Seventh-grade students in Kristin Morris' social studies class at Qualters Middle School created holiday cards for military personnel overseas. (Photo Courtesy Mansfield Public Schools)

MANSFIELD – Superintendent Dr. Michelle McKeon is pleased to share that Mansfield Public Schools continues its long tradition of supporting community projects and helping families in need this holiday season.

Students, staff and families across the district organized drives and events that collected food, clothing and gifts for local partners.

“I wish to thank our Mansfield students, families and staff for acting so generously this holiday season," said Superintendent McKeon. "From Thanksgiving food drives to Gifts of Hope programs and every project in between, our school community has displayed immense compassion in the ways they’ve shown up for one another. I am proud of our schools and the standard of kindness our students and staff set.”

Some of the many projects include:

Students Provide for Mansfield Food Pantry 

Schools throughout the district contributed in various ways to support the Mansfield Food Pantry. The Mansfield Elementary Schools Association (MESA) collected4,409 pounds of food from Robinson Elementary School and Jordan/Jackson Elementary School (J/J).

Mansfield High School (MHS) held a food drive in October and collected more than 400 pounds of Thanksgiving dinner staples, meal kits and snacks.

The Qualters Middle School (QMS) Student Council held its food drive in December.

Schools Aid West Side Benevolent Circle

Mansfield High's volleyball teams organized a new-sock collection during their fall season.

The MHS Gay Straight Alliance Club (GSA) and advisors Jenn Martinelli and Courtney McCarthy collected 34 gift cards for their annual West Side Benevolent Circle Gifts of Hope program from November through early December. Staff selected “ornaments" and purchased items for students in need.

Staff at Robinson Elementary School also supported the Gifts of Hope program with a Giving Tree.

J/J staff "adopted" families and collected gifts, gift cards and donations. The project was organized through the West Side Benevolent Circle in partnership with art teacher Tara Kanevski. The QMS Student Council sponsored a November sock drive to benefit the West Side Benevolent Circle.

MESA held a clothing drive at Robinson and J/J in November. Hats, mittens, gloves and undergarments were collected throughout the month.

QMS counselors organized a Giving Tree to directly benefit QMS students and their siblings. Staff purchased clothing, books and gift cards for specific students.

The QMS Parent Advisory Council (PAC) organized a pajama drive.

Roland Green Preschool partnered with West Side Benevolent Circle on the "Birthdays in a Bag" project, which provides party items to families so children can celebrate their birthdays throughout the year.

Support for Military Personnel

Seventh-grade students in Kristin Morris' social studies class at QMS created holiday cards for military personnel overseas. Morris partnered with Town of Mansfield Director of Veterans’ Services Michael Raymond to include the cards in the Veterans of Foreign Wars' overseas care package. With family members in the military, Morris understands the impact these gestures have on those who cannot be home for the holidays.

Performing Arts Events

Students districtwide invite the community to attend the remaining performances and events that celebrate the season.

The MHS Marching Band and Color Guard, under the direction of Justin DeJoy, performed for spectators at the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11.

The MHS and Eighth Grade Chorus performed for the Council on Aging on Dec. 8.

The MHS Performing Arts Department presented its winter musical, "Little Shop of Horrors," Dec. 12-13.

QMS seventh- and eighth-grade students are holding a Winter Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

The MHS Winter Concert is Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. The MHS band, choir and orchestra will perform holiday classics and other festive music. Tickets are $5 per person or $15 per family.

The annual MHS Caroling at Home performance is Dec. 22. This in-school performance is enjoyed by elementary students and staff each year.