Today Just One of Life’sDefining Moments

Today, the 50th anniversary of the death of President John F. Kennedy, is one of life’s defining moments for me as well as many other Americans. As we honor his legacy in history, I’m reminded of other special moments or turning points in my own life. Those unforgettable experiences when time stood still and I’ll never forget where I was and what I was doing.  The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, for one, conjures up memories of shock and disbelief.

Conversely, positive experiences can have the same power and magnitude. The births of my children and grandchildren stand out on the wonderful side of life, bringing smiles to my face every recollection. My first day of college or first days in various jobs at Mesquite ISD are also indelible memories, leading me to where I am today on my life’s path.

Next week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s take time to reflect upon and appreciate all the defining moments in our lives that have been good for us and for those we love. Maybe you can even anticipate the next one that’s ahead for you.

Safe travels and enjoy your time off!

Mesquite ISD Schools to Participatein Ask Not — The Dallas County Day of Service

Creating care packages for military personnel is one of many projects happening on our campuses this Thursday in honor of Ask Not — The Dallas County Day of Service. The Dallas County Commissioners Court established this service day to honor the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy and as a precursor to the 50th anniversary of his death.

Please see how you can support school undertakings planned for this day on the campus or campuses you support, including:

•	Trash collection at Porter Elementary
•	Canned food drive for Mesquite Social Services at Range and Lawrence elementaries
•	Crafting Christmas cards for troops and retired veterans at Mackey Elementary
•	Making cards and collecting donations for military personnel at Achziger Elementary
•	Writing thank-you letters to our local police at Austin Elementary
•	Making Thanksgiving baskets for Sharing Life at Kimball Elementary
•	Serving Thanksgiving lunch to seniors by Rutherford Elementary at the Rutherford Rec Center
•	Creating winter/holiday decorations and cards by Hanby Elementary for Sharing Life Community Outreach’s Senior Christmas Luncheon
•	Green Team campus beautification efforts by Agnew Middle School
•	Writing letters of appreciation to the Armed Forces through Operation Gratitude at Gentry Elementary

Commemorate Sacrifice, Serviceto Country on Veterans Day

In our district, we celebrate Veterans Day in a big way. We want all our veterans — including students’ parents, grandparents, friends and relatives, as well as our own employees and alumni — to feel extra special.

To this end, some campuses host annual Veterans Day events, while district employees with military service celebrate together at a meal featuring student artwork and music.  Texas State Rep. Kenneth Sheets, a veteran himself, will be keynote speaker this year.

In addition, videos honoring Mesquite ISD alumni veterans have been airing at high school football games. A compilation of these video tributes soon will be posted on our YouTube channel.

Please join me in commemorating the sacrifices and contributions made by all and thanking the veterans we know for their services to our country.

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -Elmer Davis

November 4-8: Our District Steps Up forMesquite Social Services Holiday Program

Every year, our students and adults work together for a week in November collecting food, money and toys to benefit the Mesquite Social Services Holiday Program.  November 4-8 is 2013’s districtwide donation week that gives everyone the opportunity to be of service to others.  

Last year, our students and staff collected more than $15,500 in cash and 31,000 food items. We also adopted 233 angels to support the families in our community. 

Lewis Carroll once said, “One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing, is what we do for others."  For this week, let’s put others’ needs ahead of ours, model kindness through giving and help those in need.