Central Staff News

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.”

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.

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.

Dallas ISD’s United Way employee giving campaign has so far raised $77,541, which is close to the goal of $80,000! The campaign just has one more week to go.

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.

To learn how you can support the goal, contact your campus or department United Way coordinator, or visit the United Way webpage.

What do a Black History Month essay contest, rewards for students who excel in STEM/STEAM, a teacher recognition program, a reading program and scholarship competition all have in common? In this instance, they’re all sponsored by the Dallas Mavericks and are all available to Dallas ISD students and staff.

As part of the Mavs’ Black History Month Challenge, eighth through 12th-grade students are invited to submit an essay honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The essay on the topic “Advancing the Dream: Taking the Next Step to Improving My Community,” will win one lucky student a trip to Atlanta to visit the home of Dr. King and the King Center. The deadline to submit essays is Monday, January 15, 2018.

In concert with ExxonMobil, the Mavs are sponsoring the Honorary Co-Captains program to reward students who enjoy and excel at STEM/STEAM programs. Teachers, counselors and administrators can nominate students for the honor. Selected students get two game tickets, a chance to join in a pre-game shoot around and a seat on the team bench during pre-game introductions. Nominations are due Friday, February 28, 2018.

As a boost to teachers, the Mavs are sponsoring Classroom Champions, a program created to recognize educators for their work in the classroom. The organization will select a pair of teachers every month through March as Champion Teachers of the Month for recognition at a home game and online. At season’s end, the public will be invited to vote for the top five, one of which will receive a cash award of $1,000 for themselves and $1,000 for their school.

Avid readers of all ages can get in the game for the Mavs Reading Challenge, a 15-week effort designed to improve reading and literacy and promote a love of reading among kids of all ages. Dallas parents, students and teachers can sign up online or at any of the 29 Dallas Public Library locations, track their reading from December to March, and qualify to win prizes from the Mavs and Whataburger.

Last but certainly not least, is the Dallas Mavericks Scholarship Program offering high school seniors in financial need the opportunity to apply for one of four $5,000 college scholarships funded in corporation with Century 21 Mike Bowman, Inc. Visit the scholarship program website to view the qualifications and requirements. Applications are due Friday, February 23, 2018.

Dallas ISD’s United Way employee giving campaign has so far raised $44,496 for a great cause! There are just two weeks to go to meet the goal of $80,000.

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.

To learn how you can support the goal, contact your campus or department United Way coordinator, or visit the United Way webpage.