History & Facts

Our School Namesake

Alice Ponder was a dedicated and long-time teacher in Mansfield. She taught in the district when the district was only one building. Later, she taught first grade at Erma Nash Elementary. She and her family lived on a farm near Venus, Texas. Several of her brothers and sisters never married, and they kept the family farm and home for their use. She lived in Mansfield during the week with Ms. Charlotte Anderson and went home on the weekends. The Ponders were a very close-knit family.

During her long career, she taught several generations of the same family. She was the typical teacher of her day—sturdy shoes, sensible clothes, always neat with everything in place. Her favorite outfit was a dark blue dress worn with beads.

She was known as a loving teacher, but she was also very strict. She didn't hesitate to swat a bottom or use her paddle. She gave many students a lifelong love of learning through her example.

"I personally have had the opportunity to visit in her home and enjoy her hospitality through her friendship with my grandmother and Glenn Harmon. She was a lovely lady and enjoyed sharing stories about her early days of teaching."

-- Nancy Neal, retired teacher at Alice Ponder Elementary

Mission Statement

The mission of Alice Ponder Elementary is to develop and sustain an environment that ensures that every student reaches academic success as determined by the state and national standards.  We commit to doing this by creating a comprehensive system of support, developing productive members of society, and challenging both students and teachers to be lifelong learners.

Our Motto

Leaders of tomorrow, educated here today.

School Facts

School Mascot - Panthers
School Colors - Purple & White
Grades Taught - Pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade
Teacher/Student Ratio - 1:22

Special Programs