Midlothian Independent School District offers a wide variety of special programs for our student population aimed at reducing the gap between all students of the school population.

Head Start Program
For three and four year olds who meet the criteria, we offer the Head Start Program, which is housed at J.R. Irvin Elementary. The purpose of Head Start is to promote school readiness and enable children to obtain their full potential. Questions regarding Head Start should be directed to Jenny Goldsmith at 972-775-8239 or Michelle Lewis at 972-775-4361.

Pre-kindergarten
Pre-kindergarten is offered at our Mountain Peak and T.E. Baxter campuses, while the bilingual Pre-Kindergarten program is at J.A. Vitovsky Elementary. This program is for four year olds who meet the entrance criteria of income or having a language other than English as their home language. This program is also aimed at improving the students’ readiness skills.

STARS, COMETS, & RISE
J.A. Vitovsky Elementary, our Title I campus offers the STARS reading program and COMETS math program for at-risk students who qualify based on academic need. In addition, we have RISE, a reading intervention program, at all five elementary campuses to assist students who may be struggling with their reading skills.

Dyslexia
MISD offers a Dyslexia program on each of its campuses, where trained teachers deliver a program that is based on scientific and multi-sensory instruction. Students are given an assessment to determine if they have dyslexic tendencies and a plan is developed to meet the student’s needs. Questions regarding dyslexia should be directed to Melissa Wolfe, Director of Special Education, at 972-775-8296.

ESL (English as a Second Language)
Each of our campuses offers an English as a Second Language program for students whose first language is other than English. Students must meet state criteria to qualify for this program and teachers use curriculum that addresses the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills), as well as the affective and linguistic needs of the student.

Bilingual
The Bilingual program is housed at the J.A. Vitovsky Elementary campus. This program serves students in grades Pre-K through third grade who meet eligibility requirements for the program and whose first language is Spanish.

Gifted and Talented
Our Gifted and Talented program is also available on each of our 8 campuses. Students are served in a variety of ways from differentiated instruction, problem solving, and Advanced Placement courses at the high school level. Every elementary teacher has been trained in strategies for teaching the gifted and talented student. Anyone can nominate a student for evaluation for the Gifted and Talented program. Anyone interested in doing so should check with the student’s counselor for a nomination packet. Questions regarding the Gifted and Talented program should be directed to Diane Foster, Curriculum Coordinator at 972-775-8296.

Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Program
MISD offers a several programs within the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Program. The purpose of the program is to support comprehensive drug use prevention and violence prevention programs that: (1) prevent violence in and around schools; (2) prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs; (3) involve parents and communities; and (4) coordinate with related federal, state and community efforts and resources to foster safe and drug-free schools and communities.

Red Ribbon Week
Each of our campuses participates in Red Ribbon week activities aimed at educating our students on the dangers of drug use and encouraging them to remain drug free for life.

PAL (Peer Assistance and Leadership)
Several leadership programs are offered, such as PAL, Peer Assistance and Leadership. Students in the PAL class at the high school are paired with students at our other campuses so that they might mentor and encourage the younger students. Students in PAL must meet certain criteria and receive training in order to work with the younger students. Other students may participate in the Ropes course, which builds team work and trust.

Life Skills
The Life Skills program is incorporated into the curriculum for students in grades 6-8. Life Skills is a program based on scientifically based research that has evidence that the strategies used prevent or reduce drug use and violence and help students make good life choices. It meets the criteria of a promising program according the Texas Education Agency.

Questions regarding Special Programs may be referred to the counselor on the student’s campus or to Lisa Knight, Special Programs Coordinator at 972-775-8296.

It is the policy of Midlothian Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap in its programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.