Staff News

When South Dallas native and executive director for Student Services Jamiele Choice calls himself a product of Dallas ISD, he means he was all but reared by district educators. Choice is now working to pay forward to a new generation the safe haven, inspiration and resources teachers and administrators provided to him.

“I grew up in a home filled with a lot of trauma,” Choice said. “My mom was addicted to drugs, and I lived with my grandparents. School was a safe place for me. Back then, educators were more than just teachers. They cared about the whole child. I can remember having a circle of support around me at H.S. Thompson (Elementary School), from the principal to the community liaison to the teachers. They truly took a vested interest in me, so much so that today, I feel I am here to pay it forward for what so many educators did for me coming up as a kid in South Dallas.”

One teacher in particular stands out in Choice’s memory and in his life today. His fifth-grade teacher at Thompson Elementary, Linda Collins-Graham, was especially kind, dispensing equal measures of care and discipline, keeping tabs on him and transporting him to and from school and, on occasion, to the Salvation Army, where he stayed for a time to avoid a threatening home situation. She says although Choice had a lot going on in his life back then, she always knew he was special.

“He’s just like my son,” said the retired teacher who called Choice boss for a while when she was a substitute teacher at New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell, where he was principal until recently.

Choice also hold fond memories of the school and the safe haven it provided him.

“Most students loved and looked forward to summer break,” Choice said. “I hated summer break because it took me away from the structure and the loving environment of school.

“I’ll never forget those summers [in South Dallas], walking up Bethurum to Thompson, looking to see if the teachers’ cars were in the parking lot. I didn’t know when teachers reported to work. I just knew when I saw an influx of cars, I was going to go up to the school to ask if they needed some kind of help,” he added.

After Thompson, Choice attended middle school at W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy, graduated from the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center and earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Texas. He served as New tech principal from 2014 until recently when he was promoted to head Student Services.

Choice calls Dallas ISD home because “without those educators in sunny South Dallas, I don’t know where I would be today. I’ve never been more sure about my purpose in life since I began doing this work,” he said.

“I speak openly and honestly about my background. As a kid, I was ashamed of having a mother on drugs and not knowing who my father was. I lived in Section 8 housing and my late mom spent time in jail, but I didn’t let that deny what God had for me.

“As an adult, I’ve learned to embrace my past. I use my life as an example of coming from nothing. I’ve lived in the Salvation Army. I’ve been to juvenile. I tell the students ‘I am you. Don’t look at this suit and tie and think it’s been all good.’ As a child, I never imagined my life being what it is now. I tell them ‘Don’t become a victim of your circumstances. You can become a victor.’ I’ve been able to overcome through hard work, tenacity, not making excuses and getting an education.”

Student Services provides training and mental health services to create safety awareness throughout Dallas ISD. The department also conducts ongoing threat assessment training and support for school personnel, students, and parents throughout the district. Its staff works in collaboration with schools and Mental Health Services to ensure schools provide safe and productive learning environments for all students, teachers, administrators, parents, and staff.

Central staff supervisors, September is National Learning and Development Month, so the HCM Central Staff Leadership Development team invites you to grow your leadership skills with us throughout the month. Sign up in Cornerstone for any of our upcoming live, facilitated online learning sessions on Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11:30am. Sign up for

Providing Actionable Feedback – Sept. 1

Exercising Authority – Sept. 8 or 15

Keys to Influencing Others – Sept. 22 or 29

If you still haven’t made decisions about your benefits for the 2021-2022 year and have questions, Benefits Department is offering one more webinar today at 4:30 p.m. for you to get an overview of the benefits offerings and ask questions.

Register to participate in in today’s webinar here.

Ready to get enrolled? Go to the Benefits page at www.dallasisd.org/benefits, your one-stop-shop for all benefits information and links.

If you have questions or need help, assistance is close by. Just call (972) 925-4000 weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Spanish- and English-speaking representatives will be available to guide you through the choices and the enrollment process. For additional information you can also look at the Benefits Overview Guide.

Dallas ISD will continue to temporarily require that students, staff and visitors wear masks while on district property as a reasonable and necessary safety protocol to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and the new Delta variant. Staff are asked to abide by the safety protocols implemented by the district for the safety of all, including wearing face masks properly at all times while indoors on district property except when actively eating or drinking.

With data clearly showing a surge in cases, including among children who are not eligible to receive the vaccine, Dallas ISD will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all staff and students. In addition to offering a financial incentive to staff who are fully vaccinated, the district will continue to provide personal protective equipment at all schools and facilities, maintain a regular sanitizing schedule, and temporarily require masks.

Employees who do not comply with the directive to wear masks while on district property will face progressive disciplinary action.

Our commitment to protect the health and safety of our students and staff is steadfast. We must provide a safe and quality in-person learning environment for our students to help them recover from any learning loss during the past year, and we need everyone’s assistance. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with all district protocols and thank you for your commitment to the safety of our students and each other.

To watch the news conference with Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, click here. 

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Dallas ISD continuará temporalmente requiriendo que los estudiantes, empleados y visitantes utilicen mascarillas mientras estén en las instalaciones del distrito como parte de un protocolo razonable y necesario de seguridad contra la propagación del COVID-19 y la nueva variante delta. Se pide a los empleados que sigan los protocolos de seguridad que el distrito ha implementado para la seguridad de todos, incluyendo el utilizar mascarillas de manera apropiada todo el tiempo que estén dentro de las instalaciones del distrito y no estén activamente comiendo o bebiendo. 

Debido a la información disponible que muestra un incremento en el número de casos, incluyendo entre los niños que aún no pueden recibir la vacuna, Dallas ISD continuará haciendo de la seguridad y bienestar de los estudiantes y personal su más alta prioridad. Además de ofrecer un incentivo monetario al personal que haya recibido todas las dosis indicadas de las vacunas, el distrito continuará proporcionando equipo de protección personal a todas las escuelas y edificios del distrito, y desinfectando regularmente además de temporalmente requerir mascarillas.

Los empleados que no cumplan con la directiva de utilizar mascarillas mientras estén en instalaciones del distrito serán disciplinados de manera progresiva.

Nos mantenemos firmes en nuestro  compromiso con proteger la salud y seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y empleados. Debemos proporcionar un ambiente de aprendizaje seguro y presencial para nuestros estudiantes para ayudarlos a recuperar cualquier pérdida de aprendizaje que hayan experimentado el año anterior, y necesitamos de la ayuda de todos. Apreciamos su comprensión y cooperación con los protocolos del distrito y les agradecemos su compromiso con la seguridad de los estudiantes y de los empleados.

Para ver la conferencia con los medios que realizó el Superintendente Michael Hinojosa, pulse en el enlace. 

If you aspire to lead and see yourself as an assistant principal and the only thing standing in the way is a master’s degree and principal certification, Dallas ISD can help.

The LEAD department is excited to announce that the district is launching a new master’s degree partnership with Texas A&M Commerce. The Impact Leaders Institute is a master’s degree program in which candidates will earn their Master’s in Educational Leadership and also become eligible to apply for principal certification.

This program is designed for educators who do not currently have their principal certification and Master’s in Educational Leadership and have the passion and commitment to lead in an AP position for the 2022-2023 school year.

Highlights of this program include:

o    Concentration in equity and social justice leadership

o    Course content developed in partnership with Dallas ISD

o    2-year program with a year-long campus-based residency in the 2nd year

o    Intensive coaching support during the residency year

o    Face-to-face classes at a central Dallas location

o    Potential for up to 50% reimbursement of university tuition costs

A&M Commerce and the LEAD team will be hosting two information sessions via Zoom on Thursday, Aug. 19, and Monday, Aug. 23, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. If you are interested to learn more about this innovative and rigorous program, please RSVP at the following link: tiny.cc/infosessionrsvp

Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact LEAD@dallasisd.org

Preparations for going back to school are ramping up everywhere. Unfortunately, something else that is ramping up is the theft of catalytic converters, according to the Dallas ISD Police Department.

Catalytic converters—devices on vehicles that look like a small muffler in the exhaust system—continue to be a hot item among thieves. The Dallas ISD Police Department wants employees to be aware of the rise in thefts of this device and take precautions.

“We want everyone to be conscious of their surroundings, and if they see something that looks suspicious—like cars driving unusually slowly through the parking lot—to call us so we can come check it out,” said Dallas ISD Police Chief John Lawton.

Staff can call 911 or the Dallas ISD Police number at (214) 932-5627 to report suspicious activity. Providing make, model and color of the suspicious vehicle and a description of the clothing, height, and complexion of people at the time of the call will help the officers handle the situation.

The catalytic converter processes environmentally hazardous exhaust emitted by an engine and converts it into less harmful gasses. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, it has become popular among thieves because they contain platinum, palladium, or rhodium. In recent years, the values of these precious metals have increased significantly and, typically, recyclers will pay $50 to $250 per catalytic converter.

Thieves tend to target vehicles that are higher up off the ground because they can quickly get under the vehicle and take off the converter, Lawton said. While Dallas ISD police has been monitoring lots and looking into additional safety measures, people being vigilant can discourage thieves.

According to the NICB, catalytic converter thefts have seen a significant increase across the country since March 2020, the start of the global pandemic, and especially in some states like Texas. The cost of replacing a catalytic converter can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the vehicle.

Insurance experts and Dallas ISD police recommend:

• Installing a catalytic converter anti-theft device, which may be available from various manufacturers and can provide a level of security from theft.
• Parking fleet vehicles in an enclosed and secured area that is well lit, locked, and has an alarm.
• Parking personal vehicles at home in a garage or a well-lit driveway.
• Contacting the police and insurer if the converter is stolen.

If what’s keeping you from finalizing your benefits enrollment for this year are questions about coverage or new features, the Benefits Department is ready to provide guidance. Register to participate in one of a series of webinars in which benefits experts will provide information and answer questions. The first one is today at 4:30 p.m. To find the dates and to register, click on this link.

Getting to know the HAS

This year, Dallas ISD offers staff who have chosen a high deductible plan the opportunity to enroll in a Health Savings Account, or HSA. Like the Flexible Spending Account, it will allow you to set aside funds for eligible health care expenses like doctor visits, prescriptions, and dental and vision care. Eligible expenses are determined by the IRS and can be viewed in detail Publication 502.

To participate in this new savings plan, you have to enroll in the TRS ActiveCare HD plan to qualify. You find out more about the medical plans available to staff by visiting www.dallasisd.org/benefits.

Like with an FSA and other health-related savings accounts, there are limits to how much you can contribute each year. Individuals age 55 or older and not yet enrolled in Medicare can make an additional “catch up” contribution of up to $1,000 per person each year.

Coverage            Maxium Amount
Individuals           $3,600
Family                 $7,200

Unlike other health savings accounts, funds in the HSA that you don’t use by the end of the year can roll over to the following enroll­ment year. Another exciting feature of an HSA is that you can invest your funds. You will have the option to choose from an extensive list of mutual funds to increase the value of funds that you can hold in your account.*

Can I have them both?

You can have both and HSA and an FSA. But you should note that if you do have both, you can use the HSA only for your medical expenses and your FSA, or Limited Purpose FSA, only for vision and dental expenses.

If you are enrolled in the high deductible insurance plan, but you don’t want to have an HSA, you can still put money into the FSA. To do that at the time or enrollment, simply add your contribution amount in the LPFSA box in the enrollment portal. This will enroll you in the traditional FSA and you can use pre-tax FSA funds for all eligible expenses, including medical.

Ready to get enrolled? Go to the Benefits page at www.dallasisd.org/benefits, your one-stop-shop for all benefits information and links.

If you have questions or need help, assistance is close by. Just call (972) 925-4000 weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Spanish- and English-speaking representatives will be available to guide you through the choices and the enrollment process. For additional information you can also look at the Benefits Overview Guide.

*Note: Investment products are not FDIC insured, and are not bank issued or guaranteed. They are subject to risk, including fluctuations in value and the possible loss of the principal amount invested.

Stress is part of everyday life, but the circumstances we are living through have caused unprecedented stress, and this can impact every part of people’s lives—including the ability to accomplish basic tasks, maintain relationships, and even perform physical tasks. The level of stress affecting people across the country is evident in some simple facts:*

• 61% of adults report experiencing undesired weight changes since the start of the pandemic, with more than two in five saying they gained more weight than they intended.
• Two in three people say they are sleeping more or less than they wanted to since the pandemic started.
• Nearly half of people surveyed say they delayed or canceled health care services since the pandemic started.

The American Psychological Association has developed five quick, action-oriented things to help people begin to manage the excessive stress many are currently living with. The tips also provide a brief explanation of the science behind them.

If you need professional help managing your stress, Dallas ISD provides all employees access to the Employee Assistance Program.

Calm yourself

Slowly breathe in and count to four, hold it while counting to four, and then breathe out for a count of six. Repeat 10 times.

Why it works: Slowing our breathing allows our bodies to recalibrate and lowers levels of physiological arousal.

Focus yourself

Slow your racing thoughts by counting backwards by three in your mind from 100 (100, 97, 94, etc.).

Why it works: Focusing on with structure and engaging your brain in a distracting task can disrupt unhelpful patterns.

Relax yourself

One by one, tense each muscle group in your body for 10 seconds and then release. Notice how it feels to let your muscles relax and have the tension leave your body.

Why it works: Actively relaxing our muscles can increase energy and flexibility, helping us feel calmer.

Ground yourself

Do a quick scan of your body and notice the air around you and any surfaces you are touching. If possible, close your eyes and focus on the sensations, textures, and temperatures.

Why it works: Focusing on our physical surroundings helps us become more attuned to details and make more balanced assessments of our environments.

Celebrate yourself

You are dealing with huge challenges. Think about three things that went well today. If they involved another person, recognize and thank them whenever possible.

Why it works: Slowing down to recognize even small successes can increase our sense of control over our environment and help us help others more effectively.

Download and print a card to remind you of these activities to destress.

The Employee Assistance Program

Dallas ISD’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by LifeWorks is a confidential and secure service that offers help with personal and work-related issues. The EAP encourages employees and those close to them to seek help early before a minor problem becomes more serious. The EAP is designed to address short-term issues, identify resources and referrals for emergency and long-term issues. The EAP can provide support, referrals and, resources related to many issues like depression, conflict at work, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, adoption issue, grief and loss and many other issues.

With EAP, there is no contribution that staff need to provide. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reach out to LifeWorks at (972) 925-4000 or visit www.dallasisd.org/benefits and click on Benefits Resources to access online EAP information.

*Source: American Psychological Association https://www.apa.org/about

Dallas ISD will continue to follow the guidance provided by the CDC and Dallas County Health to address the COVID-19 pandemic. With the uncertainty of the Delta variant of the coronavirus and the return of students and employees to schools and other facilities, many supervisors have inquired if employees have been vaccinated and/or if they can request proof of COVID-19 vaccination. While the inquiry into whether employees have or have not been vaccinated is not a disability-related inquiry by itself, district leaders should follow the guidelines in this memo if they ask employees if they have been vaccinated.

For additional COVID-related information and protocols visit https://www.dallasisd.org/covidstaffinformation.