Thank your assistant principal

They are the steadfast campus leaders who carry out the principal’s vision,  who work with teachers and office staff in the day-to-day operations, who make sure students and teachers meet federal and state performance guidelines, and who often manage school safety. April 4-8 is National Assistant Principal Week, so it’s not too late to say thank you to your assistant principals for all they do.

The National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators has shared some ideas on how to celebrate assistant principals.

  • Send them an e-card to let them know you appreciate them.
  • Use #APWeek on social media to share your words of appreciation, celebratory images, and other acknowledgments of the great work they do year-round.
  • Get inspired by the ideas for activities from NASSP below:
    • Write a thank-you note for your assistant principal, with specific examples of how they have helped you.
    • Create a photo scrapbook with notes from the school community about why they are valued.
    • Plant a tree on the school campus to honor the assistant principal (with administration approval, of course).
    • Read testimonies from students, parents, and teachers over the intercom or virtual announcements.
    • Have the art, music, and theater classes do one small group project to honor your assistant principal.

Leadership changes

Dallas ISD welcomes Gerard G. Cortez as the new assistant superintendent of Special Populations. Cortez brings to the district 28 years of experience as an educator—as a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, program supervisor, grant coordinator, campus administrator, director, and executive director. 

Prior to coming to Dallas ISD, Cortez was an assistant superintendent in San Antonio ISD. Throughout his career as an educational leader and school district administrator, Cortez has encouraged the use of instructional strategies that allow students to generalize learned skills in a variety of environments. Cortez is a strong proponent of community-based instructional activities that depict real-life scenarios and emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for students to engage in self-assessment and self-evaluation.  

Cortez has a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Texas Tech University and a Master of Education degree with an emphasis in educational leadership from Argosy University–Dallas.  He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Staff input needed for superintendent search

The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees is in the initial phase of conducting a national search for a superintendent to lead the district once Superintendent Michael Hinojosa retires and is seeking input from all stakeholders. To better inform the search, trustees have hired a firm to collect the input from diverse groups, including teachers and support staff.

Teachers and support staff have always been at the core of the successful operation of the district from the frontlines. In addition to providing input through the survey available at www.dallasisd.org/superintendentsearch, teachers will be able to share what they believe are the qualities for a successful Dallas ISD superintendent in three online webinars taking place April 12-14. The input collected during these sessions will be shared with the board prior to their review of the applications. Registration is required and all sessions will take place at 7 p.m. on the following dates:

Teacher sessions • All sessions start at 7 p.m. 

April 12

https://dallasisd.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NuXDCfcCRUSA47JH6TKGWQ

April 13

https://dallasisd.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9psPk9w3SYqQQuCD_McARA

April 14

https://dallasisd.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DhWXmNIqRomXThkJ6khVpw

Support staff sessions

April 11 • 6 p.m. 

https://dallasisd.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ln_kXFadSVKEsvlRwBZ6pA

April 18 • 10 a.m. 

https://dallasisd.zoom.us/j/81845624234?pwd=dm5ZdWFiNlptRVpPS3dYQndzeElLdz09

April 21 • 5 p.m. 

https://dallasisd.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G8mP9teZTX24Ea6Rz6UK4Q

New tool helps students with depression 

Tracey Brown, executive director of Mental Health Services, is on a mission to make sure students who need mental health support as a result of the pandemic have access to it. She and her counselors are already making sure that thousands of students who have been identified through referrals and Youth and Family Centers are getting the support they need. 

In the next two years, Brown hopes to up the number of students who are identified as being in need of additional support and receive it thanks to a depression screening tool called the PHQ9, or Patient Health Questionnaire 9. The department is developing this electronic tool with funds from the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and ESSER, the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund. 

“It’s a work in progress, but we’re really excited about the possibilities that it’s going to bring our students,” Brown said of the PHQ9. 

Mental Health Services recently received a $200,000 grant from the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas as part of the organization’s first-ever Health Innovation Technology Challenge, presented by AT&T. With these funds, Dallas ISD kicked off the first year of their three-year depression screening project, starting with the development of an app to house the tool. Next year, they will pilot the tool with school-based clinicians and at certain Youth and Family centers. In year three, they plan to deploy the tool across the district. 

The implementation of the depression screener will be simple. When a student visits or receives a referral to a Youth and Family Center or a school-based clinician, their parents or guardians can consent to use the screening tool. Once the depression screening is administered, parents can release the data to health professionals in the district and beyond.

“I always say it’s kind of like going to the minute clinic,” Brown said. “You go and get whatever you’re going to get, and then they have a portal that houses all of that data. We’re not going to have the data necessarily unless the parent shares it with us, but once we have it, it’s going to help inform our practices.”  

The United Way grant only supports the first year of the depression screening project. The second and third years will require ESSER funds as well as district board approval. Once the tool is fully developed, piloted and implemented, MHS hopes to increase the average number of students who are identified as having depression and receive support each year by 3 percent, from 12,000 to 12,360 students. 

In the meantime, Brown encourages all staff members, especially teachers, to familiarize themselves with the signs of depression, which include isolation or withdrawal, changes in eating and sleeping habits, feelings of hopelessness and changes in academic performance. 

“Even if you’re not a mental health professional, as a teacher, you know your kids,” she said. “We just want to make sure we’re providing every level of support for the students, and they’re not suffering in silence. The only way to do that is we all understand the general signs and symptoms of depression, and then be able to connect those students to mental health services.”

Ultimately, MHS’ goal is to ensure that students can focus on learning and feel good about themselves in the process. That way, they can “graduate college- and career-ready and go out into the world and make a difference.”

Brown’s team is constantly looking for innovative ways to support students around the district, and the depression screening tool will help them achieve that goal. 

“I know we’re all working hard to support our kids, our parents and our families to navigate all of the changes that are happening in the world, which can really lead to feelings of hopelessness,” Brown said. “We’re just wanting our kids and families to know that we love them, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.”

Visit https://www.dallasisd.org/mentalhealth to learn more about the school-based services that are currently available or to find your local MHS Youth and Family Center.

AHSA offers money for college

Dallas ISD staff and students who are pursuing a career in education and furthering their studies can apply for scholarships offered by the Association of Hispanic School Administrators. The application deadline is April 29, so don’t delay.

  • Dallas ISD seniors who want to become educators can apply for of the several Sí Se Puede Scholarships. Si Se Puede— bit.ly/SiSePuedeScholarship
  • Dallas ISD employees who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification cam apply for several Adelante scholarships. Adelante—bit.ly/AdelanteScholarship
  • Members of AHSA pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree can apply Pursuing Excellence scholarships. Pursuing Excellence—bit.ly/PursuingExcellenceScholarship

Mental Health Matters: Self-care is essential

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” 

–Novelist Anne Lamott once said, “

Self-care is critically important when it comes to your health and well-being, but that does not mean it comes naturally to everyone. Fortunately, there are many ways to be kind to yourself and unplug even if it’s just for a few minutes. Create a self-care kit with these tips from Lifeworks, the company that manages the district’s Employee Assistance Program. 

  1. Do a simple stretching routine. Even taking a minute to relax your jaw, neck and shoulders can make a big difference. 
  2. Find a piece of art you love and look for more works by the same artist. You may end up with a new favorite song, book or show! 
  3. Reflect on the hobbies you loved as a child and see if you can rekindle that same sense of wonder and fun by giving them another try. 
  4. Switch off your phone—or at least your access to it—for an hour. Try moving it to another room or turning on “airplane mode” or “do not disturb.”
  5. Make a playlist of cheerful songs and hit play whenever you could use a pick-me-up. 
  6. Budget for an extra adventure. Setting aside as little as $10 a month can lead to a treat. 
  7. List out your work accomplishments and appreciate how much effort you have put into your growth and development. You should be proud! 
  8. Take yourself on a date. Make time for an item on your bucket list, and go explore your community. 
  9. Get in touch with a friend you have not seen for a while. They will be thrilled to hear from you. 
  10. Organize a friend or family game night and bring out all your favorite board games and video games. 
  11. When you break for lunch during the work day, take the time to eat mindfully. Focus on each flavor and appreciate when you are full. 
  12. Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Schedule a day off. We all need rest to avoid burnout. 
  13. Carry around a water bottle, and make sure to stay hydrated when you find yourself struggling to concentrate or are feeling extra tired.
  14. Keep a gratitude journal. Not only will you appreciate all the little things around you more, but you can also give yourself the credit you deserve for showing up every day. 
  15. Start a new podcast on a topic that has always interested you or pick up your favorite comfort book.
  16. Browse your favorite meals and choose a new recipe to try. You could even experiment with a beloved family favorite. 
  17. Do some spring cleaning and clear out the clutter around your home or desk. If you have a hard time getting started, play an upbeat song and dance as you go. 
  18. Transform your home into a spa by taking a long bath and lighting up your best scented candle. 
  19. Practice meditation. Whether you follow a short video on YouTube or do some deep breathing, you will feel more relaxed and at peace. 
  20. Be gentle with yourself, especially on your hardest days. Pick out a few self-affirmations and speak to yourself with the same care you would show your friends and family. 
  21. Set boundaries with your schedule. When you are off the clock, put away your work phone and turn off any email notifications you may receive. 
  22. Research restaurants in your area and enjoy some delicious new food. If you want to be spontaneous, check out that diner or coffee shop you have seen a thousand times but have not tried yet.  
  23. Play with your pets more often. We all know you wanted to anyway, so here is your excuse! 
  24. Spend time outside every day. Even if you only have the energy for a few minutes, the fresh air will do you good. 
  25. Every time someone compliments you, make a note in a journal or on your computer. On bad days, their words will lift your spirits. 

You matter and so does your health and well-being! If you are struggling, help is available. Dallas ISD’s Employee Assistance Program by LifeWorks has countless online resources, including on-call counselors and practical tips to manage a variety of mental health concerns. The confidential, secure platform requires no contributions, so you can easily get the support you need today. 

Reach out to LifeWorks at (972) 925-4000 or visit www.dallasisd.org/benefits and click on Benefits Resources to access online EAP information. 

*Source: LifeWorks 

Nominations Now Open for Dallas ISD Athletic Hall of Fame

If you know a former Dallas ISD student-athlete, coach, administrator, or another individual who has made significant contributions to Dallas ISD’s high school athletic programs, now is the time to get them some recognition. 

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 class of the Dallas ISD Athletic Hall of Fame, which acknowledges those who have raised the level of public awareness and support for high school athletics through their achievements and excellence, both on and off the field of competition. Nominees may be active or retired from their fields and must exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and moral character. 

More information about the Hall of Fame, including detailed information about criteria used by the distinguished selection committee, and the nomination form are available at https://www.dallasisd.org/athletichalloffame.

The deadline to nominate someone from this year’s class is Friday, April 15.

Free soccer tickets

Soccer fans in the district have the opportunity to experience one of the country’s largest international youth tournaments—the Dallas Cup—for free.

FC Dallas is offering Dallas ISD staff and students two free tickets to attend the opening day of the Dallas Cup at the Cotton Bowl Stadium on Sunday, April 10, using the code DISD. The Dallas Cup will take place through April 17 and involves more than 250 youth teams representing more than 35 countries.

Since 1980, Dallas Cup has hosted teams and officials from six continents—more than 100 countries. Some of the world’s greatest players have participated in the invitation-only Dallas Cup; in the past two World cups one of every 14 goal scorers have been Dallas Cup alumni. For more information about the offer, download the flyer or visit the ticketing site and enter the code DISD.

 

Central Hires: Career opportunities in central administration

If you think you have what it takes to recruit passionate people who want to transition to teaching from other careers or know someone who would like to be an integral part of making sure students get to school as a CDL bus driver, Dallas ISD has openings in central administration. 

Coordinator I (Recruitment Function), Alternative Certification

CDL Bus Driver, Transportation Services

Data Clerk (Testing Support Staff), Assessment

Multi-Skills Specialist II (Maintenance Repairs), Maint. & Facilities Services

Specialist II (Multi- HR Functions), Staffing

To explore other openings, visit www.dallasisd.ord/careers.

If you are a hiring manager and interested in highlighting your open vacancies and/or department, contact Central Recruitment at careers@dallasisd.org

 

Say something for safety

Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported while they are on our campuses every day. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority and requires a proactive approach to violence prevention. That is why Dallas ISD is introducing the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. Students will be trained on when and how to use this system starting in April.

This research-based, age-appropriate violence prevention program will teach students and staff to identify the warning signs of potential violence or self-harm, including threatening or harmful behavior and harassment. 

Say Something will offer secure ways to report safety concerns 24/7 through a hotline, website and app. Students will be empowered to report school threats and personal crises like abuse, depression, sexual harrassment and self-harm. Every time a report is submitted, trained crisis counselors will gather essential information and share details and next steps with relevant school teams and law enforcement. The teams will then address the threat and provide solutions. 

Anyone in need can submit a tip through www.saysomething.net. The free mobile app is available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play, and the hotline can be reached at 1-844-5-SAYNOW.

More than 5,000 schools have launched this program nationwide, leading students to report feeling safer in their classrooms—and leading to lives being saved! The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System has been proven to prevent school shootings, gun threats and suicide attempts. It has also been shown to reduce bullying, self-harm and drug use in schools. 

Sandy Hook Promise was founded by families whose loved ones were killed during the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. Their efforts and determination have prepared more than 14 millions teachers, students and parents to recognize and report signs of potential violence, and Dallas ISD is proud to take action alongside them. 

Be on the lookout for more Say Something Anonymous Reporting System announcements and training dates. It all comes down to this: If you see something, say something. Together, we can keep our communities safe.