Staff News

Prekindergarten registration for the 2022-2023 school year in Dallas ISD begins Friday, April 1. 

Children who are 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 1 can apply to one of Dallas ISD innovative prekindergarten programs, which will help them be better prepared for subsequent years—studies show that students who attend prekindergarten experience higher academic successes long-term.  

To learn more about how prekindergarten can help students succeed and eligibility requirements, join one of the district’s virtual Discover Pre-K webinars on Saturday, April 2, or Saturday, April 30, starting at 10 a.m. Register for the virtual events at www.dallasisd.org/prek.

“When students come through our pre-K program, they are set up for better success in the future,” said Elena Hill, assistant superintendent for early learning. “It is encouraging to see the benefits our pre-k program are having on our youngest learners.”

Dallas ISD is offers options to ensure that every child is able to take advantage of its early learning programs.  

To qualify for FREE prekindergarten children must meet at least ONE of the following requirements:

•   Economically disadvantaged
•   English Language Learner
•   Homeless
•   Foster care (currently or formerly)
•   Child of an active member of the armed forces or a member of the armed forces killed/injured during active duty.
•   Child of a Star of Texas Award recipient

Students who do not qualify based on these criteria may qualify for a prekindergarten scholarship for other reasons: 

•   Dallas ISD’s historical academic needs, as identified in district data (currently identified as African American students)
•   Expanded income bracket
•   English language proficiency (any parent can request their child be tested)

Children who do not meet the eligibility requirements for free prekindergarten or a scholarship can still enroll by paying tuition, an option available in several schools across the district.

For more information or to receive assistance with enrollment, visit www.prekdallas.org or call 214-932-7735.

Special education teacher Pamela Appiah-Opoku has a passion for gardening, one that is not limited to her free time. Some of her favorite memories from her eight years at Boude Storey Middle School come from her involvement in their community garden, which she helps to maintain along with other teachers, teaching assistants and interested students. Thanks to Boude Storey’s school day redesign calendar, she now has extra time to work on the crops for harvest. Extra time for special projects is one of the benefits teachers around the district could enjoy by taking advantage of the open transfer period through April 15.  

As one of only five Dallas ISD schools following the School Day Redesign calendar, Boude Storey’s year starts at the beginning of August and ends in late June with several days set aside for planning, leading to more enrichment and acceleration opportunities. 

“Normally, the students would have to stay after school during the week to participate in their various extracurricular activities, but with the School Day Redesign, there is time already built in where students can attend all their various clubs,” Appiah-Opoku said. “Our administration was adamant about making sure that the clubs were not just meeting to meet but were being intentional about our time and making sure that we have hands-on activities for the students.” 

Appiah-Opoku has seen exciting results in the gardening club. Not only have they successfully harvested their own produce, but their students have also learned to make recipes like lettuce wraps and homemade salsa. Best of all, Appiah-Opoku said there is “something for everyone.” 

Boude Storey has plenty of options for curious students, from a financial literacy club, which teaches budgeting and other real-life money concepts, to a good vibes club, which emphasizes positivity. The school also provides mentoring opportunities and encourages students to explore their heritage and history. 

“It’s very family-oriented,” Appiah-Opoku said. “We’re always doing something for our kids to get them excited, like there have been different types of carnivals and concerts, so there’s always something fun going on for both the staff and students to look forward to.”

Teachers who are interested in experiencing the close-knit, engaged community a special calendar can provide have the opportunity to explore during the district’s open transfer period. The open transfer process allows current Dallas ISD teachers, instructional coaches, counselors and media specialists to accept a position at another campus for the following school year. 

Eligible employees must apply online by using their EAD login at www.dallasisd.org/careers and following the internal openings link. Employees who do not apply will not be eligible to participate.

As far as Appiah-Opoku is concerned, any school in Dallas ISD is worth considering. Of course, she is partial to her own community and its enriching special calendar. 

“I would just say for Boude Storey, we have great administration and great staff, who are really eager to help our students learn, and we’re just seeking excellence here,” she said. “So if excellence is what you’re after, then Boude Storey is your place.” 

Interested employees must apply online by April 15, 2022. To be eligible for an open transfer, employees must:

• Hold a valid Texas Teacher Certificate in the requested subject-area vacancy and meet TEA/SBEC Certification Standards for the position
• Not be entering their fourth year of an Alternative Certification Program
• Not be identified for non-renewal at the end of the current school year due to performance
• For instructional coaches only: must receive approval from recommending campus executive director 

Burnout is something everyone deals with at some time or another—especially with all the added pressures of living through a pandemic. While burnout is usually associated with work, it can carry over into all parts of life, caused by personal or relational problems. 

Fortunately, when someone is moving toward burnout, warning signs begin to appear. By learning to recognize them, you can learn to manage it before it affects your work and life. These are some signs Lifeworks, which manages Dallas ISD’s Employee Assistance Program, suggests you look for:

At work

• You find yourself with more tasks than you can reasonably accomplish. 
• You have to stay late regularly and cannot finish your assignments on time. 
• You struggle to stop thinking about work outside of your set hours. 
• You check your email frequently when you are off the clock, or you cannot respond to all the messages in your inbox on time. 
• You feel annoyed, frustrated or resentful when you interact with colleagues.

With loved ones

• You do not have time or energy to give to your family and friends.
• You are irritable and impatient at home.
• You snap at or are short with your children. 
• You get into more fights with your partner. 
• You do not have energy to socialize and start canceling or rejecting plans. 

With yourself

• You stop prioritizing or practicing self-care. 
• You struggle to maintain your regular sleeping patterns. 
• You stop exercising or decrease the time you are moving. 
• You reach for unhealthy foods to help you cope. 
• Your alcohol consumption increases. 

If you recognize yourself in these warning signs, take a deep breath. You have already completed the first step toward recovery by building awareness of what you are experiencing. Now, it is time to create your “burnout plan.” This can be as simple as assessing your to-do list and asking for help, or it can involve several of the practices below suggested by Lifeworks. 

Set boundaries.

While it may sound obvious, setting boundaries can be challenging. The most important elements are identifying what you need—or what you cannot manage alone—and taking action. That means setting boundaries with those around you and with yourself. For example, if your job permits, you could decide to check your email only during working hours.

Schedule time to rest. 

You are not an endless working machine, so you need time to rest and recharge. Get outside, eat healthy meals and prioritize your sleep. You can also build in reflective breaks to check on yourself and see how you are doing. 

Do something you enjoy. 

Give yourself a mental vacation during your free time. Whether you love going out to eat, taking long walks, talking to friends, finally finishing a project or watching a movie with the whole family, you deserve those moments of happiness. As an added bonus, you will naturally find your stress decreasing the more you enjoy your activities, which will lessen your feelings of burnout. 

Get the help you need. 

Recovery is always easier with support. Whether it is talking with your manager or a trusted colleague, following recommendations from a doctor or a mental health professional or getting comfort from a friend or loved one, help is out there. All you have to do is reach out and ask for it. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed, you can also take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program. Dallas ISD’s Employee Assistance Program by LifeWorks is a confidential service that offers help with countless personal and work-related concerns, including but certainly not limited to burnout. Their counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need support, no contribution required. 

All you have to do is 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

Fourth-grade math teacher Anya Cooray has been working at Mount Auburn STEAM Academy, one of Dallas ISD’s 80 high priority campuses, for the past two years, and nothing quite compares to the experience.  

“Definitely it’s the most rewarding, you know, to see the growth and to see the changes in the kids,” she said. “I would have to rate that as the best perk ever, to know that … it’s such a good feeling to know that you’re here.” 

Dallas ISD’s open transfer period for the 2021-2022 school year allows passionate teachers, instructional coaches, counselors and media specialists who are interested in sharing this kind experience to apply to HPCs like Mount Auburn Academy. The open transfer period for HPCs and all other schools ends April 15.  

When asked why teachers should consider transferring to HPCs, Mount Auburn music teacher Elise Martinez did not hesitate to answer. 

“They’re needed,” she said. “We need people who want to have a big impact on a community that needs it.”  

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cooray said many students have struggled to keep up amidst all the changes, especially those whose parents are essential workers. Fortunately, Dallas ISD’s special calendars are helping teachers fill the gaps. Cooray and Martinez have seen positive results working on Mount Auburn, which is operating under the Intersession Calendar. With extra time to plan lessons, additional compensation, and opportunities to focus on struggling students in a smaller classroom setting, teachers can thrive while their students succeed.  

“Working at a high priority campus is kind of like climbing a very hard mountain,” Martinez said. “You’re weathering a bunch of storms and when that sun finally comes out, with that child or with that class, it’s so rewarding. You know you’ve been working at one concept, it could be a behavior, it could be a music concept, and once it finally clicks, it’s like a breath of fresh air.” 

Eligible employees who are interested in changing students’ lives at a high priority campus must complete an application at www.dallasisd.org/careers.  

To be eligible for an open transfer, employees must: 

• Hold a valid Texas Teacher Certificate in the requested subject-area vacancy and meet TEA/SBEC Certification Standards for the position 
• Not be identified for non-renewal at the end of the current school year due to performance and/or misconduct 
• Not be entering their fourth year of an Alternative Certification Program 
• For Instructional Coaches only: must receive approval from recommending campus executive director 

“If the classroom is where you want to be and you want to make an impact, and you want to be challenged and pushed, being at these campuses, high priority campuses, it’s just the most rewarding for sure,” Cooray said.  

The Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center, a cooperation with Dallas ISD, is offering free training to small and startup businesses to help them grow. The top participant who completes the program will be awarded $1,000.

Participants will also receive $750 for business legal advice and $300 for entity incorporation, if needed. Participants will also have the opportunity to present their business proposal to potential investors. This initiative is funded in part by the Muse Family Foundation, which has provided funding for the technical assistance training.

This free training will present best practices in business planning, accounting, cash flow management, business taxes, marketing, social media and more over a 12-week period (one three-hour session per week). The program also provides ongoing mentorship.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Own a business in or plan to relocate to 75210 or 75215
• No physical store or space required
• Product-based companies can have pop-up stores
• Service-based companies must hire within zip codes

The application period is March 14-April 1. Orientation is April 25 with sessions beginning via Zoom on April 27.  For more information and to apply, visit www.zwhjcoc.org, click on Events > Classes. You can send inquiries to info@zwhjcoc.org.

The Dallas Cowboys and Reliant recently teamed up to support the importance of reading education, cultivating  a love for literacy and highlighting educators in the DFW area who are transforming their schools and communities through the Class Acts Program Powered by Reliant. 

They surprised two Dallas ISD teachers—Christine Rodriguez and Patricia Cortez—each with $4,000 grants to use toward enriching the lives of their school and community. The presentation featured Cowboys Legend George Teague, Andrea Russell, Vice President of Reliant, Mascot Rowdy, Reliant Mascot Hugo and more. Cowboys Class Acts honors teachers that constantly encourage, lead and strive for excellence in the classroom. Once a month from October to February, the Cowboys and Reliant recognized a total of six teachers in the DFW area for their phenomenal work empowering youth.

Christine Rodriguez | F.P. Caillet Elementary 

Christine Rodriguez has served in the Dallas ISD for 22 years, with the majority of her tenure teaching students with the most severe and profound disabilities. After completing her teaching certification, she took the position of Activities of daily living teacher at Caillet Elementary where she has remained for the past 16 years. She supports her students with exceptional compassion and dedication and brings her experience and passion to her classroom, ensuring her students and optimal educational programs and their families the knowledge and security of their children are safe, secure, and well cared for in Rodriguez’ capable hands.

Patricia Cortez | Casa View Elementary 

Patricia Cortez is not just a wonderful teacher; she is also highly respected in the Dallas community. She was a scholar at Casa View Elementary from 1995 to 2003 and few years later and many years of study, she returned to Casa View as a teacher. Because of this, parents and students see her as an important role model and a great inspiration to their neighborhood. Students love her because she is kind, loving, fun, and cares about them. She is especially gifted at working with emergent bilingual students on math concepts and she constantly and patiently develops number fluency, vocabulary and problem solving skills in her class. Additionally, she is always available to support other teachers with technology, math, class coverage, classroom management, etc. She constantly demonstrates leadership, teamwork and comradery with all teachers on the campus.

Employee Assistance Program offers Ukraine crisis support hotline 

Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, people around the world have been experiencing heightened levels of anxiety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, common reactions to stressful and traumatic events like this one can include disbelief, tension and irritability, loss of appetite, loss of interest in normal activities, trouble concentrating and anger.  

If you or anyone you know is struggling to process current events, help is available through Dallas ISD’s Employee Assistance Program by LifeWorks, a confidential, secure service that offers support to employees, whether they are experiencing personal or work-related issues.  

The EAP has a 24/7 free crisis support hotline for anyone who is having an overwhelming emotional response to the global event. By calling (877) 757-7587, employees will receive crisis counseling support as well as referrals to community resources.  

All EAP materials are available to staff free of charge. Not only is the EAP offering the crisis support hotline, but they also have counselors on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reach the Ukraine crisis support hotline at (877) 757-7587, or visit www.dallasisd.org/benefits and click on Benefits Resources to access online EAP information. 

If you have a need, do not wait! Support is here for you now.  

*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Twelve outstanding Dallas ISD teachers are in the running to become the district’s Teacher of the Year in three categories—elementary, secondary and choice/magnet. These teachers represent a wealth of teaching experience across the district. The winners will be announced on May 10 at the 2021-22 Dallas ISD Educator of the Year Awards, in Partnership with Dallas Education Foundation, Sponsored by Reliant.

Meet the finalists:

Elementary (PK-5) Finalists

Wildrem Andrade Matamoros –  Louise Wolff Kahn Elementary

Born in Honduras, Wildrem Andrade Matamoros moved to Dallas at the age of nine and was enrolled at Louise Wolff Kahn Elementary in Dallas ISD. Eleven years later, she would return to that same school, this time as a first-year bilingual teacher. Throughout her youth, Andrade Matamoros credits the teachers she met along the way who inspired her to set and reach important life goals. Andrade Matamoros became the first in her family to graduate from high school in 2008, and she didn’t stop there. In 2013, Andrade Matamoros graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in early childhood development and returned home to Dallas to become a teacher at L. W. Kahn Elementary. She soon found her true passion in teaching literacy to bilingual and newcomer students with whom she shares similar backgrounds and experiences and in 2014, Andrade Matamoros began a new assignment as a fifth-grade bilingual reading teacher, where she has remained for the past eight years. Andrade Matamoros has been a leader in initiating and implementing impactful writing and social-emotional strategies on her campus while  also serving as the campus activity coordinator and coach for academic teams. Her dream when she was five years old was to be an “orgullo hispano”, someone Hispanic people could look up to. She is grateful for the opportunity to teach in Dallas ISD and to work in the community where she grew up.

Andretti Camper –  Jose “Joe” May Elementary School

Andretti Camper, currently supporting a specialized classroom for students with autism at Jose “Joe” May Elementary, did not choose education; rather, education chose him. Growing up around educators, Camper knew that teaching was the career that would allow him to make a lasting impact on the hearts of others. Camper began his journey as an educator as a teacher assistant, served as a long-term substitute teacher, and then realized his calling as a teacher of students with significant cognitive disabilities. In his role, Camper focuses on functional and daily living skills to ensure his students are learning practical skills that transcend the classroom. Camper is a graduate of William Carey University where he received a Bachelor of Science in English and Biology. As a lifelong learner, Camper is currently completing the final semester of graduate coursework at Texas Tech University where he will receive a Master of Education in special education and autism spectrum disorders and he will then pursue National Board Certification. As a Dallas ISD Specialized Programs Model Teacher, Camper’s ultimate motivation is to advocate for all learners and to be a voice for those that struggle to be heard.

Noemi Arnal Villalba – L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary

Noemi Arnal Villalba teaches third-grade math and science at L. L. Hotchkiss Elementary. Prior to her current role, Arnal Villalba taught at the Cesar Chavez Learning Center and at several schools in Barcelona, Spain. Arnal Villalba is a proud Distinguished Teacher and teacher leader on her campus, and she holds a Master Teacher designation on her Texas Educator Certificate as recognized by the State Board for Education Certification. She was a member of the training team for the Parent Teacher Home Visit Project in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and she presented at the National Parent Teacher Home Visit Gathering in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Arnal Villalba graduated from Pompeu Fabra University at Barcelona with a Bachelor of Arts in Translation and Interpreting where she also earned Master’s degrees in Translation and Interpreting, Linguistics, and Teaching of Compulsory Secondary Education as well as a Baccalaureate in Professional Training and the Teaching of Languages.

Kristina Chandler – Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School

Kristina Chandler, a fifth-grade math teacher at Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School, began her career in education in January 2009 as a substitute before becoming a full-time teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas at Dallas. Chandler serves as Brashear’s first-ever fifth grade Debate team coach and as an advisor to the students in the National Elementary Honor Society. An active member of the Friday Club and Multicultural Committees, Chandler also enjoys training peers and community members. Chandler’s goal is to effectively lead by example with integrity and professionalism, because she believes that conducting oneself with authenticity and integrity will allow all necessary attributes to fall into place. It is her mission to promote the importance of academic success for all students, build long-lasting relationships, and embrace and celebrate diversity throughout the community. Chandler believes serving as an educator is an honor and a privilege, and, with guidance, integrity, and compassion, she will continue to mentor young people as they achieve long-lasting success.

Secondary (6-12) Finalists

Anais Childress – Hillcrest High School

Anais Childress teaches International Baccalaureate History and African American Studies at Hillcrest High School, and she is currently serving as an Assistant Principal intern. Childress holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from North Park University in Chicago, Illinois, and she will earn her Master’s degree in Urban Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University in May 2022. With five years of experience teaching in urban school districts in Chicago and Dallas, Childress became part of Dallas ISD’s founding cohort to offer African American Studies in high schools and prides herself on being a student advocate. She believes that the least we can do within this current system of education is to maximize it to the advantage of the historically underserved. Outside of education, Anais enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling, and serving her community.

Sara Gill – Ann Richards STEAM Academy

Sara Gill, a sixth-grade English Language Arts and Reading teacher at Ann Richards STEAM Academy, joined Dallas ISD in 2014.  A native Texan, Sara Gill was born in Dallas, raised in Garland, and obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas. At Ann Richards, she holds the responsibilities of sixth-grade representative on the Faculty Advisory Committee, facilitator of grade-level content professional learning community, member of the Culture Committee, and model classroom that new and progressing teachers can observe. A Texas Education Agency-designated Master Teacher, Gill is passionate about helping her students not only grow and close the gaps in reading but also gain confidence and realize their potential. Outside of the classroom, Gill enjoys serving the Dallas community as a lead volunteer at Dream Center Dallas whose goal is to equip families with resources and services to meet various immediate and long-term needs including homelessness and hunger.

Dutchess Gutierrez – Thomas Jefferson High School

Dutchess Gutierrez, dance teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School,  was born in Oklahoma City before relocating to Irving and graduating from MacArthur High School. She developed a love for dance as a member of the MacArthur High School Cardettes Dance team and served as the first African-American Captain her senior year. Gutierrez attended Trinity Valley Community College before completing her Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Spanish at Sam Houston State University. After graduation, Gutierrez returned to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and pursued a career in professional dance. During that time,  Gutierrez earned her teaching certification through Texas Woman’s University in an effort to share her passion for dance with students in public education. Gutierrez has proudly spent all eight of her years in education at Thomas Jefferson High School where she teaches Dance Arts and directs both the Liberty Belles Dance/Drill Team and the Thomas Jefferson Dance Company. Gutierrez has served in various roles including TEI campus expert and Senior Sponsor committee member while also expanding her impact as a Dallas ISD Drill Team Facilitator and Summer Dance Intensive site lead. When not in the classroom, Gutierrez enjoys cooking, baking, yoga, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends.

William Hastings – H. Grady Spruce High School

Will Hastings, math department chair at H Grady Spruce High School, discovered that he had no love for engineering – but a deep enjoyment in tutoring his peers in higher-level mathematics – while an undergraduate Electrical Engineering major at the University of North Texas. Realizing his passion, Hastings joined the Teach North Texas Program, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a minor in Education, and the goal of being one of the best teachers Texas has ever seen.  Hastings spent four years teaching in Little Elm and Collinsville, honing his craft, before coming to Dallas ISD to put his skills to the test at H. Grady Spruce High School. Though his first year was rough, it taught him a level of classroom management and parental outreach that he could have never received elsewhere. By year two, Hastings had developed a curriculum that addressed student learning gaps while progressing them forwards to mastery. In only his third year, Hastings was asked to move to the Lead Geometry position, where he doubled the department’s ACP passing averages in historic fashion. Soon after, he was recruited into Spruce’s Early College program, and has now achieved TEI and TIA Distinguished status, become the Head of the Math Department, and enrolled in graduate mathematics courses to become a dual credit teacher for Dallas ISD’s Collegiate Academies.

Choice / Magnet Finalists (All-Level)

Christopher Grace – Rosie Sorrells Education and Social Services Magnet

Christopher Grace,  a world languages teacher at Rosie Sorrells Education and Social Services Magnet, is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and is currently pursuing his Master of Arts in History at Fort Hays State University. Now completing his tenth year in  Dallas, his journey began at Franklin International Exploratory Academy. Upon arrival, the campus world languages program had few students enrolled and offered only one language of study. Within his first three years at Franklin, Mr. Grace used his innovative strategies to attract 100% of students at the campus to enroll in the program and recruited many effective teachers to expand the world languages program at Franklin. He has been successful in leading professional development for student engagement at the campus and district level and has recently led virtual training for cohorts of world languages teachers across the country. He has served on many committees working with the community, educators, and students including the Campus Instructional Leadership Team, Newcomer and English Learner Program, District Advisory Committee, Envision Dallas ISD, TEI Campus Expert, and Site-Based Decision-Making Committee.

Natalia Rodriguez Perez – Dallas Hybrid Preparatory at Stephen J. Hay

Natalia Rodriguez Perez, founding math teacher of Dallas Hybrid Preparatory at Stephen J. Hay is a graduate of the University of Valladolid in Spain, receiving both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in chemistry.   Prior to joining Dallas Hybrid, Rodriguez Perez served at L.O. Donald Elementary School as a math and science bilingual teacher where her students excelled in both subjects, far outpacing peers across the district.  She believes the lessons she designs have a lasting impact on her students and real application on their lives. In addition to teaching grade 4-6 mathematics, Rodriguez Perez also sponsors robotics classes and clubs,  including a female-led robotics team. As an inductee in the talkSTEM-If/Then Educational Fellowship, Rodriguez Perez participates with 25 other middle school women teachers in the Dallas area. This fellowship is designated to activate a culture shift among young girls to open their eyes to STEM careers and to seek to further advance women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers.

Aaronda Smith – George Bannerman Dealey Montessori and Vanguard Academy

Aaronda Smith is a Reading Language Arts Honors 8th grade instructor at George Bannerman Dealey Montessori and Vanguard Academy. A 16-year Dallas ISD veteran teacher, Smith has instructed middle and high school students at three institutions of learning in a variety of disciplines,  including reading, debate, strategies for success, literary genres, and creative writing. In 2015, Smith started Dealey Montessori’s Debate Program, and since then the team has consistently earned high marks and a plethora of awards.  She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with both a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Arts degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction. Throughout her career, she has served in various leadership roles, including Campus Instructional Leadership Team member, Instructional Coach, Site-Based Decision Making team member, mentor teacher, English contact for school programs, and Global Awareness head for implementation of campus global studies. Smith has one goal in life:  to humbly serve every person God places in her path and ensure they leave her presence better than they were before walking into it.

Adriana Campos Low – Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker

Adriana Campos Low, a founding teacher of the Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker is a proud alumna of the Dallas ISD. She became interested in bilingual education as a high school student at The School for the Talented and Gifted. A native Spanish speaker who struggled in an early exit bilingual program, she wondered if other language models could offer more support. This curiosity led her to complete a thesis in her senior year of high school titled, “The Promise of the Dual Language Program in Dallas ISD.” She continued this passion for bilingual education at Stanford University, where she was awarded a grant to conduct an independent research project on the social impact of dual-language programs, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Honors in Education. After receiving her Master of Arts in Education with Bilingual Authorization in Spanish from the Stanford Teacher Education Program in 2012, she began her career as a bilingual teacher in Redwood City, California. In 2016, she returned to Dallas ISD to teach at Stephen C. Foster, her former elementary school, with the hope of empowering students in her community to believe in themselves.  Campos Low is honored to be a part of Dallas ISD and believes it is a privilege to work with students in her community.

Dallas ISD is continuing to scale innovation as it announces the launch of 13 new choice schools for next school year, bringing the number of choice schools in the district to 70.

District leaders and representatives from the Dallas ISD Office of Transformation and Innovation surprised the 13 schools with the good news on Feb. 18 and Feb. 22. Teachers and campus leaders responded with huge cheers and, in a few cases, tears of joy.

The campus leadership teams put in hours of work to go through the Public School Choice 8.0 process, where educators create high-quality, best-fit options for Dallas ISD students to realize their full academic potential.

“We are proud of these principals and schools for bringing their talent and energy into creating innovative school options in families’ backyards,” said Shakeatha Butler, executive director of instructional redesign and new school launch.

The 13 new choice schools and programs that will launch next school year are:

• The Medical District BioMedical School is a brand-new school that will offer students a STEM program focused on Biomedical Sciences
• The iLearn Virtual School will offer anytime, self-paced instruction for students in grades 3 through 9, and ultimately grades K-12
• Thomas J. Rusk Middle School will pilot a leadership and career explorations model
• Bayles Elementary School will launch a leadership model
• Ben Milam Elementary School will launch a visible learning model
• Reinhardt Elementary School will launch a personalized learning model
• Edna Rowe Elementary School will launch a Montessori model
• Gabe Allen Academy will launch the New Tech model
• Arcadia Park Elementary School will pilot a leadership model
• Urban Park Elementary School will become a STEAM school
• Frank Guzick Elementary School will start on the path toward becoming an International Baccalaureate school
• Boude Storey Middle School will become a STEAM school
• Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School will become a STEM school

The launch of the 13 new choice schools follows the November announcement that 20 other Dallas ISD neighborhood schools would each receive $50,000 in seed money to pursue innovative ideas.

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 Spring Break from Monday, March 14, through Friday, March 18. However, the benefits call center will be open regular hours during that time to assist Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

If you have questions regarding your HSA/ 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.