needs students . While Melanie was serving a nine-month deployment in Kuwait , her husband was doing his research and determined that Keller ISD would be the best fit for their family . Shortly after her return , they moved to north Fort Worth , and Mischa was able to enter fourth grade at Lone Star Elementary .
Rhodes says Mischa ’ s teachers have been amazing and provide new opportunities each and every day . Now a fifth grader at Parkwood Hill Intermediate , her non-verbal daughter is competing in Special Olympics track and field events and has even learned to say an entire phrase – “ Mark . Set . Go !” Rhodes credits this achievement to Mischa ’ s Adaptive PE Teacher Cindy Boaz , who instilled a love of running in Mischa .
“ She will see strangers in the neighborhood now and want to race them ,” Rhodes said . “ She ’ s just a goofy 11-year-old girl who does things that brighten my day , like give kisses out of nowhere . She doesn ’ t know how to hate .”
Rhodes says her daughter inspires her to continue to push herself – in fact , she is working toward another graduate degree . She also runs on a regular basis and participates in marathon races .
“ I see others with physical ailments and I want to do it for them ,” Rhodes said . “ I feel like since I have the capability to do these things – why shouldn ’ t I ?”
Inspiration Rhodes joined the Keller High family this summer , met her A Day students on August 15 , and then spent the first few weeks of school filling military duties , reporting to her annual training , followed by a call from her platoon sergeant that required her to leave to provide aid to those impacted by Hurricane Harvey . While she loves serving her country , she was happy to be back to school full time and meet her B Day students for the first time .
“ I love teaching ESL students , some of whom are immigrants like me ,” she said . “ I want to motivate and inspire them to work hard , be responsible members of society , and contribute to the solution , not the problem .”
Rhodes said everyone at KHS has been so supportive and friendly , reaching out right away to see if there was anything they could do as she was fulfilling her military commitments . Keller High Principal Dr . Michael Nasra says the KHS students and staff are fortunate to have her .
“ Mrs . Rhodes has quickly proven herself to be an asset to the Keller High community ,” Nasra said . “ It is easy to see the compassion she has for others through her work not only in the classroom , but also in her service to the greater community as a member of the National Guard . We are so proud to have her on our team in Keller ISD .”
Check out more Faces of KISD stories by visiting KellerISD . net / Newsroom
Faces of Keller ISD : HMS ’ s Kathleen Eckert . Hillwood MS Principal Kathleen Eckert traveled to China as part of the National Schools toWatch initiative where she visited campuses , shared best practices with school leaders , and came home with a full heart and renewed perspective .
Faces of Keller ISD : TCHS ’ s Reinaldo Crespo . Hurricane Maria interrupted his senior year , forced him to leave his home in Puerto Rico , and led him to Timber Creek High School where his positive attitude is inspiring others .
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