Staff News

National Customer Service Week is celebrated annually in October to highlight the crucial work professionals do to make customer service happen every day. Dallas ISD is home to countless Core 4 champions who practice being fast, focused, flexible and friendly every day, and all staff are encouraged to show appreciation for their colleagues who are going above and beyond. 

Tamara Handy, an executive assistant in School Leadership, understands what it means to practice the Core 4 culture tenets in everything she does. She has worn many hats in her 15 years at Dallas ISD, starting out as an elementary teacher’s assistant and becoming an office manager, administrative assistant and executive assistant. 

“I have had the pleasure of welcoming students and families new to our country and to Dallas ISD, supporting bus duty, chaperoning students on field trips, mentoring students and working with various community partners to support special events and campus-wide incentives,” she said. “The journey has been awesome, a true blessing. I love the work that I do and embrace  all the opportunities I have to serve and support in all capacities. It brings me so much joy and appreciation to know that I can make a difference while building memorable moments, but I will never forget how I started.” 

The proud product of Dallas ISD grew up and graduated in West Dallas and credits Willie B. Curry, her 11th-grade business teacher and mentor at L.G. Pinkston High School, with inspiring her to pursue a career in education and service. 

“I’ll never forget, I went on a job interview trip with Mrs. Curry and some other students,” Handy said. “I was just planning to offer support to my peers, which I did, but believe it or not, I was called in by the executive director of the program, and she asked to interview me. I got the job, and throughout high school and college, I excelled there on so many different levels personally and professionally. Mrs. Curry gave me that foundation and encouraged me to stay grounded, be humble and always listen to and be open to feedback.” 

By the time Handy began working as an office manager in Dallas ISD, she met Principal Dayanna Kelly—who is now an executive director—and gained yet another priceless perspective on customer service. 

“Principal Kelly was not just a principal but a mom at school to so many students,” Handy said.  “She was a true mentor and an overall courageous leader with so much passion. Working alongside her gave me that vision and light to want to do more and serve more—believing there is no limit when you desire to make a difference.” 

To Handy, practicing the Core 4 culture tenets looks like learning from leaders around her and bringing passion, dedication and determination to her job to transform lives and strive for greatness no matter what hurdles she may face.  

That mindset has paid off in the way she has inspired countless colleagues to embrace outstanding Core 4 service as well.

“Tamara Handy is one of the hardest working and most thoughtful people you could ever meet,” said Executive Administrator Lisa Phillips, who worked under Handy for four years. “She has always gone above and beyond and stays late or comes in early to accomplish tasks. She celebrates everyone, and she has encouraged me to be the best person I could be. She deserves the best because she is the best!” 

Handy now proudly serves in School Leadership, supporting Deputy Chief Roshonda Clayton-Brown, and she said she is honored to be a part of such an amazing team that “stands ready to excel in excellence” through the Core 4. 

The Core 4 culture tenets define the Dallas ISD experience and make every encounter feel like home. Take some time to thank a customer service professional today who has transformed lives in the district and made memorable moments with everyone around them.

“I’ve always been a behind-the-scenes kind of person,” Handy said. “I do what comes to heart and feels right, but as my grandmother would say, ‘Don’t be afraid to be great or to let others see that you can be great—because you are great.’” 

Dallas ISD is celebrating National Coaches Day today, Oct. 6, to recognize the highly-qualified teachers who are transforming student lives by instilling important attitudes and practices that will help them succeed for years to come. 

Athletic coordinator and PE teacher Melinda Foglesong has dedicated 14 years to building relationships with students at Sam Tasby Middle School. She also serves as the volleyball coach at Emmett J. Conrad High School, and she loves the lasting connections she has made. 

One of her all-time favorite stories is that of a student she first met when the student was in seventh grade. The two of them did not get along at first, but they slowly formed a bond that has lasted a decade. Foglesong attended the student’s high school graduation and even moved her into her college dorm room; they still meet for dinner once or twice a month. 

“She calls me her mom; she’s my daughter,” Foglesong said. “She is truly part of the family. It’s incredible, because if you would have looked at this student on paper in seventh grade, she wouldn’t have been the one that you would assume would go to A&M, graduate and work for an architectural firm here in Dallas.”  

Shelly Thibodaux, Robert T. Hill Middle School’s athletic coordinator, has called Dallas ISD home for 37 years, but she has been teaching for 42 years. She was inspired to become a teacher and a coach by her high school athletic director, who lived across the street from her family in their small town. When one of their star athletes broke his ankle, Thibodaux ended up joining their athletic director to check in on the student at home. 

“It was a very small, poor farming area, and they had a one-room house,” Thibodaux said. “There were holes in the walls and the ceiling, yet he treated the athlete as if he were his own son. I saw the care that he had for students and their families, and I’ve wanted to be in the trenches with students ever since. That’s where I feel like I am needed the most, and that’s also where I can give students the most opportunities.” 

Working as a teacher and a coach is no small task. Athletic coordinators like Foglesong and Thibodaux arrive early to do paperwork, follow up on injuries or behavioral concerns and communicate with parents. They teach through the afternoon, only to turn around and coach their various teams until 5:30 p.m. Not to mention, they attend as many evening sporting events as they can. 

“It’s so important to have and support quality athletic programs in Dallas ISD,” Foglesong said. “Sports keep a lot of students in school and keep them performing and behaving well. Athletes aren’t perfect, but through the relationships we build and the high expectations we have, a quality athletics program can truly change a campus or the entire district.” 

Students often return the favor, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. When Thibodaux’s mom passed away in 2013, her team of 12- and 13-year-old students had just made the city championships. 

“It was the same weekend my mom died, and these kids—it had been cloudy and the sun started shining—and they said, ‘Look, that’s Ms. Thibodaux’s mom shining down on us,’” Thibodaux said. “It’s not about being the greatest athlete. Academics and athletics matter, but it’s the lifetime memories that bring everyone together. Those are the things I will take with me forever.” 

Foglesong and Thibodaux are proud of what they have accomplished as teachers and coaches at Dallas ISD and of the many incredible relationships they have built over the years. 

“The fact that a middle school coach stays in their mind all of these years—that they know they can still come back to us for help and are so excited to see us years later—it’s amazing,” Foglesong said. “It really is an extended family with the athletes and their families.” 

In compliance with state and federal laws, Dallas ISD requires that all employees complete the policy acknowledgement and compliance training at the beginning of every school year. This year, the training must be completed by Monday, November 14.

Step 1: Complete Policy Acknowledgement

Using their email address and password, employees will log into the policy acknowledgement website at https://PolicyAcknowledgement.dallasisd.org to acknowledge the Employee Handbook, Annual Employee Notification of District Policies, Family Relationship Disclosure, and Confidentiality Requirements.

Step 2: Complete Compliance Training in Cornerstone

Employees will use their email address and password to log into Cornerstone at https://dallasisd.csod.com. The compliance training assignment will be in the “My Assigned Training” section located on the “Welcome” page or on the “Learning” tab under “View Your Transcript.”

Training includes child abuse awareness, educators’ code of ethics, copyright and licensing, dress code standards, employment concerns and employee rights, staff safety protocols, FERPA, sexual harassment, and workplace bullying. Training for campus staff will also include anaphylaxis and auto-Injectors, bloodborne pathogens, bullying, and Section 504.

For assistance with technical issues in Cornerstone, go to the Live User Support tab in Cornerstone to access the live support team.

Training for substitute staff only: Both the policy acknowledgement and compliance training are available in the Compliance Learning Portal. Substitute staff will use their employee ID, last name (as listed in Oracle), and date of birth to log into the portal.

Links to the policy acknowledgement, Cornerstone, and the substitute portal can also be accessed on the Policy and Compliance website at https://www.dallasisd.org/hcmpolicy.

For additional questions or assistance, please contact Human Capital Management’s Policy and Compliance team at HCMcompliance@dallasisd.org.

With the theme “Get your day in gear with a healthy school lunch,” Dallas ISD is celebrating National School Lunch Week Oct. 10-14 to highlight the importance of healthy school lunches to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom.

National School Lunch Week began in 1962 to promote the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Created in 1946, the NSLP was designed to provide nutritious meals to children from low-income families who might not otherwise have access to a daily meal. Today, the NSLP ensures the health and well-being of all public school students and improves academic performance by giving students the nutrition they need to succeed. 

Recent research shows that children are getting their healthiest meals at school, so Dallas ISD’s Food and Child Nutrition Services will feature special menus, events, activities and more during the weeklong celebration, with the goal of encouraging students to eat a healthy lunch at school.

“School meals are free for all students all school year, so it’s a great time to give school lunch a try,” said Michael Rosenberger, executive director of Food and Child Nutrition Services. “National School Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the wonderful benefits of our lunch program.” 

On Oct. 12—“take your parent to lunch day”—families are encouraged to participate by posting pictures on social media an tagging @DallasISDFood, using the hashtags #DallasISDFood, #FarmToSchool and #NSLW2023. Staff can also download activity sheets for students on the Food and Child Nutrition Services website. 

Help us spread the word about the district’s Child and Adult Care Food Program, as well. Through this program, Dallas ISD can offer free dinner on weeknights and weekend meals for qualified academic and enrichment programs. If your campus would benefit from this resource, contact Food and Child Nutrition Services for more information on how to apply.

World Mental Health Day, Oct. 10, is an opportunity for students, families and staff across Dallas ISD to focus on protecting and improving mental health and well-being. This year’s theme is “make mental health and well-being for all a global priority,” and the district is encouraging everyone to check in with their mental health and intentionally practice self-care. 

Everyone experiences daily stressors, so it is especially important to learn the signs that may indicate an ongoing mental health concern and to pay attention to repeated thoughts and feelings. The following symptoms may be indicators of mental illness when they are experienced for prolonged periods of time:

• Sudden mood changes
• Decreased sense of confidence 
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Withdrawing from relationships
• Excessive use of drugs or alcohol
• Loss of interest in regular activities 
• Changes in appetite
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
• Feeling sad or down 
• Paranoia, delusions or feeling detached from reality 
• Experiencing exhaustion or fatigue
• Difficulty coping with minor problems and daily activities
• Thoughts of suicide

In addition to performing regular check-ins, self-care is a key practice when it comes to maintaining overall well-being, especially for those who may be feeling overwhelmed. Join us in dedicating time to mental wellness by incorporating one or more of these positive habits into your day or week: 

• Do a simple stretching routine. Something as quick as taking a moment to relax your jaw, neck and shoulders can make a difference. 
• Switch off your phone for an hour. Try moving it to another room or turning on “airplane mode” or “do not disturb.”
• Make a playlist of cheerful songs and press “play” whenever you could use a pick-me-up. 
• Get in touch with a friend you have not seen for some time. 
• Organize a friend or family game night and bring out all your favorite board games or video games. 
• Carry a water bottle, and make sure to stay hydrated when you find yourself struggling to concentrate or are feeling extra tired.
• Keep a gratitude journal. 
• Be gentle with yourself, especially on your hardest days. Select a few self-affirmations, and speak to yourself with the same care you would show your friends and family. 
• Spend time outside every day. Even if you only have energy for a few minutes, the fresh air will do you good. 
• Every time someone compliments you, make a note in a journal or on your computer. On bad days, their words may lift your spirits. 

For anyone who is struggling, help is available. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or mental health care provider with questions and concerns. If you are experiencing a crisis, get immediate support by contacting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in English or Spanish at 988, or by accessing the National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., by calling 1-800-950-6264, texting “HelpLine” to 62640 or emailing helpline@nami.org. 

Dallas ISD staff can also take advantage of Dallas ISD’s Employee Assistance Program by LifeWorks. The confidential, secure platform has countless resources available online for free, including on-call counselors who are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Reach out to LifeWorks at (972) 925-4000, or visit www.dallasisd.org/benefits and click on Benefits Resources to access online EAP information. 

You matter, and so does your mental health and well-being. Take some time to reflect on how you are doing, and prioritize yourself and your needs. And remember: You are never alone. 

*Sources: LifeWorks and World Health Organization

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Dallas ISD’s Information Technology is sharing tips to stay safe online. This week, Avoid Being Phished:

• STOP and think if you are expecting the sender’s email
• Hover over links to verify if it’s from a trusted source
• Don’t respond to unsolicited emails that ask for personal information
• Be super cautious before clicking or downloading attachments
• Don’t be tricked by what appears to be an urgent message
• Remember: If something is too good to be true in appearance, it probably is too good to be true in reality

National Cybersecurity Month has been celebrated since 2004 led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) in a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise cybersecurity awareness nationally and internationally. 

This year’s theme—See Yourself in Cyber—shows that everyone is part of cyberspace and that it’s up to each person to make smart decisions to keep important information safe. 

Every year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Dallas ISD highlights the importance of screening mammograms and other prevention measures as part of its overall wellness initiatives. This year, in honor of the national theme “Together we Rise” we are asking breast cancer survivors and those who have shared the journey with them to share their stories by emailing staffnews@dallasisd.org.

Dallas ISD in partnership with UT Southwestern is also offering the opportunity for staff to get screening mammograms in the health center’s mobile units on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Skyline High School. Screenings will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and require appointments. Annual screenings are recommended for women beginning at age 40.

What you need to know:

• UT Southwestern Medical Center accepts most major insurance plans. Please check with your health insurance provider to see if UT Southwestern is in network.
• The UTSW Mobile Mammography Unit is designed for routine screenings. If you have any breast problems, please consult your physician.
• Patients must wear a mask.
• Each patient will wait in the Mobile Mammography Unit’s dressing room until called by the technologist.
• All patient care areas will be sanitized between patients.
• It’s recommended to wait 4-6 weeks after your COVID-19 vaccination for your mammogram screening.
• Please call 214-645-2560 or 866-277-0710 to schedule your appointment.

Oct. 15

https://www.dallasisd.org/cms/lib/TX01001475/Centricity/Domain/17649/Skyline HS 10.15.22.pdf

Dallas ISD is hiring for key central staff positions that support schools and student success. If you want to make the transition to central staff or are looking to further your career, take a look at the positions highlighted here. 

REO Project manager

The Racial Equity Office is looking for a data-savvy individual to prepare presentations for the Board of trustees, district and community stakeholders. Do you hold project management experience with a focus on strategic planning? Do you have the ability to analyze risks and track project performance? If so, apply to be a  Project Manager III, Racial Equity Office. 

Specialist II, Custodial Staffing

Do you have experience working in a fast paced environment, supporting multiple projects at a time? Are you looking to transition to Human Capital Management to support HR activities? The Specialist II, Custodial Staffing role may be the transition you’re looking for. This is an entry level position, where you will serve as the point person that processes employees through the hiring process.  

Manager I, Alternative Certification

Do you have a passion for leading district programs that further the overall success of our students? Do you hold experience developing and implementing training for your direct reports? Are you able to support overarching goals and a global vision while maintaining focus on crucial details in daily functions? The Alternative Certification department is seeking an enthusiastic individual for their Manager I, Alternative Certification vacancy. Apply now!

During the 2021-2022 school year, Dallas ISD allocated $10 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds for tiered campus support to mitigate learning loss due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The funds were provided for schools to “implement their own unique acceleration and intervention plans” and to “strengthen campus-specific initiatives,” said Derinda Hunter, the director in School Leadership who led the initiative. The funding proved to be successful, and the budget was increased for the 2022-2023 school year. According to Hunter, 239 schools received a total of approximately $12.6 million by the end of August to support their learning recovery and acceleration efforts. 

To determine the amount of funding each campus obtained, schools were tiered based on need for additional support according to numerous predictors, including equity related factors, student achievement and campus climate data. Tier three schools—which had the greatest need for additional support—received $80,000 each, while tier two schools received $55,000 each and tier one schools received $35,000 each. Some of the most common purchases included instructional supplies and resources, software and technology accessories. Funding was also used to acquire new furniture to facilitate small-group learning and increase engagement. 

About 65 percent of tier three schools—the campuses receiving the most funding—and 60 percent of tier two schools used 70 percent or more of their funds last year, leading to exciting results.

“The big success that we have seen was those campuses that spent 70 percent or more of their funding last year moved one or two letter grades,” Hunter said. “Our schools are clearly dedicated to seeing how they can help our students during this time.”

Given the positive impact that the ESSER grant program has had on student outcomes, funding for tiered campus support will continue for the 2023-2024 school year. To learn more about how Dallas ISD is using ESSER funds to support learning recovery and acceleration, visit https://www.dallasisd.org/esser. 

Dallas ISD’s Custodial Services teams are committed to creating a clean, healthy environment for students across the district, and we are thanking them by highlighting their efforts in honor of National Custodian Day on Oct. 2. 

Maria Ceja—the lead custodian at Greiner Middle School and one of the district’s more than 900 custodians—has called Dallas ISD home for the past 26 years. She arrived with 20 years of experience working with adults, but when she came to Yvonne A, Ewell Townview Center, she quickly realized she had a passion for supporting students. That passion only grew when she moved to  Margaret B. Henderson Elementary School and then to W.W. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy, where she has spent the past decade. 

“I absolutely love the students,” she said. “Many of the students at Henderson Elementary come to Greiner, so I know everybody. They look at me like I am their aunt or their grandma, because I know them and I know all their families.”

Ceja is intentional about supporting each and every student, especially those who may be struggling to stay in school. 

“I always stop to talk to them,” she said. “I tell them, ‘I need to see you in class, and I need to see you at graduation.’ When you make it there, bring me a graduation invitation. And they do. A lot of them come back and invite me to their high school and college graduation ceremonies.”

 Serving as a custodian in Dallas ISD requires being fast, focused, flexible and friendly, and Ceja imparts those lessons to her team every day. Their schedules are often busy, as each custodian oversees 20-25 classrooms and has limited time to spend in each one, but Ceja said it is all worth it to create the kind of environment for students that she would want for her own family members. 

Aaron Stephens, assistant director of Custodial Services, could not agree more. 

“Custodial Services’ ultimate goal is to provide the safest environment for our students and to eliminate any distractions that could impede learning,” he said. “It’s very hard work, but we have an amazing staff whose teamwork is driving us forward. Thanks to them, we have been able to make a huge impact at all Dallas ISD schools.” 

Help us show appreciation for custodians across the district by: 

• Telling them “thank you,” whether it is in person, through a handwritten note or on social media. 
• Helping them out in small ways by keeping your workspace clean and throwing out any trash you see around your department or campus. 
• Hosting an appreciation event to thank them for their service and get to know them better. 
• Nominating them so they can be recognized by @TeamDallasISD for their hard work or a recent accomplishment. 
• Collecting and delivering thank-you notes from staff or students to brighten their day. 

“The most important part is the students,” Ceja said. “I really take pride in what I do to help them learn, and I feel like I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.”