New Technology Chief brings two decades of technology expertise to Dallas ISD

Jack Kelanic is the district’s chief technology officer. Kelanic brings more than 20 years of technology leadership experience to his new post. His responsibilities include developing the long-range technology plan to enable digital learning for Dallas ISD students and improving technology support for schools and district business operations.

Prior to his appointment to Dallas ISD, Kelanic served as the director of information technology for the city of Tacoma, where he led key initiatives such as open data and analytics, mobile government services, digital equity, and technology infrastructure modernization. He also served as the chief information systems director for the Los Angeles Unified School District, where he worked for nearly 14 years in various technology leadership capacities.

Kelanic holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Vanderbilt University.

Volunteers needed for Amazing Shake, round two, on Feb. 2

Central Staff employees are invited to serve as volunteer judges at the second round of the Amazing Shake Competition, from 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2, at the Dallas Education Center, 9400 N. Central Expressway, suite 1350.

Each division is asked to provide 15 to 20 volunteers to score young scholars on how well they introduce themselves, shake hands, smile, and make eye contact. Volunteers can participate for 30 minutes or remain for the entire session. To volunteer, sign up here.

Learn about Toastmasters at Mon., Jan. 29, open house at 9400 NCX

Do your new year’s goals include a desire to improve as a leader and communicator?  Is 2018 the year you invest in expanding your professional skills? Dallas ISD Talk It Up! Toastmasters can  help you achieve these goals. Learn more at an open house at 11:30 a.m., Mon., Jan. 29, in the ninth floor conference room at 9400 N. Central Expwy. Go here or call (972) 925-3915 for additional information.

Staff invited to provide feedback on Discover Dallas ISD Fairs

Teachers, administrators and central staff employees who supported the December 2 and December 9 Dallas ISD school fairs are urged to respond to a survey to provide feedback on the events. Please visithttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/discoverdallasisd17 by Monday, Jan. 22, with suggestions to improve the quality of this districtwide recruitment effort.

Angie Gaylord named acting deputy chief of Transformation and Innovation

Angie Gaylord has been appointed acting deputy chief of the Office of Transformation and Innovation.

Gaylord has served Dallas ISD as executive director of Professional Development and Digital Learning since 2016. Her previous experience in education includes serving Irving ISD as division director of Professional and Digital Development and as principal of Lady Bird Johnson and Crockett middle schools.

At Lady Bird Johnson Middle School, she was instrumental in the development of the country’s first Net Zero School. In 2011, she was honored by the Texas Education Agency for her contributions to innovative systems and teaching in Texas.

Gaylord holds a degree in kinesiology and biology from the University of North Texas and a master’s in educational administration from California State University, Los Angeles.

In her new role, Gaylord will report to Deputy Superintendent Israel Cordero.

Educators may apply for $20k award to further their own education

Dallas ISD educators and administrators can now apply for a $20,000 scholarship to continue their post-baccalaureate education to benefit the Dallas ISD community and its students.

The Credit Union of Texas established the William H. Cotton Scholarship in 2016. The scholarship is named after William H. Cotton, a Dallas ISD and credit union trailblazer.

Teachers and administrators can go here to learn more and download the scholarship application.

Eligibility requirements for scholarship applicants include:

  • Must be a CUTX member with a checking account prior to submitting an application.
  • Checking account, and all other accounts at CUTX, must be in good standing.
  • Must be a full-time or part-time DISD faculty or administrator. Must be intent to further your career in the field of education and serving the DISD community during the course of the

The scholarship entry packed must be postmarked by March 30.

The past winners of the scholarship are Nancy Bernardino, the principal of Dallas ISD’s Solar Preparatory School for Girls, and Zumwalt Middle School teacher Shareefah Nadir-Mason

“The Credit Union of Texas believes it is important to invest in the future of Dallas ISD educators because the future of the school district is directly tied to the quality of its leadership and teachers,” CUTX said in a statement. “Anytime we can support the Dallas ISD in its efforts to distinguish itself as one of the best urban school districts in the nation, it is in our best interests to do so because we know that a strong and healthy Dallas ISD means that the Credit Union of Texas enhances its chances of continuing as a strong and viable financial institution.  Given our long and storied history together as partners, we want all Dallas ISD employees and families to think of the Credit Union of Texas as their partner of choice for all of their financial needs.”

Score! United Way employee giving campaign sprints past goal

Dallas ISD’s United Way employee giving campaign ended up raising $120,000, which far surpasses the original $80,000 goal!

The campaign supports the many United Way programs that directly benefit district students and families. These programs include: after-school, scouting, early childhood, parent education, college and career readiness, homeless education, summer camps, mentoring, STEM, tutoring and many more programs.

 

New learn anytime options now available to Central Staff

Central Staff employees can now take their learning to the next level with dozens of online and video-based courses. These include titles such as Lead with Compassion, Build a Team, The Seven Habits of Highly Effectively People, Six Sigma, and more. These online learning opportunities are available around the clock, accessible from a computer, tablet or other mobile device–for the first 300 Central Staff employees who sign up. Go here to review a list of training sessions, and register today.

See the approved Dallas ISD calendar for 2018–2019 school year

The 2018–2019 school year will start for students on Aug. 20, include a full week off for Thanksgiving, and end for students on May 29.

Trustees approved the 2018–2019 Dallas ISD calendar during their scheduled meeting on Dec. 14. The calendar incorporates feedback received from employees, parents, students and community members.

Important dates for the Dallas ISD calendar include:

  • 171 student instructional days starting Aug. 20
  • Teachers have 187 contract days, three Professional Development District Mandated Waiver days, seven professional development days, five teacher work days, and will receive one day credit for the two evenings of parent conferences
  • Two fair days for all students: Elementary Fair Day is Friday, Oct. 12, and Secondary Fair Day is Friday, Oct. 19. Elementary Fair Day is a professional development day for secondary teachers, and Secondary Fair Day is a professional development day for elementary teachers, meaning students have off both days
  • One week off for Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 19–23
  • For Winter Break students are out Dec. 20–Jan. 8 and staff are out Dec. 21–Jan. 4
  • Spring break, March 11–15
  • Staff/student holidays on Sept. 3, Jan. 21, Feb. 18 and May 27
  • Inclement weather makeup days on April 19 and 22

Trustees on Dec. 14 also approved the 2019–2020 school year calendar.