Dallas ISD will keep nine-week grading periods next school year as part of a broader effort to help mitigate learning loss and further support students.
There will be a reduced number of common assessments. to one in the fall and one in the spring. There will be a two-week window for common assessments, and each school will decide when to administer during that window.
With the reduction in common assessments and nine-week grading period, all teachers should send progress notes after each three-week time frame, so families are kept informed of their student’s progress.
After 40 years at Dallas ISD, Gail David Dupree is retiring and looking forward to traveling with his wife to the 22 of the 50 states they have yet to visit. He would also like to work as a crossing guard for the elementary school near their house and being a full-time grandfather.
Deputy Chief Technology Officer Laurie Vondersaar, who started with Dallas ISD June 7, will oversee districtwide technology operations and campus technology support. Prior to coming to Dallas, Vondersaar was assistant superintendent of Strategic Initiative and Communication for Lovejoy ISD. In her 21 years of experience, she has also held the position of chief technology officer at various districts. She holds bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degrees in computer education and cognitive systems from the University of North Texas and a doctorate in educational administration from Concordia University.
contributions to district counselors during six years at Hillcrest High School, Belia Martinez has been named Dallas ISD 2021 Counselor of the Year.
Sean Hamilton, Daniel Webster Elementary School—Hamilton was recognized for his work during the pandemic. According to the principal, he looked out for the social and emotional well-being of the entire campus. He has consistently ensured that staff focused on self-care and that students were dealing with trauma effectively. He is devoted to the educational, social, and emotional well-being of every student at the campus. Hamilton has also helped to create a culture of career and college readiness, social-emotional stability, and community involvement.
campus also won the CREST Award this year for counseling excellence. Johnson knows every student she supports and counselsbecause she builds inspiring relationships. During this past year, she had a virtual counselor corner that students could visit during lunch or after school. She coordinated high school and college virtual visits for students. Johnson wears many hats around the campus, but her most important role is that of counselor and mentor.
Nathan Smith, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts—Beyond his abilities in accomplishing the tasks associated with his position, Smith is described by the principal as being genuine, warm, and approachable. He never hesitates to take on more responsibilities if it means helping students. For example, he sponsored the school’s very first “No Place for Hate” team this year, receiving rave reviews from the district and making a huge impact on the campus culture. Smith is a valued member of the school’s leadership team and appreciated for his kindness and love for the students and staff.
described as someone who truly cares for each student’s future. She established strong and lasting relationships with students and their parents. Whether working with a student in crisis or a student who simply needed to talk, Okoli made that student feel like they were the most important person in the world. She is a shining example of servant leadership and a role model.