For the third consecutive year, Mesquite ISD is one of five finalists in Texas competing for a $100,000 prize in the prestigious H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.  The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards is the largest monetary recognition program for educators in Texas and one of the largest in the nation.  
 
“We have a fantastic story to tell, and we are honored to have the opportunity to share the wide array of successful programs and student accomplishments that are happening here,” said Superintendent Dr. Linda Henrie.  “Every employee plays a part in making our school district one of the best, and this acknowledgement from H-E-B affirms what we all do each and every day.”  

This latest honor follows other prestigious awards the district has received within the last year, including the Texas Award for Performance Excellence and the Council of Urban Boards of Education’s Annual Award for School Board Excellence.

As a finalist, Mesquite ISD will receive a $5,000 prize.  A team of judges will visit the district later this month to see evidence of Mesquite ISD’s excellence firsthand.  The district was selected as a finalist in the category of large school districts based on its commitment to student achievement through innovative programs, parental/community involvement and professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators.  H-E-B will announce the winner of the competition later this spring.

District Superintendent Dr. Linda Henrie is the recipient of Mesquite Mayor John Monaco’s Pillar of the Community Award. She received this honor recently at the Chamber Awards Dinner & Mayor John Monaco's State of the City Address.

“Dr. Henrie transcends what a typical leader might have done in their role and always goes beyond what is expected,” Monaco told the audience of nearly 300.

“She also welcomes new and creative ventures and exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism.”

Dr. Henrie said she was surprised and honored by the award. “I am proud to represent a district committed to excellence and partner with a city that supports our goals,” she said. “Working together we have achieved great things for the students of the Mesquite area and will continue doing so.”

Dr. Henrie was among many local leaders, businesses, organizations and city employees receiving recognition for achievements in the past year.

“The Mesquite Independent School District, like many in Texas, has had a trying year while facing financial uncertainty from the state,” Monaco said. “However, the district rose above all that and achieved new heights in 2011.”

Each spring Mesquite ISD solicits distrct input on the Student Code of Conduct, including the elementary, middle school and high school dress codes. Please send your suggestions to be considered for the 2012-13 code update to Administrative Officer for Instruction Susie Court by Feb. 17.

Porter Elementary recently received a $1,454 Fuel UP to Play 60 Grant from Dairy MAX for healthy eating and physical activity initiatives, announced District Coordinator of Physical Education and Health Education Susan Henderson. Dairy MAX partners with the NFL Play 60 Movement that encourages physical wellness.

“It’s awesome that P.E. teacher Maggie Lester took the initiative to apply for this money to enhance the coordinated school health program for the school,” said Henderson, adding that this grant will be used to emphasize healthy eating and physical activity at Porter.