MISD OPENS THREE NEW SCHOOLS , REBRANDS ANOTHER
Education is about choices , and Mansfield ISD works to give students and parents more of them .
Starting at the elementary level , MISD students are equipped for life readiness through programs like Two-Way Dual Language , leadership academies and science , technology , engineering and math ( STEM ).
There ’ s also an opportunity for students to earn industry certification at Ben Barber Innovation Academy or earn an associate degree while still in high school through MISD ’ s Early College High School .
NEW FINE ARTS AND STEM ACADEMIES
In fall 2021 , Mansfield ISD expanded its choice offerings even more with additional STEM programs and two new fine arts academies .
The new fine arts and STEM academies are available for third and fourth graders at Norwood Elementary and fifth
and sixth graders at Martinez Intermediate . The STEM Academy at McKinzey Middle School is available to students in grades 7-8 . The application process for the STEM and fine arts academies usually begins in January .
Unique designs , like learning stairs and large collaboration areas , are some of the features at the new schools .
SCHOOL REBRANDING a preparatory academy , you have character , you ’ re learning leadership , you ’ re learning what it takes to go toward college and career .”
The academy incorporates Advancement Via Individual Determination ( AVID ) concepts into its lessons , which focus on writing , inquiry , collaboration , organization and reading . AVID is an internationally recognized support program for students with the goal of making them ready for life after graduation .
Campus administrators said since AVID is already incorporated at upper grade levels within the attendance zone , it was a natural fit to begin AVID at the elementary school as well .
“ Why not start them out thinking about their future at an early age ? We want our kids to know that they are capable of greatness ,” said April Becker , AVID teacher at Charlotte
Anderson Preparatory Academy .
Three STEM programs were added within the newly built Brenda Norwood Elementary School , Alma Martinez Intermediate School and Charlene McKinzey Middle School . The fine arts academies are housed at Norwood Elementary and Martinez Intermediate .
“ These new schools are opening up more opportunities for students interested in the arts ,” said Dr . Darwert Johnson , director of fine arts . “ The academies combine an academic environment with exploration and integration in theatre , art , music and dance .”
Charlotte Anderson Elementary School underwent a name change to better reflect the work being done to prepare scholars to be college , career and life ready .
The school is now Charlotte Anderson Preparatory Academy ( CAPA ). Although the name change took place at the launch of the 2021-22 school year , campus administrators said the transformation was years in the making .
“ We ’ ve wanted to rebrand our school for a while — 11 years , actually ,” said Principal Sheira Petty . “ It ’ s taken that long to get to this point because to be
Several Mansfield ISD schools have received national certifications and distinctions for their excellent implementation of the AVID program .
James Coble Middle School , T . A . Howard Middle School and Timberview High School are National Demonstration Schools . It ’ s an honor given to only 4 % of AVID campuses . Those three schools plus Linda Jobe Middle School and Rogene Worley Middle School have also been named an AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction , which is the highest level of certification for AVID schools .
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