Special Programs

Midlothian Independent School District offers a wide variety of special programs for the purpose of reducing the achievement gap between all students of the school population.

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Head Start Program
For three and four year olds who meet the criteria, we offer the Head Start Program, which is housed at LaRue Miller 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 Michelle Lewis at 972-775-4361.

Pre-kindergarten
Pre-kindergarten is offered at the Mountain Peak and T.E. Baxter Elementary schools, while the bilingual Pre-Kindergarten program is only 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 and J.R. Irvin Elementary , our Title I campuses offer the STARS reading program and COMETS math program for at-risk students who qualify based on academic need. In addition, RISE, a reading intervention program, is offered at all 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. A variety of programs are used to ensure the best possible success for the student. Students are assessed to determine if they have dyslexic tendencies and a plan is developed to meet the needs of the student. Questions regarding dyslexia should be directed to the counselor at the student's campus or to Melissa Wolfe, Executive Director of Specialized Learning, at 972-775-8296.

ESL (English as a Second Language)
English as a Second Language program for students whose first language is other than English. Students must meet state criteria to receive this program. ESL 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 provided the J.A. Vitovsky Elementary campus. This program serves students in grades Pre-K through fourth grade who meet eligibility requirements and whose first language is Spanish.

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. These activities, although restated during the week observed as Red Ribbon, are reinforcement for the message students receive year-round of remaining drug free for life.

PAL (Peer Assistance and Leadership)
Several leadership programs are offered. One such program is PAL, Peer Assistance and Leadership. Students in the PAL class at the high school must meet certain criteria and receive training in order to participate in the program, and are paired with students at other campuses so that they might mentor and encourage them. The PALS also work with students in the tobacco prevention education program.

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 at the campus where the student attends, listed below, or to Lisa Knight, Director of Special and Federal Programs at 972-775-8296.

The designated person to contact regarding options for a child experiencing learning difficulties or a referral for evaluation for special education is:

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.