THE LEGAL PAD
IN THIS EDITION:
- February Calendar Dates
DON'T MISS OUT ON ANYTHING!
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Brought to you by: Law Link Crew Sponsored by: Law Magnet PTSA
- This or That and Writing Contest
- Student Highlight
- 33 Questions with Mr. Lyons
- Interview with Mr. G
- Mental Health Page
- Community Service/EIF
- PTSA Page
AND MORE!
Want to access the digital version? English: Spanish:
Illustration by: Hope Habia
CALENDAR
February 8th
February 11th
February 14th
17th
February 20th
February 22nd
February 27th
Created by: Mikayla Spivey
Created by:
Writing Contest
Respond to one of our monthly writing prompts with a short story for the chance to win a $10 Barnes and Nobles gift card and a chance to be featured on the next edition!
Word Limit: 250-300 Words Deadline: February 24th
Writing Prompts:
1) What has been your favorite extracurricular and why do you love being a part of it?
2) What motivates you to keep going?
3) Which fictional character would make the best roommate?
Link: https://forms.gle/PsLvuZJZEJsPy1qc7
RAISING THE BAR - STUDENT HIGHLIGHT
For our fifth edition, we decided to interview a single student. Their commitment to the prosperity of the Law Magnet and community makes it easy to see why they were nominated to be this month’s sole student highlight. Whether it be as a mentor, leader, or friend, Wilson Kesler always goes above and beyond to make sure that others feel seen and appreciated.
Interviewer: Hope Habia
Q: If you had to describe yourself in three words or phrases, what would they be?
A: “Service leader. Friend. Teacher.” Wilson demonstrates a commitment to service and leadership by prioritizing the growth of his teammates over his own personal gain. He often finds himself staying up late working on material for his younger Mock Trial teammates, in addition to helping them in the classroom whenever he has the chance. Wilson defines himself as a “friend” because no matter the circumstances, he will always be there for those close to him. Fiercely committed to the betterment of the Mock Trial team, Wilson has instructed upwards of 90 Mock Trial students since he first began teaching sophomore year, making him more than deserving of the title “teacher.”
Q: Do you have any notable hobbies?
A: “I do a lot of woodworking—I made a gavel for Mr. Gonzalez as a birthday present, and he said he loved it. And I made a gavel as a goodbye gift for Mr. Feimster. I’ve made some wooden masks for fun, one for AP Human Geography. I made a desk out of a $650 slab of walnut. It was cracked down the middle, so it was cheap. It’s huge, and my desk to this day.”
“I got into woodworking my freshman year during COVID.” Wilson explains that through woodworking, he was able to get closer with his father, as it’s one of the hobbies they share.
Q: What motivates you?
A:“I’ve asked myself that question for a long time because I was raised Christian and became an atheist. I was struggling to find a purpose in my life, or trying to recognize a purpose, and it just kind of clicked. I don’t need a “purpose” or a “motive.” I can kind of just do things and make the best of them. But on a day to day scale, I like making people happy—I like supporting others. It makes me feel good.”
Q: You’re obviously very involved in mock trial and school, which can’t be easy, so how do you stay organized?
A: “I have a spreadsheet and it includes the date, time, location, what to do, and the notes on the side. I have a lot of stuff planned up until 2 years, and I have it programmed to automatically highlight the days. I use that to stay organized. I feel like I can just see everything going on at once.”
RAISING THE BAR - STUDENT HIGHLIGHT
Q: You said you have things planned up to two years from now. Out of curiosity, what are they?
A: “I want to take some trips over the summer. This summer, my family and I are going to Europe as our last “big vacation” together. And, in two years, I’d like to start studying abroad, so I’m planning that out as well.”
Q: With college decisions rolling out, what do you plan on majoring in, and why?
A: “I plan on majoring in either environmental studies or sustainability studies because eventually I want to go into environmental law. I’ve always loved environmental science, and after coming to the Law Magnet, I started to really like law, so I combined the two. I feel like I’ll really be able to make a difference in my community as a whole. And I’m going to be using environmental studies and sustainability studies as a prerequisite for environmental law.”
Q: What colleges have you applied to?
A: “So, I applied to eight colleges. I think my top college, Colorado College, rejected me, which is fine. I’m waiting on an application decision from CU Boulder; I'd like to go there if they give me good money. I’m waiting on UT Austin; I also would like to go there. I’ve gotten into A & M, and I’m waiting on a financial aid package from them. I’ve got a full ride from Dillard, $122,000, and I really need to consider that. I’ve gotten into other schools like UNT and UT Arlington, but those were safeties.”
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger Wilson, what would it be?
A: “You are a good kid.”
“I’m not scared to talk about this because it’s nothing to be ashamed of, but I’ve struggled with depression for a long time. Ever since I was ten, I was just afraid of how I affected others, and it got into my head eventually. Early in high school, I felt like I was a terrible person, and I think I’d want to hear…I’d want to be reminded that I am a good person.”
Q: Why the Law Magnet?
A: “I wanted to go to Townview to be surrounded by smart people. I chose the Law Magnet as my second, because ever since I was little, I have been arguing. My mom likes to say that my first sentence was ‘“Ok, here’s the deal.” And through middle school, I did debate. I love arguing, so I chose the Law Magnet as my second, just in case I’d like it.”
A proven leader, Wilson is undoubtedly an invaluable asset to the Law Magnet.
Are you a part of any activities in or outside of school? Do you know someone you want to nominate for a highlight? Could it be a sport, a hobby, extracurricular, or maybe a small business? Interested in being interviewed next? Fill out this google form!
Legal LegendsTeachers
For this edition we wanted to interview someone we all know and love: Mr.Lyons!
Be sure to check out the video below to see the full interview.
Interviewer: Valentina Leon
Q: What do you do here at the Law Magnet? (What classes do you teach/ grades)
A: "US government (9th graders), AP comparative government (12th graders)"
Q: What colleges did you attend?
A: "Graduated SMU with an Honors degree in Political Science."
Q: What advice do you have for law magnet students?
A: "Find something you like, do something that you would like, and when you get the opportunity give back to your family and your community."
Q: How do you help seniors in college transition?
A: "Them being seniors, they have a lot of stuff going on so in college transition we guide him and give them support throughout their college journey."
Q: What’s your favorite part of teaching government?
A: "Regardless, whether you like government or not, it affects everyone from all ages, it even affects what we’re learning in class now, all aspects of our lives."
Q: Favorite fun fact?
A: "I like to do this day in history with my classes, and today January 20th is Inauguration Day!"
Q: Who’s your favorite artist?
A: "Elton John"
Q: Do you like Taylor swift?
A: "I love Taylor Swift."
Q: Favorite album?
A: "Folklore."
Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?
A: "I like to binge watch house, hunters international."
Q: How do you deal with stress?
A: "A lot of deep breaths, sleeping, eating, and going on vacation!"
Q: Describe yourself in 3 words?
A: "Requested by my current class, they said, outgoing, charismatic, and rational ego."
Q: What’s your hot take on Girl Scout cookies?
A: "Girl Scout cookies are the devil now, because I’ve noticed over the years they have gotten more expensive, and they’ve tried to finesse us by also making the box smaller. So the samoas, which are my favorite Girl Scout cookies, are fewer, but they’re charging us twice the amount they used to cost."
Q: Are you going to buy any?
A: Yes, most likely.
Q: What's Taylor dance break?
A: "It’s basically when you’re having stressful days and you just need to unwind, we put on some Taylor Swift and go bother Mr. Smeltzer and take a needed break."
Q: Tell me about you Bob Ross cutout
A: "It is a life size cutout of Bob Ross which was purchased with the money President Donald Trump gave us on the stimulus check. So I figured, what do I really need with this money from the government? and of course a Bob Ross cutout was the answer."
Q: What’s your favorite quote?
A: "A Ben Franklin quote, “ If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth writing.” It’s wisdom to learn by saying to make your mark somehow. "
Want to see the trailer video with Mr. Lyons singing? Check out our Instagram or click the link!
Link:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnxfagpBgr-/? igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE=
Want to see the full video? Check out our Instagram or click the link!
33 Questions with Mr. Lyons!
Link: https://youtu.be/IFWcoaVdUb8
Legal Legends Teachers
Interviewer: Ari Arceo
As a former student who is now the coordinator for the Law Magnet, Mr. Gonzalez has a unique position to take on the Law Magnet as a whole.
Q; Could you please intoduce yourself?
A: "Hi, my name is Don Gonzalez. I'm the magnet coordinator for the Law Magnet. Students who have me in class either call me Mr. G or G."
Q: Let's talk a bit about your early life. Where were you born?
A: "I was born in a little town called Hondo, Texas."
Q: Tell us more about your education growing up.
A: "So, I went through all my schools in Dallas ISD. I went to elementary school at Anson Jones. It was a regular elementary school. I went to Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School Classical Academy, and then I did high school at the Law Magnet."
Q: What can you tell us about your time at the Law Magnet as a student?
A: "It’s significantly different than it is now. The Law Magnet in those days was divided between AM and PM because half of the students were still commuters who spent half of their time at their home schools. The other major difference is that we had cluster [classes] every day of the week, and it was a 3-hour block every day."
Q: Where did you go on to college?
A: "I went to SMU for college. I had a double major in history and economics at SMU. I spent some time on the debate team and some other extracurricular activities that are not relevant except for ROTC. After that, I got accepted to both UT Law School and Georgetown Law School and chose to go to UT."
Q: Did you become a lawyer?
A: "I did not become a lawyer. At the end of my second year of law school, I was still in the Army reserves, and I was activated during the beginning of Desert Storm. Although I never had to go to war, I had to go back to do training as a combat engineer, and I was fortunate enough that by the time I graduated that training, the war was already over. But when I came back, the economy had changed quite a bit, and I chose not to finish law school."
Q: How did you make your way back to the Law Magnet?
A: "After I got back, I spent several years in financial services as a stockbroker in investment banking. And I was looking to get out of that field when I got a telephone call from Doctor Allred, who was the original coordinator of the school and my debate coach when I was a student. She asked me to come back to the school and restart the debate program."
Q: How has your time at the Law Magnet been as a teacher?
A: "So from about 1999, I started as a brand newteacheranddebatecoach.Itaughtuntil about 2014. As a regular cluster teacher and somewhere in between there, I became fulltime debate coach and then teach cluster anymore.Eventually,Itransitionedoutofthat intobeingacoordinator."
Q: What has that time been like?
Seeing the transition from being a student long ago to being a teacher and coordinator?
A: "I've seen a lot of change in my time as a student, a teacher, and now as a coordinator. A lot of it is good; not all of it though. The school is higher ranked now than it was when I first got here, and that [highschool rankings] wasn't even a thing when I went to school. I think it's a more difficult school to get into than it was when I was a student, and I think we're doing some great things academically.
We'velostsomethingsaswell.Idon'tthinkwe donearlyenoughhands-onorexcursionsinto the legal community, and that's something I wouldliketoworkontoimprove."
Q: What would your advice be for incoming Law Magnet students and current Law Magnet students?
A: "For all incoming students, I would say, don't wait to get involved in an extracurricular activity. Sometimes people come to the school and say, “I'm going to wait one year, so I can learn what it's all about” and it's too late.
You need to remember that getting involved in an extracurricular activity will help you succeed quicker, and you'll bearoundolderstudentsthatcanactuallymentoryou.
My advice to current students would be to enjoy the moments that you’re here, suck up as much knowledge as you can, and be involved as much as you can. Not only that, but remember where you came from when you graduate from college."
Q: Before we finish, I know you’ve told this story before, but I’d like to get it on the record. Could you tell us about your Harvard story?
A: "So, when I was in high school, very early on, I started getting letters from Ivy League schools. I was number one in my class. I was a straight A student. I eventually got accepted to Harvard. No one in my family had ever gone to college, so I didn't know any questions to ask. If I'm frank, we didn't have a very good counselor at the time. And I knew that my parents couldn't even afford a $300 ticket for me to go visit Harvard. I didn't even know that you could ask the college to pay for that. And nobody was helping me. At the same time that I needed money to be able to go to school there, SMU offered me a full scholarship. So I took the option where I wasn’t going to have to pay anything.
Years later, I realized that if Doctor Allred, who was a coordinator and my second mother, had helped me with some of those answers, I could’ve negotiated a better financial aid package. Later on in life, I asked her, “Why didn’t you help me?” and her answer was, “Because you didn’t ask.” I thought that was a bad answer on her part, and it has motivated me to make sure that we don’t have students that ever wind up in my situation. I want to help them with the questions they don’t even know how to ask."
9th
LEGAL BRIEF - MENTAL HEALTH
Here are different pieces of advice for different grade levels! Remember, always put your mental health first.
Written by: Ashley Hernandez
You did it! Your first semester as a high school student! Right now is the time to build a solid foundation for your academics. Make sure you're taking time to check up on yourself. Self care is important. Make sure to reach out to your Link Crew Leaders, teachers, and counselors. We are here for you, and remember, it's okay to not be okay.
11th
SATs are coming up! Make sure you're studying for the big test but also making time to care for yourself! YOU are important! A test does not determine how smart you are.
First AP's? Get them out of the way while you can! Senior year may still look far, but before you know it you will be crossing the stage. Enjoy your years while you can!
10th
Congratulations! College is a big thing to think about. Wherever you decide to go, remember to make the most of it. Be happy for each other this is a big year. Remember to never compare yourself to others. Once again, congratulations to the class of 2023!
12th
“It’s easy to feel like everyone is passing you and you’re
not
doing enough. Please
remember to congratulate yourself on your accomplishments,
even the small ones. You have so much to be proud of.” - WE THE URBAN
LEGAL BRIEF - COMMUNITY SERVICE/EIF
It’s the beginning of a new year, and the start of the second semester. By now, you should have at least 18 hrs of community service completed. If you are behind or want to move forward, here are some community opportunities to start off the year!
Written By: Gloria Espinoza
REMINDER:
Law Magnet students can only receive up to 6 hours through donations, while the rest have to be hands on. The Law Magnet requires students to do at least 36 hours every school year. All hours should be uploaded to X2VOL to receive the credited hours.
X2VOL: https://www.x2vol.com/index.html
Townview Peace Pantry Food Drive
10 items: 6 hours 15 items: 10 hours
Townview’s food pantry is accepting donations of food and toiletries in exchange for volunteer hours. All donations must be given to Ms. Rojas. She can be found in room 206 (the courtroom). ALL schools are welcome to participate! Contact Ms. Rojas for the list of items needed!
Spread The Love (Earn Hours for Writing!)
Are you interested in writing letters for children with special needs? Or are you someone who enjoys writing articles, stories, personal experiences, or even awareness about special needs? Then this community service project is perfect for you! Join the Spread The Love to uplift children with special needs and raise awareness!
Link: https://stlteamnotes.wixsite.com/spreadthelove
Feed My Starving Children
You’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference, while getting your community hours in. Hand pack rice, soy, dried vegetables, and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals into bags which are then sealed, boxed, and placed on pallets to be shipped to incredible partners working hard to reach the neediest children around the world.
Link: https://www.fmsc.org/get-involved/volunteer
Community Service Excel Sheet
Are you having a hard time finding hands-on community service opportunities? The Law Magnet has the perfect resource for you. A google sheet that is monthly updated with new opportunities available for students!
Link: https://tinyurl.com/mr3kvkra
Financial Literacy For Students And Parents – Feb 8
Students and Parents, are you wondering about how to pay for college, why credit scores are important, why Online Banking is safer? Then join EIF, Feb 8, 2023 at 5:00PM, as we discuss these topics and more.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/3jskz985
How to Find Community Service Opportunities – Feb 22
Students are you looking for community service opportunities? Join EIF, Feb 22, 2023 at 5:00PM, as we talk about why service work is important, school district requirements, where to find opportunities, and more.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/25ms8568
LEGAL BRIEF - PTSA
PTSA update: "Currently, interviews are ongoing to find the new Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet Principal. Several members of the community, SBDM, and the PTSA board have been asked to participate in the process to find the most qualified person to lead our school.
As involved members of the PTSA Executive Board, our families trust us to be their voice when advocating for the law magnet community. We are appreciative of the invitation to participate in the principal selection panel which is made up of a diverse group of people who truly represented the law magnet.
We all, have, are, and will, continue to advocate for what is in the best interest of our students.
Once selected, the PTSA will host a meeting to introduce the new Law Magnet Principal. Please watch Remind for any updates.
If you are not a PTSA member, now is a good time to join.
Thank you for all your support."
Join today online at joinpta.org
Want to contact Ms. Kossie (Community liason)? ckossie@dallasisd.org Want to contact PTSA? Send an email to lawmagnetptsa@gmail.com or Join the PTSA Remind: @lawmagnet
Want a volunteer opportunity to help PTSA? Visit: https://forms.gle/6VyjV81Ph8TgrzQo6
PTSA AND LAW MAGNET RESOURCES
Want a volunteer opportunity to help PTSA? Visit: https://forms.gle/6VyjV81Ph8TgrzQo6 Want some Law Magnet Spirit Wear?
Visit: https://lawmagnetptsa.cheddarup.com
https://www.dallasisd.org/domain/26556
Law Magnet Teachers https://www.dallasisd.org/domain/17776
Townview Directory Links https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/82838
Education is Freedom https://www.dallasisd.org/domain/19738
Townview Wide Club List https://tinyurl.com/2w57vjs4 Link Tree https://lawlinkcrewresources.carrd.co
This months' challenge is going to be a scavenger hunt! Are you ready for the hardest puzzle yet?
Created by: Leslie Orozco and Mikayla Spivey
Hello fellow readers! As we enter into a new year we are excited for new challenges. Let’s test your true knowledge of the Law Magnet teachers. Are you a true Law Magnet student? Do you really know who’s teaching you. Well if you do, I have a riddle for you.
There are 9 teachers participating in this scavenger hunt. Each teacher has a paper next to their door. On each paper, there are slips with the teachers name on the front, and the riddle and a hint on the back of the slips. (riddle can also be found on the front of the paper).
1. Students are to start with the first riddle (shown bellow) and make their way to the next teacher
2. Once all 9 slips of paper are collected, send a picture of the slips in the order you collected them in (if you loose any slips, send the names of the teachers in order you collected them in)
Prize: If your slips are in the correct order, you win a $10 Barnes and Nobles gift card! Names of all correct submissions will be randomly pulled to be the winner of the gift card!
First riddle: A Bearkat is what I am, orange is my color and I brought entertainment to the field between 2007 and 2011. Who am I?
Hint: Bearkat = mascot
School Website: dallasisd.org/lawmagnet
Instagram: @thelawlegalpad
Twitter: @LawMag214
Email: thelawlegalpad@gmail.com