New Summerfield School News
Teaching students to locate books in the library according to the Dewey Decimal System does not have to be boring- at least not in the New Summerfield ISD Library. When librarian Mary Danner recently dresses as a kangaroo to reinforce in students' minds that animals are found in the 500s section of the library, students not only learn facts about kangaroos but also have the added pleasure of holding the kangaroo's tail and viewing the baby kangaroo, known as Joey. The district recently applied for and received the Texas Fitness Now grant, which is being jointly sponsored by the Texas Education Agency and the state Comptroller's Office. Over the next two years, the district will receive $9464 to purchase sports equipment, nutrition and health-related curriculum materials, and products for students in grades 7 and 8. The purpose of the grant is to further the goal of reducing childhood obesity and Type II diabetes and to place emphasis on the importance of physical education and fitness as the foundation for a life of healthy choices. On November 5 and 6, superintendent Gregg Weiss, curriculum coordinator Trish Nation, and teachers RoseAnn McNamara and Sheila Parrott attended the PASA conference in Dallas. This conference, sponsored by the Texas Education Agency and Education Service Center Region XIII, allowed educators to collaborate and learn more about meeting the needs of English language learners.

The district will host its annual Thanksgiving family luncheon on Friday, November 16. Family members of NSISD students are encouraged to attend and to enjoy a meal with their children at a cost of $2.25. Principal James Armstrong and teachers will recognize elementary and junior high students for their outstanding work during the second six weeks at their awards ceremonies on Tuesday, November 20. An assembly for grades kindergarten through 3 will begin at 8:30 followed by assemblies for grades 4 through 6 and grades 7 and 8 respectively. The school will be closed November 21 through November 23 for Thanksgiving holidays. For information about all district events and to visit faculty web sites, please go to www.nsisd.sprnet.org.