The Mesquite ISD and the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce welcomed the district's new teachers at the annual New Teacher Luncheon on August 12. The event started with an orientation session highlighting the MISD's vision, mission and goals. Superintendent Dr. Linda Henrie invited the new staff members to share their visions of what a successful classroom looks and sounds like. The session closed
with the principals performing a musical number.
At the luncheon, emcee Sharon Cook enlightened the group about the longstanding partnership between the MISD and the city. Thanks to the 200 door prizes donated by local business, almost every new teacher left with a gift. And all new teachers received a goodie bag filled with coupons, cups, pens and samples from Mesquite Chamber members.
Teachers Honored at Apple Corps Gala
The Mesquite ISD held its annual Apple Corps Gala on Monday, May 3 to honor the best of MISD's teachers. Over 400 Apple Corps members, MISD administrators and board members joined in celebrating the 2009-2010 inductees. Jon Dahlander, media services director for the Dallas ISD, provided the keynote address.
The Mesquite Schools' Apple Corps program rewards excellence in teaching by honoring outstanding MISD teachers. Begun in January 1990, this honorary program inducts two new teachers each month at the regular meeting of the District's Board of Trustees. These excellent educators are chosen from a pool of
teachers who have been nominated by their peers at each school. Download photos from the event.
Trustee Carbo to Chair National Board
Mesquite ISD Trustee Kevin Carbo was officially sworn in as Chairman of the National School Boards Association’s Caucus of Hispanic School Board Members (NHC) during the group’s annual conference April 10-12 in Chicago. He has previously served as Southern Region Director and Chair Elect of the NHC.
“It is a great honor to be elected Chair of the National Hispanic Caucus for School Board Members,” Carbo said. “This organization has strived to bring information to board
members and administrators about the challenges and successes that we have experienced with our Hispanic students in the United States. We provide speakers who share personal experiences, current programs or legislation that affect the way we do school business.”
“This is also a great opportunity for us to showcase Mesquite ISD to the education world,” he added. Carbo will serve a two-year term as Chairman of the Caucus. First elected to the MISD School Board in 1996, Carbo has served as a Board officer several times throughout his tenure and currently serves as Board Secretary.
With more than 170 members representing some 150 districts, the mission of the National Hispanic Caucus of School Board Members is to promote the goals and vision of the National School Boards Association (NSBA) and to provide leadership and a foundation to school board members for student educational opportunities through collaboration with key stakeholders to foster excellence and equity in public education. The Hispanic Caucus continues to be involved in legislative initiatives ranging from literacy rates to standardized tests, and education leadership issues from professional development to effective governance.
Mesquite ISD Names New Principals
The Mesquite ISD is proud to announce three new principal appointments effective this fall. Karyn Cummings has been tapped to lead Dr. Ralph H. Poteet High School, Holly Grubbs will take over at Sam Rutherford Elementary, and Danny Taylor will replace Cummings at James Terry Middle School. The appointments were approved by the Board April 5.
“It is such an honor to have the opportunity to serve as principal of Poteet High School,” said Cummings. “My love for Poteet is rooted in the incredible experiences my own children had while attending PHS. I am looking forward to continuing the established tradition of excellence.”
Cummings has been with MISD for 21 of her 28 years in education. She began her career in Dallas ISD before joining the MISD in 1989. She taught at Black Elementary and Kimbrough Middle School before becoming an assistant principal. She is completing her 13th year as a principal, serving nine years at Kimball Elementary and the last four at Terry Middle School. Both her undergraduate and graduate degrees are from Texas A&M-Commerce. She replaces Andrew Bauer who is retiring following this school year.
Grubbs has been with the Mesquite ISD for all of her nine years in the profession. She spent the first six years as a first- and fourth-grade teacher at Lawrence before being named assistant principal at Floyd Elementary in 2007. Grubbs is a Poteet High graduate and received her bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University and her master’s degree from Texas A&M-Commerce.
Taylor is completing his 19th year in education, 10 of which have been with the Mesquite ISD. He started his MISD career at Wilkinson Middle School as a social studies teacher and coach in 1994. After a four-year stint in MISD, he moved to Palmer ISD, where he served in several roles. He returned to the MISD in 2004 and has spent the past six years as a middle school assistant principal, first at Agnew and currently at A.C. New. Taylor received his undergraduate degree from UNT and his master’s degree from UT-Arlington.
Karyn Cummings
Holly Grubbs
Danny Taylor
World Autism Awareness Day
Teachers and staff at Hodges Elementary recently wore blue to raise awareness about Autism in the Mesquite Community. The event was in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day.
World Autism Awareness Day aims to shine a light on autism as a growing global health crisis.
Mesquite ISD Named as Finalist in
H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
Mesquite ISD is one of five finalists in Texas competing for a $100,000 prize in the prestigious H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.
“This is a tremendous honor for our district and an affirmation about the extraordinary progress that has been made throughout all areas,” said Superintendent Dr. Linda Henrie. “Every employee has contributed to the success that our district has achieved. Though we aspire to be selected as the winner, we are delighted and honored that an external panel has selected us as a finalist.”
Mesquite ISD was selected as a finalist in the category of large school districts based on its commitment to student achievement through innovative programs, parental/community involvement and professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators. H-E-B officials will conduct a visit to each finalist district in the coming weeks and select a winner later this spring.
The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards is the largest monetary recognition program for educators in Texas and one of the largest in the nation.
Seven Schools “Higher Performing”
The National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA) has recognized seven Mesquite ISD campuses in its “2009 Just for the Kids Campaign for Higher Performing Schools in Texas.” MISD schools honored, along with the subject area, are as follows: Galloway Elementary in Mathematics; Gentry Elementary in Mathematics and Reading; Hanby Elementary in Mathematics; Mackey Elementary in Mathematics, Reading and Writing; Shands Elementary in Reading; Terry Middle School in Reading and Writing; Tisinger Elementary in Mathematics.
“The recognition of these schools demonstrates the constant focus on continuous improvement as well as the dedication and commitment of teachers and administrators,” said Dr. Linda Henrie, MISD Superintendent. “Though there are accomplishments throughout the district in student learning, we are pleased that these schools are being recognized for their progress in student achievement.”
As part of this recognition MISD representatives have been invited to share insights with NCEA researchers regarding the practices that make our school successful. The event, set for January 21 in Dallas, will include a recognition ceremony for schools included in NCEA's Just for the Kids Higher Performing Schools Campaign. The event will also feature keynote speakers, presentations, and panels discussing the importance of college and career readiness for all Texas students. Panels of leading superintendents and principals of higher performing schools will participate. The event will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about NCEA's research and resources that assist schools and school systems as they develop student-learning goals that define the path to readiness for college and skilled careers.
