Staff News

The Beat asked team members to share what they are grateful for this year, and many of you responded. As we prepare to go out for Thanksgiving break, all of us at The Beat are grateful for our readers and everyone whose stories we have shared throughout the year.

Tiffany Cathey, Ebby Halliday Elementary School

I thank God for blessing me with the strength to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges. I am grateful for my daughter, whose love and presence bring joy and meaning to my life. I am grateful for my family, the foundation of support and connection that surrounds me. I am thankful for the gift of another day, a chance to live, grow, and embrace new opportunities. I am grateful for my job and for my co-workers at Ebby Halliday Elementary School. I am grateful for the ability to wake each morning with the chance to support and serve others, carrying out the work that gives my life direction and meaning.

Rosa Mendoza-Sosa, L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School

As a single mother of an autistic son and a teen daughter who dealt with a mental health crisis earlier this year, this year has been a testament to endurance and strength. I suffered a car accident in May of 2025 that left me without a vehicle and to figure out how I would go on about my daily routines. Then, July 2025 came around. I was excited to begin my second year as a data controller at Hotchkiss when my health took a turn for the worse. I was hospitalized for over two weeks, almost losing my life. I was on FMLA for over six weeks not knowing how I would come out of it. My children, my family, and my support from former DallasISD coworkers and current coworkers showed me such an incredible lesson: Community is key. As a community, we are able to flourish in the midst of the most challenging adversity. From meals being sent to my home, financial donations, and support with daily needs, I slowly graduated from using the walker, to a cane. Although there were some days I struggled, I kept pushing on. Today, I am able to get to wor. Although it takes me over an hour on public transportation to get to my campus, and over an hour to return back home due to still being without a vehicle, that doesn’t stop me. I make sure that in the interactions I have, whether it be with my colleagues or parents or even students, I give  a smile and positive attitude. The impact my campus has had on me and the faces I get to see every morning remind me of the beauty that life is and how precious it is. No matter what life may present you with, you must make a choice on how to overcome it. We are meant to triumph in the midst of despair, we are meant to thrive!

Tyler Holloway, W.W. Samuell High School

I am grateful for the opportunity to work each day and change the lives of students. Even if it is only one, I know my job is worth it. As a two-time open heart surgery survivor, I am grateful that God has given me another chance to live and be better than before.

Candy Luna, School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center

I am grateful for how sweet and welcoming my coworkers have been since starting my new position at the school. I started here back in August, and I am so grateful for this team.

Gauranga Robinson, Geneva Heights Elementary School

I am grateful for my awesome team who has supported me in my role change this year. I am also grateful for our amazing students and our wonderful families.

Maria D. Trevino, C.A. Tatum Jr. Elementary School

I am grateful for my family and friends, being healthy and having wonderful children to teach. I am also grateful for the love of family and friends. I am blessed. 

Liyah Joseph, Dallas Career Institute East

I’m so thankful for my incredible health science team! Each of them bring unique strengths, dedication, and heart to everything they do, helping our students grow through hands-on phlebotomy and patient care experiences. I’m grateful for their teamwork, passion, and the positive impact they make every day.

Maria Diano, Seagoville High School

I’m so thankful for the teacher assistants in our SPED Department. Thank you for all you do!

Yolanda Harrell, Young Men’s Leadership Academy at Fred F. Florence Middle School 

For my personal development, for my kids, my family and for working with children who are the future of this country!

 Suzanne Paiz, Chapel Hill Preparatory

I’m so grateful for the teachers and staff at my campus who are always willing to lend a hand. Whether it’s providing coverage, helping solve a problem, answering a question they’ve probably heard a hundred times—with kindness and patience—or simply offering a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on, their support never goes unnoticed. Teamwork truly makes the dream work, and that’s so evident every day at CHP!

 Samuel Munoz, West Dallas Junior High

Assistant Principal Mary Getty for all the support you have given to the teachers—especially to me—for always going the extra mile with care, dedication, professionalism, and for being a role model during this new experience at West Dallas Junior High.

Rosalind Reece, Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary School

I am so grateful to be in good health, to have a family, to fulfill my call to teach, and to be able to smile no matter what.

 LaShuna Anderson, Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School

This year, I am especially grateful for the wide range of resources we are able to offer through our counseling services. From social-emotional learning materials to community partnerships, mental health supports, and family outreach programs, each resource helps us meet students where they are and provide meaningful, individualized care. I’m grateful because these tools allow us to support students more effectively, create a safer and more connected school environment, and empower young people to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Having access to these resources and being able to share them with our students, families, and staff makes a real difference every day, and I’m truly thankful for that.

 Gabi Paulo, John Lewis Social Justice Academy at Oliver W. Holmes 

I am grateful for the staff and students here at our school. Shout out particularly to our principal Monique Paige who has unwavering dedication to the staff and students.

Ryan Michelle Patrick, Martha Turner Reilly Elementary

I am deeply grateful for the support my family receives throughout Dallas ISD. My husband and I are proud educators in the district, and our two children are students here, as well. From the encouragement we receive in our own classrooms to the care shown by the teachers, counselors, TAs, and staff who work closely with our kids every day, we truly feel that our futures—and theirs—are in wonderful hands.

Janie Reyes, HCM Policy and Compliance PHOTO

I am grateful for my colleagues. Individually, we are not perfect, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. As a team, we ARE perfect, perfect for each other. We complement each other in many ways through laughter, fun, thoughtfulness, care, encouragement, celebrations, you name it!

 Theresa Thomas, George B. Dealey Montessori Academy

I am grateful for my health and strength and thankful for all my blessings this year

Natasha Mitchell, Sunset High School

I am grateful today, truly grateful, for my son and the incredible journey he’s on as a freshman at Texas Tech University. Watching him step into adulthood and chase his goals with confidence has been a blessing, and I know he didn’t get here alone. I’m thankful for the people who poured into him, guided him, and believed in him every step of the way. First, Ms. Blankenship. She was my son’s senior-year English teacher, but to him, she was so much more than that. She checked on him not just about schoolwork, but about him. That consistency mattered to him. It grounded him, encouraged him, and reminded him that he wasn’t walking through senior year alone. She showed him that she genuinely cared, and he felt that. She made sure he knew someone believed in his goals and his future. And as his mom, I’m forever grateful for the way she poured into him at such an important time in his life. I’m grateful for Mr. Spencer, not just as an assistant principal but as a true leadership mentor for my son. When my son served as student body president, he needed a strong male figure he could look up to, someone who led with integrity, confidence, and purpose. Mr. Spencer became that example. He was the open door my son needed: someone he could talk to, someone who listened, encouraged him, and challenged him to grow. He helped my son understand what real leadership looks like at a young age, how to carry himself, how to make decisions, and how to lead with maturity. As a mom raising a young man stepping into leadership, I am beyond grateful that my son had a great male leader like Mr. Spencer to look up to. His guidance made an impact that my son will carry with him into adulthood. And I’m grateful for our superintendent, who attended Teen Board meetings and allowed my son to ask the tough questions, the kind of questions young leaders carry but don’t always get to express. She gave my son space to grow, to think bigger, and to see leadership from a district level. I’m just grateful. Grateful that my son had people in position who pushed him, believed in him, challenged him, and made sure he stayed on track. They helped lay a strong foundation, one that he’s now standing on as he builds his future at Texas Tech.

 Gema Guevara, Communication Services

I am grateful for the teachers, staff, and principals who are willing to share their stories with our Internal Communications team. You’re the reason we’re here!

 Michele Andy, Charmaine and Robert Price Career Institute South

I’m grateful to work at Career Institute South as a substitute. Director Adrienne Jones has created a family atmosphere at CIS. Substitutes, custodians, support staff, and all educators are valued, appreciated, and celebrated. I absolutely love CIS and the people who work here.

Adam Bennett, Bond Program Marketing

I am grateful for my incredible wife who makes me a better man. I married WAY up!

 Erika Anderson, W.W. Samuell High School

I am grateful for the presence of God in my life, my life, health and strength, my freedom and my family/friends!

Jennifer Perez, Dr. Elba and Domingo Garcia West Dallas STEM School

For myself, I’m grateful for my family, my house, my cats and my friends. For school, I’m more grateful for the partnerships we have in our school. We are so fortunate in having them that we give them Thank you cards every school year before Thanksgiving break!

Through the American Indian Education Program, Leah Y., a Sunset High School senior, brings her Comanche culture to life, sharing traditions and stories with her community.

Recently, she created a display board and presented at the district’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day Fair, deepening her knowledge of her tribe’s history and values. 

“I learned a lot through the program, like how we used to live before technology and outside influences affected our way of life. It’s important being in AIEP because we’re a really unique group. There aren’t a lot of us, so it means something to the community
to be a strong representative of Native culture,” she said.

From a young age, Leah immersed herself in Native traditions, attending powwows with her family and learning the hymns, dances, and crafts that connect her to her heritage.

“My grandma passed everything down to me, and I’m really grateful. If I didn’t have that, I’d be isolated because I wouldn’t know my native tribe,” Leah said. “She taught us to be very proud of who we are and not to let anybody tell us otherwise.”

Those early hands-on lessons at home, learning how to make frybread, wear regalia, and participate in ceremonies with respect and pride, shaped Leah’s sense of self and her commitment to passing them on to her kids someday.

“Powwows are an experience; it’s a sense of family and community,” she said. “You might not know everybody, but you get to know everybody by the end of it. We eat, we dance, have fun, and connect on a deeper level. It’s like our home.”

Leah’s dedication to her Comanche heritage is matched by the support she receives from her tribe, which helped set her up for college success.

“I get a lot of benefits, like they’ve started my college fund early and are helping me throughout school,” she said. “They really helped send my sister to college, too.”

Following in her sister’s footsteps, Leah plans to attend the same college, Schreiner University, building on the path her older sibling forged through AIEP and Sunset.

“My sister set the tone for me that I have to go above and beyond,” Leah said. “She was super smart and talented in everything she did, and I want to continue her legacy while showing that you can be deeply connected to your culture and excel in other areas too.”

Leah hopes to leave a lasting legacy within AIEP by making future students feel confident and comfortable embracing their heritage, even when being a teenager can make showing it intimidating.

Inspired by the district’s recent showcase, she hopes it becomes an annual event, giving students a deeper understanding of their ancestry and a chance to explore the richness of their Native culture.

“I want people to come out and really feel like they can be who they are here,” she said. “I’ve never had to be scared that I’m going to be alone. I’m always going to  have somebody with me, and that’s what I’m really grateful for.”

Shawn Coyle, who teaches floral design at Skyline High School, has a very important job to do in early November: he guides his classes through decorating seven trees donated by the Dallas Market Center, but one of them holds a special meaning to his class and to all Skyline students and community. 

In one corner of the main office awaited the tree Coyle’s class intended to trim for a special purpose—the giving tree that has been part of the Skyline tradition for about a decade. Inspired by the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, Susan Shinn, a history and psychology teacher, started the Skyline giving tree specifically to support the homeless student population.

“My mom and I always supported the Salvation Army Angel Tree, but one year, I started thinking, ‘I love that program, but we have almost 4,000 kids here at Skyline. We were named an honorary city. Why can’t we take care of our own?’” said Shinn, who is also a Skyline graduate. “So I asked if we could start a similar program, and we started by focusing on our homeless students.”

Shinn said the students had to fill out forms providing their clothing size, wants, needs, and favorite snacks. To maintain privacy, Shinn assigned each student a number. And to preserve dignity, Shinn makes sure the students receive their gifts privately. 

One thing is new this year. For the first time, special education students are contributing in a memorable way—they crafted ornaments for the tree. Latronda Williams, special education teacher assistant, said the students will also sell the ornaments and raise funds for future enrichment activities for their program, which include National Go Fly a Kite Day and a Mardis Gras parade.

“Times are hard, and I needed to get funds for the children and also implement something creative that allowed them to interact, learn how to use their fingers, and practice different skills than what we teach them every day,” she said. 

The holiday season, which naturally involves crafts, provided such an opportunity as well as the opportunity to contribute to their community by helping others. So far the students have created candy canes made of red and white plastic beads, personalized baubles with adhesive vinyl, pour-painted Christmas balls, and decorated wreaths with bells and bows. 

The contribution of the special education population is one of many, Shinn said. Students, teachers, other team members, and even community organizers have played a vital role over the years, giving generous donations that have included substantial gift cards and cases of snacks. Yet, she notes, the spirit of the giving tree extends beyond material support.

“The giving tree isn’t just about material needs; it’s about showing students they matter,” Shinn said. “Most of our giving tree recipients live in shelters, and no one knows whether they have anybody. I like knowing that we can reach out and help someone in the Skyline family.”

Outside Coyle’s classroom, miniature Christmas trees, each one numbered, were displayed on metal carts and atop reach-in refrigerators. As Coyle’s second-period students—all girls, wearing black aprons and festive headbands–wheeled utility carts filled with boxes and plastic containers of ornaments to decorate the trees, Coyle, a former Marine who served in Toys for Tots, said he also understands how important it is to assist others in tough times.

“I know that people are in need because I’ve been there myself,” he said. “Everybody needs a little bit of assistance, especially now with our hard financial times, and this is a way the kids can wake up and have something under the tree.”

Shinn said the giving tree embodies the altruistic spirit of the Skyline community, and, to this day, she continues to be amazed at how students, who may themselves be needing support, give back to other students.

“It warms my heart how these students give back,” Shinn said. “They need things and yet they still give back. We ask for something, and they do it.”

Despite challenges to the program’s momentum through the years—including the pandemic and staffing transitions—the giving tree has endured. Shinn is hopeful that when she eventually leaves, new leaders will step in to continue the tradition of giving unconditionally.

“I want it to grow, and I hope that it continues,” Shinn said. “This is a family here, and we’re helping our family.”

If you or your department would like to sponsor a Skyline angel this season, please contact Parent Resource Coordinator Stacy Galindo at (972) 502-3752 or stgalindo@dallasisd.org.

 

Even while schools are out for Thanksgiving break, help is always available. Whether you have questions about your benefits, need health support, or just someone to talk to, we have you covered.

Nov. 24-28, the district will be closed, but your benefits are still available. Even when offices are closed, assistance is just a phone call away.

Benefits Call Center
Call 972-925-4000 and select the appropriate option:
• Option 1 – Benefits Administration
• Option 2 – Leaves Administration
• Option 3 – Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

 The Benefits Call Center will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27.

Stay in the know with our easy access app:

You can download the MyDallasISD Benefits app from the options below:

• iOS: Download on the App Store
• Android: Download on Google Play
• Direct Link to App Stores: Click here

Non-Emergency Health Support

If you are a TRS ActiveCare participant, you can access medical support anytime through Teladoc.

Important: You must set up your Teladoc account before using the service. To register, you will need:

• Your name
• Date of birth
• BCBS Member ID

Visit the Teladoc website or use the mobile app for access.

Need emotional support?

If you are feeling overwhelmed or facing challenges, the Employee Assistance Program is available 24/7 to provide confidential support.

Call 972-925-4000, Option 3 or access support through:

• Website: Telus Health
• App: Telus Health One

To log in, you will need your district email, username, and password.

Several Dallas ISD schools and teachers are the recipients of The Kemper Foundation’s bilingual literacy grant program that helps elementary teachers and schools in Texas, California, and Florida to advance bilingualism, support academic achievement, and foster multicultural understanding.The Read Conmigo Educator grant provides $3,000 to teachers and the Read Conmigo School Impact Grant provides $10,000 to schoolwide programs. 

Congratulations to the teacher recipients of the Fall 2025 Read Conmigo Educator Grant: 

• Ana Victoria Braun, fourth grade teacher at Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker 
• Monica Chapa, third-grade teacher at Lakewood Elementary School 
• Eugenia Fernandez de Barraza, prekindergarten teacher at Rosemont Primary—Chris V. Semos Campus 
• Katharine Joss, fourth-grade teacher at Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School 
• Betza Mata, second-grade teacher at Seagoville Elementary School  
• Marisol Reyna, prekindergarten teacher at Solar Preparatory School for Girls 
• Fabiola Reynaga, fourth-grade teacher at Barbara Jordan Elementary School  
• Jonathon Salguero, second-grade teacher at Thomas Tolbert Elementary School  

Congratulations to the schools that received the 2025 Read Conmigo School Impact Grant: 

Alex Sanger Preparatory School 

The campus will enhance their school library’s bilingual and cultural immersion resources and strengthen family and community engagement by offering bilingual family literacy workshops and cultural events.  

Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School 

The campus will utilize their Read Conmigo Grant to purchase a research-based reading program to improve students’ biliteracy skills, fostering academic success and bilingual proficiency. 

Stephen C. Foster Elementary School 

Foster Elementary will use their Read Conmigo grant to increase the number of high-quality, culturally relevant bilingual texts in the classroom and implement technology-based resources to increase biliteracy and boost student engagement.

At Thomas Jefferson High School, registrar Louisa Faz ensures no detail is overlooked as she manages records for enrollment and transfers for almost 1,500 students in a role that she said fulfills her passion for helping others.  

Faz is one of hundreds of support team members across the district who are recognized on Nov. 19 as part of American Education Week, Nov. 17-21, for the work they do in supporting teachers and schools. Other team members who are recognized on that day of American Education Week include cafeteria teams, custodians, nurses, office managers, clerks, and so many others who are not in the classroom but without whom schools could not function.

Behind every student and school in Dallas ISD is a registrar or data controller, who safeguards student records to ensure academic success. Through careful work and meaningful interactions with families, Faz helps to create the foundation for a student’s school year.  

“I like to support people, and when they have questions, I try to find the best answer for them,” she said. “We have a good team here at Thomas Jefferson.”  

Her mornings begin with reviewing attendance before turning her attention to parents who stop by with enrollment needs.  

As a registrar, Faz guides families through every step of enrolling their students at Jefferson High School. From maintaining records and attendance to processing transfers, she ensures all students’ data is accurate and complete.  

“When students come from other districts and even other countries,” she said. “I am one of the first people to offer parents support. When they tell me, ‘Thank you, I really appreciate you,’ I feel like I did my job.” 

Faz grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico, before moving to the United States after high school. She joined Dallas ISD in 2019 as an attendance clerk and later worked as a teacher’s assistant. These experiences prepared her for the parent-focused, detail-oriented work she does now as a registrar. 

For the past five years, Faz has dedicated herself to community-centered roles that strengthen the inner workings of a school. 

“My work is focused on parent support, but I do get to work closely with the counselors, because they create schedules when I enroll students,” she said. “I enjoy guiding families in the enrollment process. Every student has a unique need, and I love that I get to support their families.”

For 44 years, one voice has carried the cheers, the touchdowns, and the buzzer-beaters across the airwaves of Texas high school and college sports. That voice belongs to Gentry Thomas Little, a Skyline High School graduate, who has built a remarkable career in broadcasting, covering nearly 1,850 games, and is now experiencing schools from within as a current Dallas ISD substitute. 

Little earned a bachelor’s degree in radio and television broadcasting, but he launched his career a few months after graduating from Skyline High School. 

“My first game was Sept. 1, 1982. Commerce beat North Lamar 27-14. I still have the cassette tape,” he said.

Little’s passion for the small-town nature of non-professional sports has earned him seven state championship rings and formal recognition. He has been honored by two Texas governors–Gregg Abbott and Rick Perry—and received a congratulatory letter from President George W. Bush, acknowledging his milestone number of games. To honor his 1,300th game, officials even presented Little with a Texas flag flown over the state Capitol. He also received a U.S. flag that flew over the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

“Radio is my passion. It’s what I like to do. I get paid to watch sports and talk about it,” he said.

He has since found another passion—substitute teaching. When his mother’s declining health brought him back to his childhood home near Skyline a few years ago, Little considered the idea of bringing his skills to the classroom for the first time. His mother, a former school teacher at John Quincy Adams Elementary School, offered some advice before her passing: Try substituting.

“My mother said, ‘Well, you have a college degree. Why don’t you try substitute teaching?’ This is before she died, and I put it off, and I put it off,’” he said. “But, finally, I filled out an application, and I’ve loved substituting across the district ever since.”

Little said his broadcasting skills provided an unexpected advantage in the classroom. The constant need for quick, accurate mental math to track on-the-go stats, and the ability to write and speak clearly, all translate directly into reinforcing lessons. 

“I tell students, ‘Folks, if you go into a job and don’t know the answers, you’re not going to get it.’ You have to be able to answer on the spot,” he said. “I think that impressed the kids—that you truly need to know math and science and English and geography and history to make it in this world, no matter what the business is.”

Little is one of about 2,000 substitutes who step into classrooms for a day or a few days, when a teacher needs to be absent. Substitutes come from different professions like Little, and others are former teachers who want to return to the classroom after retiring. Their work is recognized on Nov. 21 as part of American Education Week, Nov. 17-21, for their essential contribution to student success.

As a broadcaster, Little prefers high school and college athletes because he enjoys watching the positive impact sports can have on young people, noting the pride and thrill they experience when achieving significant wins, such as the state championship.

“The excitement that it brings to not only their school, but to their city, to their town, is unbelievable,” he said.

While in his press box, Little’s philosophy when calling a game is simple: to make fans at home feel included. This means being fair and ensuring listeners feel part of the moment.

 “I think the most important thing I do is call it as fair as I can. I will admit that I root for my team, but my goal is to make the fans feel part of the game,” he said. “I want them to feel like they are there, especially a neighbor or a relative that can’t be at the game and wants to see little Johnny play. I try to make them feel as much a part of it as I can.”

The job, however, isn’t always glamorous. Little recalls one early broadcast for Commerce High School against Princeton High School where the phone line for his equipment had been installed in a livestock enclosure. 

“We had to literally sit in a pig pen and call a game,” he said, still referring to the infamous contest as “the pig bowl.”

Applying the years of experience as a professional to his substitute assignments has been rewarding, Little said. He has been able to pass on advice to students hoping to enter his profession in a straightforward way, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation.

“Go to college, get a degree, and start out doing anything you’re asked to do in radio or television,” he said. “If you’re asked to sweep the floor, sweep the floor. Get your name out there, and just have a passion for it.”

For Little, the most rewarding part of substituting is seeing students advance, whether they choose college, military service, or the workforce. Sports are his trade, he said, but he is still deeply committed to guiding students to understand where their priorities lie. 

“If you want to get into sports broadcasting, make sure you know the game before you do it, make sure you know all the rules, and just have a passion for it,” he said. “But education comes first: if you get your diploma and say, ‘I can get that college degree,’ that belief makes all the difference in the job market today.”

There is one classroom at Margaret B. Henderson Elementary School that stands out in the district, and it belongs to prekindergarten teacher Angel Cano. To make the foundational learning process more engaging for his students, Cano decided to transform his classroom into a Super Mario Bros-inspired wonderland.

From the door to the wall, each inch of the classroom plays homage to the popular Nintendo game. Covered with red and blue construction paper, the door and wall adjacent to Cano’s pre-K classroom features cutouts of Mario riding Yoshi, a rainbow LED tube light winding from Yoshi’s fist; Mario sitting on an illuminated cloud; and Starman and other characters from the video game. Large, colorful block letters–-on both the wall and the door—spell out “Mr. Cano” and “Level PK4.” The decor continues inside the classroom: green, yellow, and red walls, Starmen hanging from the ceiling, Mario Bros figurines standing on the windowsills, a large rainbow play rug, and the main attraction of all, a giant plush toy of Luigi.

Cano got the idea for a Mario Bros theme after watching videos of teachers decorating their classrooms with Disney or Pixar themes. Since Mario is not necessarily the go-to theme, Cano thought it would appeal to preschoolers in more ways than one.

“I’ll grab the large Luigi doll and put it in the library, and I tell my students to grab a book so we can read to Luigi,” he said.

When students stand before the large Luigi plush toy, each with a book in hand, it makes reading an exciting and interactive experience, Cano said. He has also connected other lessons to Mario.

“When I tie a lesson, like something in math, to something familiar, like Mario, they get a little more excited. It improves engagement a lot,” he said.

The transformation was not without challenges, Cano said. Turning an old, glossy classroom into a vibrant Mario-land before school started in the fall required patience.

“I had to paint each wall four times just to get it to look normal. The old paint wouldn’t absorb the new coat, which was incredibly stressful because I was working against a deadline and needed to finish the job,” he said.

The hard work has paid off, Canos said, as he notes that students feel safe, seen, and celebrated in the space where Mario is merely a teaching aid to build a love of learning from day one.

“I love it because you get to see the growth of the kids throughout the year, and especially for it being pre-K, you kind of set the foundation for them as far as learning and opening up the horizons to what school is,” he said.

Cano’s efforts have even inspired colleagues, who are now considering their own creative classroom makeovers.

“I actually had some teachers asking me what I did and what the process was. I think they were considering painting their own walls next year,” he said.

Cano is eager to keep bringing joy and innovation to education, hoping that his legacy will reflect this commitment.

“I want my legacy to be one where I was able to bring innovation and new ideas to the profession. You have to change and adapt, and be creative and change the way that classrooms run,” he said.

Do you want to get emergency notifications and other important information from the district? Then make sure your phone number is up to date in Oracle. Be among the first to know if, for example, the district will be closed due to inclement weather, by making sure you provide your main contact phone number as your Home number in Oracle.

While some people still have landlines as their Home number, we recommend using your cell phone as your Home number so that you can get emergency communications via text. If you have entered your cell phone number in another field, you can switch it to Home.

Providing updated contact information will ensure you can get not just emergency calls, but also important information about benefits and updates.

To update or confirm your information, log into Oracle using one of the following links:

Within the District network or VPN: https://orion.dallasisd.org/iorion

Outside the District network: https://orion.dallasisd.org/dorion

Go to Employee Self-Service and follow the steps below:

Human Resources/Payroll Employee Self-Service > Employee Self-Service > Human Capital Management Information > Personal Information

Download the instructions to update your address or phone number. For technical assistance with Oracle, please contact the IT Service Desk at (972) 925-5630.

 

As a parent specialist, Beverley Gray serves her school with passion, supporting the families and students she encounters every day. At Billy Earl Dade Middle School, Gray acts as the bridge between school and home, fostering connection and a sense of care throughout the community. 

“I think a great parent specialist is able to connect with their surroundings and with the community they are a part of,” said Gray, who serves the only middle school for both Lincoln and James Madison high schools in South Dallas. “It’s important that you lead from your heart, and I always listen to what the parents’ needs are. I think that automatically shows other people that you care.”

Through a series of school events, Gray creates opportunities for families to bond. Two of her favorites are Grandparents Day and the school’s annual Turkey Trot.

With generations of families who have previously attended school in South Dallas, many grandparents are excited to be involved in their children’s school experiences. The celebration of their presence on Grandparents Day is a meaningful tradition in the school community. 

The Turkey Trot, held each year before the Thanksgiving break, offers families a day of fun and food. Last year, Whole Foods partnered with the school to provide bags of red potatoes and oranges, in addition to the turkeys handed out to families. 

“The family, the culture, the neighborhood, the community—it’s a very warm and loving place,” Gray said. “There is a generational history. When you share love here, you’re destined to receive an abundance of love from the community.”

A key part of Gray’s work as a parent specialist is developing meaningful relationships with families because parent support and engagement is key to student success. As a single mother, who raised a daughter who earned her doctoral degree, she knows how to support parents because she understands what many are experiencing. 

That is why she provides firsthand encouragement to other single parents, reminding them that their child can thrive too. 

“We focused on education. When my daughter was a toddler, we knew she was going to get a doctorate degree. That was our goal,” Gray said. “So the students here, and the parents, I just want them to be able to have that legacy of education, too.”

As a child, Beverley Gray attended Boude Storey Elementary School and even returned later in life to teach there for three years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Paul Quinn College.

The support Gray provides is not limited to encouragement. Alongside other team members, she also supports families by providing food and clothing for students. 

The on-campus food pantry ensures that basic necessities are available for  families within the school community.

Whether students continue on to Lincoln or Madison high school and eventually college, her goal is for students at Dade to feel that the school puts their well-being at the forefront as they prepare for academic success.

“The best thing to hear is when a parent says, ‘Beverley, thank you for taking care of my kids,’” Gray said.