Trailblazer Times
September 27, 2024
REMINDERS AND UPDATES FROM MRS. WOODALL
Happy Friday! Now that the rains have passed, it looks like we can expect some beautiful weather this weekend. Perfect for fall decorating and pumpkin spice EVERYTHING!
If you haven't signed up to participate in your learner's Fall Presentation of Learning, please do so now. Mrs. Martinez and I will begin making phone calls next week for those who haven't taken care of this already. As a reminder, every year STEM academies in Mansfield ISD participate in Fall Presentations of Learning (POLs). POLs are a tradition in MISD STEM and are an opportunity for learners to showcase to their families their βglowsβ, what theyβve accomplished, and their βgrowsβ, goals they have yet to achieve. POLs also give learners the opportunity to develop their public speaking and presentation skills to a βfriendlyβ audience before they are expected to engage in presentations to community partners. In addition to becoming effective communicators, they will get the opportunity to develop future ready skills such as use of technology, celebrating successes, receiving feedback, being reflective and determining next steps for growth. All of these skills will serve our learners well in college, career, and life. It is a requirement that every STEM learner has a POL and they will spend the next few weeks preparing for these. During the POL, families will be given a βLook Forβsβ sheet to help guide them through this process. Please make sure to sign up for a time to attend your learnerβs POL if your learner is in grades 9th - 11th, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FAEAF2CA4F85-10th2. Seniors will attend the Destination Success/Ready2Work Expo in February with details to come.
Learners! Would you like to be part of a team of 30 community members distributing about 2000 pounds of food to 250 cars in 3 short hours at a mobile food pantry giveaway? Come help Arlington Charities help those who are food insecure! The fall service dates are Oct 24, Nov 21, and Dec 10. If you are interested, please email Ms. Whitney (marilynwhitney@misdmail.org) today! She will use email to communicate with you, so please regularly check email.
We are gearing up for National Day of Testing on October 16th. Freshmen will take the PSAT, sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT NMSQT, and seniors will have the option of taking a college or career tour day or taking the ASVAB. More information about these specific tests will be available in next week's newsletter.
Learners in an AP course have until October 18th to opt out of taking the exam. They will need to pick up the form from either Mrs. Martinez or Mrs. Newton and complete the google form in their designer's Canvas course. Mrs. Martinez will meet with every learner who opts out of taking an exam since this is an opportunity to prepare for college and potentially earn college credit.
Struggling with Math? Let Math Clinic Help You!
Are your math grades lower than expected last six weeks?
Are you currently on a Learner Improvement Plan?
Does your designer not speak βteenagerβ?
Or maybe you just love math and want to dive in all day, every day?
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
- September 30th - Money for Worldβs Finest Chocolate Fundraiser Due
- October 1st - StuCo Dues Due
- October 2nd - Picture Day
- October 3rd - Jostens On Campus from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- October 7th - 11th - Homecoming Week
- October 10th - Presentation of Learning from 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- October 11th - Homecoming Kickball Game from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at RL Anderson. Families welcome!
- October 12th - Homecoming Dance from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the school
- October 14th - Presentation of Learning from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- October 16th - National Day of Testing
- October 18th - Opt Out Forms Due for AP Testing
- October 24th - All Pro Dads Meeting from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the school
- October 25th - Monster Mash from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the school
- November 1st - Last Day of 2nd Six Weeks
- November 4th - 5th - Learner Holidays/Staff Development
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Juniors: The Coolidge Scholarship application is now available. Please see the website for more information and the application which can be used at any university. Only high school juniors may apply. Deadline is: December 11, 2024
Seniors: The STEM Scholar Program at TCU is an exciting opportunity for students who plan to major in a STEM field and show a commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. The program covers the full cost of TCU attendance for four years. The list of available majors for this program includes science, math, engineering, psychology, nutrition, computer science, secondary ed science, and movement science. Please see https://admissions.tcu.edu/stem-application.php#d22e83-3tab-dates for more information, as applications to the university and the STEM Scholar Program are due by Nov 1. Please let your counselor know if youβd like more information.
Seniors with a family income under 100K may consider applying for the Hagan Scholarship. This scholarship does include a work component between January 2025- September 2025. The merit-based scholarshipβs goal is to provide students with the opportunity to achieve their academic goals and graduate from college debt-free.
If you are interested in possibly attending the University of North Texas next year, please check out the Senior Advantage Day on October 14 in Denton from 8-2. They also host a monthly virtual senior night. The next one is scheduled for October 16 starting at 7:00pm online.
UTA Scholarship & Financial Aid Night is October 8 from 5:30-8:00 pm in the Bluebonnet Ballroom in the University Center. It is open to any prospective student who wants to learn more about how to fund their college education at UTA. The event will include presentations on merit scholarship qualifications, financial aid processes, and the Terry Foundation Scholarship. There will be representatives from Admissions as well as other UTA departments at the Scholarship Fair to learn more about departmental scholarship availability.
UTA Maverick Experience Open House is November 2 from 8:00-3:00 at Texas Hall. This event is open to any prospective student who wants to learn more about admissions, scholarships, housing, academics and more. It is a great way for students and their families to learn more about what makes UTA special and unique for our students. Admissions will also host an application station at the open house and any student that applies at the event will automatically receive an application fee waiver. Bring a copy of your unofficial transcript to complete the SRAR (Self-Reported Academic Record) on site.
Weβre in college application season! When you need to send an official transcript to the schools that you are applying to, the link is on this district website. Students get 10 free transcripts, and additional ones are $2.
Seniors will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Mansfield ISD is proud to support college and career readiness by excusing college and career exploration visits during learners' junior and senior years. Learners can have two absences excused their junior year and two absences excused their senior year when they follow the process and submit the forms below to their assistant principal.
PTSA NEWS YOU CAN USE
Want to get involved? Join our PTSA at joinpta.org! Our PTSA family would love to have you!
Hello, parents! We are excited to announce that we will be starting an All Pro Dad Chapter here at Frontier STEM Academy. All Pro Dad is a monthly gathering where dads get to intentionally engage with their children. This is not just limited to dads, but all learners must be accompanied by an adult. There will be fun activities and a character-based curriculum that helps dads start meaningful conversations with their learners. Our first gathering was held on September 19th at 3 p.m. If you couldnβt make it to this gathering, the next one is scheduled for October 24th. Please contact our team captain, Dion Brugger, at Dion.Brugger@familyfirst.net if you have any questions/concerns or would like more information!
The MISD Clothes Closet is a vital resource that provides clothing, school supplies and toiletries to any student and their families within the Mansfield district. With that it takes many hands to keep it organized and running efficiently. The MISD Clothes Closet requests that each PTSA provides volunteers for one day during the school year. For parents or approved students, the FSA/BBIA PTSA Clothes Closet day is Oct 7th from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please sign up for an hour or two here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E44ADAF283-51110151-frontier
For students that would like volunteer hours, they are invited to help change out the seasonal clothes on Oct. 7th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B4DA4A92AABFC1-51242271-ccoctchange
Click this link to nominate your favorite teacher to get flamingoed! 𦩠If the teacher you nominate is chosen, they will receive a treat of their choice as well as kind notes from students, parents, and staff.
Last but not least, we sell cookies every Tuesday & Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Cookies are $1.00 per bag & we are accepting cash or payment via Cheddar Up. See the QR code below for the link to sign up for payment through Cheddar Up. If you are interested in volunteering to lend a hand with cookie sales, you can sign up here. Your help is greatly appreciated. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054DA5AB2CA4F94-50614892-cookie
Keep up with us on Facebook @Frontier STEM/Ben Barber Innovation Academy PTSA and Instagram @fsabbiaptsa!
Click here for a letter from the PTSA!
ππππ CLASS OF 2025 NEWS & UPDATES ππππ
Jostens was on campus today from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. in the CUBE to meet with seniors about ordering graduation packages, spirit wear, class rings and letterman jackets. Learners, don't forget to share this information with your parents! For more information, visit the Jostens Frontier STEM website here.
Jostens will return on October 3rd to take orders and answer questions in the Commons from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Frontier Administrative Team
Principal - Michelle Woodall
- Class of 2025 Administrator
Academic Associate Principal - Stephanie Martinez
- Class of 2027 Administrator
Facilities Associate Principal - Dustin Streitz
- Class of 2026 Administrator
- Student Management (last names A - H)
CTE Specialist - Jennifer Goodson
- Student Management (last names I - O)
Assistant Principal - April "Adams" Jackson
- Class of 2028 Administrator
- Student Management (last names P - Z)
STEM Integration Coach - Larita Nunez
- ALL the things!
District STEM Director - Victoria Webster
District CTE Director - LeighAnn Tamplen
Frontier counselors are here for you!
John Williams, Lead
- A - K
Jennifer Roberts
- L - Z
Sarah Buckner
- District CTE Counselor