IN THIS ISSUE…

APPLAUSE• Congratulations New Apple Corps Members!• Amanda Tecklenburg Receives Life-Saving Award

DISTRICT NEWS• Perspective from Lanny Frasier• Mark Your Calendar for Spring Events!• Education Foundation

CAMPUS NEWS• Annual High School Art Exhibit• Mesquite High School Musical• John Horn High School Musical

• West Mesquite High School Musical• North Mesquite High School Musical• Poteet High School Musical

NEWS YOU CAN USE• Community Education• My Dream My Future: Taylor Dupree• My Dream My Future: Selena Hernandez• My Dream My Future: Dr. Robin Johnson• My Dream My Future: Jennifer Drake• Tech Talk• Safety Report: It’s Still Flu Season

FEBRUARY 2015 | WEB VERSION

Congratulations New Apple Corps Members!Juan Carlos CoronadoJuan Carlos is a graduate of Mesquite High School and teaches math at Tosch Elementary. He has 14 years of experience – seven in Mesquite ISD. Principal Betsy Adams says, “Mr. Coronado is always smiling, shows respect to all students and carries the attitude that ‘nothing is impossible.’ In addition, he leads his team with enthusiasm and constant encouragement.” Juan Carlos’ sister, a professional educator, gave him his first opportunity to work with students. Following this, he knew working with children was his calling. He says, “I truly enjoy working with my students and their families. Year after year I get the opportunity to enrich the lives of kids in order to secure a better future for them.” While it’s important to teach math skills, Juan Carlos also focuses on lessons in kindness and respect through his own actions. Something unique about Juan Carlos is that his parents immigrated to the United States so he and his siblings could have the opportunity to attend good schools and get a great education. He is grateful for the support and love of his wife, who also teaches in MISD, and his parents. Juan Carlos’ goal is to become a principal in Mesquite ISD.

Holly GoodHolly teaches sixth grade at Porter Elementary and has been with Mesquite ISD for eight years. Principal Becky Rasco says, “Holly is truly here for the students. She works endlessly to come up with ways to inspire her children to develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime.” Holly began her teaching journey in junior high when she was asked to teach Vacation Bible School and has continued to teach in some capacity ever since. She says, “I enjoy teaching because it enables me to watch my students grow intellectually and socially. The best moments come when students feel confident to teach each other.” She strives to find a way for each child to turn a weakness into a strength. Holly’s husband is her greatest supporter, along with Ms. Rasco whose open door policy has made an incredible impact on her. Holly believes it’s never too late to learn something you love.

[http://youtu.be/b_cJJUOE8bs]

Juan Carlos and Holly were inducted into Apple Corps during the February Board Meeting:

Amanda Tecklenburg Receives Life-Saving Award

On Monday, January 5, Wilkinson Middle School teacher Amanda Tecklenburg assisted a student who was experiencing a seizure. Ms. Tecklenburg noticed that the student had fallen to the floor, was shaking and was unconscious. The student’s head was hitting the ground, so she immediately secured it with her hands and then rolled the student to the side. She was able to call for help and the administrators on duty called 911. The paramedics transported the student to Children’s Medical Center where she was treated and later released. Ms. Tecklenburg’s actions and appropriate response to the emergency saved the student’s life.

Amanda was recognized at the February School Board meeting:

[http://youtu.be/0yAoUI50Hnw]

PerspectiveLanny FrasierAssistant Superintendent – Personnel

This is the time of year when we look ahead and begin the process of recruiting and hiring for 2015-16. With more than 5,200 total employees, there is generally an attrition rate of approximately 15 percent due to relocations, resignations, retirements, terminations, leaves, etc. Last year, we hired more than 825 replacements and new employees (to accommodate growth) according to the following:

Professionals/Teachers 426Paraprofessionals 125Food Service 130

Custodial/Security 41Transportation 53Facilities/Tech Services 37Crossing Guards 16

These numbers have remained fairly consistent throughout the past several years, and we anticipate the upcoming one to be very similar.

The task of filling all these positions is becoming increasingly difficult as the economy improves, and the corresponding job market becomes more and more competitive. We try to be proactive and aggressive in our approach, and our recruiting efforts include:

- General job postings- Extensive use of the internet- KEOM- Newspaper/magazine ads- Job Fairs (including the MISD Fair every May)- Partnerships with universities- Direct mailings

In addition, more than 65 on-site visits are made to colleges/universities and other preparation programs resulting in approximately 2,500 contacts. We use our competitive salary schedule, tuition reimbursement program, benefits (including the health clinic and pharmacy), staff development opportunities, leadership stability, community support, awards and recognitions, and reputation for quality schools as recruiting tools.

While all of these are well and good, our most effective recruiting effort remains with you – our current employees! Nothing says more about the district than those who work here, and you are our greatest ambassadors. Word of mouth goes a long way, and potential candidates consistently tell us that someone who works within MISD referred them. It truly takes a team effort, and we want only those with the highest level of commitment, character and integrity working with our students. This can only be determined by personal knowledge of the individual, and this is where we often rely on you. Your efforts in this regard are very much appreciated, and we want to encourage you to continue to promote and share positive experiences about the district with friends, relatives and others that you are familiar with in order for us to hire the very best!

Mark Your Calendar for Spring Events!March 9-13 – Spring BreakMay 5 – Apple Corps GalaMay 9 – Bond ElectionMay 14 – Employee Recognition ProgramMay 25 – Memorial Day HolidayMay 30-31 – GraduationJune 11 – Retiree Luncheon

Education FoundationThe Education Foundation presents the 9th Annual Lone Star Legacy Gala featuring the band Lifehouse.

PURCHASE CONCERT TICKETSConcert tickets are on sale through TicketMaster.com [http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0C004E4287FE255B ] or at the Mesquite Arena Box Office (1818 Rodeo Dr. Mesquite, 75149).

Ticket prices:VIP - $75 (includes dinner and drinks from 6:15 - 9:15 p.m.)Premium Reserve - $25Reserved - $20

BECOME A TABLE SPONSORVisit www.mesquitefoundation.org/gala.html for more information and to download the Table Sponsorship Order Form [http://www.mesquitefoundation.org/galasponsors.html]. Table sponsorships include great seats on the arena floor, dinner and premium parking. A portion of the table sponsorship is tax deductible.

Annual High School Art ExhibitStudent art from all five MISD high schools was on display at the Professional Development Center from January 9 - February 3.

[http://tinyurl.com/qaeduxp ]

Mesquite High School MusicalThe musical for Mesquite High School this year was “Mary Poppins.”

John Horn High School MusicalThe musical for John Horn High School this year was “Footloose.”

[http://tinyurl.com/mgztkdw]

[http://tinyurl.com/l42eeal]

West Mesquite High School MusicalThe musical for Mesquite High School this year was “Annie.”

North Mesquite High School MusicalThe musical for North Mesquite High School this year was “Guys and Dolls.”

[http://tinyurl.com/oaqt32o]

[http://tinyurl.com/pbz3ppb]

Poteet High School MusicalThe musical for Poteet High School this year was “Big Fish.”

[http://tinyurl.com/pee5eb3]

Community Education3/2 Mac: Tips and Tricks for a BeginnerInstructor: Deanna LicatovichLocation: PDC Computer LabTime: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Fee: $29

3/3 Make a Deco Mesh Wreath – SpringInstructor: Vickie ClineLocation: PDC Room 211Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Fee: $22

3/23 So, You Bought an iPad for Your Child… Now What?Instructor: Deanna LicatovichLocation: PDC Computer LabTime: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Fee: $29

3/24 Senior Care: Information for Caregivers and FamilyInstructor: Marilyn Herrin Location: PDC Room 213Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Fee: $19 (Bring a family member for free!)

Register early at www.CommunityEdClasses.org or call (972) 88-CLASS! MISD Employees receive a $5 discount by entering promo code: MISD at time of registration.

My Dream My Future: Selena Hernandez

[http://youtu.be/zAwjc6hitBw]

My Dream My Future: Taylor Dupree

[http://youtu.be/chCB_xOgB5E]

My Dream My Future: Jennifer Drake

[http://youtu.be/v8GzXuv7eF4]

My Dream My Future: Dr. Robin Johnson

[http://youtu.be/xBNu918ucSs]

Tech TalkCannaday Students Create Videos for KindergartnersWhen the kindergarten teachers at Cannaday expressed a desire to start using more technology with their students, fellow teacher Emilee Simmons and her sixth-grade students responded in a big way! Using their iPads and the Explain Everything app, the sixth-graders create videos by using pictures and reading from kindergarten’s “read aloud” books. The students uploaded their completed videos to Google Drive and then created a QR code for the video’s location. Finally, the QR codes were printed, along with a picture of the book’s cover, and placed at kindergarten listening stations. It’s win-win situation for both student groups: sixth-graders got to work on their fluency, and kindergarteners were able to benefit from listening and reading along.

Tech Tip: Turn it Off! Everyone knows the importance of turning off the lights when leaving a room to save money and conserve electricity, but did you know that there are additional considerations in our classrooms? Most classrooms in MISD now have ceiling-mounted projectors, while others use projectors on a cart. If you use a projector in instruction, you may be interested to know that each projector bulb costs $250.00 or more to replace, and a bulb’s lifespan can be as long as four or five years.

Unfortunately, some of our projector bulbs don’t last that long because the projector is turned on and left on, unused, for hours each day, resulting in a burned-out bulb at the most inopportune moment - such as in the middle of a lesson! Tech Services sends someone to replace these bulbs when they burn out, but we can help maintain the lives of projector bulbs and keep replacement costs down. Just as you would turn off the lights when you leave a room, it’s important to remember projectors and other electricity-using items in your classroom that should be turned off when not in use.

Safety Report

IN TOUCH: MESQUITE ISD EMPLOYEE NEWS | FEBRUARY 2015

It Is Still Flu SeasonInfluenza activity in the U.S. has been low so far this season, but it is increasing. Flu activity typically does not reach its peak in the U.S. until January or February, making this a good time to get a flu vaccine. Flu activity can occur as late as May, so getting a vaccine later in the season can still offer protection.

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu. Here are a few tips to help you get through flu season healthy and happy:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty

of fluids, and eat nutritious food.