Several in the crowd at Senior High moved closer to take pictures as preschool students sang and danced with their teachers on the stage.
Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles filled the Mansfield Senior High commons Tuesday evening for the third Mansfield City Schools’ Celebration of Education.
“What a turnout! It’s packed,” said Amy Bradley, a Sherman Elementary first-grade teacher who chaired the planning committee. “We’re glad to see so many have come out to join our students and teachers.”
The program, sponsored by the Mansfield School Employees Association, highlighted learning activities at all buildings. Schools had display tables where teachers talked with parents. Students from each school took turns singing and reading on the makeshift stage.
“We’re all here for the same reason – education excellence. Let’s celebrate that,” MSEA president Pam Jones told the crowd during opening remarks.
Her comments were echoed by Renda Cline, president of the board of education, and Superintendent Brian Garverick.
“Our teachers have put a lot of work into this evening. We are grateful for that and for their hard work all year long,” Cline said.
Garverick cited the district’s gains, including improving test scores as the result of math and literacy initiatives.
“We appreciate you and your children,” he told parents.
Throughout the evening principals and others served hot dogs, potato chips and soft drinks from the concession stand. The Senior High culinary arts department offered fresh-baked cookies and cupcakes.