Crandall ISD hosts Annual District Convocation for All Staff to kick of the 2024-25 School Year

On the morning of August 6, 2024, all Crandall ISD staff members gathered for their much-anticipated annual District Convocation. The event marked the beginning of the school year, where educators and staff joined forces to align their goals, vision, and enthusiasm for the months ahead. It was a time for reflection, motivation, and the collective energy that would set the tone for the entire district.

This year's event was incredibly energizing, featuring inspiring performances from CISD students. The Pirate Pride Cheer Team ignited the excitement with their spirited "Let's Get Fired Up" cheer, setting a lively tone. Pre-K students brought smiles as they joyfully rode their tricycles, and Walker Elementary's Lady Pirate Step Team had the entire staff on their feet, rooting and cheering them on.

The excitement continued as the five-time UIL State Champion Cheer Team showcased their incredible talents, followed by the Gold Dusters Drill Team delivering a thrilling performance that captivated the audience. Adding a personal touch, the event was expertly hosted by 9th-grader Santiago and CHS alumni Rachel Grant, who kept the energy high and the audience engaged throughout.

This year's theme, "Believe in the Climb," continued to build upon last year's central message of Believe: CISD Believes in Excellence, Each Other, Growth, and The Good. The staff had spent last year focusing on these core beliefs, quarter by quarter, embedding them into the district's fabric. The new theme was an extension of this journey, urging everyone to focus on the climb ahead—the journey to achieve excellence together.

CISD Superintendent Dr. AJ Murry shared the vision for this year and the theme, "Believe in the Climb." She spoke about the challenges ahead and emphasized the power of unity, resilience, and determination, reminding the CISD family that they would overcome any obstacles and reach new heights this year. This year, the mission is broken into four powerful quarters: Excellent Education, Inspiring Environment, Each Student, and Caring People—a reflection of the district's mission statement and dedication to providing exceptional education in an environment that uplifts and inspires.

A pivotal moment happened before Convocation when the staff watched the powerful National Geographic short film, "Castells." The video depicted the Catalonian tradition of building human towers, or castells, showcasing the beauty of unity, teamwork, and determination to achieve something great. As the staff watched, they were captivated by the symbolic significance of the castells—the careful balance, trust, and resilience needed to reach the top.

The message was clear: Crandall ISD is like a castell. Just as the castells rely on many individuals coming together, the district's success depends on each person contributing their efforts, strengths, and passion to create a unified and supportive environment. In this space, everyone, from teachers to support staff, administrators to aides, plays a vital role in helping students reach the summit of their potential.

As the video ended, the words resonated deeply: "The definition of castells is the union of many people's efforts, from all ages and social backgrounds, to work towards a common end goal. It creates a big family." It was a metaphor for the journey ahead in CISD. The district, like the Castells, is a family—a collective of individuals working toward a common goal of excellence, growth, and care for every student. Just as in all families, there may be moments of disagreement or challenge, but it is the shared commitment to our mission that ensures success.

With hearts inspired and the "Believe in the Climb" theme ingrained in their minds, the staff left the Convocation with a renewed sense of purpose. The journey ahead would be one of growth, determination, and collaboration. As they looked forward to the upcoming school year, each person knew that they were part of something bigger—a unified climb to excellence.

"I look forward to the journey with you," Dr. Murry stated during the event, "and wish you the very best year!" And so, the climb began, with every person in the Crandall ISD family ready to lift each other, to support one another, and to help each student reach the top.

Watch the 2024-25 Crandall ISD Convocation Highlight Reel here. 

See more pictures here: https://trst.in/xCko5U