Dallas ISD staff can register for Phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccinations

The safety and well-being of all Dallas ISD employees is a top priority, which is why the district is working with Dallas County Health and Human Services, Parkland Hospital and other organizations in the community to secure vaccines for staff. To prepare, the district has created a form for employees to register their interest in receiving vaccines through Dallas ISD as they become available. The state has begun phase 1B of vaccinations, which, according to the state and county, is focused on people 65+ and those with specific underlying conditions.

The district is working to secure vaccines for staff who meet the conditions of the 1B phase of the state’s vaccination schedule. Employees who meet the conditions should register so the district can send them information on how to obtain the vaccine when doses are available; however, the vaccine can also be obtained through Dallas County Health and Human Services and private physicians.

If you meet the Phase 1B conditions, please, complete and submit the form to let us know you are interested in receiving the vaccine from Dallas ISD, and you will be contacted as it becomes available.

If you have any questions, please contact us by sending an email to covid19@dallasisd.org.

COVID-19 vaccine registration form

 

Empleados de Dallas ISD se pueden registrar para la fase 1B para recibir las vacunas para COVID-19 

La seguridad y bienestar de los empleados de Dallas ISD es una gran prioridad, por lo que el distrito ha estado trabajando con Dallas County Health and Human Services, Parkland Hospital y otras organizaciones en la comunidad para obtener vacunas para los empleados. Para prepararnos, el distrito ha creado una forma para que los empleados registren su interés en recibir la vacuna a través de Dallas ISD conforme estas estén disponibles. El estado ha comenzado la fase 1B de vacunación, la cual según el estado y el condado, se enfoca en las personas de por lo menos 65 años de edad y aquellos que tengan ciertas condiciones médicas crónica serias.

El distrito continúa trabajando para obtener vacunas para el personal que tiene las condiciones de la fase 1B del plan de vacunación del estado. Los empleados que llenen los requisitos deben registrarse para que el distrito les proporcione información cuando las dosis estén disponibles; sin embargo, la vacuna también se puede obtener a través del Dallas County Health and Human Services y médicos privados.

Si llena los requisitos de la fase 1B, por favor, complete y entregue la forma para indicar que está interesado en recibir la vacuna y el distrito lo contactará cuando esté disponible.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor contáctenos mandando un correo electrónico covid19@dallasisd.org.

Forma de registro para la vacuna del COVID-19

Feeling stressed?

The past few months have been challenging for many, and yesterday’s events at the Capitol may have caused additional stress. Dallas ISD has resources to guide staff who feel they need assistance to handle stress, anxiety and feelings of depression.

Recognizing that you are stressed is the first step. Stress can escalate until your neck is sore, your heart is racing, and you feel overwhelmed. On an average day, more than half of the workforce leaves work with painful symptoms. Many take the stress home, vent with family or friends, and then have trouble sleeping. To stop the stress cycle, try these 10 tips from LifeWorks.

Another resource is the Employee Assistance Program, a confidential service provided by the district that offers help with personal and work-related issues. Professionally trained advisors are available to help with family problems, marital concerns, financial and legal matters, stress, depression, and other issues affecting your personal or work life.

The EAP is free and confidential. Advisors are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For more information on how to access the EAP, download this  brochure.

 

 

 

Staff pets make themselves at home

Whether it’s love at first-sight or it takes a few tries, rescues and pets adopted from shelters and community organizations have proven to be blessings for many in Dallas ISD. Some pets have come from more unusual places like Dallas ISD’s Environmental Education Center.

 

Lola is a 5-year-old shepherd-pit bull mix we adopted from Operation Kindness in 2016 after her first two strikes. A year later came Ella Fitzgerald (“Ellie”), a 5-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound, also from Operation Kindness and also with two strikes, because whatever Lola wants, Lola gets, and Lola wanted a puppy. While they have proved many times why it took three tries to get it right, we are so glad they waited for our family to take them home. They make us laugh, keep us fit, and protect us—mostly from squirrels and rabbits, but probably from other things, if needed. Here they are supervising Mom while she works.
Karla Genter, Evaluation and Assessment

Geoffrey is a Westie mix who was abandoned over five years ago on a school playground.  He was rescued after being left outside in the pouring rain by my husband Forrest Oliver (Dallas ISD retired teacher).  He has been such a joy and is loved and adored by all.  Geoffrey is very affectionate but fiercely independent.  He enjoys his daily walks and meeting new people as well as our neighbors.  The neighborhood children love petting him and giving him treats, which he frequently buries to be enjoyed at a later time.
Ronald Mart, Dallas ISD substitute.  

Emerald is a female iguana I have had for a year. I also have Brownie, a rabbit I have had for a few months and that came from the Environmental Education Center, and Shadow, a chicken that is a few weeks old.
Brittany Toomer, CityLab HS

 

Layla and Ava came into my life in 2018, a few months after my sweet dog passed away. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to open my heart for two more dogs, but they really made it hard not to! They are so sweet, and I love the bond they have with each other. Everyone in my family loves these two, even my stubborn dad.
Lisette Ceniceros, School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove

We adopted three cats over the summer.  First, we got the sweetest little sisters, Rosemary and Vera, and a few days later, we adopted our big, handsome boy, Dasche.
Carey Bain, Ignacio Zaragoza ES

Here is my very sweet dog, Rai (pronounced “rye”) snuggling on me while I try to work. When I’m on my laptop is her favorite time to seek attention and put her head on my keyboard!
Poonam Dubal, Mental Health Services



The majestic feline you see above is Princess Snowbelle. As a former dog person, I never imagined I’d fall in love with a cat, but here we are. She loves expensive, grain-free treats and being brushed, particularly under her chin. As her appearance would indicate, she’s a bit of a diva and loves to act as my own personal alarm clock on weekdays and weekends alike. She isn’t a lap cat but deigns to sit near me instead. She was adopted from Operation Kindness two years ago and celebrated her 11th birthday in August.
Jordan Hillis, Moisés E. Molina HS

These are Angel and George, they both turned 6 years old this past summer.  We rescued them from DAS and are now a bonded pair. They love to go to the park and chase tennis balls on the weekends and ride along during errands in the car.  They also have helped foster many of the bottle baby kittens we have had over the past few years by being stand-in parents and showing the ropes to the babies. We are so thankful for these snuggle bugs.
Kristen Trueblood, W.T. White HS

 


Incentives for substitutes

The board approved daily incentive for substitutes went into effect Jan. 4. The additional $20 daily incentive is designed to increase fill rates and provide support to campuses during the spring semester and address lower substitute fill rates that are a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $20-per-day incentive will be paid on top of any other incentives for substitutes. Substitutes will continue to receive the additional incentive of $5 for working on Mondays and $10 for working on Fridays. Substitutes working a full day of service at an ACE campus will also continue to receive the ACE $10-per-day incentive.

The cost of the daily incentive will be funded from existing substitute cost savings that resulted from the time the district was conducting all virtual classes and the decrease in fill rates up to Dec. 17.  This incentive will become effective Jan. 4, 2021, and remain in place until the end of the 2020-2021 school year.  The substitute compensation rates remain the same and the $20-per-day incentive will be paid on top of that rate.

Everyone can benefit from more physical activity

Physical activity can make daily life better, so get moving. An increase in daily activity can boost your mood, sharpen your focus, reduce your stress, improve your sleep and have many other benefits.

It is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health. And no matter who you are, you can find safe, fun ways to get a little more active.

Just getting started? Build up to 150 minutes per week over time. Even five minutes of physical activity has health benefits—and it all adds up. It’s important that if you are going to start a new fitness routine you consult with your doctor to discuss any limitations.

Pregnant or postpartum? It’s safe and healthy to be active during and after pregnancy and getting active can make it less likely that you’ll develop health problems. Listen to your body and your doctor and do activities that feel right for you.

Have a disability or ongoing health problem? You can adapt activities to fit your abilities, and you may find that physical activity makes everyday life easier. If you have an ongoing health problem, it may even improve your symptoms.

Not feeling steady on your feet? Mix in activities to improve your balance and lower your risk of falls like tai chi or swimming.

Already get 150 minutes a week? Push yourself harder to get even more health benefits. Go for at least 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (or 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity). The more you move, the better!

Don’t forget to work your muscles! At least two days a week, do activities that build muscle strength, like lifting weights or using resistance bands.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Staff can now receive free COVID-19 testing

All staff who want to receive COVID-19 tests now have access to free tests with results available in 15 minutes. Most campus nurses are equipped to conduct tests on campus. Central staff (and employees on campuses still working to secure supplies) can now schedule an appointment to be tested at the new district testing site located in a portable adjacent to the William Cotton Service Center at 3701 S. Lamar. The test location officially opens Monday, Jan. 11; hours of operation are 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., and appointments are required. The portable is only accessible from Lamar St., and the entrance will be identified by signage. To request a test appointment, fill out the form that can be found at www.dallasisd.org/educationevolution.

 

Prueba gratis del Covid-19 disponible para empleados

Empleados del distrito que deseen realizarse la prueba del COVID-19 pueden tener acceso a pruebas gratis con resultados disponibles en 15 minutos. La mayoría de las enfermeras escolares están preparadas para realizar la prueba a personal de las escuelas.  Ahora, empleados de las oficinas administrativas (y empleados de escuelas que aún no han recibido suministros) pueden programar citas para realizarse la prueba en un nuevo lugar en el distrito localizado en un salón portátil al lado del William Cotton Service Center en 3701 S. Lamar St. El sitio abrirá oficialmente el lunes, 11 de enero, en un horario de 7:30 a.m. a 11:30 a.m. y se requiere pedir cita. El salón portátil se puede acceder solo por Lamar St. y habrá señalización para identificar la entrada. Para solicitar una cita, llene la forma que se puede encontrar en www.dallasisd.org/educationevolution.

 

 

You are not alone

While the district may be closed, if you need assistance with your benefits, a number of resources are available.

District schools and administrative offices will be closed for Winter break from Monday, Dec. 21, through Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, but the benefits call center will be open regular hours during that time to provide assistance, with the following exceptions:

  • Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 – Closed Half Day
  • Christmas Day, Dec. 25 – Closed
  • Day After Christmas, Dec. 28 – Closed
  • New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 – Closed Half Day
  • New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 – Closed

For those non-emergency health concerns such as cold and flu, TRS ActiveCare participants can utilize Teladoc at a reduced cost.  Call 1-855-Teladoc (835-2362) or visit their main page.

If you have questions regarding your FSA, you can contact Connect Your Care at 877-528-9876 or visit www.connectyourcare.com.  Connect Your Care is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You may reach the benefits call center at 972-925-4000 or email benefits@dallasisd.org.  For questions regarding leaves of absence, email benefitsleaves@dallasisd.org.  During the periods in which the district is closed, the email boxes will be monitored periodically to ensure any critical issues are resolved in a timely manner.

 

 

 

Staff pets: Companions during COVID

Pets are constant companions and often family. This has been especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing and other safety guidelines meant staff had to work from home. Send photos of your pets to staffnews@dallasisd.org with information about how they came into your life, or some of the cute things they do, or what they mean to you and the rest of your family.

 

These my two work buddies when working from home. They curl up near my chair and are such buddies with each other, as you can see.  Their names are Bibi Reyna, our 12-year-old Shi-Tzu, and Tigger, our 6-month-old kitten. They certainly make my day when working from home.
Theresa Morgan, Spruce HS

Skank came to our family as a stray – found in the garage eating dog food – very hungry and a bit injured. He is sweet, quite the charmer, and ever so handsome. He is big on napping, “skanking” around the neighborhood and spending time between the great outdoors and inside. Kerry Glittenberg, Urban Park ES

I rescued Charlie from under my patio at home when he was 1 month old. He is now 2 years old and does not think he is a cat. My family have five dogs and his favorite name Barlie. Charlie will play fetch and wrestle with Barlie.  The funny thing is my vet refers to him as a dog, too. He can be a monster sometimes, but I love him. Letha Cannon, Downtown Montessori at Ida B. Wells

 

I am a total dog mom, and this is my little lovebug Ollie.  I got her at 6 weeks old in 2004, and she is now over 16.5 years old.  Her age may show in her white hair but not in her attitude and actions.  She still enjoys walks and spending the night at my mom’s visiting her 16-year-old chihuahua. We also catch up daily after work by sitting together on the couch and relaxing before dinner. Annemarie Fehrenbacher, Irma Rangel YWLS

This is my old man baby, Tito.  He just turned 15 years old, and I’ve had him since he was 2 months old. He is spoiled rotten and gets just about everything he wants because he’s now blind in one eye and going deaf. He enjoys sun bathing, car rides, and taking long walks with me around our neighborhood. Tito is also well-traveled and has flown a lot more than some people. When I lived in New Jersey for college, he would fly back and forth with me often. He has been to Canada, Mexico, and many states throughout the country. Edgar Salas, Woodrow Wilson HS

Gizmo is a 5-year-old adorable Pomeranian. He is an amazing communicator with a big personality that loves attention. Gizmo does tend to forget he is a small dog at times, especially when he is trying to chase away possums and raccoons twice his size. Gizmo has been a great working companion throughout COVID. We enjoy his love and affection! Yesenia Ramirez, Early Learning



Butch, in front, and Boots are quite the pair. Although not litter mates, they are best buddies. Both were feral cats. Butch was the most feral, found around 9 months old, and it took about one year for him to not be so scared. He’s around 3 years old and is my lap cat now. He loves to play with balls, with dog bones, and chase Boots. Boots was found around 6 weeks old and grew up to be such a statuesque cat. He’s quite the talker and loves to snuggle.

Maureen Kuhlo

Occupational Therapist

Meet my fur baby Henry. He was a gift from a dear friend and has brought so much joy to my life. He is a 4-year-old Shih-Tzu mix who loves to cuddle any chance he gets and always has a smile on his face. He loves his squeaker toys and to snack on carrots & apples, he has been my saving grace during the pandemic. Saida Guzman, Human Capital Management

This is Andrés, my faithful companion in these work-from-home times. He is about 8 years old, and I adopted him two years ago. He was the first cat I saw, and the only one I ended up asking to play with. He was quick to win me over! He loves to sleep and taunt me with how relaxing his life is. I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like quarantining without his company. Kevin Turcios, Translation Specialist

 

Traditions are disrupted by pandemic but live on among Dallas ISD families

Tamales are a staple of Hispanic families’ tables during the December celebrations, and in Berenice Barron’s home, her mother’s tamales and empanadas de camote are the centerpiece of the meal. The chicken with green salsa and vegetable tamales her mom made every year have also become a December tradition around Dallas ISD’s central administration.

Changes in the work environment that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic mean sharing tamales with Dallas ISD colleagues is impossible this year. But Barron is committed to keeping the tradition alive next year even though she is now the one making the tamales with the help of her sisters. Her mom, Margarita Martinez, passed away last year.

“We learned from my mom how to make them,” she said. “We have always had them for Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially at Christmas. Three of us got together this February and made tamales on the one-year anniversary so we could all remember her. We want to keep this going.”

Making tamales is a long-standing tradition among Hispanic families during the holidays, not just because they make a delicious addition to any meal but also because making dozens of them is a group effort that brings together several generations in a family. And the recipes are passed on not on paper but in the making.

“My mom learned it from her mom who learned it from her mom, and I always helped my mom before I went solo not too long ago,” Barron said. “She always wanted to do all the prep, but we always smeared the masa and put in the meat. Whenever I would ask, ‘How much do I put in of this?’ she would say, ‘Así, tantito, mírame,’ and you would do the best you could,”

Because making tamales is a lengthy and involved process—especially when making 20-30 dozen—Barron’s family oftenplays lotería on tamales day, and family comes in and out to help or to sample the final product.

The tradition of sharing tamales outside the family also started with Barron’s mother. She would take tamales to a nearby Boy Scouts troupe and would share them with police officers, who later would buy them from her by the dozens. She was well know around the neighborhood for her delicious tamales. Even the mailman was a fan, and soon the whole local post office was ordering tamales.

“She would always put a little extra in there,” Barron said. “Or she would add another one if they were small. And she would always say, ‘Hay que darlos calientitos.’”

Theory of Action: Parent Support

Through the Theory of Action Standards of Service, the Parent Advocacy and Support Services Department in the School Leadership Division provides support for all campuses. The department performs three primary functions: resolves customer concerns, enhances family engagement, and improves attendance while reducing truancy.

The following services are provided to all campuses:

  • Receiving, processing and facilitating resolution for parent concerns and complaints
  • Conducting fair and equitable student discipline appeals
  • Developing districtwide family and community engagement strategies, event planning, and supporting campus participation
  • Providing scaffolded support to develop the capacity of campus community liaisons and parent instructors
  • Ensuring and reporting district compliance with state mandates to provide truancy prevention measures and enforcement of compulsory school attendance violations
  • Managing the Uniform Assistance Program
  • Supporting PowerSchool Parent Portal access for parents

For additional information, contact Liliana Valadez, Executive Director at Lvaladez@dallasisd.org.