Mansfield Today Spring 2023 April 2023 | Page 6

FAMILIES ENJOY FOOD , BREAKOUT BOXES DURING ENGAGEMENT NIGHT

Rogene Worley Middle

School students and their families recently enjoyed a night filled with food and entertainment . Break Out With Spaghetti Night , a Title 1 family engagement event , is an opportunity for families to enjoy time together while interacting with campus staff .
After enjoying dinner , families worked together to solve breakout boxes using clues based on math , science , social studies , or reading . They connected clues to unlock the breakout box for a special congratulatory message .
Eighth-grade parent Maritza Solis was proud of her daughter Jasmin ’ s ability to solve their breakout box .
“ I helped her start , then she just took off ,” Solis said .
TOP : Ruth Saenger looks on as her children Kaiden , left , and Heidi work to open up a breakout box . ABOVE : Maritza Solis and her daughter Jasmin pause for a photo .
“ I ’ ve always tried to come as much as possible to activities like these ,” Solis said .
Ruth Saenger brought her children Kaiden , a seventhgrader , and Heidi , a fifthgrader , to enjoy the meal and puzzles . Heidi was excited to attend when she heard breakout boxes were involved .
“ I like figuring out things ; I like escape rooms ,” Heidi said . She analyzed place values to find the padlock ’ s combination and open her breakout box .
Breakout boxes are often used throughout classrooms in Mansfield ISD . The boxes give students a chance to practice problem solving and collaboration , life-ready skills that align with Vision 2030 , the district ’ s strategic plan .
Jasmin and her mom correctly ordered the first five amendments of the United States Constitution , something Jasmin learned in her U . S . History class at Worley Middle School .
Additionally , Principal Katrina Mabry-Smith said her campus ’ engagement nights are valuable because families can come together in a friendly , relaxed atmosphere during the busy spring season .
Solis said events like this are important because it helps get parents involved and see what their children have learned during the school year .
“ Most importantly , we want to maintain a positive relationship with families ,” Mabry-Smith said . “ What better way than around a meal ?”
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