Staff News

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New staff page provides a one-stop shop for employees

A new Dallas ISD staff page, Twitter account and video series are part of a commitment to give every Dallas ISD employee the online tools and resources they need to succeed.

New staff page provides a one-stop shop 

The new Dallas ISD staff page that launched today at www.dallasisd.org/staff provides a one-stop shop for the online resources, links and news that all district employees need to succeed. In addition to the general homepage, there are separate resource pages for campus staff (go here) and central staff (go here). The staff page will be continually improved to best meet the needs of employees, so please email any feedback to thehub@dallasisd.org.

Next in Dallas ISD

The staff page will host Next in Dallas ISD, a bi-weekly video that will give a quick rundown of relevant information for the upcoming two weeks.

#TeamDallasISD on Twitter

There is a new official Twitter account specifically for Dallas ISD employees: @TeamDallasISD, orwww.twitter.com/TeamDallasISD. Follow along as we tweet out staff spotlights and news, resources, and more.

Maintaining your website and social media

A quick reminder that campus and department leaders should designate someone to maintain their website throughout the year. Email brreed@dallasisd.org if you have any questions. If you need help regarding a social media account for your school or department, email thehub@dallasisd.org.

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Four district teachers travel to Honduras for library project

This summer, four Dallas ISD teachers traveled to Honduras for a professional development and supply donation for a library/computer lab project in San Rafael, Choluteca.

Richard Lagow Elmentary teacher Jenny Gutierrez Le organized the trip, and took along fellow teachers Joseph Ellis (special education), Merarí Garcia (mathematics) and Samantha White (science).

“I was very proud to represent our school Richard Lagow in Honduras,” Le said. “And I was blessed to have taken with me such as terrific team of teachers: Ms. White, Ms. Garcia, and Mr. Ellis.”

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Teachers enjoy personalized professional development (video)

Teachers over the summer participated in professional development that was tailored to their individual needs.

The sessions provided an engaging environment for educators to learn from the best content-based instructors. Teachers could also explore new technology and practices, delve into content areas, discover the benefits of Social and Emotional Learning, and much more.

Watch the above video for an inside look into the sessions.

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Construction, maintenance workers stretch to prep for first day of classes

While most workers have spent the summer pursuing at least some rest and relaxation, it’s been just the opposite for hundreds of construction crews and maintenance workers toiling up to the last minute readying Dallas ISD schools. They’ve been racing the clock to complete projects before students pour back into the buildings on August 28.

Their work has ranged from relatively modest jobs like paint and window installation to asbestos removal, roof repairs, and major classroom additions. At virtually every district campus, workers have tweaked air conditioning units, shampooed carpets, replaced light bulbs and touched nearly every nook and cranny of schools getting ready for the big day.

At W.T. White High School, construction workers spent the summer completing work begun last June on a three-story, 50,800-square-foot addition. The new wing includes 27 classrooms, three science labs, teachers’ lounges, and spaces for custodians. The crew formed to construct the addition numbered some 250, including electricians, plumbers, heating and air conditioning specialists, concrete contractors, and tradesmen experienced in cabinetry, painting, drywall, and landscaping, among others.

The two team members most responsible for keeping the job moving forward on time and within budget are Project Manager Phil Garcia and Superintendent Rob Cortez. They agree that two major challenges of such large projects are keeping everyone safe and mindful of safety and building a working team at the same time you’re constructing a building. “If you don’t have a solid team, you don’t have anything,” said Cortez.

After weeks, months and holidays spent working alongside dozens of contractors, conforming the structure to the architect’s vision, ensuring the quality of materials and labor, and making sure everyone gets paid, Garcia said the biggest payoff is the pride of a job well done. “We’re all proud of what we accomplished and of our commitment to our client, the Dallas ISD.”

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Teachers and staff bring district to the doorstep during Neighborhood Walk

Rosemont Elementary students Idaliz and Ozandro Rios were having a typical summer morning—sleeping in, watching “Lab Rats” on Disney, eating cereal—when they heard a knock on the door.

They looked out the window and saw a most unusual sight: Mrs. Rachel Moon, their school principal, and several teachers standing in their front yard. After their mom opened the door, Moon and the teachers explained they were visiting their students’ houses to say hello and give a friendly reminder that school starts Aug. 28.

“This is very, very surprising!” Ozandro said with a laugh.

All Dallas ISD campuses participated in the first districtwide Neighborhood Walk on Aug. 21. District staff and community members canvassed throughout the nearly 400 square miles that make up Dallas ISD. In addition to reminding families about the first day of school, teachers and staff talked about the new school hours and upcoming meet the teacher nights.

Delia Rios, the mom of Idaliz and Ozandro, thanked the principal and teachers for stopping by their house.

“I think it’s a great idea that you come and let students know you are ready for them to start school,” she said. “This adds a personal touch so we know our principal and teachers care about our kids.”

Meanwhile, Dallas ISD Chief of School Leadership Stephanie Elizalde thanked the teachers and staff for spending the time to go out and meet families.

“You are the heartbeat of the campuses because you fuel student learning every day,” Elizalde said. “We could never thank you enough for that rewarding work that you do.”

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Elrod’s Grocers again offers grants to pay for field trip buses

Teachers making plans for an exciting new school year have until 5 p.m., Friday, August 18, to apply for grants funded by Elrod’s Grocery to cover the cost of field trip transportation. Last school year, Elrod’s generously donated more than $20,000 to help schools provide students with out-of-school learning opportunities. Go here to download a memo with full details and instructions to submit applications.

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Central staff urged to help welcome students to new school year

Central staff employees are encouraged to sign up to join their campus colleagues for next Monday’s Districtwide Neighborhood Walk to welcome students and families to the 2017-2018 school year. The Neighborhood Walk on Monday, August 21, will feature staff from all 230 district campuses walking their communities, knocking on doors and greeting parents in every neighborhood in the city.

Every school team is looking for three central staff members to add to their teams. Employees will pair up, visit homes, greet parents and students and share information about the new school year.

Campuses will treat central staff volunteers to a free neighborhood walk t-shirt, refreshments and snacks. Sign up for a campus and time from the links below to receive an immediate confirmation

Register here to volunteer at schools in the following feeder patterns:

Bryan Adams, Moises Molina, David W. Carter, L.G. Pinkston, South Oak Cliff, Skyline, W.T. White, Franklin Roosevelt and Transformation and Innovation Schools

To sign up for schools in the feeder patterns below, go here.

W.H. Adamson and Wilmer-Hutchins, Seagoville, Emmett Conrad and Hillcrest, Thomas Jefferson, North Dallas, Justin F. Kimball, W.W. Samuell, H. Grady Spruce, Woodrow Wilson and Townview Magnets, Accelerating Campus Excellence Schools, and Intensive Support Network Schools

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Sunset teacher participates in prestigious art seminar in Washington, D.C.

Sunset High School teacher Laura Page was selected as one of 53 participants for the 2017 National Gallery of Art Teacher Institute on Art of the Renaissance held in Washington, D.C., in July.

The six-day seminar brought together teachers of art, English, history, math, and related subjects from 22 different states. The program emphasized the social and cultural context of Renaissance art in Italy and Northern European countries between the 14th and 16th centuries.

Participants learned about the development of oil-painting techniques, the role of prints in disseminating new ideas, using works of art as primary resources in classroom instruction, incorporating art into interdisciplinary teaching, and strengthening students’ visual literacy.

Through lectures, gallery talks, and hands-on activities, participants analyzed Renaissance artworks and focused on interdisciplinary teaching strategies. Activities were designed to meet teachers’ personal and professional enrichment needs. A demonstration of Venetian painting techniques and a site visit to a printmaker’s studio at Georgetown University rounded out the Institute’s course of study.

Generous support for the Teacher Institute was provided by the Park Foundation, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, the Sara Shallenberger Brown Fund, the PaineWebber Endowment, and the Annetta J. and Robert M. Coffelt Sr. and Robert M. Coffelt Jr. Endowed Fellowship.

Page was awarded a National Gallery of Art Fellowship.

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