Science, and Writing. Accountability rating is Recognized.Mt. Peak Elementary - Commended Performance in Reading, Writing, and Science. Accountability rating is Recognized.Vitovsky Elementary- Commended Performance in Science and Math. Accountability Rating is Recognized.Walnut Grove Middle School - Commended Performance in Reading and Social Studies. Comparable Improvement in Math. Accountability rating is Recognized.Frank Seale Middle School - Commended Performance in Reading, Social Studies, and Writing. Comparable Improvement in Reading. Accountability rating is Recognized.Midlothian High School - TSI in ELA, TSI in Math, and AP/IB. Accountability rating is Academically Acceptable.

The 2007 District Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) is available on each campus front page and the Instruction & Learning web site.

Nathan Larson, MHS Principal Dr. Al Hemmle and Stefan Berthlesen

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Walking Walking for a Curefor a Cure

The second annual MISD Diabetes Walkathon was

held on Nov.1st at the high school track. The J.R. Irvin

faculty showed up in full force, sporting their

Pink Panther Wellness t-shirts and enjoying a night of family fun and fitness. The walkathon

was a huge success, with more than twice

the participants and donations over the

previous year!

The Panther Volleyball

Team finished 2nd

in 15-4A. The team

beat Brownwood in the Bi-District Championship

and also won the Area Championship against

South Oak Cliff. They lost to Waco Midway in the Regional Quarterfinals.

Overall, the Panthers had 13 individual athletic and academic district awards.

Golf Teams Golf TeamsVarsity Boys:

- 2 Team Invitational Championships

- Five Top 5’s Team Invitational Finishes

- Garrett Smith all 7 rounds 76 or better

- Cody Taylor (Freshman) 78.7 scoring avg.

Varsity Girls:

- 3 Team Invitational Championships

- Megan Richardson 2 Top 3’s

-Amanda Hoover 2 Top 5’s

MISD ConnectionsSecondary Student InitiativeThe Texas Education Agency High School Project (THSP) is committed to increasing graduation and college enrollment rates across Texas. This initiative has allowed the Midlothian High School to utilize the secondary allotment funds granted by TEA to implement various programs intended to:

Prepare students for more rigorous academic coursework in high school Increase student achievement and high school completion rates Increase the number of students who are academically prepared for

college without the need for developmental course work Increase the number of students who enroll in college

Grand Central Station (GCS)Grand Central Station is a comprehensive academic intervention program that addresses the needs of at-risk students, struggling readers, slow learners, and students with organizational and/or attention problems. This program also yields a school-wide response-to-intervention approach.

Princeton Review Live and On-Line College ReadinessThe Princeton Review provides FREE live and on-line classes for students interested in receiving individualized instruction and assistance in preparing for the PSAT, ACT, and/or SAT. These classes are available to 11th and 12th graders who are interested in improving their standardized test taking skills. This program promotes practice as a crucial part of any successful test prep program. It also provides Midlothian ISD students with the following: Princeton Review Online Student Workbook for the SAT/ACT; Hit Parade Vocabulary Workbook; 24/7 access from any computer that has Internet access; and four full-length SAT or ACT practice exams online.

Communities In Schools (CIS)Communities In Schools is designed to provide year-round, on-campus and social system support to students who are at-risk of dropping out of school. This program focuses on providing mentoring, tutoring, crisis intervention, and social service referrals. Through a comprehensive networking approach, CIS guides and supports the student in achieving the goal of high school graduation and the beginning of a successful life.

Drop-Out Prevention and Credit Recovery ProgramSoftware for new courses and fees for license renewal were purchased for PLATO, a dropout prevention and credit recovery program. PLATO is a software program used to provide students with the opportunities to recover course credit outside of the regular classroom environment. Students who qualify and take advantage of this opportunity can then be eligible to graduate and eliminate the possibility of becoming a high school dropout.

Graphing Calculators for FSMS & WGMSGraphing calculators were purchased for students enrolled in Algebra I at Frank Seale M.S. and Walnut Grove M.S. One hundred and eighty (180) calculators were purchased as class sets for six (6) classrooms.

MHS (Counseling) Go-Center A personnel unit was added to the Midlothian H.S. Counseling Center to assist college-bound students: assess and evaluate their post high school goals; understand college admissions requirements; research, explore and initiate the college application process; explore and apply for scholarship opportunities; and apply for fi nancial aid.

AP TestingMidlothian ISD will pay for all students taking one or more AP (Advance Placement) tests. The intent of this eff ort is to encourage and support students taking the more rigorous AP classes to take the coordinating AP tests. Students who score a 3 or 4 on an AP test are eligible to receive college credit for the coordinating AP course in most colleges and universities.

Click this button on the MISD website and learn more about MISD accountability, curriculum, and much more.

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Young Young Theatrical Theatrical Actress Actress Savanna Sears, T.E. Baxter 4th grader, recently performed in Theatre Arlington’s production of Bridge to Terabithia, a play written by the author of the beloved children’s book. Savanna’s love of music and performing has led her to roles with Waxahachie Community Theater, The Grand Prairie Arts Council and The Dallas Opera.

FSMS Students FSMS Students Make All-Make All-Region BandRegion BandFrank Seale Middle School had 28 students make All-Region Band. There were 14 schools represented with approximately 600 students competing.

MISD Connections

Elementary Attendance ZonesWith the new LaRue Miller Elementary school opening in August 2008, the MISD elementary attendance zones will need to be redrawn.

Town hall meetings have been set to discuss the rezoning plans. - January 17, 7:00-8:30pm, Walnut Grove Middle School Cafeteria - January 31, 7:00-8:30pm, Midlothian High School Auditorium

New attendance zones will be approved by the School Board on February 18.New Staff will be hired between February-April.MISD staff assignments will be made in March.

May 2006 Bond Project Status*Refer to Construction Zone website for detailed information

7,924

7,470

7,1216,825

6,562

6,104

5,6775,396

4,337

5,090

3,500

4,500

5,500

6,500

7,500

8,500

20002001

20022003

20032004

20042005

20052006

20062007

20072008

20082009

20092010

20102011

School Year

# o

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MISD Enrollmenton the Grow!* Detailed enrollment reports on website.

Promised

- Capital Improvements- Elementary School #6 (Aug. ‘08)- Frank Seale Middle School (Spring ‘08)- Instructional Technology- T.E. Baxter Elementary- School Buses

Nature of Work

J.R. Irvin, Longbranch, Mt. Peak, MHS; Security for all schoolsNew facility constructionRenovations

Additional classrooms and various renovationsPurchased 4 buses

Status

CompletedIn ProgressIn ProgressCompletedCompletedCompleted

Source: Templeton Demographics, LLC. 3rd Quarterly Report.

Proud of Local VeteransWalnut Grove Middle School held its annual Veterans Day assembly honoring local veterans for their service to our country. Over 180 veterans and their family members attended the ceremony and luncheon hosted by the Community Problem Solvers. The ceremony included the Arlington High School Junior ROTC, Lancaster High School Junior ROTC Orange Crush Precision Drill Team, WGMS band and other proud participants.

Veterans and their spouses stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem.

Be in the know… visitwww.midlothian-isd.net

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Conserving Conserving EnergyEnergy

With a collaborative effort among the district staff

and the Energy Manager, procedures are currently in place to minimize the cost

of energy by implementing efficient operations

throughout the district. The purpose of the MISD

Utility Management Program is to control

costs while maintaining a comfortable and safe

environment.

Singing to Singing to SuccessSuccess

At the November All-Region Choir Concert,

the following MHS students were selected

for their outstanding singing ability: District Choir: Michael Hayden

and Mattie McClean. Region Choir: Stefan

Berthelsen, April Divin, Jake Kassen, Jacob Lowe,

Holly Ross, Matt Stokes and Haley Till. All four

9th grade students who auditioned for the 9th

grade Honor Choir made top honors. Students in

9th Grade Honor Choir are: Lauren Brown, Ashton

Coomes, Jessica Manton and Amada Thorndike.

“$uperior “$uperior Achievement”Achievement”

For the 5th year in a row, MISD has earned a “Superior

Achievement” rating under the state’s Schools FIRST financial accountability rating system.

This is the state’s highest rating obtained by a school district, demonstrating the

quality of MISD’s financial management and reporting

system.

MISD Connections

Student Artwork Displayed in AustinArt students at FSMS art class participated in the Texas Landscapes & Celebrations Art Contest sponsored by TEA. More than 700 pieces of art from students all across the state of Texas were submitted for this competition intended to honor and recognize excellence in art education. Starting December 3, 2007 to February 8, 2008, MISD art students will have artwork on display at the Austin headquarters of the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Legislative Budget Board. View the winning artwork online at www.arts.state.tx.us/perceptions.

Award of Excellence: (Highest Award Given) Kerri Allred; Mission at YsletaAlane Jackson; The MockerPerin Ford; The Big Buck

Award of MeritChelsea Seago; Lone WolfAleena Rogers; The Last Open Field

Bus Drivers Receive Safe Driving AwardOver 60 bus drivers were honored for their safe driving practices. These drivers earned the Property Casualty Alliance of Texas (PCAT) Safe Driving Award for the 2007 program year by demonstrating record of zero at-fault vehicle accidents during the program year. An attractive lapel pin bearing the likeness of a school

bus and the state of Texas signifi es this commendation, uniquely designed for PCAT. The award is sponsored by the school’s fl eet insurer, Property Casualty Alliance of Texas, and administered through Edwards Risk Management, Inc.

Bus Driver of the YearBill Thompson was awarded “Driver of the Year” through Property Casualty Alliance of Texas. This prestigious award is based on leadership, attitude, perseverance, student and parent relationships, and technical skill. In recognition of his achievement, Bill received a certifi cate and a monogrammed jacket.

2007-08 Bus Facts

- 525,018 miles traveled on routes- 95,424 miles traveled on fi eld trips- 62 buses in fl eet(purchasing 5 new buses this school year)- 2,700 students transported daily

Super Outrageous Science (S.O.S.) DayLongbranch Elementary students celebrated their fi rst annual Super Outrageous Science (S.O.S.) Day. It was defi nitely a smashing, dripping, bubbling, gushing, clucking, fl ubbery, ooblecky success. Longbranch learners were immersed for the day in the exciting world of science with assistance from teachers, volunteers, parents, community members, and other interested scientists in various fi elds.

Van Amburgh Named Principalfor LaRue Miller ElementaryRecently, Dr. Kennedy announced the appointment of Beth Van Amburgh as principal for the new LaRue Miller Elementary. She will assume her new role as the Miller Elementary principal in February 2008. The campus is scheduled to open August 2008. For more details, see the Midlothian ISD website.

Problem Solvers Pack Their Food The Middle School Community Problem Solvers from Frank Seale

MS and Walnut Grove MS took a learning and research trip to the North Texas Food Bank. Their community project is to organize, renovate, and clean up the Midlothian Senior Citizen Food Pantry currently located at the Laura Jenkins School. The Food Pantry receives much of its food from the North Texas Food Bank. As a result of their donated time and work, the CMPSers received 30 hours of credit toward their Midlothian Senior Citizen Food Pantry that they can use to get food to hand out to our senior citizens.

A Great MatchThe Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls tennis team fi nished the 2007

season as District 15-4A Runner Up. Their overall record was 14-5. They qualifi ed for Regionals in Grapevine. They defeated Dallas Adamson and lost to Texas High. Over the past four years the team has two 1st place fi nishes, one 2nd and one 3rd. A special kudos to seniors Justin Honeycutt, Jordan Pille, Justin Toth, Aaron Craig and Ashley Yeager, who have been a part of this winning tradition.

MISD Connections

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Use the website as Use the website as a Communication Toola Communication Tool www.midlothian-isd.netwww.midlothian-isd.net

Check your child’s homework onlineExamine district spending and fi nancial infoFollow school construction progressSeek job opportunitiesStay abreast of campus and district eventsUp to minute report on school closure for bad weatherUtilize PowerSchool for realtime access to student gradesVisit the New Health & Safety website

Midlothian ISD welcomes and encourages all parents to become an integral part of their child’s educational career while he/she is at MISD. As your child’s fi rst teacher, it is important for parents to be involved in their everyday life as they attend school.

School Closure or School Closure or Delayed OpeningDelayed OpeningDue to Inclement Weather or Emergency Conditions

Decisions on closing or delayed opening of MISD schools will be posted on the MISD website, TV channels 4, 5, 8, and 11 and radio stations KBEC 1390AM, WBAP 820AM. School closings/delays are based on road conditions within the district. Sign up for MISD eNews for notifi cation of school closings. Send an email to subscribe@midlothian-isd.net.

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Be in the know… visitwww.midlothian-isd.net

Midlothian ISD100 Walter Stephenson Rd.Midlothian, TX 76065972.775.8296

Student Leadership AwardMidlothian High School has selected the 2008 Hugh O’Brian Youth (Hoby) Leadership Award. The leadership seminars are held in every state each spring. The seminars are designed to provide leadership development opportunities that empower individuals to achieve their highest potential.

This year’s candidate is MHS sophomore Sarah Van Dyke. She is the daughter of Duane and Melanie VanDyke, Ovilla, TX. Sarah is active in Student Council, Art Club, Science Club, and Spanish Club. She is also involved in volunteer work at Mission NE, MDA, Lions Club, and Heaven’s Attic.

Camo ChristmasThe Mt. Peak 1st, 2nd and 4th graders sent care packages and

letters to soldiers overseas to help them feel more comfortable while away from home. The students have carried the theme into their classrooms and had a guest speaker, Buck Meinzer, who is an Airman headed for Iraq.

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