Staff News

More than 11,600 employees received their $500 vaccine incentive in September and more than 3,500 will be getting theirs as part of their October paycheck. If you are feeling left out don’t wait to get your first shot because time is running out to participate.

Dallas ISD full- and part-time employees who have received all the required doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to participate in the vaccination incentive.  They must provide proof of vaccination by Nov. 15 to be eligible to receive the incentive. Employees who have not yet gotten their first shot of a two-shot vaccine should plan to get it soon so they can receive their second shot and submit proof by the deadline.

With the safety and well-being of staff and students in mind, Dallas ISD is offering a one-time incentive of $500 to district employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To get the incentive, employees should fill out the vaccination incentive form and submit proof of vaccination (COVID vaccination card, IMMTrac2 print out or written confirmation from the employee’s medical provider).

For more information and to access the form to submit proof of vaccination, visit www.dallasisd.org/vaccineincentive.

Rosa Guerrero, a nursing supervisor in Health Services, one of the district’s leaders in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. A Dallas native, Guerrero is also a Skyline High School graduate and the daughter of district retirees. Early in life, her parents were migrant workers from South Texas who worked the fields picking different crops based on the season. Her mother became an assistant principal at Skyline High School and her father was a principal at Ignacio Zaragoza Elementary School.

What is something you everyone to know about you:

I attended Edna Rowe Elementary School and I am a proud graduate of Skyline High School where I was enrolled in the Cosmetology Cluster. I worked as a hair stylist after I graduated from high school.

My mother was a Ballet Folklorico instructor at North Dallas High School in the mid to late ’90s. I would also perform with her students during some events. My father was a Vietnam veteran and is buried at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.

What is something you want everyone to know about your heritage: 

I would like everyone to know that my heritage is rich in cultural rituals. For example, my heritage honors our loved ones that have passed away by creating altars that honor them. We honor them during El Día de los Muertos on Nov. 1.

My heritage is also celebrated by cultural dance such as Ballet Folklorico and cultural music such as mariachi. Lastly, cultural foods feed the soul and make me feel connected to my heritage.

What parts of your heritage are most important to you?

The parts of my heritage that are most important to me are family connections and cultural rituals. Family is what makes me who I am today.

How does your heritage inform how you approach health concerns with students and parents who have your same background?

Understanding my heritage helps me connect with students and their parents significantly. I am able to understand what health conditions plague our community such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and heart conditions. Our diet is high in cholesterol, sodium and sugars, which predisposes us to those conditions. Being able to educate parents on how they may continue to cook cultural foods but may considers cutting down on serving sizes.

My heritage also places a focus on homeopathic remedies such as hot teas and essential oils. We believe in a hot-cold balance and an imbalance of either results in illness. Being able to understand and relate to parents and students assists me to better educate and provide resources that can help combine both modern and cultural remedies. 

And how do you personally contribute to the success of students and the district, keeping in mind the skills and knowledge your background gives you?

I personally contribute to the success of the students and the district by ensuring students are healthy to attend school. I also ensure all health barriers are removed so families feel confident that their scholar is receiving medical services at school when needed.

How does your background and heritage help make Dallas ISD a more inclusive district for staff, students and the community?

I am able to better communicate with families and ensure they feel welcomed when arriving to Dallas ISD events, campuses or buildings. When families see individuals who are similar to them, it helps them feel welcomed and at home.

If you are bilingual, how do you relate to people in either language, and is language one of the things that helps you connect to your heritage?

I am bilingual although Spanish is my second language. I grew up speaking English and learned Spanish along the way. Being able to communicate in both languages is essential to ensure families remain informed. I have been selected to participate in media interviews with multiple Spanish news outlets in Dallas. Most media requests are related to back-to-school vaccinations, flu education and most recently COVID updates.

Language is one thing that helps me connect to my heritage. I feel like part of a bigger family when I am able to communicate with others in Spanish.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, what is the most important thing people should know about our culture?
Our culture is resilient and hopeful, and we are stronger together. When we realize that we are part of a bigger picture, we will then realize that we can face adversity and be successful. We must be knowledgeable of our culture and our history so that we won’t forget the fight and sacrifice others may have had to make in order for us to be here right now.  It’s important for our children and scholars to see us as role models and to remember that if they can see us, they can be us! Si se puede!

The Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center—a shared space with Dallas ISD—is offering free training sessions in October for families and residents in South Dallas.

Financial literacy classes 

Learn to create balance sheets, savings plans, monthly budgets and more on the way to learning how to accumulate wealth in two financial literacy classes being offered by the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Center.  Orientation is scheduled for Oct. 20 for either the Hispanic Women’s Financial Wellness Group or the Millennial Women’s Financial Wellness Group.

Participants can expect to set financial goals and then create a realistic plan of action to help them meet those goals and objectives.

These classes are made possible through a grant from the Texas Women’s Foundation.

Learn a new skill in an emerging field 

Registration is open now through Oct. 12 for a free job skills training program to teach individuals to install fiber optic cables. Fiber optics is commonly used in telecommunication services such as internet, television and telephones.

Go to www.zwhjcoc.org and click on the Skills Training tab. Applicants will be assigned an interview time by Oct. 13, which will be conducted  with Oct. 14-15. Classes and interviews will be held in-person at Frazier House, 4600 Spring Ave., Dallas.

For more information and to register for any of the free courses, visit www.zwhjcoc.org or send an email to info@zwhjcoc.org.

Even though it may still be warm and sunny outside, Dallas ISD has returned to regular dress code to promote a professional atmosphere and maintain the positive image that employees present as representatives of the district. This image is affected by the manner of dress within the workplace and in public.

The district’s dress code policy is designed to help employees provide a consistent professional appearance to colleagues, students, parents, and the community. Employees should exemplify the highest standards of professional appearance.

To help guide employees in determining appropriate attire for the workplace, attached are the business dress code guidelines outlined in DH(LOCAL) and DH(REGULATION).

For questions or comments, please contact Policy and Compliance at hcmcompliance@dallasisd.org.

Overview

• The dress code standards are meant to maintain an orderly educational environment and will not infringe on an individual’s culture, religious beliefs, or protected free speech.
• The dress and grooming of district employees shall be clean, neat, in a manner appropriate for their assignments, and in accordance with any additional standards established by their supervisors and approved by the Superintendent of Schools.
• All employees are expected to exemplify proper grooming standards and personal hygiene in a manner that projects a professional image for the employees and the district.
• Male employees shall keep their hair and facial hair groomed neatly.
• Employees will not be allowed to display any jewelry, tattoos, brands, or similar artifacts that are either obscene, distracting, or may cause disruptions to the educational environment.

Acceptable Attire

• Clothing should be clean, pressed, and wrinkle-free.
• All attire should fit appropriately (not excessively tight or loose).
• Dress pants, dress shirts, and blouses are acceptable.
• Professional dresses and skirts are acceptable.
• Professional footwear is required at all times.
• Employees required to wear district-issued uniforms are expected to wear the assigned uniform.

Unacceptable Attire

• Inappropriate attire includes, but is not limited to form-fitting, snug, sagging, or transparent clothing.
• Excessively worn, faded, or tight clothing is not acceptable.
• Clothing with holes or frayed areas is not acceptable.
• Revealing or provocative attire is not acceptable.
• Necklines that expose cleavage are not acceptable.
• Dresses and skirts shorter than three inches above the bend of the knee are not acceptable.
• Jeans, sweatpants, shorts, bib overalls, leggings, spandex, and lycra are not acceptable.
• Tank tops, t-shirts, and shirts with inappropriate messages/graphics are not acceptable.
• Athletic wear and beach wear are not acceptable.
• Slippers, flip-flops, house shoes, sneakers, and athletic shoes are not acceptable.
• Hats are not to be worn inside, unless used as protective wear appropriate for one’s job function.

Exceptions

• Administrators will have the discretion to make exceptions to appropriateness of attire as it relates to culture, religious beliefs, vocational courses, physical education, maintenance, medical necessities, events, and spirit days.
• The Superintendent of Schools may waive the dress code for district employees when school is not in session or based on seasonal weather conditions, special events, and the like.

Reference: DH(LOCAL) and DH(REGULATION)

If you know an educator who has gone extra mile each and every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same, you can nominate them for the Excellence in Education Awards given by H-E-B.

Even though the awards have been postponed until 2022 in light of ongoing public health concerns, nominations are being accepted through Oct. 18. Nominations are being accepted for teachers, principals, school boards, school districts or early childhood centers in Texas.

Created in 2002, the H‑E‑B Excellence in Education Awards are designed to honor outstanding public school professionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Since its launch, the effort has awarded more than $11 million to deserving educators. The Dallas ISD won the 2020 district award and a check for $100,000.

To learn more about the program and fill out a nomination, visit https://www.heb.com/static-page/excellence-in-education-awards.

Dallas ISD is celebrating National School Lunch Week with food, fun, and opportunities for students to win awesome prizes. This year’s theme is “Feed Your Creativity with A Healthy School Lunch”

Here’s how students can participate:

#SHOWLUNCHDISD SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE: OCTOBER 11- 15

All DISD Students, staff, and families are invited to create a video to promote the importance of

school lunch. Participants will share/ promote their favorite school lunch or what school lunch

means to them by using the hashtag #ShowLunchDISD on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram,

from October 11-15.

• Social Media Challenge Rules

• Video participants must be Dallas ISD students, staff, or family members.
• Participating students must have a photo release form on file.
• Video must be limited to 60 seconds in length.
• Video with the most likes, shares, and tweets will receive a 44” adjustable portable basketball hoop.
• One winner per video.
• Post and share your video using the hashtag #ShowLunchDISD and tag @DallasISDFood

#DISDLunchWeek 5-Day Challenge (High school)

All high school students are encouraged to participate in the Dallas ISD Lunch Week 5-Day Challenge. Participants are challenged to take a photo with their school lunch every day and post the picture on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #DISDLunchWeek. Students who post a photo at least three of the five days will be entered into a drawing to win a pair of Apple Air Pods. For more information about National School Lunch Week, visit our website at www.dallasisd.org/fcns.

The Racial Equity Office in partnership with the Office of Transformation and Innovation is seeking 100 district mentors to assist students and families during the magnet school application period.  Each mentor will be assigned five elementary and/or middle school students from various campuses throughout the district.

The purpose of the Magnet Mentor program is to increase the number of African American and English Learner students from historically underrepresented communities who enroll in the Dallas ISD magnet school programs.  The goal of this initiative is to involve 500 students this year.

Mentor responsibilities will include helping families with application support, assessment preparation, and connecting students with current and  future campus supports. All selected mentors will be eligible for a $500 stipend in June if all program expectations are met.

If you are interested in serving as a mentor this year, please use this link and apply by Oct. 15. Selected mentors will be notified via email by Oct. 26.

If you aspire to lead and envision yourself as an assistant principal but the lack of a master’s degree and principal certification stand in your way, Dallas ISD is here to help. The district is looking for teachers and instructional coaches who have strong leadership potential for an opportunity with the Aspiring Leaders Program (ALP), a unique school leadership development program offered through Southern Methodist University.

The Aspiring Leaders Program  is a master’s degree program wherein candidates will earn their M.Ed in Urban Educational Leadership, and also become eligible to apply for principal certification.

This program is designed for educators who do not currently have their principal certification and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and have the passion and commitment to lead in an AP position for the 2023-2024 school year.

The Aspiring Leaders Program offers two cohorts:

1. Urban Educational Leadership: Prepares future leaders to lead in a comprehensive context.

2. Urban Educational Leadership with Bilingual/Dual Language Focus: Uniquely prepares bilingual educators to lead Dallas ISD bilingual and dual language programs.  Dallas ISD needs more bilingual leaders to serve our communities and this specially-created cohort offers an excellent opportunity for bilingual teachers to expand their impact!

Highlights of this program include:

• Rigorous & competency-based.  The two-year program includes a 2nd year residency, including coaching support and culminates in an M.Ed. in Urban Educational Leadership from SMU.

• Ascending Leaders.  In Dallas ISD, over 100 ALP alumni and participants serve in leadership roles, including 25 current principals and 52 assistant principals.

• Bilingual/ Dual Language leadership cohort.  Ability to specialize and be uniquely prepared to lead Dallas ISD bilingual and dual language programs.

• Tuition Reimbursement.  The district will potentially provide partial tuition reimbursement for participants in this program.

SMU and the LEAD team will be hosting two information sessions via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 14, and Monday, Oct. 25,  from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. If you are interested in growing as a leader and developing the skills necessary to lead schools, please RSVP using this link to learn more about the Aspiring Leaders Program

Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact LEAD@dallasisd.org or visit www.smu.edu/urbanleader

Dallas ISD art teachers are incredibly talented, but did you know that many of them are also working artists? You can see just how talented they are in a special exhibit at the Music Hall in Fair Park

The HeArt of Teaching is a joint collaboration by Dallas ISD, the Dallas Education Foundation, and Dallas Summer Musicals that highlights the talents of nearly 60 district art teachers. Their works of art will be on display  until Oct. 23. Admission is free (though a valid ticket to the State Fair of Texas is required through Oct. 17).

A fundraiser culmination event celebrating our teacher-artists will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 25. All artwork was donated and will be available for sale with proceeds benefitting the Dallas Education Foundation to support the district’s mission of accelerating student success. Registration information can be found at futureofdallas.org/event2021

Seasonal flu mimics many of the same symptoms of COVID-19, which can make it difficult for patients and providers to tell the difference between the two illnesses. Getting a flu shot is an important step we can all take to protect ourselves and our families.

Dallas ISD will provide access to convenient walk-up flu shot clinics for employees at a variety of times at campuses, central office and service centers. Flu shot clinics will be available through Dec. 10 at various locations. To find the date, time and location most convenient to you, please visit https://www.dallasisd.org/fluclinics. We recommend that staff register as soon as possible.

Flu vaccines are free for employees enrolled in TRS-Active Care insurance, other medical insurance plans and Medicare.

The district and the flu s will be taking extra steps to ensure employees feel safe while receiving a flu shot.

If you have questions or concerns, please call 972-925-4300 or email benefits@dallasisd.org.