School districts in Arlington, Mansfield, Irving, Crowley and Grand Prairie announced Thursday they would be closed on Friday, Nov. 3, to allow students and staff to celebrate the Texas Rangers winning the 2023 World Series.
"No school,” parent Kristen Contreras said excitedly. “They're excited and it's my daughter's birthday. Her eighth birthday so an awesome day we are going to be celebrating."
After more than five decades since moving to Arlington in 1972, the Texas Rangers finally won their first World Series championship on Wednesday night, beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0 to clinch the World Series 4-1.
“This is the first championship win for the Rangers in their history,” Dr. Steven Wurtz, interim superintendent at Arlington ISD, said. “It’s a huge day for sports fans, and we’re excited to celebrate with the team and the community.”
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According to the Arlington ISD, the Texas Rangers organization requested that marching band students perform at the victory celebration.
District officials said they are coordinating students from all six traditional high schools to make up one combined band for the event.
“We are thrilled about this opportunity for our students,” Wurtz said. “They are so talented and everyone will know that after they see them perform at the parade.”
Wurtz said that traffic issues are expected to make transportation to and from schools and other Arlington ISD facilities difficult throughout the day.
Many people were shopping for their off-day celebration gear at Academy Sports and Outdoor in Arlington.
"We bought shirts okay it's crazy in there,” Contreras said. “It's fun. Everybody is excited. You could feel the energy in there. So I'm excited."
Others are already thinking ahead to the holidays gifts.
"I think we are going to wear them for our Christmas pajamas is the Rangers t-shirts," shopper Lori Craig said.
Either way there is still excitement for a day off.
"So, basically, this is the people who won," student Izaiah Frausto said showing off his new championship t-shirt.
Whether you are a Rangers fan or not. When asked whether he is more excited for the Rangers win or a day off from school Izaiah said, “Day off from school. Sorry."
TEXAS RANGERS 2023 WORLD SERIES VICTORY PARADE
MANSFIELD ISD
Several Mansfield ISD schools are within Arlington city limits, and approximately 40% of MISD’s students and families live in the Arlington area.
The Mansfield ISD determined a large portion of the City of Arlington’s police, who partner with MISD, will be called to support the Rangers’ celebration. That, paired with anticipated staffing shortages and potential transportation issues due to the influx of fans, factored into the district’s decision to cancel classes.
All sporting events and other extracurricular activities on Friday in both the AISD and MISD will continue as scheduled, the districts said.
GRAND PRAIRIE ISD
The Grand Prairie ISD posted on its Facebook page that they'd be making Friday a staff holiday after a large number of absences were being reported a day early.
"We are so excited that the Texas Rangers are World Champions! To win the World Series is a monumental achievement! Due to the number of staff absences that have already been reported to us in transportation, child nutrition, and classrooms, coupled with a concern about having enough substitutes districtwide, we have decided it is in the best interest of the District to make tomorrow, Friday, November 3, 2023, a student and staff holiday. Please be safe, enjoy your weekend, and celebrate our Texas Rangers!"
IRVING ISD
"As you may be aware, the Texas Rangers have won the World Series for the first time in franchise history! In anticipation of numerous absences, potential transportation route coverage issues and the concern of not having enough Guest Educators districtwide, Irving ISD will close tomorrow, Friday, November 3. We want to ensure the safety of our staff and students during this time of celebration. This day will be made up on Monday, April 1. Though it is currently on the calendar as a holiday, it will be a regular school day. Have a safe weekend! Go Rangers!"
CROWLEY ISD
Crowley ISD will be closed Friday, Nov. 3 to join our community in celebrating the Texas Rangers and their historic World Series championship. Due to the high number of staff and student absences expected, we have made the decision to make this a student and staff holiday. We have extra time built into our school calendars for unexpected events like this, so this day will not need to be made up. Please be safe, enjoy your weekend and let’s go Rangers! GoAndTakeIt#CrowleyPrideUnified#OneTeamOneDream
Get all the latest parade details here or at the link below.
