Mansfield ISD’s teachers deserve a huge thank you for the perseverance and resiliency they’ve shown while the district’s systems are being repaired following a cyberattack. The last few days have been challenging as the district lost internet connectivity and access to online educational systems. Educators rose to the occasion and kept the focus on student-centered learning.

While the internet was completely down, Jerry Knight STEM Academy teacher Blake Lindsey came up with an activity for his class. He printed out individual sheets of paper like a puzzle and assigned students to work together to assemble a map of the United States.

“I realized we can’t go to our usual online sources. I was thinking, if I can get this printed out I can get this in their hands and they’re moving, talking thinking about the geography of it,” Lindsey said.

Throughout the district, teachers shared similar stories of using their fundamental teaching skills to engage students without using web-based instruction.

Christi Howry’s students at Kenneth Davis Elementary School learned about STEM through hands on activities like the red solo cup team-building challenge. The activity teaches students about teamwork, creativity, problem solving and communication.

At Ben Barber Innovation Academy, Sophia Hoenig’s Securities and Investments students used fruit loops to learn about the risk and return of investing. Timothy Sherwood and Alex Higgs’ manufacturing students designed a challenging maze by collaborating with multiple classes.

Some teachers, like Legacy High School’s AVID teacher Jamie Dorsett, took this moment without access to as an opportunity to focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) topics like verbal and nonverbal communication. Students followed instructions requiring them to think about how their facial expressions and body language either helped or impaired their communication with each other.

“I’m proud of the optimism and grit our staff and students have exhibited during this time,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kimberley Cantu. “Our teachers are so creative and talented, and they’re giving our students the best educational environment possible in this moment.”

MISD’s Technology Department restored the district’s internet service, so teachers have one of their educational tools back. They’re still waiting for access to their online lesson planning system and other applications necessary for a complete return to normalcy.