School Health Advisory Council

SHAC - What is it?

Mesquite ISD believes that a healthy, physically active child is more likely to be academically successful. Results of numerous studies on the academics-fitness link found a consistent positive relationship between overall fitness and academic achievement. The Mesquite ISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is an advocate for healthy students. It makes recommendations to the School Board pertaining to coordinated school health programs, human sexuality materials and instruction based on the values of the Mesquite community. By law, the majority of its members are parents of students who are not employed by the district. The Mesquite ISD SHAC consists of parents, students, community members and staff who work together to improve the health of all students.

All Texas school districts are required to have a Coordinated School Health program in place for grades K-8. The SHAC has adopted the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) program for grades K-8.

“Health and education go hand in hand: one cannot exist without the other. To believe any differently is to hamper progress. Just as our children have a right to receive the best education available, they have a right to be healthy. As parents, legislators, and educators, it is up to us to see that this becomes a reality.”    - Former Surgeon General Dr. Antonia Novello

SHAC Meetings

The MISD SHAC meets at least four times and no more than nine times each year. Meetings are typically held in the board room of the Professional Development Center at 3819 Towne Crossing Blvd. All SHAC meetings are open to the public. If you wish to speak at a SHAC meeting or review meeting minutes, please contact Council Co-Chair Tara Nichols at 972-882-7353 or Tnichols2@mesquiteisd.org.

2023-24 SHAC Members

Arriaga, Rodolfo - Parent, Motley Elementary, McDonald MS and Poteet HS
Buchanan, Emily - Parent, Mackey Elementary and Horn HS
Carden, Josephine - Parent, Rugel and Tosch Elementary, and West Mesquite HS
Johnson, Craig - Parent, Poteet HS
McCaleb, Kristy - Parent, Poteet High School
Montgomery, William - Parent, Vanguard High School
Paris, Joe - Parent, Austin Elementary    
Ridley, Steadman - Parent, Horn HS
Sherrard, Laura - Parent, Agnew MS (co-chair)
Soberanes, Christian - Parent, Range Elementary and Poteet HS
Welden, Sabrina - Parent, Gray Elementary, AC New MS, and West Mesquite HS
Barrera, Lynn - Community Member
Dyer, Karen - Community Member
Gayler, Amy - Community Member
Cabada, Evelyn - Student, Vanguard HS
Flores, Jackeline - Student, Vanguard HS
Dossey, Macey - Director, Health Services
Farley, Leigh - Coordinator, Career and Technology
Nichols, Tara - Director, Teaching and Learning (co-chair)
Hammett, Jennifer - Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning (non-voting member)

Possession or Use of Tobacco

Per the MISD Student Code of Conduct, students shall not possess or use tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes. They shall also not possess or use matches or a lighter.

Vending Machine Access

Mesquite ISD complies with the guidelines set forth in the Smart Snacks and Texas Department of Agriculture guidelines concerning student access to vending machines and food and drink dispensed from vending machines.