District’s new Multicultural Studies and History Advisory Council will ensure variety of cultures are celebrated

Dallas ISD Racial Equity Office established the Multicultural Studies and History Advisory Council.

This group will serve as an advocacy council for creating multicultural studies, experiences and opportunities for student and adult voices to be heard, engaged and expressed in education. This council will support the Racial Equity Office in its efforts to engage various sources from literature to oral history in an effort  to educate and celebrate a variety of cultures.

“This council marks a powerful moment in the history of Dallas ISD. We are excited to engage people from many different ethnic groups and cultures to empower all children,” said Leslie Williams, Deputy Chief of Racial Equity Office

Participates in this advisory council were from different educational entities from across the city of Dallas which included non-profits, local universities, Dallas County Community Colleges, arts community, film makers, artist,  faith-based organizations and more. Dallas ISD Racial Equity Office is creating a number of specific collective impact models that will serve as collaborative opportunities to engage Dallas ISD from a variety of different entry points.

“History comes from a variety of societal and cultural viewpoints. Therefore, it is critical to understand the historical context that has shaped the lived experiences of people of color,” said Jamila Thomas, Director of Racial Equity Office. “Equally important, is the opportunity to celebrate a variety of cultures that represent the beauty of diversity. If we can exemplify how students should value their individuality while celebrating those who may look, sound and experience life different, we can create a beautiful mosaic of educational spaces.”

Dallas ISD student dreams fly high in Philadelphia

Each student at Anson Jones Elementary School has a dream, and now people across the world know it, too.

The campus participated for the second time in two years in the Dreamline Project that saw the school’s 620 students each write down their dreams on individual flags. Whether the student dreamed of being a doctor, President of the United States, or running their own business, art teacher Candice Lindsay said the students greatly benefited from thinking about their future goals.

Four staff members from Jones Elementary traveled to Philadelphia on May 5 to show off the students’ creations, as well as dream flags from Arcadia Park Elementary School.

“Some of these students had never really thought about the future before this project,” Lindsay said. “The fact that these students sat down and thought about their dreams and were then able to visualize them, that could change the world.”

“Seeing students express their aspirations through poetry and art was very powerful and reinforced the impact we as educators have on our students,” added Anson Jones Elementary Principal Alberto Herrera. “We can easily extinguish or ignite these dreams by our actions and words. It is also a testament to the teamwork exhibited by Anson Jones staff as they kindled our student’s imaginations to voice their ambitions in a relevant, heartfelt manner.”

Jeff Harlan, founder of the Dreamline Project, called Anson Jones Elementary a model to all 120,000 students across 35 countries and 42 states who have declared and shared their dream on a flag.

“The presence of Anson Jones flags and leaders in Philadelphia made our event so much more powerful and potent. Everyone was touched by it,” Harlan said. “We look forward to more collaboration with Anson Jones and to supporting a surge of dreaming and doing across Dallas in the months ahead.”

Any Dallas ISD campus that wants to participate in the Dreamline Project can contact Mrs. Candice Lindsay at CBLOUNT@dallasisd.org or call Anson Jones Elementary School at 972-794-4700.

Special-education teacher at Hernandez is first to win award

Mia Witt didn’t know why she got summoned to the principal’s office earlier this month, but some of her students thought it was funny.

Witt, a special education inclusion teacher at Onesimo Hernandez Elementary School, is the first recipient of a quarterly $250 recognition provided by Carter Financial Management. The effort will spotlight and thank dedicated teachers by providing funds for them to spend in their classrooms. The award is coordinated by the district’s Partnership Services and Special Education departments.

Parents, community and staff were encouraged to identify nominees that demonstrate qualities of a distinguished special education teacher, setting high standards and demonstrating commitment for improving outcomes for students who receive special education services in Dallas ISD.

Witt graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and studied Elementary Education at UNT.

“Ms. Witt goes above and beyond what is expected of a teacher,” said teacher Danielle Wegman. “She seeks out challenging students and goes the extra mile to engage them in their learning and help them conquer challenges outside of school as well. She sought out the challenge of joining an ACE school because of her love for transforming the lives of disadvantaged students. During her time at Hernandez ACE she has worked well outside the prescribed hours of tutoring to even ride the bus with her students to prevent fights.”

Teacher Dora Griffin said Witt helps her students from the minute they walk into Hernandez until the minute they leave to go home.

“She knows every student on campus by name, even the gen ed students,” Griffin said. “She helps motivates and encourage every student to be and do his or her best.”

Dallas ISD needs bus drivers for 2018-2019 school year

Following the dissolution of Dallas County Schools, Dallas ISD Student Transportation Services is taking on the responsibility for student transportation for the 2018-2019 school year.

Employees who hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or who are willing to obtain the necessary credentials to drive a bus, are asked to complete a brief survey to express their interest in serving as a driver. The assignment requires a commercial driver’s license and participation in mandatory training in addition to normal job responsibilities. Compensation will be provided for the additional work. Please respond to the survey by close of business Monday, May 21.

Student Transportation Employee Survey

Based on survey responses, Student Transportation Services will follow up with employees who are willing to serve as drivers to provide information about credentials, hours of service, compensation and other related details.

Reilly Elementary staff use first aid training to revive substitute teacher

Irene Aguilar was printing out a form at Martha Turner Reilly Elementary School when she heard a substitute teacher at the school fall to the floor in the front office. The teacher was unconscious.

Aguilar, the school’s office manager, quickly called School Nurse Beata Fik and Counselor Amparo Guzman. The skills they learned in their Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED training kicked in. They called 911, and after using the school’s defibrillator and performing CPR, the substitute regained a pulse. Aguilar, Fik and Guzman then used CPR skills to support the teacher until the ambulance arrived.

“It was just amazing how everyone played a part to help save his life,” Guzman said.

Today the substitute teacher is walking and on his way to recovery in the hospital. Dallas ISD Health Services Director Jennifer Finley applauded the Reilly Elementary staff for their heroic actions.

“The medical staff at the admitting hospital thanked the school staff for their quick and effective response,” Finley said. “It was because of their recognition and action that the substitute teacher is up walking, talking and expected to make a full recovery.”

Dallas ISD Health Services trains about 2,200 staff, teachers and students every year in first aid and CPR. Every campus is allocated a nurse and has at least one defibrillator machine.

May 9 is National School Nurse Day, and it’s a chance to recognize the amazing work campus nurses do every day across Dallas ISD.

“We are so fortunate to have our campus nurses there to respond to emergencies, provide an extra layer of safety, and encourage our students to make healthy choices and live a healthy lifestyle,” Finley said. “Our nurses are a valuable member of every campus.”

Thank your favorite educator during Teacher Appreciation Week

Dallas ISD is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week May 7–12, and it’s an opportunity to recognize the tremendous work district educators do every day.

We need your help to give these educators the recognition they deserve!

Have good photo or a story about your favorite Dallas ISD teacher? Email it to thehub@dallasisd.org, or post the photo or story to social media with the hashtag #ThankATeacher and tag us on Twitter (@dallasschools), Facebook (@DallasISD) and Instagram (@DallasISD).

Are you a business offering a special discount to teachers this week? Email thehub@dallasisd.org, and we will share the best deals for teachers throughout the week.

Dallas ISD is home to thousands of highly qualified and certified teachers, and this is a week to thank them for helping students discover their potential.

Teacher Appreciation Week: Offers aim to make teachers feel special

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7–12, and, to celebrate, multiple Dallas businesses and restaurants are offering special discounts to our tireless classroom educators.

Tacos Y Mas

Tacos Y Mas has deals going on for teachers all week. Teachers need to show a valid teacher ID to redeem. See the flyer here. The deals are:

  • Monday: Free street taco
  • Tuesday: Free churo
  • Wednesday: Free drink
  • Thursday: Free tortilla soup
  • Friday: Free nachos

Raising Cane’s

Teachers who show their ID can receive a free box combo on Tuesday from 3­–8 p.m. See the flyer here.

Chipotle

Teachers, faculty and staff who stop by Chipotle with their faculty ID on Tuesday from 3 p.m.–close can get a buy-one/get-one-free burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos. The deal is only valid in-restaurant.

Cicis

Teachers with a valid ID can enjoy a free buffet at Cicis on Tuesday. Get the coupon here.

Designer Shoe Warehouse

Designer Shoe Warehouse is offering Dallas ISD employees 20-percent off regular priced items and 10-percent off clearance items on Thursday, May 10 from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. DSW has locations at the Preston Center Pavilion, 9335 Westchester Drive, and The Shops at Park Lane, 8160 Park Lane. See the flyer here.

Snuffers

In honor of teacher appreciation week, Snuffers is offering all teachers 15 percent off their meals from May 7-11. Go here to see a list of Snuffers locations.

JCPenney

JCPenney is offering Dallas ISD teachers and staff a re-usable discount card redeemable in-store or online. All district employees are welcome to use the coupon available through the staff email announcement. The coupon is valid through July 31.

Online purchases

65-percent off select original and regular priced apparel, shoes, accessories and home purchases || 30-percent off select sale and clearance priced apparel, shoes, accessories and home purchases || Extra 15-percent off select furniture, mattresses, housewares, floor care, custom blinds and shades. **Standard Exclusions Apply

In-Store Purchases

 60-percent off select original and regular priced apparel, shoes, accessories and home purchases || 30% off select sale and clearance priced apparel, shoes, accessories and home purchases || Extra 15% off select furniture, mattresses, housewares, floor care, custom blinds and shades. **Standard Exclusions Apply

Email thehub@dallasisd.org to add any other deals to this list!

Dallas ISD announces senior staff changes amid HCM chief’s retirement

Dallas ISD Chief of Human Capital Management Karry Chapman has announced her retirement effective June 30. Chapman began serving Dallas ISD as interim chief of HCM in February 2015 and was subsequently selected to permanently fill the position, bringing her extensive years of leadership in human resources to the district.

Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa said, “Karry has been a great supporter and an important member of the leadership team.” We’re grateful for her dedication and service to the students and staff of this district and wish her well on her retirement.”

Houston ISD Chief of Staff Cynthia Wilson, who formerly served as Dallas ISD chief of staff, has agreed to return to Dallas ISD as chief of Human Capital Management.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Wilson back and look forward to having her with us in this capacity,” Hinojosa said. “She is a dynamic leader, and I know she will do well.”

Wilson served as Dallas ISD chief of staff from 2015 to 2017 before joining Houston ISD. She will rejoin the district in her new leadership post July 1.

In addition, John Vega, executive director of the L.G. Pinkston feeder pattern, has been promoted to deputy chief of HCM effective June 1.

Effective today, Angie Gaylord has been appointed deputy chief of the Office of Transformation and Innovation. Gaylord, who was hired as executive director of Professional Development in 2016, has served as acting deputy chief of OTI since January.

“Angie has done an outstanding job in this position, and I’m confident she will continue to effectively lead the Office of Transformation and Innovation,” said Hinojosa.

New school leadership structure will support professional learning

Dallas ISD is redesigning its school leadership structure to foster and support professional learning networks.

The current structure groups campuses together by feeder patterns, which includes elementary, middle and high schools. While there will still be feeder pattern meetings in 2018-2019, the new structure aligns schools by grade levels. This means, for example, that elementary school principals will have opportunities for more meaningful interactions with fellow elementary school principals.

“Fostering professional learning networks among our campus leaders, while also matching the skill set expertise of our personnel, is a more effective way to boost student achievement,” said Dallas ISD Chief of School Leadership Stephanie Elizalde.

Go here to see the new leadership structure.