May 2008 - Mansfield ISD fourth grade teachers at Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary took their classrooms on the road to Austin with Education in Action’s “Proud to be Texan” experiential learning day program, May 7, 2008.  Students visited the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Texas State Capitol and experienced what they are learning in fourth grade Texas History.

On the way to Austin students discussed why Texans are so proud of their unique heritage and participated in activities and games in preparation for their visit.  In Austin the students visited the State Capitol where their legislators, The Honorable Kim Brimer, State Senator, District 10 and The Honorable Bill Zedler, State Representative, District 96, office.  Students saw first-hand where Texas laws are made as they toured the State Capitol including the Senate and House of Representatives chambers.  At the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum students explored exhibits about Texas’s earliest inhabitants, the Texas Revolution and events that created our Lone Star identity.  The students’ visit to the museum concluded at the multi-sensory Texas Spirit Theater with the Star of Destiny where they saw and experienced the history of our great state including Spindletop and the 1900 Galveston hurricane. 

March 12, 2008 - Spring 2008 Grant Winners Recognized

"Going to Wah Those Germs Right Down the Drain!" -
Sherri Bailey, Sharon Prince

"MAT+H = MATH MATS" -
Sharon Prince, Michelle Gery, Stefanie Slack, Amanda Wells, Nikki Day, Amber Brewer

MJS Students & Staff Bring Home District Trophy from Cowtown Marathon

Mary Jo Sheppard students and staff participated in the Cowtown Marathon in February.  The school won two trophies (3rd place overall and District trophy for Mansfield ISD).  Both trophies were based on the number of participants from each school that finished.  Mary Jo Sheppard had 118 participants made up of students, parents and staff. Congratulations MJS!

Receptionist Nikki Wright Named March Heartbeat Winner

March 13, 2008 - The selection of Nikki Wright for the March 2008 Heartbeat Team is a direct result from her hard work in organizing a special Italian celebration for a terminally ill parent at the campus. The parent had dreamed of an Italian vacation, but her doctors informed her that she could not travel internationally. Nikki Wright took this unfortunate situation and turned it into a wonderful opportunity to bring Italy to the school's office through a decorated and catered Italian get-away for the parent. She organized staff members to come together and create a special day for a member of the Sheppard Elementary School community.

“The parent felt a great deal of love and happiness because of Nikki's super idea,” said Lee Ann Brothers, Sheppard 3rd grade teacher. “This is what the Heartbeat Team Award is all about!”

“She absolutely deserves this award,” said Sheppard Principal, Gary Manns. “We are so proud of her and the work she does for this school.”

See entire news release...

Sheppard Elementary Gives Mother an Italian Surprise

January 14, 2008 - A mother of twin third grade students at Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary who was diagnosed with cancer was treated to her own little tour of Italy on Monday, January 14.

Machele Jones was diagnosed with cancer five years ago which has since traveled to many parts of her body. According to doctors, she should be in a wheelchair with little to no function at all.

Through the generosity of her husband’s employer, Machele and her family were offered an all-expenses paid trip to anywhere she would like to go. Machele chose Italy, but she was informed by her physicians that her health would prevent her from making the international trip. Office staff, teachers, parents and community members of Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary School decided to help make her dream of an Italian trip a reality. more...

November 2007

"Critters, Contraptions and Cultivations in Kindergarten" -
Sharon Prince, Nikki Day, Amanda Wells, Stefanie Slack, Amber Brewer, Michelle Gary

"Quirkles" -
Sharon Prince, Sara Mata

October 2007 - The students dressed up as the career they choose to be instead of drugs. The whole school paraded around the building in support of being drug free. The theme was "If it is to be; It's up to me; To be drug free!! I choose to be..." Parents were invited to join in the parade.

On Wednesday, August 1, 2007, the Texas Education Agency released the accountablitly ratings for 2007. Mansfield ISD remains an Academically Acceptable district with increases in the number of Exemplary and Recognize schools.

"Despite growing by about 2200 students last year, adding four new schools, and stricter state standards, we are pleased overall with the gains our students made," said Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Claude Cunningham. "However, we will not be completely satisfied until all of our students are mastering the objectives for which they and we are held accountable."

See the complete 2007 Accountability Ratings list of campuses.

Congratulations - Amy Cunningham!

Ms. Cunningham, our Reading Specialist, was named Teacher of the Year for the elementary level at the 2007 MISD Employee Recognition Reception on Monday, May 14.

This year, the staff of each campus selected a Teacher of the Year for the District. Six finalists were chosen: three to represent elementary teachers and three to represent secondary teachers.

All six finalists were recognized at the reception. The recipients of the Teacher of the Year award went to Amy Cunningham (pictured right) for elementary and Kathy Meek for secondary.

See news release »

Linda Zumwalt's second grade class displays a flag given to them from Tanner's (front center) aunt, Monica Taylor, who is serving in Iraq.

The flag was flown in an A-10 Thunderbolt II supporting operation Iraqi Freedom from Al Asad Air Base.

Earlier in the year, Tanner sent a Flat Stanley for his aunt and the men and women stationed with her to enjoy.

The Mansfield ISD Grant Giveaway Team visited Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary on Wednesday, March 21 to surprise several staff members with Education Foundation Grants for the Spring 2007 school term. The lucky recipients were:

• "The Pony Express" - Sharon Prince, Nikki Day, Stephanie Slack, Michelle Gery, Amber Meyer
• "Back to School Roundup for Success" - Amy Cunningham, Amy Burkman, Sharon Prince, Lauren Longoria

Fall 2006 Grant Winners »