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.
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.”
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.”
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.
The window to enroll for 2017-2018 employee benefits closes August 22. Employee Benefits is holding a series of information sessions to answer employees’ questions about insurance plans. Know before you enroll. Go here to download the schedule of info sessions.
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
The Dallas ISD Operation Services Division gave principals an overview of what they do and how they can assist on campuses.
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.
Dallas ISD this week is hosting its annual weeklong AVID workshops that have been coined as “Brown Bag Trainings.”
AVID, which stands for Advancement via Individual Determination, is a global organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and postsecondary opportunities.
The AVID Center trains educators to use proven practices in order to prepare students for success in high school, college, and a career, especially students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
This week’s trainings serve as refreshers geared specifically towards AVID campus staff members for the upcoming school year.
“My teammate, Tamika Stevenson, and I strongly believe in perpetuating the AVID way by preparing our very own teachers with the skills to better service the district’s underrepresented students,” said Ebony Palmer, AVID district coordinator. “We hope this week’s trainings will motivate our teachers to take their instruction to the next level.”
A principal and their child were driving home when the child got angry that they didn’t stop for fast food.
After a decent amount of crying and fussing, the child went silent. When the parent turned around to see what was going on, they saw their child hugging themselves and becoming calm. The parent asked what was happening, and the child replied they were doing “The Turtle,” a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) technique for handling anger.
“And after that day, I can tell you that principal was sold on Social and Emotional Learning,” said Tim Shriver, the Chairman of the Special Olympics and co-founder of the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), to an auditorium full of Dallas ISD principals.
Shriver talked with the Dallas ISD principals about the importance and usefulness of SEL. The entertaining and informative discussion wrapped up a week of professional development for the Dallas ISD principals.
SEL is a big priority for Dallas ISD: go here to learn more.