Starting in the 2021-2022 school year, students at select high schools will have access to new courses to enrich their educational experience thanks to a new virtual education environment.
This fall, students at W.H. Adamson, David W. Carter, Justin F. Kimball, Moisés E. Molina, L.G. Pinkston, Franklin D. Roosevelt, South Oak Cliff and Sunset high schools will be able to participate in classes not normally offered at their schools.
Students in all grade levels at these schools will have access to Advanced Placement world history and statistics as well as to Italian and German courses through virtual instruction in their classrooms. The courses are aligned with the curriculum and will be led by qualified teachers working remotely from Career Institute South
“When we were looking at schools in the south and southwest, we found that campuses did not provide equitable access to rigorous coursework,” said Mitch Morken, director of Advanced Academic Services. “We started looking for solutions.”
The solution—this new virtual approach—means that instead of hiring several teachers to teach at each school, the district can hire a teacher qualified in each subject who can teach students at various schools throughout the week.
When it comes to language offerings, the district offers Spanish at the high schools already, but the new approach adds two other language choices for students who already speak Spanish or are interested in a different language, said Amy Anderton, director of World Languages.
“This opens up new opportunities for students in schools in the south,” she said.
Deputy Chief Technology Officer Laurie Vondersaar, who started with Dallas ISD June 7, will oversee districtwide technology operations and campus technology support. Prior to coming to Dallas, Vondersaar was assistant superintendent of Strategic Initiative and Communication for Lovejoy ISD. In her 21 years of experience, she has also held the position of chief technology officer at various districts. She holds bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degrees in computer education and cognitive systems from the University of North Texas and a doctorate in educational administration from Concordia University.
contributions to district counselors during six years at Hillcrest High School, Belia Martinez has been named Dallas ISD 2021 Counselor of the Year.
Sean Hamilton, Daniel Webster Elementary School—Hamilton was recognized for his work during the pandemic. According to the principal, he looked out for the social and emotional well-being of the entire campus. He has consistently ensured that staff focused on self-care and that students were dealing with trauma effectively. He is devoted to the educational, social, and emotional well-being of every student at the campus. Hamilton has also helped to create a culture of career and college readiness, social-emotional stability, and community involvement.
campus also won the CREST Award this year for counseling excellence. Johnson knows every student she supports and counselsbecause she builds inspiring relationships. During this past year, she had a virtual counselor corner that students could visit during lunch or after school. She coordinated high school and college virtual visits for students. Johnson wears many hats around the campus, but her most important role is that of counselor and mentor.
Nathan Smith, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts—Beyond his abilities in accomplishing the tasks associated with his position, Smith is described by the principal as being genuine, warm, and approachable. He never hesitates to take on more responsibilities if it means helping students. For example, he sponsored the school’s very first “No Place for Hate” team this year, receiving rave reviews from the district and making a huge impact on the campus culture. Smith is a valued member of the school’s leadership team and appreciated for his kindness and love for the students and staff.
described as someone who truly cares for each student’s future. She established strong and lasting relationships with students and their parents. Whether working with a student in crisis or a student who simply needed to talk, Okoli made that student feel like they were the most important person in the world. She is a shining example of servant leadership and a role model.
