class of 2011!

SUMMER 2011
CONGRATULATIONS,
CLASS OF 2011!
State Gold for Panthers | p7
MIDWAY INDEPENDENT
SCHOOL
OPEN DOOR
| SUMMER 2011
Teaching Awards | p4-5
Prom
&DISTRICT
Year-End
Ceremonies
| p61
Superintendent’s Message
STATE TESTS, STATE RANKING & STATE BUDGET
2010-11 MIDWAY
SCHOOL BOARD
T
he last day of school arrived quickly once again and the summer schedule is just around
the corner. We had a very successful school year and have much for which we can be
proud. Our students excelled in so many ways; I congratulate both students and staff for this
success and thank you for your hard work.
Preliminary TAKS scores arrived at the beginning of June, and our students’ scores should result
in another Recognized rating for the district this fall. That is pretty remarkable considering the
changes that were made to the state accountability system.
On top of that, Midway High School is currently in a close second place for the Lone Star Cup.
A top 10 finish will mark the fourth year in a row that MHS is ranked so highly amongst the
top high schools in Texas. Congratulations to the phenomenal athletic, academic and fine arts
students who helped accumulate points towards this prestigious award!
After such a strong finish to the year, we are anxiously watching the state legislature for school
budget decisions affecting this upcoming school year. As you know, the legislature failed to
bring closure to public school finance during the regular session. They had a plan in place that
would have reduced our budget approximately $3.1 to $3.3 million dollars from our current
budget (less than the $4 million I had originally projected). Unfortunately, a last minute
filibuster killed the funding formula bill. The governor called for an immediate special session
and the legislature is engaged in that session right now. At this time of publication, we still do
not have any details on what our budget figures will be for next year. I had hoped to have some
specificity for you by the end of the school year.
Despite all the budget troubles that Texas public schools are facing, we still had an exceptional
school year in Midway! No matter what happens with our final budget figures for next year,
it will undoubtedly be another outstanding year for our students. I know that because I know
our outstanding people will get the job done. Stay tuned, have a restful summer, and thank you
very much for all that you do for our students and public education.
I am proud to serve as your superintendent.
Dr. Brad Lancaster, Midway ISD Superintendent
The OPEN DOOR is a publication of the Midway Independent School District for the patrons of the school community.
Brad Lancaster, Ed.D., Superintendent
Traci Marlin, Editor
Lauren Krieg, Assistant Editor
Midway Independent School District does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status or on any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on
the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, experience and abilities. The Title IX Coordinator for Midway ISD is Mary Lou Glaesmann,
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, 13885 Woodway Drive, Woodway, TX 76712. Contact phone number is 254-761-5610.
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SUMMER 2011
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MIDWAY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPEN DOOR
MEMBERS:
Pete Rusek, Board President*
Board member since 1996
Attorney and shareholder with Sheehy,
Lovelace, and Mayfield, P.C.
Dr. John Boyd, Vice-President*
Board member since 2002
Director of Career Services at Baylor
Robbie Jones, Board Secretary*
Board member since 2007
Sales and Marketing Administration
Manager at Alcoa Fastening Systems
Bobby Deaton
Board member since 2006
Owner of The Deaton Agency Insurance
& Financial Services
Ivan Green
Board member since 2000
Chief Administrative Officer, Extraco Banks
Cheryl Holy
Board member since 1998
Certified home staging expert
Tom Pagel*
Board member since 2006
Principal in Dunlap & Pagel Builders, LLC
*In May, Dr. John Boyd retired from the
Board, and Susan Vick was elected to
take his place for the 2011-12 Board. Tom
Pagel was elected Board Vice President;
Pete Rusek and Robbie Jones continue
as Board President and Secretary,
respectively.
CONTACT INFO:
Midway ISD Board of Trustees
ATTN: Brenda Mattern
13885 Woodway Drive
Woodway, TX 76712
254-761-5610
MEETINGS:
Regular meetings of the board are held
on the third Tuesday of each month at 7
p.m. in the MISD Administration Building
Board Room located at 13885 Woodway
Drive. Special meetings and workshops
are scheduled as needed and are posted
on the website and at the Administration
Building. Local media is also notified of all
board meetings. The full recaps of MISD
Board Meetings, called Board Notes,
can be found at midwayisd.org under the
Visitors tab, then Board of Trustees.
NEW FACES, NEW PLACES
SUSAN VICK joined the MISD Board of Trustees as
a member in May. She is the mother of four children that
are active in Midway schools. She sits on the Midway
PTA District Council and is the past president of the
MHS PTA. Vick is the secretary of the Kappa Alpha
Theta Alumni Association, an active member of St.
Pauls’ Episcopal Church and has served on the board for
Fidelity Bank of Texas and Strasburger Enterprises, Inc.
Directing the “Flags over Bear Country,” she supports
BSA Troop 497. Vick is a graduate of Baylor University. She will continue
to volunteer with Waco Cotton Palace Pageant, Meals-on-Wheels, Boy
Scouts of America and of course, Midway schools.
CHRIS ALLEN, ED.D. is the new Assistant
Superintendent of Administrative Services for MISD.
Allen has previously been the principal for Midway
High School. He graduated from University of Texas at
Arlington with his B.A. and from University of Texas
at Austin with his Doctorate. Chris and wife Natalie are
raising two young boys that both attend South Bosque
Elementary. He is involved with TASA and ASCD while
maintaining his position as life group leader at his church.
JEFF GASAWAY has been named as the new principal
of Midway High School for the 2011-2012 school year.
He succeeds Dr. Chris Allen, who has been promoted
to MISD Assistant Superintendent for Administrative
Services. Gasaway earned a Bachelor’s degree of
Science from Texas Tech University, and a Master’s
degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M
Commerce. He earned his Principal Certification in 2005
and joined Midway ISD in 2010 as an assistant principal
at Midway High School.
AARON PEÑA, who has a Master’s in Educational
Management, joins MISD as the new principal of
Woodway Elementary. He has been the principal at
Waco ISD’s Provident Heights Elementary for five
years, and assistant principal for the previous four
years. Peña also spent five cumulative years teaching
kindergarten and third through fifth grade. In addition to
Peña’s experience, he is fluent in Spanish and is actively
involved in professional learning communities.
MICHAEL SKINNER joins Midway as the new
principal of Spring Valley Elementary. He has a Master’s
in Educational Administration and has been the assistant
principal at Roberta Tipps Elementary School in
Mansfield, Texas. He also served as the summer school
principal in 2008 and 2009. Before that, he taught sixth
grade math and science and special education at schools
in the Mansfield and Fort Worth Independent School
Districts. Skinner was honored with several special
recognitions, including: TBEC Honor Roll School 2007, 2008, 2010;
Exemplary Rating 2007-2010 (100 percent passing rate); and Commended
Performance exceeding 45 percent summed across all grades.
HEATHER METZGAR was appointed as Assistant Principal at
Woodgate Intermediate, and began in Spring 2011. She has previously been
the Coordinator for Career and Technical Education.
ASHLEY CANUTESON moved to Central Administration from Midway
BOARD RECOGNITIONS
APRIL
The Midway FFA Judging Team of Kelsey
Hoss, Morgan Parker, J.T. Motloch and Jamie
Pankonien won 4th place again this year at the
state level.
Brendan Kearney,
MMS 7th grader,
placed 2nd in Computer
Science for his project
called “Can Unguided
Robots Find Bombs?” in
the Exxon-Mobil Texas
State Science and
Engineering Fair. In addition, Kearney won
the Broadcom Young Scientist Award.
Jack Harris, one of
MHS’s two National
Merit Finalists, was
recognized by the
Board of Trustees.
Extra Mile Award winners were Lilla Benson,
Vicki Rafferty and Sara Teichelmann. Pg. 4
The following stories can be viewed in more
detail in the Spring 2011 Open Door or on-line
at Midwayisd.org/opendoor:
MHS’s Girls Swim Team swam away with the
Class 4A District 25 and Region 7 first place
titles. All-State swimmers were Emily Neubert,
Shelby Crow, Simona Smolenova, Kayley
Valentien, Miranda Angel and Courtney
Willingham. Head Swim Coach Dan Marlin
was named District 25 Boys and Girls Coach of
the Year and Region 7 Girls Coach of the Year.
Senior guard Shatoia
Gober was named to
the Texas 4A All State
Basketball Team.
Midway ISD Public Information Coordinator
Traci Marlin won a state media award from the
Texas School Public Relations in the Sports
Photography category for her underwater photo
of a Midway swimmer.
Midway PTA’s annual arts program, Reflections,
gives students the opportunity to create works
of art for fun and recognition. The following
students were recognized for winning at the
state level: Davin Fitch, Jared Johnson,
Torrin Longenecker, Haeun Moon, Autumn
Newman, Piya Patel, Madeline Schwartz and
Charlee Yourman.
Each of the 22 Business Professionals of
America students who competed at Regionals
advanced to State. These MHS seniors were
honored for their notable results at the state
level: Andrew Chang-Gu, Johnathan Gidney,
Alex Patterson and Katherine Goodnight.
MAY
The MHS Boys Soccer Team won the 2011
District 34-4A Championship. Freshman Leo
Peralta was named Super Centex Newcomer
of the Year; Senior Brandon Disney was
named to the Soccer Senior Showcase, District
34 MVP and was named to the All-State
Academic Team. The following seniors made
the Boys 4A Soccer All-State Academic Team:
Danny Dao, David Lee, Jackson Klesse,
Jack Harris, Lee Bristow, Brett Graham and
Jacob Bruner. Senior Kevin Potts was named
to the All Region 2nd Team.
The National Title I Distinguished School
Program honors schools for their innovation
in helping Title I populations achieve
high educational standards. Hewitt
Elementary has been named a Title I, Part A
Distinguished School in Performance.
The MHS Girls Soccer Team finished the
season as District 34 Champions, Region
III Champions and State Semi-Finalists.
The following students are recognized:
Julie Olvera, Brittany Carter, Aleah
Davis, Danielle Hardin, Stacie Luevano,
Janie Reyes, Cydney Waitley, Cameron
Carter, Madi Low, Alyssa Paschal, Lauren
Vasquez, Baylee Baucus, Hanna Fischer
Megan Murphy and Morgan Tagle. The
seniors that were state semi-finalists and
named Girls 4A Soccer All-State Academic
Team: Makala Paschal, Amy Jetelina,
Taylor Spradlin, Erica Caffey, Chelsie
Ellison and Jessie Meyer.
Congratulations to Bruce Chang-Gu,
Alyssa Driskill, Madison Harper, Brendan
Kearney, Elyse Meyer, Allison Overpeck
and Samantha Taylor for qualifying in Texas’
State Recognition Ceremony for the 31st
annual Duke University Talent Identification
Program. Pg. 8
High School as the new Coordinator of Career and Technical Education.
SHANNON SOBECK will assume the role of Associate Principal at
Midway High School, moving from Midway’s Special Education Department.
BOARD NOTES ON-LINE
The full recaps of MISD Board Meetings, called Board Notes, can be
found at midwayisd.org under the Visitors tab, then Board of Trustees.
MIDWAY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPEN DOOR
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SUMMER 2011
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Going the Extra Mile
MIDWAY EMPLOYEES WHO ARE “MAKING A DIFFERENCE”
Four times per school year, a professional employee, a paraprofessional, and an auxiliary employee will be honored with the Midway Extra Mile
Award. Meet the April and June award recipients, who truly go above and beyond for our students:
LILLA BENSON | TRANSPORTATION
Ms. Benson is a bus assistant for Bus 151 in
our auxiliary category. She was nominated by
Special Education Teacher Ashley Salome.
Ms. Benson has made a difference for the
children of Bus 151 by paying individual
attention to each child and their needs,
which is especially important for children
with special needs.
Ms. Salome said, “Ms. Benson is always
so nice to our kids. She went above and
beyond to make a child’s life better and
boost her confidence by the simple gift
of new clothes. This student has many
obstacles in her life, and for her to be able
to brag about her new clothes is a much
needed boost in her life.”
VICKI RAFFERTY | RIVER VALLEY
INTERMEDIATE
Vicki Rafferty is River Valley Intermediate’s
Assistant Math Specialist in TAKS
Acceleration. She was nominated by both
Julie Thompson and Leigh Ann Bender, and
won in the paraprofessional category. Mrs.
Rafferty is in her 15th year with Midway
ISD as an employee, but she was a parent
volunteer 10 years prior to that. She has
utilized her family connections to benefit
MISD by bringing her doctoral candidate
daughter to work with special education
students, and bringing in her aunt, Margaret
Kilgo, Texas’ TAKS specialist.
In fact, Julie Thompson says “Mrs. Rafferty,
who tutors every day even during her
personal time, is the mama at school.”
THE MIDWAY STAFF DIFFERENCE
W
e think the entire Midway ISD staff is extraordinary, but these special people
are great at their jobs and it shows in the form of honors and awards!
SARA TEICHELMANN | WOODGATE
INTERMEDIATE
Woodgate Language Arts Teacher Sara
Teichelmann is in her eighth year teaching at
Midway, and she is the professional winner
of the Extra Mile Award. She was nominated
by Marc Almond and Kara Gasaway, who
both cited Sara’s creation of the after school
tutoring program called Study Club.
Ms. Teichelmann said she was frustrated
from low grades due to missing work,
because some kids did not have the
environment or help for doing homework.
She said, “There’s the problem. Here’s a
solution.” And the Study Club was born!
She says “I was just filling the need.”
NATIONAL HISTORY
DAY’S “PBS TEACHER
OF MERIT AWARD”
TEXAS NOMINEE
Shelby Milam
Eighth Grade Teacher at
Midway Middle School
Shelby Milam was selected
as a finalist for this year’s
David C. DeBoe Sponsor’s
Award at Texas History Day and consequently has been
selected to be the Texas nominee for National History
Day’s “PBS Teacher of Merit Award.”
LEADERS AMONG THEIR PEERS
Jason Forbis, Region 12 President, Association of Texas Professional Educators
Debbie Perry, Texas Educator Review Committee, Fine Arts Collaborative Project
Jeff Rice, President, Texas Choral Directors Association
Darrell Umhoefer, Region 8 President, Texas Music Educators Association
Dr. David Young, Board of Directors, Texas Association for Supervision and
Curriculum Development
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MIDWAY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPEN DOOR
Milam’s advancement as a candidate for the national
awards is well-deserved. Despite not having a class
period set aside for History Fair work, she mentors
students who advance to regional and state competition
levels every year. She uses her talent, time, personal
supplies and equipment to support the students’
projects year after year.
JESSE GARCIA | CENTRAL OFFICE
At work before the sun is up, Jesse Garcia
keeps the new Administration Building
functioning with his dedication and
hard work. As the sole custodian for the
building he takes care of 30,000 square
feet. Striving for excellence, Garcia takes
the time to help others whenever he can.
Krys Goree, a Baylor professor, recently
took part in training at the Administration
Building and said of Jesse, “His work
ethic, commitment to excellence and
polite manner are extremely impressive.
You have a real jewel in him.”
He shares that one of the highlights to his
day is greeting the secretaries and other
office workers as they begin their mornings.
He loves having the company of the 50
plus employees that he mingles with while
performing tasks. Those around him take
note of how he is always smiling and coming
to the aid of those nearby. Coworkers
describe Jesse Garcia as dependable,
hardworking and very conscientious
making him an asset and joy to be around.
AMERICAN PRIZE IN OPERA
CONDUCTING FINALIST
Beau Benson, Orchestra Director
at Midway High School
KIM NEUHAUS | SOUTH BOSQUE
ELEMENTARY
Consistently encouraging and uplifting
those around her, South Bosque first grade
teacher Kim Neuhaus inspires everyone to
be their best. When Tammy Molnar, a fellow
first grade teacher at South Bosque, found
out last year that she would be teaching
a different grade level Neuhaus emailed
her in excitement. Neuhaus became her
mentor in the first grade team, and gave
her supplies and time to help with the
transition. Her fellow teachers and students
watch her make every effort to comfort and
prepare both teachers and students alike
for what is ahead.
After 25 years of teaching she has not lost
the drive to be a better teacher. She still stays
late, takes work home and works in her
classroom on weekends because she wants
to give her students the best education she
can give.
BARNES & NOBLE’S
“MY FAVORITE TEACHER”
REGIONAL AWARD
Wendi Kimmel, Social Studies
Teacher at River Valley Intermediate
GLORIA MCFARLING
|
HEWITT
ELEMENTARY
She prefers to work quietly but those
around her can remain silent no more.
Gloria McFarling, an ELL Assistant at
Hewitt Elementary, goes above and beyond
when working with her Spanish speaking
families and students.
Her coworkers watch with gratitude
as McFarling takes under her wing the
children that need help learning how to
speak English by making them comfortable
first in their language. She gives her cell
phone number to the families she works
with so they can reach her or the school
when they need assistance. McFarling
takes care of her students as if they were her
own, helping them to be cleaned up after
accidents, taking care of them after school,
and helping them to learn at a regular pace.
She takes it upon herself every day to make
the trials for these families and students as
seamless and few as possible.
H-E-B EXCELLENCE IN
EDUCATION STATE FINALIST
Ella Whitley (left), Special
Education Teacher at Midway
Middle School
TASSP’S REGION 12
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
OF THE YEAR
Brian Vasek, Assistant Principal
at Midway Middle School
MIDWAY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPEN DOOR
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SUMMER 2011
5
FAREWELL, CLASS OF 2011
OH, THE
PLACES THEY
WILL GO
On the evening of June 3, the Midway High School class of 2011 accepted
their diplomas amongst the cheers of their families and friends. Dr. Chris
Allen, principal of the school, presented Emily Neubert as the 2011
Valedictorian. Kurt Lockhart was named the 2011 Salutatorian. Tina Lin,
Sandy Ren, and Jessie Meyer completed the top five of the class.
Of Midway High’s 490
g r a du at i n g s e n i or s ,
99 percent have plans
to attend college, and
one percent will enter
directly into the armed
forces or the workforce.
Earning more than 1,964
college credits through
McLennan Community
College and Texas State
Technical College dual
enrollment programs,
plus an impressive $11.3
million in academic and
athletic scholarship offers,
the graduates will attend
some of the nation’s top
universities, including:
Class Favorites included:
Most Likely to Succeed Andrew Chang-Gu & Sandy Ren
Best Sense of Humor
Cliff Miller & Kellie Bennett
Most Panther Spirit
Jonathan Gidney & Courtney Welch
Mr. and Miss MHS
Kurt Lockhart & Maddie Morris
Personality Plus
Charlie Bussell &Tasha Babers
Most Theatrical
Dylan Washington & Mary Carol Fox
Most Musical
Art Wellborn & Trannie Stevens
Class Clowns
Trey Reagan & Brianna Norwood
Most Caring
Brandon Halvorson & Tina Lin
Best Smile
Garner Millard & Jaclyn Salinas
Most Athletic Jay Hook, Emily Neubert & Kelley Schaefer (tie)
YEAR-END CELEBRATIONS
Far Left: Prom Queen Lisa Contreras and Prom King Jay Hook enjoy the 2011 Prom, “A Night at the Movies.”
Middle Left: Students won prizes at After Prom, a chemical-free, all-night event hosted by the MHS PTA.
Middle Right: Seniors Charlie Bussell and Christian Barry await their turn to receive diplomas.
Far Right: Midway elementary schools celebrate with graduating seniors who attended their schools many
years ago. Spring Valley’s class of 2011 seniors “CH11L”ed with their former teachers and ice cream sundaes.
Top Photo: Senior Erica Caffey enjoys the graduation ceremony.
Harvard
Duke
West Point
University of Virginia
Wake Forest
New York University
University of Texas
Tulane
Purdue
Texas A&M
Brigham Young
Baylor
University of Alabama
University of Colorado
University of Tulsa
Texas Christian Univ.
and many more!
MHS CAMPUS HAPPENINGS
MHS’ ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE KID
Two MHS Journalism team members competed and placed at the UIL State Academic Meet:
Senior Blake Johnson placed 3rd in News Writing and senior Emma Kate Shoultz placed
5th in Editorial Writing. In addition, the MHS science team also competed at the State UIL
Academic Meet. Team members were: Senior Andrew Chang-Gu, junior Kevin Doan, junior
Natalie Hejduk, senior Sandy Ren and sophomore Timothy “Scooter” Schmidt.
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MIDWAY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPEN DOOR
Twelve McLennan County kids were recognized at Camp
Fire USA Tejas Council’s Fifth Annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day celebration, including MHS junior Scott
Bancale. Baylor President Starr said, “The students’ inspirational tales of overcoming odds indicate the positive
influences schools have on today’s youth.”
Photo courtesy of Rod Aydelotte, Waco Tribune-Herald
SPRING SPORTS STANDOUTS
M
idway has a winning tradition in athletics, and this year was no exception. Every spring sports team was represented at the state or playoff
level. Congratulations, Panthers!
Members of Midway’s Track and Field Team competed at the UIL 4A State Track Meet and several
came home as State Medalists. On her “Sweet 16” birthday, sophomore Annie Rhodes won gold in
the Girls Pole Vault at a height of 12’6”. Sophomore Natalie Poynter placed second in the 100M
Dash (11.91), just 5 hundredths of a second from the gold medal. Shakiel Randolph placed third
in the Triple Jump, setting a new school record and new personal record at 48-01.75’. In addition to
Midway’s medalists, the boys’ 4x200M relay of Nick Felder, Jovon Taylor, Derek Cornish and Jay
Hook placed 6th (1:26.68), and Nick Felder placed 5th in the long jump (22-09.50’).
Congrats to the Midway Tennis Players who
competed at State. Senior Kenna Kilgo won gold
in the 4A Girls Singles Competition. Sam May
and Matt Tyer played Boys Doubles, and Jessica
Sawyer and Jacob Brendemuehl played Mixed
Doubles.
Midway Girls’ Soccer finished the 2011 season
with an impressive record of 23–1–5. The girls
were named District 34 Champions, Region III
Champions, and State Semi-Finalists. Aleah Davis,
Anna Dorsett, Cameron Carter and Makala
Paschal were all named to All-State Teams.
The Midway Girls Golf Team competed at the 4A
State Meet. Team members are seniors Camden
Brown, Julia Lancaster, Trannie Stevens,
Kelly Williams and sophomore Erica Larsen. In
addition, all four seniors from the Midway Girls’
Golf Team were honored as members of the
Academic All-State Golf Team.
Congratulations to the Midway Softball Team,
who once again made it to the 4A State Softball
Tournament, with a 21-game winning streak. The
girls were District and Regional Champions, and
State Semi-Finalists.
Midway’s Boys Soccer team won the 2011 District
34-4A Championship, and with such talented players
it’s easy to see why. Freshman Leo Peralta scored
27 goals this season and the Waco Trib named him
Super Centex Newcomer of the Year.
Forty-four basketball players and 14 cheerleaders were invited to the Good Grades, Good Hoops annual
academic all-star game at McLennan Community College’s The Highlands. Midway’s scholar ballers were
(L to R): Brianna Bates, Travis Corley, Michael Cox, Dianna Jones, Kaylin Shillinglaw and Jay Hook.
MIDWAY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPEN DOOR
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SUMMER 2011
7
Activities Across the District
MIDWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL
DUKE TALENT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
Midway Middle School had seven students qualify for Texas’ State Recognition
Ceremony in the 31st annual Duke University Talent Identification Program. The State
Recognition Ceremonies honor seventh graders who have earned scores equal to or
better than half of the college-bound seniors who took the SAT test. The exceptional
seventh graders receiving the honor are: Alyssa Driskill, Samantha Taylor, Allison
Overpeck, Madison Harper, Brendan Kearney, Bruce Chang-Gu and Elyse Meyer.
TESTING THE WATERS
Pre-AP science students tested water quality of the Bosque River, Lake Waco and at the Lake Waco Wetlands.
Surrounded by a new environment and new information, students on field trips receive learning
enrichment uniquely provided by first-hand experiences. The use of visual information
combined with auditory input allows students exposure to multiple learning styles. Additionally,
seeing things first-hand enhances a person’s memory.
CELEBRATING WITH CELEBRITIES
When Midway Middle School Teacher Ella Whitley was honored as a finalist for the state-level
Excellence in Education Award from H-E-B, student Allison Nickel joined her for the celebration
events in Austin... and met Biggest Loser’s trainer and fitness guru Jillian Michaels!
WOODGATE & RIVER VALLEY
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS
NAME THAT BOOK!
Woodgate Intermediate students won the first ever Name That Book! competition,
a literary contest between sixth graders at Midway’s two intermediate schools.
Organized by Librarians Beth Hair and Diane McDaniel, the competition included
judges, announcers and even a fan gallery of parent spectators. In each round, teams
of students earned points for correctly identifying the name of books after hearing
details about the plots, characters or trivia. The winning Woodgate students were
Denis Barbus, Ryan Day, Robert Mathis, Braden Owens and Garrett Williams.
SECRETS FROM PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS
News Channel 25 Anchor Bruce Gietzen told sixth grade
students to watch for Weatherman Matt Hines’ red tie, which
indicates severe weather. Mr. Gietzen shared writing and
grammar tips with students, along with his experiences in the
field of professional journalism.
CHORD CULTURE
Students at both intermediate schools learned to tune an
acoustic guitar, strum patterns and chords, play leads, and
read music. In addition to learning musical skills through
guitar lessons, students learn to value music and culture.
Music lessons can also affect students’ memorization
abilities and mathematical reasoning.
THE GIFT OF GIVING
Throughout the year, River Valley students and staff donated time and money to many
charitable organizations. Principal Sarah Holland held an end-of-year picnic to reward
students for their generous mindset. The picnic affirmed the students’ goodwill, while
also allowing for the entire campus to celebrate together.
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MIDWAY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPEN DOOR
ELEMENTARY EXCITEMENT & ENRICHMENT
HATS OFF TO MRS. MONROE
The Spring Valley staff honored retiring
principal Maudie Monroe with “Hats Off to
Mrs. Monroe Day.” The school also arranged
a surprise assembly with gifts and special
guests to honor their “Pearl.”
GREEN GIFTS FOR THE WORLD
Woodway Elementary students celebrated
Earth Day in Sarah McCormick’s art class
by identifying the ways they can contribute
to the world. Students constructed selfportraits in a “Self-Awareness Safari,” and
then the school counselor helped students
reflect on special gifts they have to offer
the world. The students wrote down their
gifts and hid them behind cut-paper globes
within their artwork. For this project,
Woodway was named a 2011
Green In Action Spotlight School.
HEWITT MULTIPLIES MONEY
TO HELP OTHERS
Hewitt Elementary conducted a
project where 10 kids were given $1
to make a difference. They have been
learning “The Power of One” all year,
and now they were asked to implement
the theory by doing a community project,
such as supporting the fire department
by bringing uplifting treats of milk and
homemade cookies.
FIELD DAY ON THE VARSITY TRACK
Across the Panther Nation, elementary
students participated in year-end field days.
This year, Hewitt students were delighted to
play and compete in Panther Stadium.
PROJECT TORNADO
KWTX Weather Anchor Rusty Garrett
brought his whirlwind of energy to
Castleman Creek for Project Tornado, an
entertaining weather safety program.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. SEUSS
Read Across America Day is celebrated
on Dr. Seuss’ birthday to inspire students
to read. Twins Emma and Paige Trevino
dressed as favorite characters Thing One and
Thing Two at Castleman Creek Elementary’s
Dr. Seuss Day.
DAY AT THE WAX MUSEUM
Florence Nightingale was just one of the
many famous historical figures represented
at Speegleville Elementary’s Wax Museum.
Students researched and dressed as
historical figures, then recited facts about
their famous persona.
STRUCTURALLY SOUND AT S. BOSQUE
LEGOs are an exciting part of the curriculum
at South Bosque. Last year, social studies
classes reconstructed historical scenes
with LEGOs. This year, students learned
about habitat construction that can endure
demanding environments, such as floods.
MIDWAY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPEN DOOR
|
SUMMER 2011
9
MISD Education Foundation:
Igniting Imagination
MHS student Katie
Weaver volunteers for
the MISD Education
Foundation, which
granted iPads to 22
classrooms for creative
instruction.
CONGRATS, GRANTWINNERS!
The New CPS Clickers:
Cultivating Perceptive
Students!
South Bosque
Elementary
$4,125
By developing minds
that are sharper and
quicker, this project hopes
to relieve the stress of
standardized tests.
Bridge the Gaps
Castleman Creek
Elementary
$3,515
Creation and use of
dual language books
will help students learn
English.
Engaged Learning: There
really is an app for that!
A
s the Midway ISD Education Foundation’s
Prize Posse entered classrooms this spring
with their signature giant checks, balloons and
cowbells, they entered with one more exciting
surprise—a grant cycle considerably focused
on the use of iPads for instruction.
The technology onslaught of affordable handheld tablet
computers, such as the Apple iPad, enables students to learn at an
optimized pace. The interactive interface and graphics keep children’s attention in
a fast-paced, media-filled world while at the same time, providing varieties of programs
for individualized learning styles and paces. And all this in a transportable, handheld
computer, considerably cheaper and lighter than the previous generation of laptops!
The Education Foundation works with Midway ISD schools and donors throughout
the community to enhance the learning opportunities for students, such as access to
the latest technology. Through donations, the Education Foundation is able to provide
grants for programs that would not be available to students without sponsorship
from local businesses and community members. For more information, please visit
www.MidwayISD.org/foundation.
Can You Read This?
Woodgate Intermediate &
Midway Middle
$3,370
In the process of learning
English ELL students will use
iPads to listen, speak, write and
read the language.
iPaint Artistic Designs
Midway High School
$4,970
Art students will use iPads as a
technological art media.
10
SUMMER 2011
|
An APP a Day Makes
Learning Like Play!
South Bosque & Speegleville
Elementary
$1,275
By placing iPads in the hands
of young students they will be
learning in an innovative and
hands-on approach.
iLearn
Spring Valley Elementary
$4,990
Using iPads, the students will
learn to manipulate technology
that is shaping their future.
iCan Speak English with an
Apple
South Bosque Elementary
$1,490
ELL students will learn English
by speaking, listening, reading
and writing on iPods and iPads.
iPads: Promoting Ambitious,
Dedicated Students
Castleman Creek Elementary
$5,000
Students will use iPads to
encourage hands-on learning
and heighten student interest.
MIDWAY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPEN DOOR
History Hunters:
First Street Cemetery
Tour I and II
Woodway Elementary
$725
An on-site interdisciplinary
investigation of Waco’s
oldest cemetery.
Not with Straw, Not with
Sticks, This House is
Built with LEGO Bricks!
Woodway Elementary
$830
Introduction of
architectural works of
Frank Lloyd Wright and
the art of LEGOs to
inspire students projects.
The Private Eye Project:
Looking, Thinking and
Drawing Conclusions
Woodway Elementary
$795
Using Private Eye
equipment students will
ask tough questions and
look at fine details.
Edge for Everyone
River Valley Intermediate
$2,800
Students will use frisbees
and disc golf to learn about
inclusion and activity.
Give us a Tune-UP!
River Valley
Intermediate, Woodgate
Intermediate, Midway
Middle School & Midway
High School
$4,990
With Korg CA-1 tuners
and Korg CM-100L
microphones students
will have access to
modern technology.
Failure is NOT an
Option!
Woodgate Intermediate
$4,250
Bus riders who need a
little extra help in class will
be able to stay later with
the help of this program.
Click It-Like It!
Midway Middle School
$3,295
Using Mobi View
whiteboards and CPS
units as interactive
tools, students will
receive instant feedback
and attention.
Manure Happens
Midway Middle School
$4,600
With Tarleton Southwest
Regional Dairy Center,
Pre-AP Agricultural
Science students will
investigate manure
management technology.
Adult and Child
Mannequins for Health
Science Instruction
Midway High School
$3,595
Adult and child
mannequins will be used
in realistic training of CPR,
hygiene and identification
of body parts.
Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction
FROM LEGOS TO ROBOTS
I
n the first year in existence, the Midway High School Robotics
Club—led by Coaches Brady Gibson and Libby Crain—won the
FIRST Robotics Regional Tournament, and ended the season in the
semifinals of the state competition. FIRST Programs help young
people discover and develop a passion for science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM). The FIRST family of programs
includes curriculum starting in Kindergarten, literally building the
way up to high school robotics. Using LEGO® bricks, elementary
students learn to solve challenges with research, critical thinking,
construction, teamwork and imagination. Midway features LEGO’s
FIRST curriculum for all campuses through the GT pull out
program, and for second graders at select campuses. In the 201112 school year, robotics classes and the FIRST LEGO Competition
League will also be available at the middle school.
E
TEACHING FROM SPACE
CO-TEACHING TRAINING
F
ive teachers from Midway ISD grouped together to form a Midway
Super Team and apply for a Summer Program titled “NASA’s 2011
Teaching From Space Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program.”
The educators will be given the opportunity to propose, design
and fabricate a reduced gravity experiment, fly the experiment and
conduct research in a microgravity environment. Out of all the teams
who applied in the state, only 12 were selected, including Midway
ISD. Team members are: Michael Howard, Elizabeth Walker and
Bruce Williams – Midway High School; LuAnn Waller – Woodgate
Intermediate; and Keturah Wineinger – River Valley Intermediate.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES
ight Midway students competed in the State Special Olympics
competition at UT. In the photo above, the students visited with
policemen from various cities in attendance to support the event.
Allison Nickell competed in the turbo jav and 100 meter run, Dillon
Thrash in the 50 meter dash and turbo jav, Bobby Hilton, Joseph
Bickam, Jamie Karney all in the 50 meter dash and softball throw,
Amanda Long in the 100 meter dash and standing long jump, and
Jenna Richbourg in the 50 meter walk and tennis ball throw.
D
r. Marilyn Friend has presented to thousands of schools worldwide on methods to educate students, to form productive and
efficient work teams, and to communicate effectively with parents
through her method of “co-teaching.” This summer, she added
Midway ISD to her list.
Dr. Friend instructed Midway teachers and administrators on
how to implement co-teaching properly—creating an effective
two-teacher classroom with one core subject teacher and one
special education teacher—rather than a one-teacher classroom
with “help” available from the other teacher.
CAMP INVENTION
I
n partnership with Invent Now, Midway ISD is pleased to offer
the nationally-acclaimed Camp Invention program to children
entering grades one through six this summer. This exciting, weeklong adventure in creativity is located at South Bosque Elementary,
and immerses children in imaginative play that reinforces and
supplements school-year learning in the subjects of science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as history and
the arts. Children will work together to seek innovative solutions
to real-world problems and sharpen critical 21st century learning
skills such as teamwork and creative problem solving as they rotate
through five modules each day that disguise learning as fun. Local
educators will facilitate program modules, and enthusiastic high
school and college students will serve as program counselors,
ensuring that one staff member is in place for every eight children.
MIDWAY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OPEN DOOR
|
SUMMER 2011
11
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
WACO, TX
PERMIT #41
POSTAL CUSTOMER
MIDWAY ONCE AGAIN NAMED
AS “BEST COMMUNITY FOR
MUSIC EDUCATION”
M
idway Independent School District was once again named
a “Best Community for Music Education” by the NAMM
Foundation. This is the third consecutive year for Midway
to receive this prestigious honor. The NAMM Foundation
acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their
commitment and support of music education in schools.
“More than just an honor, this award is a national recognition of
the excellent music programs and support from the parents and
administration in Midway,” said Darrell Umhoefer, MISD Fine
Arts Coordinator.
BECOMING THE BEST:
NEWS TO KNOW:
• The Midway Panther Band received the coveted UIL
Sweepstakes Award. This award is earned by bands that receive
first division “Superior” ratings in all three phases of UIL band
competition – Marching, Concert & Sightreading. This is the
10th consecutive year to receive this honor and the Midway
Band was the only 4A band in Region 8 to achieve this honor.
NEWS AND REPORTS ON-LINE This newsletter, The Open Door,
• A record-setting 21 students were selected to perform in one of
the TMEA Region 8 All-Region Bands.
EMERGENCY ALERTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS FlashAlert notifications
• For the fourth time in school history, a Midway High School
choir was selected as a Texas Music Educators Association
Invited Choir.
• Also selected as a TMEA Invited Choir, the Midway Middle
School Combined Boys Choir performed at TMEA 2011. This is
the second time in school history for a MMS choir to be selected
for this prestigious honor.
• The Midway Philharmonic was the only 4A orchestra to
earn Sweepstakes at UIL Concert/Sight Reading Contest in
our region.
• The Midway Full Orchestra was the only full orchestra in our
region to earn Sweepstakes.
• The Midway String Quartet received a special invitation
to perform at Baylor University in a master class with
internationally acclaimed Klezmer violinist Steven Greenman
and as the demonstration ensemble for his subsequent lecture to
the Baylor faculty, students, and Waco community on Klezmer
string playing.
will now only be available on-line at MidwayISD.org/OpenDoor. Both
better for the environment and the district budget, it will no longer
be distributed in print. Also to be available on-line this summer: the
2010-11 Midway ISD Annual Report and the End-of-Bond Report
from the 2008 bond construction projects.
will be replaced with alerts from Teleparent. Alerts will be available
via voice calls, e-mails and text messages instantaneously. Opt-in
is not necessary. In addition, alerts will still be posted to the district
Web site, www.MidwayISD.org, school homepages when appropriate,
Facebook.com/MidwayISD and Twitter.com/MidwayISD.
SUMMER MEALS Free meals are available for all children ages 0-18 at
Woodgate Intermediate from June 6 to July 22, through federal funding.
Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and Lunch from 11 a.m.
- 1 p.m. No application or paperwork is necessary.
PRICE INCREASES Please note that the USDA is requiring a lunch
meal price increase of $.05 per meal at the middle school, intermediates
and elementaries. Midway ISD and Aramark appealed the price
increase, but the appeal was denied.
SchoolCurrent Price
New Price
Elementary$1.80$1.85
Intermediate & MMS
$1.90
$1.95
High School$2.50$2.50
ELEMENTARY ZONES Attendance zones were adjusted to balance
enrollment between elementary schools. To confirm enrollment by your
address, visit the Attendance Zone link on the MISD homepage just
under the Headlines section in the right hand column.
MHS SCHOOL TIMES Midway High School hours for 2011-2012 have
been extended to 8:20 a.m. - 3:41 p.m.