MANSFIELD, Texas — Keeping teachers in the classroom has been a greater challenge in the last five years, but Carol Holt Elementary School in Mansfield ISD is a campus that teachers and support staff just keep coming back to.

Kelly Sumner is starting her 22nd year teaching kindergarten, with a couple of stints teaching pre-k and first grade. Her door serves as a daily reminder, with photos of every single one of those classes.

“It just makes me happy, and feel old sometimes, too. Sorry, I'm funny too. I’ve got to get my humor in,” Sumner said.

She’s got plenty of experience with first days and describes them as, “Lots of excitement, lots of nerves. The students are, some are happy, some are excited to come in, some are still clinging to parents.”

Some of their stories stick with Sumner

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