Truancy warnings

Sometimes, illness or other obligation lead to a student absence; however, multiple unexcused absences can lead to truancy and to students missing out on their learning. In an effort to curtail absenteeism, this week, Dallas ISD began sending parents truancy warnings.

Parents are expected to make sure their students are going to school, request meetings with school officials to talk about the absences, provide accurate contact information and submit an excuse note for all unexcused absences. The note, signed by the parent/guardian, should explain the reason for the absence. And be submitted within three days of the student’s return to class. If a student or parent fails to submit a note, the absence will be considered unexcused.

Unexcused absences are what triggers the warning letters regarding violation of truancy laws and can lead to truancy court proceedings with Dallas County. School districts are required to notify parents when their students have three days or parts of days of unexcused absences within a period of four weeks.

A guide to fitness

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a new edition with updated guidelines about the amount of physical activity people can safely do to stay healthy. The report includes guidelines for children ages 3 through 5 and updated guidelines for youth ages 6 through 17, adults, older adults, women during pregnancy and postpartum, adults with chronic health conditions, and adults with disabilities.

The second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is based on the latest scientific evidence, which shows that physical activity brings health benefits on its own and in addition to other healthy habits like good nutrition. The report can be found in the department’s site, but its main findings include:

  • Ages 3-5—The report recommends that children ages 3 through 5 should be active throughout the day to enhance growth and development, so active play (light, moderate, or vigorous intensity) should be encouraged so they have at least three hours of activity per day.
  • Ages 6-17—The recommended amount of physical activity for youth ages 6 through 17 is the same. Each day, youths need at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity to stay healthy. Most activity can be aerobic, like walking, running, or anything that makes the heart beat faster. They also need activities that make their muscles and bones strong, like climbing on playground equipment, playing basketball, and jumping rope. For youth, physical activity can help improve cognition, bone health, fitness, and heart health. It can also reduce the risk of depression.
  • Most adults—For adults to get the most benefit from physical activity, it’s recommended that they do at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking or fast dancing, each week. Adults also need muscle-strengthening activity, like lifting weights or doing push-ups, at least two days each week.

This recommendation is based on new evidence that shows a strong relationship between increased sedentary behavior and increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and all-cause mortality. All physical activity, especially moderate-to-vigorous activity, can help offset these risks. New evidence shows that physical activity has immediate health benefits. For example, physical activity can reduce anxiety and blood pressure and improve quality of sleep and insulin sensitivity.

According to the report, for adults, physical activity helps prevent eight types of cancer (bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, stomach, and lung). It reduces the risk of dementia—including Alzheimer’s disease—all-cause mortality, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and depression. It also improves bone health, physical function, and quality of life.

Among older adults, physical activity also can lower the risk of falls and injuries from falls.

New evidence covered in the report shows that physical activity can help manage health conditions such as pain for those who suffer from osteoarthritis. Evidence outlined in the report, also shows that physical activity can reduce disease progression for such health conditions as hypertension and type 2 diabetes, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve cognition for those with dementia, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, and Parkinson’s disease.

 

Early learning and HCM support district goals

Early Learning

Through the Theory of Action Standards of Service, the Early Learning Department provides support in PreK-second grade in the areas of instructional strategy and coaching support, professional development opportunities, family and community engagement, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) and student performance data reports.

Instructional Strategy:  PreK-2nd grade curriculum support, Reading Academy content delivery, and consultation services for campus teams to strengthen instructional delivery.

Coaching Support:  Coaching support in all PreK and targeted K-3 classrooms to improve quality with research-proven efforts that support teaching instruction and promote positive social and emotional learning.

Professional Development: On-going opportunities for professional learning to support authentic use of technology in classroom design and use of curriculum.

Family and Community Engagement: PreK enrollment and registration training, family touchpoints throughout the year, marketing materials for campuses to strengthen PreK enrollment.

HIPPY: No charge home visits to deliver HIPPY’s evidence-based curriculum to help parents prepare their children for success in school as well as family and group meetings to share experiences.

Student Performance Reports: Data reports for all PreK-2 grade assessments at beginning, middle and end of year assessment windows.

Campuses interested in these services should visit the Dallas ISD Early Learning Website.

For additional information, contact Dr. Elena S. Hill, Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning, at elehill@dallasisd.org.

 

HCM

Through the Theory of Action Standards of Service, Human Capital Management provides a one-year coaching and training program for alternative certification teacher candidates. This program is dedicated to providing Dallas ISD schools with effective teachers in areas of high need.

Dallas ISD AC Program areas of state certification include:

  • Core Subjects EC-6 w/ Science of Teaching Reading
  • Core Subjects EC-6 w/ Science of Teaching Reading (Bilingual Supplemental)
  • English Language Arts Reading 7-12 w/ English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Spanish
  • Math 7-12
  • Science 7-12
  • Social Studies 7-12
  • Art EC-12 (limited availability)
  • Music EC-12 (limited availability)
  • Physical Education EC-12 (limited availability)
  • Special Education Supplemental

The Phase 55 application is now open for new applicant interest until Monday, February 1, 2021 at 5:00 PM. Interested applicants should apply at the following link: https://bit.ly/Phase55application

Dallas ISD AC Program – Phase 56 application will launch April 1, 2021 to August 6, 2021.

Eligibility for admission into the Dallas ISD AC Program, applicants must show a(n):

  • Conferred Bachelor’s degree recognized by a THECB regionally accredited institution
  • Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5
  • Favorable interview cut score designed by the program
  • Pay associated preparation and training fees
  • Completion of Dallas ISD fingerprinting and background check requirements
  • Two (2) official undergraduate transcripts:
    • One transcript is to be opened by the applicant & uploaded to the online application
    • One transcript is to be sealed (NOT opened by applicant) and mailed directly to: Lucy Salazar, Program Coordinator, 9400 N Central Expressway, Suite 1400, Dallas, TX 75231

For additional information, contact Jose Lopez, Dallas ISD AC Program Marketing, Branding, and Recruitment Coordinator joslopez@dallasisd.org.

Campuses interested in this service should contact Shuntrice Rhodes, Dallas ISD AC Program Teacher Quality Manager srhodes@dallasisd.org for available candidates that have successful met all program requirements and are ready for a yearlong internship in Dallas ISD.

 

 

District launches Operation Comeback to re-engage absent students

School absences have risen dramatically as parents and students cope with the Covid-19 pandemic, and Dallas ISD is launching an all-out effort to help students get back in school and engaged.

Beginning Monday, February 1, and continuing through February 27, district teams will be reaching out to students and parents by phone, text and email as a part of “Operation Comeback Student Re-Engagement,” an effort to help students get back on track to continue their education.

Starting Wednesday, February 3, families not reached remotely will receive contact-free home visits by staff members seeking to find out how the district can provide the resources students need to stay in school.

“The idea is to connect with families so we know what obstacles they face and what we can do to help,” said Orlando Riddick, acting chief of School Leadership.

Once they make contact, central staff teams will talk with families to identify obstacles to school attendance, including asking questions: Do you have an internet connection? Do you need a hotspot? Do you have technology (digital devices)? Does your student know how to log in? How can we support your student’s attendance, either in person or virtually?

Visiting staff will leave families with a list of useful resources, including information about how to get meals, a hotspot or uniforms, how to track their child’s attendance and grades, answers to transportation questions, and how to reach the district online through the Let’s Talk portal.

“We realize that some of the student absenteeism is related to the pandemic, which has pushed many families into crisis.  Some students are working to help support their families, and others face serious obstacles that make regular school attendance a challenge,” Riddick said. District staff note that the state has allowed districts to count students as present if they submit their work online by 11:59 p.m. each day. For working students, the Evening Academy in Districtwide Student Initiatives may be a pathway to continue their education.

On weekdays, staff teams will make contact-free home visits during daylight hours. Evening teams will be out in the field on  Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and make phone calls from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Teams will also visit homes every Saturday in February.

Because safety during the pandemic is critical, staff will not enter homes, but will carry cards and door knockers containing a QR code that, when scanned, will link users to a request for information or a resource sheet that will include contacts to reach counseling and mental health services and info for students and parents who need help navigating a pathway to get students back on track and attending school.

“The district and community care about students. We’re calling on everyone to pull together to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance and to join us to assist families so students can focus on their education,” Riddick said.

 

Coming soon Form 1095-C Proof of Health Care Coverage

Benefits advises employees that Form 1095-C with information about health care coverage in 2020 will be mailed to homes in early March. The form satisfies the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirement that all individuals have health care coverage. Employers are required to provide employees the form as proof that employees and their dependents were covered or offered coverage by the employer’s health care plan. IRS has set a deadline of March 2 for employers to provide their employees the form, but employees do not have to wait to receive Form 1095-C to file their individual income tax return. More information about the form is available here.

Pronto recibirá la Forma 1095-C para Comprobar su Cobertura Médica

Benefits le comunica a los empleados que la Forma 1095-C con información acerca de la cobertura de cuidados médicos del 2020 será enviada por correo a las casas de los empleados en marzo. Esta forma satisface el requisito del Affordable Care Act (ACA) de que todos los individuos tengan cobertura médica. Los empleadores deben proporcionar esta forma a sus empleados como prueba de que tiene cobertura o que se les ofreció la oportunidad de obtener cobertura a través del plan de seguro médico de la compañía. El IRS estableció el 2 de marzo como la fecha para mandar la forma a los empleados, pero los empleados no deben esperar a recibir la Forma 1095-C para presentar su declaración de impuestos. Para más información acerca de la forma, pulse aquí.

 

 

 

 

Put your best face forward

A lot of things have changed in the past few months, including how staff meets to conduct business—virtual is now the norm. Meetings taking place in a virtual room on a computer does not mean that professionalism and formality are abandoned.

Zoom has a series of recommendations on how to keep meetings professional, friendly and productive.

First, keep in mind the age-old guidelines that apply to meetings whether in-person or virtual: be on time, maintain eye contact, pay attention, dress professionally, avoid eating and drinking, mind your body language, and be respectful to whoever is speaking to maintain a productive business environment.

Additional tips from Zoom include:

1. Make sure to introduce everyone at the beginning.

Just like a real meeting or social event, you wouldn’t initiate a conversation between two acquaintances who haven’t met without introducing them. The same practice applies to a virtual meeting. If there are participants who don’t know each other, make sure to introduce all parties you are hosting at the beginning to create a welcoming environment and stimulate engagement.

2. Ensure that you have a clean, work-appropriate background.

You want your attendees’ focus to be on the meeting content, not your messy office or your amazing art collection. By having a clean setting with work-appropriate art and decorations, you reduce the chance that attendees will get distracted. You should also try to attend the meeting from a quiet area that has minimal background noise and movement. Zoom’s virtual background feature is an easy way to eliminate background distractions when you have to meet in a messy or busy location. Dallas ISD has created virtual backgrounds to be used in meetings. https://www.dallasisd.org/virtualbackgrounds

3. Look into the camera when talking instead of looking at yourself.

If you’re looking at yourself on the screen while you’re talking, it will seem like your attention is elsewhere. Direct eye contact into the camera while speaking gives attendees the impression that you are looking at them rather than off to the side, which creates an environment where everyone feels engaged and present in the conversation. Be sure to position your web camera and monitor at eye level so you can look into the camera and simulate that eye-to-eye connection with other attendees.

4. Eliminate distractions and focus on the agenda.

Notifications from messaging applications, ringtones, and applications running on your desktop can be distracting, which can make your attendees feel disrespected and undervalued. Mitigating these distractions helps keep the meeting focused and free from interruption.

5. Be aware of your audio and video settings.

Check whether your microphone is unmuted and that your camera is on to ensure that all attendees can hear you and see you when you speak.

6. If you’re the host, stick around.

The general rule for meeting hosts: Wait until everyone else has left the meeting before hanging up so attendees can leave at their own pace and get any final words in before disconnecting.

 

For additional tips from Zoom, visit https://blog.zoom.us/category/how-tos/.

 

 

 

Fitness Month: Don’t get hurt

Regular exercise is good for your body and safe for most everyone. However, with any type of activity, there is a chance you can get hurt. Exercise injuries can range from strains and sprains to back pain. With a little planning, you can prevent injury and stay safe during exercise.

MedlinePlus—a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world’s largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—offers a series of tips on how to prevent common injuries when starting a fitness routine as well as information on a variety of health topics.

What Causes Exercise Injuries?

Some of the most common causes of exercise injuries include:

  • Exercising before your body has warmed up
  • Repeating the same motion over and over again
  • Not having proper form for your exercise
  • Not resting in between workouts
  • Pushing your body too hard or too quickly
  • Doing an exercise that is too strenuous for your level of fitness
  • Not using proper equipment

Warm up and Cool Down

Warming up before exercise gets your blood flowing, warms up your muscles, and helps you avoid injury. The easiest way to warm up is to exercise slowly for the first few minutes, then pick up the pace. For example, before running, walk briskly for 5 to 10 minutes.

You should also cool down after exercise to bring your heart rate and body temperature back to normal. Cool down by ending your routine at a slower pace for the last 5 to 10 minutes.

To Stretch or not to Stretch

To stay flexible, you should stretch at least 2 times a week. But it is unclear whether stretching really helps reduce injury.

You can stretch either after you have warmed up or after you exercise.

  • DO NOT stretch cold muscles.
  • Hold stretches for no longer than 15 to 30 seconds.
  • DO NOT bounce.

Choose Your Exercise Wisely

If you have not been active, or have a health condition, talk with your health care provider to make sure you are healthy enough for exercise. Ask what types of exercise might be best for you.

If you are new to exercise, you may want to start with low-intensity options such as:

  • Walking
  • Swimming
  • Riding a stationary bike
  • Golf

These types of exercise are less likely to cause injury than higher-impact activities like running or aerobics. Contact sports like soccer or basketball are also more likely to cause injury.

Use the Right Equipment

Using safety equipment can greatly reduce your risk of injury.

Safety equipment for your sport may include:

  • Footwear
  • Helmets
  • Mouth guards
  • Goggles
  • Shin guards or other protective guards
  • Kneepads

Be sure you use the right type of equipment for your sport. For example, DO NOT play tennis in running shoes. Wear a ski helmet, not a bike helmet, when downhill skiing.

Make sure your exercise equipment:

  • Fits you properly
  • Is the right design for your sport or activity
  • Is in good working condition
  • Is used correctly and consistently

Learn Good Form

If you are new to an exercise or sport, consider taking lessons to learn the basics. Learning the right way to do an exercise or sport can help prevent injury. Look for lessons in your community or through sports or outdoors organizations. You can also consider hiring a personal trainer.

Cross Train

To help prevent overuse injuries, vary your workouts. For example, instead of running three days a week, cycle one day and run two. You will use a different set of muscles and still get a good workout.

Listen to Your Body

Forget the old saying “no pain, no gain.” Of course, to build strength and stamina, you will need to push your body. The key is to push slowly and gradually. You can expect sore muscles after your workout. But you should never feel pain when exercising. If you feel pain, stop right away.

Being tired all the time can also be a sign that you may be overdoing it. In general, avoid increasing these 3 things all at the same time:

  • Number of days you exercise
  • Length of time you exercise
  • How hard you work out

 

 

MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2020 Jun 22]. How to avoid exercise injuries; [cited 2021 Jan 21]; Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000859.htm

 

Students share message of equality

Fifth-grader Dominic Patermo delivered this year’s winning speech during the 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition, which took place in the W.H. Adamson High School auditorium on Jan. 15.

The Harry C. Withers Elementary School student was one of eight finalists that participated in this year’s competition sponsored by the law firm Foley & Lardner. Unlike past year’s the January competition that highlights the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was held virtually because of safety protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Trying to put on a competition like this in 2021 is not easy, but this was the most important year to put on this competition; with everything that’s been going on in the world, with the pandemic, with instances of racial injustice and civil unrest, with the economic downturn. We felt that there hasn’t been a more important year to hear the voices of these students, and to allow them to shine light in Dr. King’s legacy,” said Michael Newman, Foley & Lardner managing partner. “I leave this event inspired by these kids every day. They’re in front of a very large audience, and every year their message inspires me and makes me feel optimistic about the future of our country.”

The students gave their speeches, one by one, on the stage of the Adamson High School Auditorium. Judges, who were present virtually, listened to the speeches as they were being broadcasted live.

Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, diversity speaker and founder of Inclusion Nation Michelle Silverthorn, former Dallas Stars player Marty Vincent Turco, and former linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware were the judges. Clarice Tinsley, Fox 4 News anchor, was the master of ceremonies.

After all the speeches, the judges gathered to make a final decision on the winners. All students earned monetary prices, along with a backpack with a tablet.

Second place in the oratory competition went to Zoe Frazier, a fourth-grade student at J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard.

Third place went to Dinastee McKinney, a fifth-grade student at Clara Oliver Elementary School.

 

 

Loyal companions in school and at home

During the difficult months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dallas ISD staff gave a home to many pets and others discovered anew the companionship and comfort that dogs, cats and parakeets provide.

 

Meet Sunny and Skittles! These two parakeets are our class pets.  They are playful and funny, love to sing along to whatever is happening in music class, and they never fail to cheer up a sad or new student.
Laura Young, Leila P. Cowart ES

Mini came into our life during COVID lock down. My twin sister and I live together, and a former client contacted her and asked if we would foster a sweet dog. We thought “why not”? Mini has the best personality ever, and she was house-trained. Mini is always dressed to the max with a bow and matching collar.
Tina Compton, Martha Turner Reilly ES

This is Daisy, my spoiled Yorkie/Pomeranian grand puppy. Daisy is 4 years old and was a special addition to our family when my mother “Daisy” passed away.  Daisy loves to play and show off her many outfits.
Marilyn R. Jackson, Mental Health Services

 

 

My dogs, Rocco and Beau, make me happy because they are always excited to see me!
Matthew McCoy, W.E. Greiner MS 

This is my girl Lola. She is the Texas state dog, a Texas Blue Lacy dog. She has been my running partner for 9 years. She is the goodest girl.
Jessica Ludwig, Employee Benefits

I’m Crazy Cat Lady proud! Meet Frances Houseman (aka the Moustache) and Ellen Ripley, two orphans who made their way to us during the early pandemic last spring.  While neither has exactly taken on the characteristics of her movie namesake, they rule our roost and never, ever let anyone forget that they know where we keep the treats.
Suzy Smith, Human Capital Management

 

This is our little angel, Sophie! She is a 13-year-old poodle mix. We rescued her at 5 months from terrible conditions, including having her mouth taped. She has been such a joy to us. She is the most loving, kind, and loyal baby. Although she is older, she still runs around like a puppy, yet will lay around with you for hours. She has even assisted me in my after-hours counseling private practice. Pets are so good for mental health, especially during these difficult times with COVID.
Teresita Hernández Cross, Mental Health Services

Bluu is a spoiled, smart, sweet pit-bull. He is truly unaware that he is a dog, has plenty of energy and loves to eat. We have had Bluu since he was a month old, and now he is 7 months old and always eager to learn new tricks like hide and seek, which he loves to play with his best friend Cj, my son.
Aarika Fulson-Bonner, Gilbert Cuellar Senior ES

Bentley King is my daughter’s baby, but I call him Pup and my husband calls him Woof Woof. She bought him from a family in 2019 just before Christmas.  He is the family entertainment. Just like a baby, he has toys all around the house from the bedroom, living room, washroom, under the kitchen table, etc.  I’m always stepping on them at the worst times. His favorite activity is when we say go pup, go pup, go pup, go. He runs in circles around the kitchen to the office, to the living room and off my footrest in the living room that he knows it off limits, but he does it anyway. We love him and he is the king of the house.
Paula P. King, Sunset HS

 

My pets are Khaleesi, who was adopted here in Dallas in September as a birthday present to myself, and Sakura, who came from Mexico and was my family’s birthday present. They are the best company to have during the pandemic.
Stephany Cortes Rogel, Rosemont ES

Moose is my 2-year-old German Shepherd, and until I have a child of my own, I will spoil him like he is my son. He is goofy, obsessed with the strangest things in the house and has the best personality. I keep pictures of him around my room at school, and all the kids know him by his name. Their favorite thing to do is ask about Moose’s many shenanigans.
Becca Weber, William Lipscomb ES

 




Staff pets bring joy

Whether exotic or more traditional, pets bring joy and brightness into the lives of Dallas ISD staff, who are sharing their love for dogs, cats and even spiders.

 

Boss is the biggest jerk I know. He is gassy, a picky eater, and persnickety about the people he hangs around with. On occasion, he will get a crazed look in his eye and attempt to bite well-meaning people for simply petting him. Maybe he sees something in them that I don’t. Regardless, he is deliberately funny and likes to do things to make me laugh. He likes to help me clean house by picking up his toys. He likes to lay on my cold feet to help keep them warm. Though he doesn’t like to cuddle, he has been by my side through thick and thin and that is one of the many reasons I adore him. I love Boss more than most people, and he is truly my best friend.
Toni D. Brannon-Ward, Lincoln HS

 

Monkey and Jon Snow are both rescues who were found feral and sick as kittens. As a result of his rough start in life Monkey, now 2 years old, is blind, but he doesn’t let that slow him down! Jon Snow is now a healthy 4-year-old cat and my best friend. I still volunteer with rescue organizations and occasionally take care of foster kittens, so if anyone is looking for a fur-ever friend reach out and let me know!
Catherine Cates, Bilingual/ESL Department

Freak is my 8-month-old kitten. He was found alone in a construction site as a tiny baby with no mother around. One of the workers brought him home, and when they reached out for rescue, I offered to bottle feed him. He is now the sweetest, most loving and playful boy you’ll ever meet. We recently found out he has an enlarged heart that may affect him down the road, but for now, we are working with our vet and making sure he has the best life ever. He is a very special kitty who loves everyone he meets. I feel so lucky to be his mom!
Madison Arriaga, E.D. Walker MS 

 

Trix was adopted from an animal shelter by the Falcon Family. She is our only pet and rules the house. She loves to cuddle and always wants to be with her human “pets.” We believe she is part dog because she stands on her hind legs and claps her front paws when she really wants something.
Lisa Falcon, Urban Park ES

My daughter got Jojo, the cat, to be her companion in College Station. He is such a talkative cat.

My son got Chanel last June in the middle of the pandemic. We got her when she was only 5 weeks old. Now, she’s turning 9 months old and she turns out to be a big dog that brings so much joy to everyone who sees her. We are first timers in having pets, and we are all delighted having them as the youngest members of our family.
Ma. Teresa Malana, J.L. Long MS

This is my adorable cat, Luna. I’ve had her since she was a teeny, tiny 5-week-old kitten. She’s three now, and her favorite things are salmon, rattles, and Christmas lights.
Itzel Rodriguez, Francisco “Pancho” Medrano MS

 



Whoever said money can’t buy happiness never paid an adoption fee. We rescued our sweet Charlie boy from Paws in the City, an all-volunteer, no-kill organization with the commitment to ending the overpopulation, abuse, and neglect of Dallas-Ft. Worth area dogs. Charlie is a Catahoula Leopard mix who loves being outdoors chasing rabbits or squirrels. He is an excellent snuggler and enjoys going for car rides.
Natalie Janssen, Arthur Kramer Elementary an IB World School

Both Shredder and Vader were adopted.  My daughter found Shredder when people were trying to find his owners.  His owner couldn’t be found so my daughter took him in.  He’s a great dog.  He’s loving and my daughter’s protector.  Vader has been with us since he was a kitten.  He’s very independent.  He likes to cuddle on his own time.  Shredder and Vader love each other.  They are a perfect match for brothers.  They’ve made our family complete.
Maria Benitez, Larry G. Smith ES

Chauncey makes me happy because he always reminds me how to live carefree and in the moment. His kisses when I’m not myself and the cuddles while we watch TV are the best. Each day I cannot wait to come home to see him.
Ciara Beasley, Wilmer Hutchins ES



Callie was a shelter cat that we were so fortunate to come across. She brings so much light and love to our lives. Callie is a sweetheart most days, but do not let that cute face fool you. If she is feeling hangry, you will see a sassy side of her. We adore her so much.
Rebecca Ajuluchukwu, Nathaniel Hawthorne ES

Ramen is our tarantula. He may not be everyone’s idea of cute, but he was a great learn-at-home companion in early spring of last year. We love it when he comes out of his den to say hi, and he is a great listener, it would have been lonely working without him.
Isabela Espinosa, Kleberg ES

Summer is our 5-year-old German Shepard and Husky mix. We often refer to her as “Summer Lovin” from the 1978 movie “Grease.” Her name fits her well because she’s a huge fur ball of energy and happiness every time. She brightens the room and gives our children wonderful childhood memories. Her Mommy is my sister’s dog, “Daisy.” My sister now calls Summer her “grand-puppy”.
Michelle Orona, Graphics Department



I adopted Zelly from a rescue over winter break. She is the sweetest dog and brightens my day. She doesn’t just wag her tail she wags her entire body.
Janet Wilson, K.B. Polk ES

I am an animal lover! I have two bunnies, a chameleon and a Syrian hamster. Animals give me peace and during this COVID-19 situation, just getting home and having a moment with them is such a blessing. The hamster’s name is Nico and the bunnies are Nano and Shakira.
Luis Julio Díaz-Chéverez, Leila P. Cowart ES

Zoey is the Queen of our home. Everything revolves around her whims and attitude. She is a great traveling companion, and her destination choice is Colorado. Her favorite activities include eating, napping and lying in the sun.
Kerry Glittenberg, Urban Park ES



Milo treats me like I am his dad. When I come home, he is very excited to see me and immediately falls asleep on my lap whenever I sit down. He is the most affectionate cat I have ever known. When I go to bed, he is laying on me and when I wake up, he is still there. Throughout the day he will follow me all over the apartment.
Eric Latimer, W.W. Samuell HS

Oscar and Pepper light up my life. Oscar, the smaller one who is sleeping, is always down for snuggles and is pretty sure that you can’t be upset when he is yelling at you to play with him. Pepper, the big one, is always on the hunt for her next meal. Here she is pictured patiently waiting for anything to fall from the giant charcuterie board we put together. They both care and love so deeply and make life so easy. They are the best reason to get out of bed.
Morgan Merriman, Woodrow Wilson HS

Sandy Anderson, my 12-year-old Yorkie, is most dear to my heart because she is a sweet and loving part of the family. Sandy makes me feel a sense of comfort when around her because she loves to get and give affection. Sandy is extremely friendly with everyone and loves to play fetch the monster.
Anya Anderson, Arthur Kramer Elementary IB World School