Good Nutrition Focus of Mesquite ISDAll School Year Long

“Just Taste It Tuesdays” are offered once a month in elementary, middle school and high school cafeterias. On each of these special days, students will be introduced to a seasonal vegetable such as squash and sweet potatoes.

This is one of the new cafeteria initiatives under way this school year in Mesquite. Our menus feature a heartier and wider variety of vegetables and fresh fruit in response to new government guidelines that shift focus from the main course.

During November’s Good Nutrition Month and throughout the school year, keep in mind that good nutrition fuels kids with energy for school and the extra-curricular activities so important to their full development. Let’s also remember to support the healthy taste-testing programs under way on every campus.

For more nutrition tips, visit these websites:

http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=5527#.UIrRK44myAE

http://www.foodenquirer.com/articles/november-is-good-nutrition-month-.html

Red Ribbon Week Involves Community Sponsorships & Creative School Events

It is Red Ribbon Week, and this drug prevention campaign is inspiring creative expressions on our campuses and in our communities. Ask your MISD students and neighbors what their schools are doing in the spirit of Red Ribbon Week. Please visit our district’s Facebook page throughout the week to see photos and descriptions of some student activities related to this important awareness campaign.

The annual Red Ribbon Celebration brings millions of people together to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The movement also encourages prevention, early intervention and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible crusade of its kind observed annually in the United States.

While our district stands for these Red Ribbon themes all year long, this week marks an extra effort on behalf of our children. MISD is committed to drug prevention through education, and teachers and counselors incorporate anti-drug messaging in a wide range of classes from science and physical education to art, music and more.

If you shop at Albertson’s on Motley this week, you’ll receive a “gift” as part of a Red Ribbon Week school/community partnership. Albertson donated grocery sacks that Range Elementary students decorated with anti-drug messages.  We are grateful for the generous support we receive from the Mesquite community on special campaigns like this.

Forum for State Representative Candidates Set for Tuesday

A forum that will feature Texas House District 107 candidates Republican Kenneth Sheets and Democrat Robert Miklos will take place Tuesday, October 23, in Mesquite. The public event, produced by the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce Legislative Issues Committee, will take place in the G Building on the west side of Eastfield College.  It will begin at 6 p.m. and last about an hour.

The candidates of the redrawn new district 107 will make opening and closing statements. They will also field about eight preset questions that they haven’t been given in advance.

To see a map of Texas House District 107, and photos and short bios of the candidates, visit http://www.texastribune.org/election-2012/tx-house/107/.

Keep in mind that the early voting process in Texas begins Monday, October 22, and runs through Friday, November 2. Whether you vote early or on the official November 6 Election Day, don’t miss this chance to take a stand in Texas’ future. 

Election Time Nearing; Early Voting Only a Week Away

Interested in casting your vote early for the upcoming General Election? If so, the early voting process in Texas starts Monday, October 22, and runs through Friday, November 2.

Whether you vote on the official November 6 Election Day or beforehand, just be sure you let your voice be heard. It’s critically important for people who care about public education to participate in the political process. The people we elect chart the course for our state, and in the 2013 Legislative Session they’ll do so facing incredible economic challenges.

Polls show that Texans support public education, including increased funding for schools. However, Texas has posted some of the worst voter turnout rates in the country over the past 10 years. In fact, only 32.3 percent of registered voters in Texas participated in the 2010 General Election – the lowest in the nation.

Let’s show our pride in our great state during this election. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a say in Texas’ future.

For your reference, here are two informative,

nonpartisan websites:

http://votetexas.gov

www.teachthevote.org

Wear Your Favorite College Shirt Friday

It’s Mesquite ISD’s fall College Week, and this Friday our district students, faculty and administrators will wear shirts representing a wide range of schools. We hope our community members join in and wear college spirit wear on October 12.

On our campuses this week, you’ll find fun facts posted about different colleges and universities. Students will also see data on various careers after high school. Find out more about what your students and neighbors are learning by asking them, “What career fields interest you?” and “What do you aspire to do after high school? Attend technical school? Community college? Enter the military?” Help them explore all their options or connect them to your professional contacts when possible.

Please help us set high standards for our students and encourage them to dream big. Our district’s goal is to prepare our students to be college-ready after high school if that's the route they choose to go.

What was the wisest advice you received from someone who influenced your career path?