New Dallas ISD grant program will expand innovation in neighborhood schools

The Dallas ISD Office of Transformation and Innovation has launched a new initiative to expand innovation in neighborhood schools.

The Innovation Engine Grant Program will annually award up to 20 neighborhood schools $50,000 in seed money to help them explore and implement innovative education models. Interested school teams can go here to learn more and apply by the Sept. 6 deadline.

“The purpose of this program is to deepen and expand innovation in neighborhood schools throughout the District,” OTI Strategic Development Manager Courtney Rogers said.

The OTI Department is hosting three information sessions about the program in July and August at the Linus D. Wright Administration Building, 9400 N. Central Expressway.

From creating a space for social and emotional learning to training staff on next generation instructional strategies, the schools can use the funding in a variety of ways to support innovation on their campus.

The new grant program comes as the OTI Department readies for the 2019–2020 school year that will see eight additional Dallas ISD neighborhood campuses become innovation schools. The eight new innovation schools will have one of two academic models: Personalized Learning, which focuses on a student’s interests, talents and goals; and STEAM, which focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

“We are committed to accelerating innovation in Dallas ISD by bringing more educational choices and innovative programs into our families’ backyards,” said Angie Gaylord, Dallas ISD Deputy Chief of Transformation and Innovation.

Administrators urged to submit documents for translation now

Translation Services urges administrators to avoid the back-to-school rush for translation by submitting documents now. These may include summer school communications, back-to-school brochures, handbooks, compacts, letters, and vaccination requirements. This service is FREE of charge and available to all Dallas ISD schools and departments.

Documents submitted for translation will be processed in the order received. To request the service, download the Translation Request Form, attach the document to be translated, and email to translations@dallasisd.org.

For information, call Translation Services at 972-925-5892.

Dallas ISD launches summer learning with new opportunities for teachers

Dallas ISD is turning up the heat on learning opportunities this summer by rolling out a brand new type of professional development experience called Learning Academies.

Teachers will have it made in the shade for the 2019-2020 school year after they attend one of these conference-style learning academies this June. Attendees will hear from nationally-recognized keynote speakers, engage in a wide variety of breakout sessions, explore thought-provoking demonstration areas, and enjoy multiple types of interactive, hands-on learning experiences.

Keitha Shelby of the Dallas ISD Professional and Digital Learning Department called the summer learning opportunities a big upgrade. Next generation learning experiences have been designed for teachers to become content and technology integration ninjas, to collaborate with colleagues to generate new ideas and innovative solutions for universal educational challenges, and to expand their understanding of how to differentiate instruction to create culturally responsive classrooms for students.

“The district is not just looking to support the whole child, we are looking at how we can support the whole teacher,” Shelby said.

Learning Academies will be hosted at D. A. Hulcy Middle School, 9339 S. Polk St.  Sessions and accompanying topics are scheduled for:

  • Whole Child Development (June 10–13)
  • STEAM & Technology Integration (June 17–20)
  • Meeting the Needs of All Students (June 24–27)

Teachers view the 2019 Future of Learning Summer Learning Guide Catalog and Summer Professional Learning Agreement at www.dallasisd.org/pdl.

Special discounts for district employees at DSW

On Thursday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., district employees will receive an additional 20 percent discount on regular priced items and 10 percent on clearance items at any DSW. Employees must present the official flyer and a Dallas ISD employee ID to receive the discount. The first five employees to make a purchase at the DSW located at The Shops of Park Lane, 8160 Park Lane, will also receive a backpack when they present this flyer while supplies last.

Munch Madness winner is announced

After many calorie guesses during Munch Madness, Luis Rosado of Procurement Services emerged the champion. In addition to the admiration of the other participants, Rosado also won a $25 gift card when his guess came close to the 780 calories for Texas Tech—pork rib patties, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies and brownie meal. Munch Madness is a fundraiser by the district’s Core 4 Team on behalf of the United Negro College Fund. Contributions made during the Munch Madness events benefit the scholarship fund, and money raised by Dallas ISD will go to graduating seniors from district schools.

 

Celebrate winner of Munch Madness on April 8

Luis Rosado, a manager with Procurement Services, was a Sweet 16, Elite 8 and Final Four winner in the Munch Madness bracket. Will he be the Munch Madness winner on Monday, April 8?

Find out by joining the Core 4 Team at 2 p.m. in Suite 910 of the Linus D. Wright Dallas ISD Administration Building to close out Munch Madness, share more tasty treats and announce the champion, who will receive a $25 gift card. The winners of the Munch Madness stages correctly guessed and ranked the caloric content of several elite desserts. Munch Madness is a fundraiser by the district’s Core 4 Team on behalf of the United Negro College Fund. Contributions made during the Munch Madness events benefit the scholarship fund, and money raised by Dallas ISD will go to graduating seniors from district schools.

Announcing Final 4 of Munch Madness

The Flexible Final 4 of Munch Madness have been unveiled:

  1. Tonya Mayberry Davis
  2. Luis Rosado
  3. Velina Smith
  4. Denise Donelan

The winners correctly guessed and ranked the caloric content of several elite desserts. The dessert with the highest caloric content in this round was Purdue’s pumpkin cheesecake with whipped cream and sprinkles coming in at 514 calories.

Munch Madness is a fundraiser by the district’s Core 4 Team on behalf of the United Negro College Fund. Contributions made during the Munch Madness events benefit the scholarship fund, and money raised by Dallas ISD will go to graduating seniors from district schools. With a donation to UNCF, staff will have the opportunity to participate in Munch Madness, starting at 11 a.m. Friday, April 5, in Suite 910 of the Linus D. Wright Dallas ISD Administration Building.

Winners of the Friendly Sweet 16 Munch Madness announced

Several central employees moved up to the Fast Elite 8 bracket of Munch Madness last Friday by ranking especially selected sweets based on caloric count.

The winners are:

  1. Gonzalo Reyes
  2. Luis Rosado
  3. Denise Donelan
  4. Jenine Smith
  5. Zavier Waters
  6. Eva Macias
  7. Velia Lara
  8. Rachel Villanueva

These savvy winners will receive a prize and recognition for their keen knowledge of sweets and their generous contribution to scholarships for district students. Munch Madness is a fundraiser by the district’s Core 4 Team on behalf of the United Negro College Fund. Contributions made during the Munch Madness events benefit the scholarship fund, and money raised by Dallas ISD will go to graduating seniors from district schools.

There are more chances to win during Munch Madness. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, central staff will have the opportunity to rank assorted treats to become the Flexible Final 4 winners. The names of those who come closest to the actual caloric count will be announced on the staff page on April 4 and will receive a $5 gift card from Starbucks. Munch Madness takes place in Suite 910 of the Linus D. Wright Dallas ISD Administration Building.

The Munch Madness challenge will continue on Friday, April 5, for a chance to win one of two, $10 Subway gift cards in the Focused Championship battle. The winners will be announced during a special Munch Madness ceremony at 2 p.m., where they will receive a $25 gift card each.

Participating in the brackets is not required to enjoy additional treats during Munch Madness, only a small donation to the UNCF.

April 3 MTSS Twitter chat to focus on best practices for student support

Teachers, counselors, and campus administrators are encouraged to participate in an April 3 Twitter chat hosted by Teaching and Learning highlighting best practices for instruction, intervention strategies and information supporting Multi-Tiered Systems of Support at each campus. A new initiative being implemented throughout the district, the MTSS framework is aimed at providing support for students in the areas of reading, mathematics, language, and engagement. The Twitter chat is set for 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, @DallasISDMTSS. For more information, contact Teaching and Learning at 972.925.8804.