MANSFIELD — Mansfield Senior High School is adding some pizazz to its schedule pickup day.
The Peace on My Block Back-to-School Celebration will take place Aug. 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Mansfield Senior High School.
Students will have the chance to pick up their schedule and get more information on school clubs, athletics and activities. The event will also feature booths with information about college credit plus courses, career technical education and ACT and SAT testing.
The high school mascot, along with Cleveland Browns mascot Chomps, will be onsite. Guests will also be able to purchase a bite to eat from food trucks including Slab Daddy’s, The Fry Guys, Sweet Treats, Mansfield Nutrition, Deja Food, Grunt Grub and Quesa-Broso.
The school is also partnering with close to 30 community organizations who will be set up to provide information and resources.
Principal Kris Beasley said the vibe of the event will be different from the Peace on My Block event held for younger students at the onset of summer.
The goal for the high school event is to equip students and families with resources and strengthen the connections between the school, families and the community.
“Raising teenagers is tough and knowing where you can go to get help is crucial,” said Beasley, a father of two teens.
“If you don’t know, you can feel like you’re out there by yourself. We want to be a difference maker in these family’s lives and be there to help them.”
Students who cannot make it to the Peace on My Block event can pick up their schedules Aug. 14 through 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
The event is part of a broader initiative by the district to promote non-violence in classrooms, schools, neighborhoods and the city at large.
After a rash of gun violence in Mansfield last year, the district encouraged students to take a pledge committing to peaceful conflict resolution.
Teachers began regularly discussing the importance of peace with students. Malabar piloted a mentorship program.
It’s all based on the idea that peace can start with one classroom or even one person and ripple outward — much like the impact of education itself.
“School can be the difference,” Beasley said. “No matter what your background is, whatever your beginnings are, school and education can change that path and make improvements for you.”
