Mansfield ISD Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 15

Power of Choice Spotlight: LEADERSHIP ACADEMIES M ansfield ISD unveiled its Power of Choice initiative in which parents and students have the opportunity to choose the educational pathway that is the best fit for them. The school is striving to be a Garden to Table school, which means that it will grow some of the food that will be served in the cafeteria. In this edition, take a look at what the district’s leadership academies are offering to our young learners. “Our job is to educate them about where food comes from and how to make good choices,” said Principal Jamie Norwood. “We just debuted a homegrown salad bar so that students will have access to free fruits and vegetables even if they don’t buy their lunch.” MARTHA REID LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Leadership skills are engrained into the students at Martha Reid Leadership Academy from the morning bell to afternoon dismissal and everything in between. From Monday through Thursday, students start the day in a 20-minute leadership class learning the seven habits of leadership success. The traits are then used in all of their instructional classes. The campus also participates in community projects to teach the children that a big part of a leader’s job is to help others. “We’re embedding best practices into these students that they can use anywhere and everywhere,” said Principal Rebecca Stephens. “The end goal is for students to become great productive citizens, which falls right in line with the district’s Vision 2020 strategic plan.” The leadership academies are available to all Mansfield ISD students, regardless of attendance zone. More information about the district’s Power of Choice initiative is available at www.mansfieldisd.org/choice. Kindergarten students learned that being different is okay by reading “The Rainbow Fish” book. TARVER-RENDON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP The agricultural leadership program at Tarver-Rendon Elementary School teaches young learners what it means to be a leader through the knowledge of growing plants and raising animals. The program consists of four components: student leader development, community partnerships, agricultural- embedded core curriculum and environmental sustainability. Principal Norwood taught the children about different types of fruits and vegetables. Mansfield School & Family 13