Freshman Guide 2023

Our History

If you asked anyone about Mansfield, Texas in the 60s, 70s or 80s, they would have mentioned the Kowbell Indoor Rodeo. Mansfield, a small rural community at the time, was a popular stopping place for cowboys and cowgirls. The Kowbell was the place to go for an indoor rodeo experience. Rodeos were held each Saturday night, year round.

The Arena was originally built with an open roof and a canvas top that could be lowered for shelter during inclement weather.

In 1961, a permanent roof was added to the arena and continued operating the Rodeo.

The Kowbell Rodeo closed and the property was sold to MISD in 2004. Because of Mansfield’s fast growing population, MISD administrators purchased the historic location to build the district’s fourth high school. After clearing land and deciding on blueprints, newly hired principal, Mr. David Wright, formed a committee to create the school’s name and mascot. Legacy fit perfectly. Broncos fit even better. In June 2006, committee members chose red and black as the colors. After 18 months of construction, Legacy High School opened in August of 2007 and housed over 2,100 students.

To honor the school’s “Legacy” to Mansfield, the dance team was named the Silver Spurs, the yearbook had been named the Arena, and the newspaper was dubbed The Rider. Not to mention, you can find many loud cowbells at our sporting events.

The PAC, band hall and journalism room can be found where the former rodeo area once stood.

Myths

Myths

Stairs

Girls’ Locker room

did you know?

Cookies are sold by PTSA members Wednesdays and Fridays next to the StuCo store.

Guys’ Locker room

It’s always cold in the classrooms. Carrying a jacket is advised.

Using lockers is an option, not a requirement. You can’t go to the bathroom the first or last 15 minutes of class.

of Legacy of Legacy

fables and tall tales

• There is no fourth floor, nor plans to have a fourth floor. Be the first freshman class to stop looking for it.

• Middle school rumors usually involve Chick-fil-A and Starbucks. These are not on campus.

• The swimming pool is across town; there is no pool on campus. However, you might find one in the softball field after a big rain.

• You are not allowed to go off campus for lunch. But because you don’t drive, it shouldn’t be a big problem.

Swimming Pool

• No worries, upperclassmen really don’t make fun of freshmen. But they may laugh at you looking for the fourth floor.

• Homework isn’t an option. Just like in middle school, teachers give you grades for it.

All the bathrooms are unlocked unless there is a problem occuring inside of the bathroom where they then have to be locked

If you get your phone taken up, you have to pay the bookkeeper, Ms. Frampton, $15 to get it back. All doors, other than the front and back entrance, lock after 7:15 a.m. You must enter through the front door after 7:25.

Girls’ homecoming mum sizes depend on your grade; you wear a one flower mum as a freshman and add a flower every year.

• Tutoring is not just for dumb people. The most successful students are usually the ones who go.

• High school is nothing like the movies or TV. You’re expected to be mature, be on time, not run in the halls and not act like you did in middle school.

pep rallies

Cheers you need to know: “What’s that cheer we like to hear, go Broncos go Broncos go! What’s that cheer we like to hear, go Broncos go Broncos go!

A-YO, A, A A-YO A-YO A-YO, A, A A-YO A-YO!”

“I believe that we will win!”

“You wish you were a Bronco oo ahh.”

Tips for pep rally spirit

• Always cheer on the mascot, Bucky

• Cheer for your class

• Anytime you hear the speaker yell your class, represent

• Don’t sit down, be respectful

• Get involved

• Don’t be afraid to participate in our pep rallies

• Stand for school song

Pep rally seating Assignments

Guide to Bronco Spirit

Fight song:

We are the Broncos we are red, black and white, We are the Broncos we will put up a fight, Now let’s go Broncos get up on your feet, So we can cheer and bring the heat.

We will be loud and proud a big family, And we will come as one and have victory, Now let’s go Broncos get up on your feet, No we will not accept defeat.

B-R-O-N-C-O-S Broncos, Broncos, Go Broncos!

We are the Broncos we are red, black and white, We are the Broncos we will put up a fight, Now let’s go Broncos get set for a win, We’ll be victorious till the end!

events that matter

• L.U.C.K. week: February/March (raising money for someone in need)

• Day of Service: March/April 2024 (Helping the community)

Week May

Players Band

Sophomores Freshmen

*TIP: never use the central staircase, it’s always crowded

Finding your way

reading hallways 101

the second letter: Tells you what hallway it is

the first letter: Tells you what kind of hall it is • A- academic

P - physical education • E - elective

Sign and save

the remaining numbers: the location in the hall

A J123

the first number: Tells you what floor it is (1, 2 or 3)

Get signatures from these faculty and show the journalism adviser in E-O102 by Sept. 1 for a discount code on your yearbook!

Dr. Bonneau (Principal)

Mr. Cousins (Assistant Principal)

Ms. Marion (Key Club Sponsor)

Ms. Frampton (Bookkeeper)

Mr. Contreas (Assistant Principal)

Ms. Cavnar (StuCo sponsor)

Get Involved:

FcA

Where they Meet

Z302

When they Meet

Every Wednesday during advisory

Sponsor

Coach Oliver

Purpose

An interdenominational Christian sports ministry. They meet to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

Acadec

Where they Meet

T221

When they Meet Scheduled block Sponsor

Mr. Davis and Ms. Esaili

Purpose

To challenge students academically at competitions against students with similar GPAs.

Latin Diversities

United

Where they Meet

2nd floor AP Office

When they Meet

Wednesday during advisory and Tuesday after school

Sponsor

Ms. Pena and Ms. Cordova

Purpose

To show all of the latin cultures and how important culture is.

BOOK Club

Where they Meet

Y311

When they Meet

Every other Thursday Sponsor Ms. Panzarella

Purpose

To get together and share our love of reading for fun.

Black Student Union

Where they Meet

I102

When they Meet

Most Wednesdays 3-4 p.m.

Sponsors

Mr. Smith and Ms. Hill

Purpose

To let their voices be heard and integrate themselves and their opinions into Legacy.

Journalism

Where they Meet O102

When they Meet Scheduled block

Sponsors

Mr. Mallett and Ms. Dearinger

Purpose

To create an awesome yearbook, write for the online newspaper, film on broadcast, write stories, take pictures of events and have fun.

Debate

Where they Meet

J114

When they Meet

Every Thursday after school

Purpose

To meet new friends, go on trips and learn new skills that will help students in everything they do.

Chess Club

Where they Meet

W310

When they Meet

Fridays after school Sponsor Ms. Kamphaus

Purpose

For students to come and play chess. New players can learn the game and experienced players can challenge each other.

clubs & organizations

Gay Straight Alliance

Where they Meet

The Library

When they Meet

Every other Wednesday

Sponsor

Mr. Gillespie

Purpose

To provide a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students and straight allies where they can find security in their peers.

Art Club

Where they Meet

N106

When they Meet

Once a month depending on the project Sponsor

Ms. Veselka and Mr. Skinner

Purpose

To promote the arts in our community.

To learn more about the clubs we offer here at Legacy, check out:

therideronline.com

AVid

Where they Meet

J108

When they Meet

Scheduled blocks

Sponsor

Ms. Dorsett

Purpose

To prepare students for college. They learn organizational skills to help them reach their fullest potential as a student. Twice a week they have tutors come in to help the students.

Improv

Where they Meet

Legacy PAC

When they Meet

Audition the second week of school, then the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

Sponsor

Mr. Ferman

Purpose

To learn acting skills and get creative while having fun and entertaining an audience.

Student Council

Where they Meet B101

When they Meet 6 p.m. Mondays

Sponsor

Ms. Cavnar

Purpose

To provide leadership opportunities for students. They plan campus events to keep students involved.

Key Club

Where they Meet

T206

When they Meet

First Tuesday of the month

Sponsor Ms. Marion

Purpose

To encourage student leadership through serving others in the community and on campus.

Jrotc

Where they Meet K104

When they Meet

Scheduled block

Purpose

To motivate young people to be better citizens.

Bowling

Where they Meet Forum Bowl

When they Meet

Monday and Wednesday/ Thursday

Sponsor

Ms. Shelia Burger

Purpose

To teach teenagers how to bowl and introduce them to bowling etiquette. It provides a safe place to learn and a supporting community of bowlers.

Freshman Code

Actually try

Freshman year might be the easiest year of high school, but it is also the most important. Your freshman year lays the foundation for the rest of your high school career. Your GPA and class rank start to count this year.

Don’t text and walk

You will get distracted and probably run into something or someone.

Safety

Remember to always wear your ID around your neck (Mr. Cousins will be your best friend if you do). Also, do not open any doors during the school day for anyone, not even your friends.

Watch the doors in the hallway

The doors open out, so keep your head up when you are walking in the halls. There are too many stories of people getting hit by the doors. Stay off your phone and walk with purpose on your way to your classes.

Don’t play music in the hallway

Just because you like techno music doesn’t mean everyone else wants to hear it.

Don

Final Exam Exemptions

Exemptions can be confusing in high school and they change every year. Expect these to change, but here are the rules for the 2023-2024 school year:

• Eligible students will receive two exemptions each semester, if they meet the required standards.

• Students must maintain an 80 or above average for the semester.

• No more than two absences in the class a student wants to exempt.

• An absence for a school-related function does not count against you. For example, if you go on a band trip for three days, don’t worry about losing exemptions.

• Students suspended, sent to an alternative education program (BIC or JJAEP) or sent to AC for any reason cannot exempt.

• Don’t get in trouble for dress code or any other reason. Even if you’re in AC for five minutes, it still takes away all of your exemptions.

• Students may not absence fail any class for the semester.

• If a student violates one requirement, they will lose exemptions.

• Each semester cleans the slate for students. If you have three absences for the first semester, they will not affect exemptions for the second semester.

• There are certain reasons for absences that count and don’t count against you which would be labeled for you in Skyward.

Time shift - 7 a.m. is early :(

’

t complain

Your freshman year is one of the best because it’s all new. Enjoy it.

Don

’

t run in the hallways

You have a 5-minute passing period; there’s no need to run. We don’t care if you’re late.

Don’t stop walking

Get to class. Don’t stop and talk to your friends in the middle of the hallway. You become a roadblock for everyone else.

College advice

During your freshman year, start preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT and ACT. These scores will be crucial in your college application process (that is, if you plan on going to college).

Try to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep

You can survive with less, but doctors suggest getting around this amount of sleep.

DO NOT procrastinate

Doing all your homework in one night will make you extremely tired and will leave you exhausted the next day. Work on homework when you get it so the stack doesn’t pile up.

Eat Breakfast

Eating breakfast ensures energy to get through your classes.

Pack ahead of time

Pack your school stuff together at night before you go to bed, so you can sleep in later and not have to worry about scrambling to find a misplaced paper early in the morning.

Plan your morning routine

Setting your morning routine in your memory makes the process easier and faster.

Apps to Know

skyward

remind google drive canvas

what the library offers

•Free black and white printing; colored is 25 cents

•They sell discounted school supplies

Problems with a Teacher?

Helpful Websites

edugence

Research:

1 classlink.com

quizlet

There are district policies, campus procedures and then specific course syllabi that parents can access online or in Canvas.

Contact:

Your first contact is the teacher or coach. Ask questions to figure out what’s happening in the class or sport.

2 therideronline.com

3. deltamath.com

4. edgenuity.com

5. khanacademy.com

6. google.com/drive/

Instagram

•They give you websites and books for research projects

• Green screen for video projects

lunch tips

1. Get there early or pick a short line because they take forever.

2. Chips in the line cost less than chips in the vending machine. It may only save you a quarter, but quarters turn into dollars and dollars get you cookies from PTSA.

3. Ask for extra condiments. If you’re trying to cover your whole sandwich or don’t have enough for all of your fries – ask for extra.

4. Anything chicken is usually good, and the nachos are always a safe choice.

5. You have to stay on campus for lunch.

6. Ask your third and 7th period teacher which lunch your in.

7. Now you can bring food to microwave. Just don’t leave a mess for someone else to clean up.

Academic Expectations

• Always remember to turn your work in. It’s a good idea to still turn it in even if it is late or not finished.

• Your goal as a freshman is to earn 8 credits to be able to move on to 10th grade next year.

• Go to tutorials for help. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ask your teacher about tutoring incentives to get extra points on quizzes and tests.

• If you fail a test, go to your teacher to retest or make corrections within a week.

•As a freshman, you will have frequent binder and planner checks. Make sure you learn the expectations and requirements for this.

Problem solve:

Work with your student and the teacher to solve the problem. Voice your concerns. Listen to all sides. Allow time for the implementation of agreed changes or procedures.

Follow up

: Communicate with your student and the teacher to ensure all agreed-upon procedures are happening.

Meet:

If the issue remains, set up a meeting with the coach or teacher, you, and your parent.

How to get VOE

• Go to the Attendance office

• Fill out the form on the desk or scan the QR code to request a VOE

• Wait for at least two days to go back to the attendance office to retrieve your VOE (your VOE lasts for only 30 days so be careful when you request for one)

Who to follow: @mansfieldlegacyhopesquad @therideronline @legacybroncosfootball @lhsbroncostuco @mansfieldlegacyvolleyball @lhsdance

Chromebook Basics

• It’s a really good idea to charge your Chromebook every night. If your Chromebook is dead, then you can’t do the activities in class to your full extent. Paper copies are no fun. If your Chromebook isn’t working, visit the library for tech support.

• Every student must have one unless you use a personal device.

Remember to bring your Chromebook to class every day.

• Make sure you don’t download any blacklisted apps or visit blocked websites. It will get your chromebook taken up.

Who to know

Dr. Bonneau Principal

What is something you’re known for?

“I’m known for being out and involved on the campus –you’ll see me everywhere!”

What’s one of your pet Peeves?

“One of my biggest pet peeves is when people don’t try – they just want to give up when things get tough. We learn from challenge, so quitting prevents learning.”

What is one random fact about you?

“I have three miniature schnauzers named Rocky, Chewy, and Molly.”

Academic Principal

What DO YOU WANT FRESHmen to know?

“This can be the beginning of four of the best years of your life if you approach it with the right mindset!'

What is something you’re known for?

“I randomly burst into song and quote random movies (usually animated Disney ones).”

What SHould Freshmen look forward to?

“Being challenged and stretched as a learner. This is an exciting time in your educational career and is the next step before college, career, or military.”

Assistant Principal

WHAT DO YOU WANT FRESHMEN TO look forward to?

“The many different opportunities they have to participate on campus, such as athletics, clubs, band, JROTC, and drill team, to get involved in school.”

What are you known for?

“Caring for kids. When they know they have a problem, they know that I can help them with whatever problem they have.”

MR. PHAN Assistant Principal

What is something you’re known for?

“High energy. I do not need coffee, an espresso shot or any sort of caffeine to get me started in the morning. I am like a race car. Once the engine is on, I will race all over campus.”

What’s your Pet Peeve?

“My pet peeve is people littering especially when there is a trashcan nearby. So please do not litter.”

WHat’s One random Fact About you?

“I love spicy foods.”

What are some of your pet peeves?

“When students don’t wear their IDs and are late to class.”

What do you want freshmen to know?

“I want them to understand that you must have a great start in order to be successful and that the teachers are behind them because this is a family.”

What are you known for?

“Where’s your ID?”

WHAT DO YOU WANT FRESHMEN TO KNOW?

“Legacy is a big campus and looks intimidating but do not worry. The faculty and staff are very helpful and will help you have a great start to your freshman year.”

What are your pet peeves?

“My biggest pet peeve is students who do not live up to their potential. Legacy has a spot for everyone so make sure that you get involved and stay connected.”

What do you want freshman to know?

“Don’t worry or stress — you will do awesome!”

What do you want Freshmen to look forward to?

“Experiencing everything Legacy High School has to offer to the fullest.”

What is your “pro-Tip for Legacy Freshmen?

“Have fun this year, and soak it all in. It will all happen really fast.”

What’s one thing you’re known for?

“Taking payments.”

WHAT DO YOU WANT FRESHMEN TO KNOW?

“High school goes by way faster than you think it will. Make the most of your time here — join things, go to events, and participate in clubs/organizations.”

What are you known for?

“I am ‘scary’ until you have me in class then you find out I always have snacks and I am involved in many things so I have lots of answers.”

What do you want Freshmen to Look forward to?

“Pep rallies. Dances. Field days.”

Mr. Cousins Assistant Principal

Ms. Frampton Bookkeeper

Ms. Vorsino Lead Counselor

Ms. Cavnar StuCo Sponsor

Boring but important stuff

tutorials

Attending tutoring schedules

Most teachers have their tutoring schedule outside of their room either on the wall or on their door. Otherwise tutoring schedules can be found on legacy.mansfieldisd.org under the resources tab.

how to use the library

1. Check in Walking into the library, there will be a scanner for your ID to show you were in there during the day.

What are tutoring incentives?

You can get a tutoring form from your assistant principal’s office or online. These forms can be used to add points to your grades. It can be used to get rid of absence failures with up to three hours with a core teacher before or after school.

2. Look for a book

Walk around and find a book you think you will enjoy. Take it to the front and get it checked out.

Other Options

If you can’t make your normal teacher’s tutoring, you can find a teacher of the same subject that has a different tutoring schedule.

3. Use the computers

If you want to finish a project or do some work on the library computers, ask at the desk which computer you can use, do your work.

4. Play Games

If you decide to visit the library during lunch, you can play board games with your friends at a table.

5. Research

If you are researching a project you can go down to the library and a librarian can help you with resources you can use. Make sure to scan in and scan out.

1. 20 minutes max

Tardies turn into absences after 20 minutes of missed class. Don’t miss more than you have to; it will catch up with you.

Homework

Having a job or playing a sport can complicate a schedule. Doing your homework at lunch the day you get it can help you get it done on time. Doing little bits at a time throughout the day can also help more than you think.

tardies time management make up work/absences

1. Ask your teachers for work the day before you miss to avoid late work.

2. Check your teachers’ resources, Canvas, or their website if they have one.

2. No more than 3

After two tardies in the same day, the attendance office will call your parents. Then on your third, the attendance office can write you a referral or place you in AC. Neither of these options are preferable, so don’t be late.

Social Life

Having friends is hard when you have to balance lots of things during the day. Having study dates with friends is a great way to have a social life and get all your work done at the same time.

3. Have your parents call the attendance office ahead when you plan on being absent from school.

3. Passing Periods

You have five minutes between each passing period. Multiple tardies can lead to Saturday School or AC, and you can’t get your exemptions at the end of the semester if you’ve had AC in the past.

Beauty sleep

Getting enough sleep during the week can be a problem for a lot of teenagers. Do class work in class and don’t take it home to finish if you don’t have to. Doing homework early instead of procrastinating can help you get to bed earlier. Eating an early dinner can also help you feel tired and ready to go to sleep earlier.

4. Try not to miss more than two days of the same class, so you can have exemptions.

5. Plan appointments around core classes and/or important days.

6. If you’re sick, bring a doctor’s note to the attendance office.

7. Skipping classes isn’t worth it. You can’t learn if you aren’t there.

freshmen bucket list

people to meet

Influential Educators

These three teachers have positively impacted teachers and students around them, and should be people you want to meet. Resourceful and engaging, Ms. Marion, Mr. McMahan and Ms. Jones are staff you would want to see around the school.

get a mum

Homecoming is one of the most festive games of the whole year. Show your school spirit with a bushel of decorative ribbon, feathers, and bells. Seniors wear white and four flowers while underclassmen wear one flower starting freshman year.

get involved

A great way to get the total high school experience is by joining clubs and participating in school activities. Dress up days are a great way to show your Bronco pride. See page eight and nine for a list of clubs and organizations that you can get involved in. We highly recommend joining Journalism or other clubs for experiences you will carry with you for the rest of your life.

read The Rider non-football sporting events

The online student newspaper, The Rider Online, is a great source of news and a way to stay involved with the school. From movie reviews to student profiles, photos and videos, The Rider Online has you covered. Check out therideronline.com

advice

Sophomore

“Do you’re homework the first day you get it and don’t procrastinate.”

-Bowen Knox, 10 Senior

Football is iconic, so go. But also attend a volleyball or tennis game. You’re closer to the action and can yell louder. Spring sports are usually in the playoffs. Don’t be a bandwagon fan and just show up for basketball, soccer and baseball playoffs.

Yes, the cost is more than the $20 you paid at middle school, however, the high school book is more than 300 pages, has autograph pages and tons of memories. It’s the only thing you’ll have from high school 10, 20, 30 years from now–unless you plan to carry that iPhone around in 2045 with your grandchildren.

Find AP & Counselor

Owens/Vorsino A-B

First floor Main Office

Cousins/White C-Gn

First Floor Main Office

buy a yearbook letter jacket

Lettering in a sport or club is a great way to show commitment to the sport and a fun way to show school spirit everywhere you go. Visit with your coach or sponsor for how to earn a jacket.

Phan/Julius Go-Lh

3rd Floor

Contreras/Fields Li-0

First floor Cafeteria

Smith/Forte P-Sq

2nd floor

DeGray/Thompson Sr-Z

First floor Fine Arts

“Don’t get behind in your work and say you’ll worry about things like GPA and rank later. It matters now, and if it is something you care about you have to work for it now. Stay out of the drama and focus on yourself, it is not worth the trouble.”

-Elliana Neira, 12

Assistant Principal

“Be intentional about who you surround yourself with. Make choices you can live with.”

-Ms. Courtney DeGray

know the terms

MAC

Sports training facility in back parking lot

PAC

Small theater in the fine arts wing at Legacy

The Center

Performing Arts Center by Ben Barber

“Keep it Classy”

Just a Bronco way of saying to “be good”

2023 Varsity Baseball

Ms. Marion

Mr. McMahan

Ms. Jones