To use the Closet , parents obtain a voucher through their child ’ s school nurse or counselor . A voucher provides five new outfits , hygiene items , five new pairs of socks and underwear twice a year , and the chance to return and shop every three months . Families who qualify can also receive a one-time school supply voucher for their child to receive supplies and a backpack .
The Closet is managed by PTA volunteers from across the district and is able to stay stocked thanks to individual donations and campus clothing drives . Students from the district ’ s special populations program , athletics groups and more regularly volunteer at the Closet .
The Functional Academic Learning Support ( FALS ) programs at Summit , Legacy and Mansfield High Schools will wash donated clothes or help with small tasks at the closet , located outside Erma Nash Elementary .
When PTA President Curtina Wilson was asked how the Clothes Closet could run without volunteer or community support , her answer was simple .
“ It couldn ’ t ,” Wilson said .
Wilson also points out that because of Mansfield ISD ’ s support , the Closet was able to stay open even through the Covid-19 pandemic when other district closets shuttered . What ’ s more , two longtime parent volunteers have also offered their Spanish translation skills so that families who need it receive language support .
“ You have to have a heart for it ,” Wilson said about what it takes to run the Closet .
Learn about what the Closet needs , or find out how to volunteer by visiting www . mansfieldisd . org / parentsstudents / pta .
METHODIST MANSFIELD MEDICAL CENTER
( MMMC ) since they first opened . Over the years , MMMC has worked with students to provide opportunities for training , growth and support .
Ben Barber Innovation Academy students travel to the hospital every week for clinicals . They shadow nurses , and they also spend time inside the facility ’ s pharmacy and labs .
“ Students very quickly know if health care is the right path for them when they shadow here ,” said Angel Biasatti , MMMC director of community and public relations , noting that some students who participated in the shadow program are now in medical school or have returned to work for the hospital .
Additionally , the district ’ s fine arts department and MMMC have worked together to offer a music recovery program at the hospital . Through the program , choir students perform at the hospital in an area where patients can hear them . The music often sparks patients ’ curiosity , encouraging them to walk toward the music . This is especially helpful when movement is vital to patient recovery .
“ It ’ s a strong partnership that we have with the district ,” Biasatti said . “ We want teachers , students and staff to succeed and be the best they can be .”
STUDENT-TO-STUDENT CONNECT MENTOR
Officially launched by Mendy Gregory , director of social emotional learning , and Karrye Aquino , restorative practices coordinator , in March 2022 , the Student-to-Student Connect Mentor program gives younger students the opportunity to be mentored by an older student . Mindi Hulme , a member of the district ’ s behavior intervention team and facilitator of the mentor program , said the program was created for younger students who need extra support . as many kids as possible through student-to-student connections .”
A total of 165 high school students became mentors in the 2022-23 school year by either mentoring one student or by working with groups or classes ; 27 campuses were impacted by the program . So far this year , 184 high school students have expressed interest to participate in addition to athletic teams and volunteer groups who will continue to mentor this year .
Mentors receive training on how to work with their mentees on social skills , self-management , and solving problems . Mentors connect with their mentees in a variety of ways , from playing games to schoolwork , or just talking about how they are doing in general .
Last year , one mentor and mentee found that they both have a special needs sibling , which helped them bond ; so , when tragedy struck the child ’ s family , his mentor not only helped him through his grief but also provided a chance for him to play and be a kid .
STRONGER TOGETHER
Relationships , partnerships and friendships abound in Mansfield ISD . Students , staff and the community thrive when working together .
“ All across the district , we are working together all in support of our mission to inspire and educate students to be productive citizens ,” said Superintendent Dr . Kimberley Cantu . “ Separately , we can get a lot done . It ’ s only by working together that we can accomplish so much more . We are Mansfield ISD , and we are stronger together .”
Mansfield ISD has partnered with Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
“ We want to be proactive ,” Hulme said . “ We want to positively impact
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