Mansfield ISD Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 21

Meet the Newest Power of Choice Principals Mansfield ISD welcomes two new principals who have been hired to launch two essential 2017-18 programs that will be available through the district’s Power of Choice initiative. The Power of Choice initiative allows students of various ages to take advantage of specific educational programs that are tailored to their needs despite their designated attendance zones. Victoria Webster is the associate principal for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy at Brooks Wester Middle School. The campus will be available to sixth-graders in August 2017. Enrollment will eventually expand to seventh and eighth- graders. The mission of the academy is to give learners a voice and choice to explore, create and innovate within real-world situations. Coursework is advanced and integrates project/ problem-based learning with open learning environments. “I want parents and learners to be ready for a transformative learning environment,” said Webster. “Learners will master perseverance and resiliency as they become 21st century scholars developing 21st century skills. At the STEM Academy, setbacks are seen as an opportunity to grow and innovate.” Erica Bennett is the associate principal for The Tarrant County College (TCC) Southeast Early College High School at Timberview. The program, which will also start in August 2017, will give students an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and associate degree (up to 60 credit hours). The early college high school will be available for ninth-graders for the 2017-18 school year and later expand to include grades 9-12. “The ultimate goal of the early college high school is to nurture a small learning community where rigorous instruction is the norm, critical thinking is priority, collaborative learning is essential and all students and faculty members contribute to the scholastic environment,” said Bennett. Each program has room for approximately 75 students in the 2017-18 school year, and transportation will be provided. The deadline to apply for the STEM Academy was March 3. Those interested in the early college high school have until March 31 to submit their application. Download an application and view more information about all MISD Power of Choice programs at mansfieldisd.org/choice. Mansfield School & Family 19