Crandall ISD

CRANDALL, TX — A week before students returned to classrooms, Crandall ISD educators and staff packed into the Heartland Middle School gymnasium for the district’s annual convocation—a high-energy celebration designed to inspire, connect, and launch the new school year.

More than 900 employees from all nine CISD campuses and support buildings arrived by bus and were welcomed with yellow rally towels bearing this year’s theme: “We Are One.” On stage, large block letters spelled out “CISD / One,” reinforcing the central message of unity in a growing district.

Act 1: Welcome & Introduction – ONE Energy

The event began with Superintendent Dr. AJ Murry welcoming the crowd and setting the tone for the day. She spoke to the importance of unity across the district and the power of shared purpose, especially as Crandall ISD continues to grow.

The excitement turned up a notch when Crandall High School’s six-time state champion cheerleaders, joined by the PRIDE cheer team, led the gym in chants of “We Are One.” PRIDE stands for Pirates. Respect. Inclusion. Disabilities. Everyone matters in CISD, a reminder of the district’s commitment to equity and community.

Act 2: One Identity – Individuality & Uniqueness

Staff members then competed in a lighthearted mock game show featuring trivia like “Top reasons students visit the nurse,” followed by a Macarena dance contest and lip-sync battle. Crandall’s cheerleaders served as judges and awarded the win to Opal Smith Elementary.

Act 3: One Purpose – Students First

One of the most emotional moments came during a video segment telling the story of Angel Hernandez, a student who had planned to withdraw from high school this past May. Several staff members encouraged him to stay that day for one last chance at passing the STAAR test. He took the test and passed. After completing his remaining graduation requirements over the summer, Angel walked out in cap and gown to a standing ovation and received his diploma from Dr. Murry and School Board President Ryan Eskridge.

The Pre-K Folkloric Dance Group followed the emotional moment with a spirited performance, celebrating the joy and vibrancy of CISD’s youngest learners.

Dr. Murry then introduced Crandall ISD’s new mission and vision statements, which were developed over the past year with input from more than 200 staff, parents, and community members.

“As we have gotten to be a much bigger family, it was important that everybody’s voices be heard,” she said.

Staff members who participated in the collaborative process stood to be recognized as Dr. Murry shared the final statements:

• Mission: Crandall ISD will provide an innovative education that empowers every member of the Pirate Community to excel in a dynamic world.
• Vision: One Community, Every Student, Excellence for All.

Act 4: One Percent Better – Growth Mindset

The fourth act began with a video of the varsity boys basketball team practicing in their gym. The footage showed missed shots and mistakes—but also head coach Rodney Washington encouraging his players to keep pushing. The team then entered the gym and performed dunks and drills live for the crowd, driving home the message that progress comes from consistency and a mindset of getting “just one percent better” every day.

Act 5: One Community – Unity & Family

The final act brought laughter and reflection. Staff watched a video of all nine campus principals participating in silly skits—three principals trying to use the same printer, two taped together to become “one,” and all nine opening a door in unison—symbolizing the effort and humor behind collaboration.

After the video, each principal carried a puzzle piece onto the stage and put them into place. The front of the puzzle featured pieces from each of the nine campuses, while the backside showed the Crandall ISD logo—a reminder that each campus is a vital part of the larger whole.

Dr. Murry wrapped up the morning with a powerful story from her childhood.

“Let’s be honest. Families fight. Siblings argue. But the moment someone from the outside comes for your sibling, you rise up, shoulder to shoulder,” she said.

Referring to the addition of a second middle school in the district, she added:

“Inside these walls, we might debate. But outside? We are united.”

Grand Finale: Gold Dusters Bring It Home

Before the convocation ended, Crandall High School’s award-winning Gold Dusters dance team took center stage with a high-energy performance to “We Are One” by Pitbull—igniting the crowd and bringing the event full circle.

As music played and teachers posed for photos, the energy was undeniable.

“Seeing every teacher and staff member from across Crandall ISD all in one place is powerful,” said one teacher. “It really drives home what ‘One Community’ means—we’re all in this together.”

With hearts full and towels waving, Crandall ISD stepped into a new school year—not just as educators and staff, but as One Community, One Purpose, One Team.