All-City Choir Rescheduled for Dec. 16

The All-City Choir concert has been rescheduled for Monday, December 16 at 12:30pm in the Midlothian High School auditorium. Attendees of the concert will encounter a parking shortage as most spaces at MHS are used on a typical school day.

The best option is to enter the South parking lot behind the arena. Please walk between the arena and the field house and enter at the auditorium entrance. If you would like to drop of those who may need closer access, enter the West parking lot where you may drive up to the auditorium entrance and then go park in the South lot.

Both lots are monitored, so please stop at the guard building when entering the campus.

Parking in front of the school is typically scarce. Please do not park in spaces marked for library use only.

Can't make the concert? Watch it online!

New UIL Realignment Places Midlothian High School in Class 6A

The Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) released its realignment cutoff numbers on Monday adding a new 6A classification for high schools with 2,100 or more students. Midlothian High School turned in an enrollment of 2,327 students on the UIL “Snapshot Day” in October. This places them in the new 6A class effective in the 2014-2015 school year.
Conference Cutoffs [Download PDF]

• 6A - 2,100 and above
  
• 5A - 1,060 to 2,099
  
• 4A - 465 to 1,059
  
• 3A - 220 to 464
  
• 2A - 105 to 219
  
• 1A - 104.9 and below (formerly six-man football)

Districts will be announced during the normal realignment announcement in February 2014.

Friday Night Football Game Parking Update....

Due to muddy fields next to the Multi-Purpose Stadium, there will limited parking at designated areas (see map below). Overflow parking and bus shuttles will be at Frank Seale Middle School and Midlothian High School parking lots starting at 6:30 p.m. There is also limited overflow parking next to the softball fields.

Midlothian Welcomes Fox Sports Southwest

The DQ Camera crew from FOX Sports Southwest’s High School Scoreboard show is covering the Midlothian Panthers vs. Desoto Eagles football game on Friday, October 18 as the ‘DQ Big Game of the Week’.

In celebration of the big game, the FOX Sports DQ Crew will begin early Friday morning at 7 a.m. to feature the Breakfast of Champions hosted at the Midlothian First Baptist Church. Later, the crew will showcase Panther Football Readers reading to T.E. Baxter Elementary students, which is a game-day partnership among the players and all elementary schools. Cameras will continue rolling at the Midlothian DQ from 4:30-5 p.m. to spotlight and rally the Panther fans. The exclusive, behind-the-scenes segment will run on High School Scoreboard Live at midnight Friday (replayed at 9 a.m. Saturday) and on High School Spotlight at 10:30 p.m. Sunday (replayed at 3 p.m. Monday).

Panther Alley at Midlothian Fall Festival

Come out and experience Midlothian on Saturday, October 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MISD Multi-Purpose Stadium. Over 140 booths (including 18 MISD Panther Alley booths) featuring food, mascots, arts & crafts, promos, fundraiser, entertainment, petting zoo, bounce houses and more. Free admission.

1 - Volleyball Boosters, 2 - WGMS Theater Arts, 3 - WGMS Wildcat Dancers, 4 - Vitovsky Cookbooks, 5 - MHS Engineers, 6 - MHS Baseball, 7 - Communities in Schools, 8 - Junior Panthers, 9 - Rowdy Runners, 10 - Irvin PTV, 25/26- MISD, MHHS, MEF, 27 - MHS Culinary Arts, 28 - Bridges, 29 - MHS Basketball, 30 - MHS Debate, 31 - Open , 32 - MHS Softball, 33 - FSMS Cub Dancers (view map)

Keasler Recognized as Certified Athletic Administrator

Director of Athletics, Steve Keasler

The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) is pleased to announce that Steve Keasler, Director of Athletics at Midlothian ISD, has been recognized by this association as a Certified Athletic Administrator.

To earn this distinction, Keasler has demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. The voluntary certification process included a thorough evaluation of the candidate's educational background, experience and professional contributions, as well as a rigorous, comprehensive written examination.

Keasler is one of an elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this level of professionalism.

The NIAAA is a national professional organization consisting of all 50 state athletic administrator associations and more than 7,600 individual members. It is dedicated to promoting the professional growth of high school athletic administrators and preserving the educational nature of interscholastic athletics and the place of these programs in the secondary school curriculum.

Mr. T.E. Baxter Will Be Missed

Mr. T.E. Baxter

On September 4, the district administrators were informed that Mr. T.E. Baxter passed away peacefully at the age of 93. In 1988, T.E. Baxter Elementary was named after Mr. Baxter, who was a veteran and 29-year educator. He spent many years greeting students and reading to classes. Mr. Baxter's love and passion for education and people will always be cherished. The students and staff at T.E. Baxter Elementary will acknowledge his legacy during a Minute of Silence. Read more about T.E. Baxter Elementary.

MISD Welcomes New Safety Resource Officers

Sgt. Richard Pena and Officer Ray Hall

School districts across the country have School Resource Officers (certified police officers) who assist in creating a safe learning and working environment, and promote positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.

Midlothian ISD welcomes Sgt. Richard Pena and Officer Ray Hall, who are both excited to be the new full-time SROs split between all six elementary schools and both middle schools. Their SRO position encompasses three major components: law enforcement, education, and mentoring/counseling.

Sgt. Pena's home campus is Walnut Grove Middle School, and he will rotate between T.E. Baxter Elementary, Longbranch Elementary and J.A. Vitovsky Elementary schools. Officer Hall's home campus is Frank Seale Middle School, and he will rotate between J.R. Irvin Elementary, LaRue Miller Elementary and Mt. Peak Elementary schools. Midlothian High School is fortunate to have Officer James Smith continue his position as a full-time SRO.

"We are thankful for the partnership between the Midlothian Police Department and MISD by providing this safety measure for our school district," Jana Pongratz, public relations coordinator.

Important Message Regarding Fire Lanes

Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, the Midlothian Fire Marshal has notified Midlothian Independent School District and all campuses that the fire department will issue citations to and/or have vehicles towed that are parked unattended in fire lanes. We have been asked to advise staff, students, and parents of the fire department's need to keep the fire lanes clear for access during emergencies. Attended vehicles, especially during drop off and pick up times, are allowed to be in the fire lanes as long as they can readily be moved. Thank you for helping the city maintain proper emergency management procedures.

Share Your Summer Travel Pictures

Teachers, parents and students are encouraged to share vacation pictures to be included in the Summer Travels 2013 online photo gallery. Email 1-2 good quality and high resolution pictures to info@midlothian-isd.net. Please include the vacation location, student's first name, grade level and campus. Only one photo per family will be featured in the gallery. Bathing suit pictures are not acceptable.

Seventh Graders Earn State and National in Duke Talent Program

 Congratulations to the Midlothian ISD 7th graders who qualified for Duke Talent Identification Program State Recognition.  They are Frank Seale Middle School students Reese Alexander, Rachel Keener, Ethan Tupper, Aubrey Walton and Walnut Grove Middle School students Hunter Elgin, Carson Lansdowne and Mashayla Marler.

Top photo:  Rachel Keener, Aubrey Walton, Ethan Tupper and Reese Alexander

Bottom photo:  Mashayla Marler, Carson Lansdowne and Hunter Elgin

In addition to State Recognition, Carson Lansdowne earned national Grand Recognition because he scored equal to or better than 90% of all seniors in the nation who took the same test.  View Carson’s Grand Recognition Video

The Duke Talent Identification Program is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented students. The 7th Grade Talent Search identifies bright seventh graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Candidates are invited to take the ACT or the SAT college entrance exams as seventh graders, which allows them greater insight into their academic abilities.

These students met rigorous performance standards that compared their scores to national percentile rankings of all students who took the ACT or SAT. Earning special recognition means that these middle school students outscored a significant number of high school juniors and seniors who took the same college entrance exams.

Immunizations for incoming 7th Graders

Attention 6th grade parents: Your incoming 7th grader may need vaccinations this summer. The State of Texas requires that all students be vaccinated against certain communicable diseases before starting school. Students that do not meet the 2013-2014 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements will not be able to start the school year OR obtain his/her student schedule if immunizations are not up-to-date. Please check with your doctor or the school nurse if you have any questions.

Celebrate Students' Work at the Educational Showcase

Midlothian ISD will host its 7th annual K-12th Educational Showcase on Monday, May 20 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Midlothian High School. Parents and community members are invited to see our students present their engaging lessons in all subject areas and grade levels. The district curriculum is based on guided lessons that provide a motivational framework for improving student performance through the quality of the work teachers design for students.

http://www.midlothian-isd.net/wow/

Distinguished Performance Schools

For the second year in a row, J.R. Irvin Elementary and J.A. Vitovksy Elementary are among 211 Texas schools that earned the Distinguished Performance Title I award for the 2012-13 school year. The Texas Education Agency recognizes Title I schools that have consistently demonstrated strong academic performances over a three-year period. 

“I am very proud of the hard work and cooperation of the students, staff, and parents of these campuses, for without this coordination, this level of achievement would not be possible,” said Lisa Knight, Director of Special and Federal Programs.

In order to earn the Title I Distinguished Performance recognition, a campus must have a student enrollment that is comprised of 40% or more low socio-economic status, met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in 2011 and in 2012, received Recognized or Exemplary status for 2009 and 2010, and have been awarded the highest rating, Exemplary, in 2011.

Although T.E. Baxter Elementary is a Title 1 school, it did not meet the minimum requirement of having 40% or more socio-economic status.

School Board Approves New Principals

At a special called meeting on Monday, April 29, the School Board unanimously approved the principal recommendations for Frank Seale Middle School and J.R. Irvin Elementary. 

 

Coy Tipton Named Frank Seale Middle School Principal

Congratulations to Coy Tipton’s new leadership position as principal of Frank Seale Middle School effective June 2013.  He will replace current principal Dee Arterburn who has announced her resignation to pursue a career in the corporate workforce.

With much enthusiasm, Tipton said, “I am excited to serve Midlothian ISD and the community as principal of Frank Seale Middle School."

Tipton has dedicated 19 years of his educational career at Midlothian ISD.  In 1994, he began his teaching and coaching experience at Frank Seale Middle School (formerly Midlothian Middle School) and later transferred to Midlothian High School, where he was named Mirabeau B. Lamar Educator of the Year. Tipton was promoted as assistant principal at J.A. Vitovsky Intermediate School (2003-2005) and returned to FSMS, where he has been an assistant principal since 2005. 

He earned a Bachelor in History with a minor in special education from Angelo State University.  In 2004, he earned a Masters in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University at Commerce.

Tipton and his wife, Krista, who was recently named principal for High School #2, have resided in Midlothian for 17 years.  They have two children, Karena and Lance.

Thompson Named J.R. Irvin Elementary Principal

Midlothian ISD is proud to have Shannon Thompson return to the district and serve as principal of J.R. Irvin Elementary.  She will replace current principal Jean Embry who has announced her retirement after serving 25 years in education.

“I am thrilled to be the principal of J.R. Irvin Elementary and to come back home to MISD. It is both an honor and a pleasure,” said Thompson.

Thompson began her educational career as a 5th grade teacher in Grand Prairie ISD.  In 2000, she came to Midlothian ISD and taught nine years at Mt. Peak Elementary.  Thompson then accepted an assistant principal’s position at Keene Elementary School in Keene, TX, where she is now serving a leadership role as principal.

She earned a Bachelor in Science and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Tarleton State University and her Master in Educational Administration from University of North Texas. 
 
She and her husband Trent live in Midlothian with their sons, Tyler and Tate. 

Thompson will join the J.R. Irvin Elementary School family on July 29, 2013.

Day Selected as New Assistant Superintendent

On Monday, April 15, the School Board unanimously approved KayLynn Day as the new Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Student Services, effective May 13.  Day replaces Robin Bullock, who was appointed Assistant Superintendent in Allen ISD. 

Day brings 29 years of educational experience to her new position, all earned in Desoto ISD, Region X and most recently in Maypearl ISD. She began her teaching career in Duncanville ISD and has since held positions as an elementary and secondary principal, CTE program manager, director of curriculum and instruction, executive director of human resources, instructional technology and recruitment consultant. 

“I applied for the position on a leap of faith and was so excited when I received the call from Dr. Stewart,” said Day.

“Midlothian has a reputation of quality and commitment to student success.  I witnessed that commitment and love for the students when I visited with the staff. After meeting with the different departments, I am even more anxious to start.  I am thrilled about the opportunity to be part of the MISD team.”

Day earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Dallas Baptist University.

Krista Tipton Named Principal for High School #2

Midlothian ISD is proud to announce Krista Tipton as the new principal of high school #2. Tipton has served 19 years at Midlothian High School as a chemistry and AP biology teacher, coach and assistant principal.  She has provided instructional and administrative leadership at the campus and district levels, including positive staff relations, building a strong community climate and maintaining a very strong focus on student achievement.

“It’s an honor to be selected as principal for our 2nd high school.  I’m happy."

Tipton earned her Master of Education Administration from Texas A&M University at Commerce and Bachelor of Science from Angelo State University.

Tipton and her husband Coy, assistant principal at Frank Seale Middle School, have resided in Midlothian for 17 years. They have two children, Karena and Lance.
a

She will assume her new role July 1, 2013.   

Sign up now for 2013 MISD Citizens Academy

Learn more about your school district by participating in the 2nd annual Midlothian ISD Citizens Academy. You will have an opportunity to take part in an interactive learning experience on April 16 and May 14 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Participants will go behind the scenes and meet district staff, see the day-to-day operations and learn how MISD creates a climate of success in both academics and extra-curricular activities. Space is limited. Click here to sign-up today.

Registration for MEF 5K4Kids Now Open

Midlothian ISD Education Foundation's annual 5K has a new name, but is still the same fun and challenging race! Join us Saturday, April 27th for the 5K4Kids and Fun Run at the Midlothian High School parking lot. Check in begins at 9:00am and the race and Fun Run begin at 10:00am. Visit the 5K4Kids website for details and to register.

2013 Gifted and Talented Screening

Midlothian Independent School District will accept referrals for the Gifted and Talented Program, for students currently enrolled in Grades 1-11. Referrals will be accepted from April 8-19. Parents, community members, counselors, and teachers, as well as students themselves may refer potential gifted candidates.

The purpose of the identification process is to locate those students who demonstrate unusually advanced aptitude and commitment to learning.  These are the students who will most likely benefit from an academic program that is expanded and enriched.

Referral forms may be obtained from the school counselors and written parental/guardian consent shall be obtained before individual assessment is conducted as part of the screening and identification process.

STAAR Testing week of April 1

Students across the state in grades 4-10 will be taking the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) the week of April 1. This week of testing includes English End of Course Exams for 9th and 10th graders. Please make sure your student is fully rested and comes to school prepared for testing. Students will be expected to have a sack lunch on testing days. No outside food deliveries will be allowed. Students may purchase a sack lunch from the cafeteria. Please also note our state testing/cell phone guidelines [PDF] and the security oath signed by high school students.

Schedule of Testing:  Week of April 1

Monday, April 1	English I Writing
Tuesday, April 2	Grade 4 Writing Day 1
	Grade 7 Writing Day 1
	Grade 5 Math
	Grade 8 Math
	English I Reading
Wednesday, April 3	Grade 4 Writing Day 2
	Grade 7 Writing Day 2
	Grade 5 Reading
	Grade 8 Reading
	English II Writing
Thursday, April 4	English II Reading

 

Campus Closed During Testing Week

STAAR assessment days are upon us! The first round of tests will be given April 1-5 and the second round on April 22-26. Because of required testing security, please note our school will be closed to all visitors, observers, volunteers, and guests throughout each week.

Important: No lunch or deliveries of any kind will be allowed for any grade level during these closed campus days (including birthday treats; please make other arrangements with your child's teacher for a day after testing week). Please provide a lunch from home each day or plan to have your child purchase a prepared lunch from the café at the assigned time (for those who are testing, an additional letter was sent home last week with instructions for ordering test lunches with your homeroom teacher).

We appreciate everyone's assistance and cooperation as we work in the best interest of all learners, their classroom leaders, and those involved in the testing process to maintain a safe, productive, non-interrupted, secure, campus testing environment.

Hammons Named Finalist for 2013 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award

Congratulations to Midlothian High School Steven Hammons who was named a finalist for a 2013 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award, spotlighting him as one of the best educators in Texas. He was nominated for the “Lifetime Achievement, Secondary” category, which recognizes teachers with more than 20 years of classroom experience.

“Steve definitely excels at being a WOW teacher and role model among all of our great teachers at MHS,” said MHS principal Dr. Al Hemmle.

On March 6, Hammons was surprised when H-E-B representatives entered his classroom with balloons, cookies, and presented him with a $1,000 check for himself and a second $1,000 check for his school.

“I am truly honored to receive this special recognition for doing what I have enjoyed for the past 24 years, which is helping students excel in their learning process,” said Hammons, US history and dual credit/AP history teacher.

Assistant principal Zac Oldham emphasized that Hammons is a National Board Certified Teacher who uses technology and engaging lessons to facilitate and motivate his 21st century learners.
All H-E-B award finalists are invited to compete against other educators for the chance to win greater cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Overall statewide winners will be announced in May.