Navarro Independent School District

Geronimo, TX  – Nearly 400 Teachers and staff of Navarro ISD were celebrated and welcomed back with a special convocation on August 4, marking the official start of the new school year. The event, held at the Navarro High School and Event Center, centered on the district's new theme: "It's Growing Season."

The theme reflects a period of significant expansion for the district, encompassing growth in student enrollment, the community, and facilities. It also emphasizes the personal and professional growth of students and staff through academics, professional development, and new opportunities, all aimed at fulfilling the district's "Collaborative Vision" goals.

The morning began with a delicious, homemade breakfast prepared by the district's child nutrition managers. A vendor fair followed, featuring over 40 community partners and vendors promoting services, selling merchandise, and offering information on everything from retirement services, health, and wellness to beauty products.

The event center buzzed with energy as the Navarro High School cheerleaders and band performed, bringing plenty of spirit to the event. The highlight was the "spirit battle," which saw the junior high staff emerge victorious, earning them the coveted spirit stick for the entire school year.

Navarro ISD's Board of Trustees welcomed returning and new teachers, expressing their gratitude for their dedication and shared commitment to the district. The keynote address was delivered by Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley, who spoke passionately about the importance of taking action to ensure a prosperous "growing season" for both students and staff as we prepare to surpass 3,000 students this year.

Dr. Mandy Epley's powerful message incorporated the roots in our agriculture heritage and used the metaphor of a paper bag luminaria to outline three key steps for a prosperous "growing season" for students and staff. She likened the foundation of a student's potential to a paper bag that can sometimes be crumpled, torn, and empty, explaining that educators must "prepare the soil" by intentionally filling it with purpose. The second step, "establish your harvest in the right climate," highlighted the importance of knowing students by name and need, fostering a reciprocal environment where both teachers and students grow. Finally, she urged the audience to "cultivate proper care" with patience and light, stressing that while they provide the tools, they must take action to ignite the light within the luminaria, representing the passion they bring to their work in order to reap the bounties of our harvest - growing our students, our district and our community.

The message culminated in a moving student performance. Student singers, actors, and dancers entered the stage, each holding a luminaria. They beautifully incorporated the paper bag metaphor, lighting the candles within the bags and then walking into the audience to share their light with teachers and staff. This touching gesture symbolized the students' own ability to

shine and the shared responsibility of the entire Navarro ISD community to nurture and protect that light.

The success of the convocation was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our deepest gratitude to AGCM, Bartlett Cocke, Meteor Education, Wisconsin Bench Manufacturing, SAMCO Capital Markets, LPA Architects, Corgan Architects, Trinity Educational Services, and First United Bank in Seguin. Their commitment to our district and community is invaluable, and their contributions helped make this event an extra-special kickoff to our "Growing Season."