Mansfield Schools Convocation Focussing On 'Hope'

MANSFIELD, CT — Mansfield Public Schools Superintendent Peter Dart and his leadership team will be welcoming the staff for another school year at a Convocation ceremony Wednesday.

The event is slated for Mansfield Middle School, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The Convocation will focus on the theme of "Hope," and will celebrate the district’s ParaEducator of the Year Corinne Bergeron and Teacher of the Year Kate Harbec, who will be introduced by 2022 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Kim King. Each is to address fellow staff members.

Other featured guests who will be speaking at the ceremony will include Board of Education Chairwoman Kathy Ward, Deputy Mayor Ben Shaiken, local poet Jonathan Andersen who will read his poem, "You Must" from his collection of poems in the book "Stomp and Shout," and Kate England of InSight Education Group.

Jamie Meade of "EdLeader21/Battelle for Kids" is to offer an introduction to the district’s work about "Building Hope for the Future," which will be a topic visited by staff throughout the school year.

Staff and community members have been invited to share their own messages of hope by leaving a short selfie-video in advance of the convocation. The district has invited leaders within the community to also attend the ceremony including elected officials, town department heads, faith and community organization leaders and parent leaders.

The staff will continue with its professional learning and classroom preparations through the week. Classes are to begin on Sept. 6.

The Mansfield public school system leadership team is:

• Lauren Rodriguez, principal, Mansfield Elementary School
• Superintendent Peter Dart
• Candace Morell, director of teaching and learning
• Rebecca Granatini, assistant principal, Mansfield Elementary School
• Jaime Russell, director of information technology
• Larry Barlow, principal, Mansfield Middle School
• Shamim Patwa, director of student support services