ONE VISION , ONE PASSION , ONE FAMILY : MANSFIELD ISD RALLIES WITH EXCITEMENT FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
As summer comes to an end , teachers and students are filled with anticipation for the new school year . Teachers join their administrators a few days before doors open to students who are ready to tackle the year , possibly in new schools , with new friends and different extracurricular activities . To help with getting staff excited , the district hosts a half-day event called Convocation . The purpose of the event is to celebrate and reunite teachers , administrators , and support staff . Attendees enjoy performances , listen to stories , and celebrate the district ’ s accomplishments from the previous school year .
One of the highlights of Convocation is the announcement of the new school year theme . Attendees all wear matching shirts that display the unified theme , bringing together many different people with the same message . This year ’ s theme was tied to the 1970s , and everyone dressed up as hippies .
The event kicked off with Mansfield ISD Superintendent Dr . Kimberley Cantu introducing the 2024-25 theme : We Are One – One Vision , One Passion , One Family . The theme underscores the district ’ s unified purpose of putting students and families first through a shared vision , passion , and a commitment to the Mansfield ISD community .
Dr . Cantu reiterated the district ’ s vision of being a destination district , where students come first and graduate ready for college , careers , and life . Continuing with the theme , Jocelyn
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Hobdy , principal of Cora Spencer Elementary , took the stage to share her experience with her daughter , Joy Hobdy , at Mansfield ISD .
At a young age , Joy Hobdy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and now relies on a wheelchair . Jocelyn Hobdy initially felt distraught and thought she needed a change in environment to support her family . After asking for guidance , Joy told her mother she was happy and confident with her school ’ s staff . From the transportation department to educators and custodians , everyone who encountered Joy focused on her abilities rather than her disabilities . When Jocelyn heard this , she realized the district ’ s commitment matched her family ’ s needs . In that moment , the passion of the Mansfield ISD community shined through , giving Jocelyn hope for her daughter .
“ When you wake up and get ready to go to work , you grab your keys , your Stanley cups , your bags . Don ’ t forget your passion . That ’ s the thing that ’ s going to push you to be the better you . But not just for you , but for everyone around you ,” Hobdy said . “ What I can say about passion is it ’ s not a destination ; it ’ s a journey .”
The final phrase of the theme , “ we are family ,” was expressed through Chelsea and Avery Schwab ’ s story . The couple shared their heartwrenching experience of loss and unwavering support from their work families . Earlier this year , they lost their newborn son due to medical complications . Both Chelsea and Avery , who work at
Asa Low Intermediate and Annette Perry Elementary , respectively , received immense support from their colleagues . Chelsea , who was on bedrest after her water broke , and Avery , who stepped away from work to be with his wife , found their work family stepping in to support them . The love and care from both schools embodied the family spirit that Mansfield ISD holds .
Mansfield ISD not only showed up for those families , demonstrating passion and family support , but also showed up big time this year during the bond election . Kaidence Aquisap , a student , joined Dr . Cantu on stage to celebrate the district ’ s passage of Propositions A and B , marking the largest bond package in district history at $ 588.5 million . This historic achievement is expected to benefit the district and its students for decades to come .
Like Aquisap , other students took the stage to cheer on the teachers , staff , and administrators . Students from all the high schools showcased their voices and dance moves to help wrap up the event . The energy remained high throughout , setting a positive tone for the new school year .
“ We are One means we are on a journey together for student success . It means we share the same vision & passion . We are a family .”
DR . KIMBERLEY CANTU Superintendent