On a special day in first grade at H.S. Thompson STEAM Academy the cafeteria didn’t feel like a cafeteria at all.
The stage was framed by balloons and a colorful backdrop. Children arrived dressed as princesses, princes, and storybook characters. Then, to a chorus of excited whispers, Cinderella and Prince Charming walked in, took their seats on stage, and began to read aloud.
This wasn’t a district initiative; it was the vision of Carrie Bhasin, a volunteer who is one of Thompson Academy’s most dedicated advocates. Bhasin also represents one of thousands of volunteers in Dallas ISD whose contributions and efforts are being recognized during Public School Volunteer Week, April 20-24.
For Bhasin, the fairy tale celebration wasn’t just about costumes and photos. It was a deliberate effort to make reading feel magical, not just academic. The event wrapped up a first-grade fairy tale unit that Bhasin helped bring to life, literally, in collaboration with the teachers.
“My hope always is that the students are going to say, ‘oh, remember in first grade when we had that fairy tale party?’” she said. “I want those happy memories to stay with students, and, just as importantly, to anchor a lifelong love of books.”
Although Bhasin is now a familiar face on campus, her own children never attended Thompson or even Dallas ISD. Her connection to Thompson began when a staff member at TR Hoover CDC, the community center where her daughter volunteered, asked Bhasin if she would like to help at a local school.“Education was very important to our kids and to us. I just wanted to help a school that maybe needed some resources and some volunteer time; that’s why I do it,” Bhasin said.
About once a month, Bhasin visits a first-grade English as a Second Language classroom to read aloud and bring snacks. She also creates snack boxes so teachers have something ready for students who come to school hungry, and she keeps classroom treasure boxes filled with small prizes teachers can use for recognition and motivation.
“Every time I walk into that classroom, the children run up to me and they hug me and they yell my name,” Bhasin said. Those greetings, she added, touch her heart and reinforce why she keeps showing up.
Bhasin’s first major project at Thompson Academy addressed a different kind of need—one that often goes unseen.
Shortly after the school moved into its new building, she and her husband funded and built a personal care closet on campus. Stocked with shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other hygiene items, the closet offers a discreet way for team members to support students whose families are struggling.
Over time, the effort expanded to include winter coats, socks, and other essentials. For Bhasin, it was a straightforward way to act on a deeply held belief: that students at every campus deserve the same basic support and dignity.
Another strong conviction—the belief that reading offers both escape, understanding, and insight—prompted Bhasin to undertake yet another signature project on campus: a book vending machine that she and her husband purchased for the school.
Filled with books at various reading levels, the machine is used exclusively for birthdays. Each student, on his or her birthday, receives a token and the chance to select a book to keep.
Bhasin is also committed to helping Thompson students build joyful memories at school. One of the traditions she’s most proud of is the annual daddy-daughter dance, paired with a separate mother–son night.
For each dance, Bhasin and her husband provide dinner, arrange for professional-style photos, and add a unique treat every year. One year, for instance, students and parents enjoyed Ben & Jerry’s make-your-own ice cream bar. Just this year, a caricature artist created keepsake drawings for each daddy-daughter duo.
“My kids were fortunate enough to have those experiences at their school, and they loved it. It made me realize that every child deserves that same opportunity,” she said.
Bhasin’s focus also extends beyond students to the teachers who care for them. Each month, she provides treats for teachers—coffee, cookies, sandwiches, candy jars—to acknowledge their hard work which she said is often overlooked.
“I think teachers are highly under-recognized in our society. They work harder than most people who have jobs,” she said. “They’re not just teaching math or English all day. They’re dealing with behaviors and all kinds of things.”
Bhasin and her husband have also helped fund field trips and teacher wish lists. Most recently, theyagreed to support Thompson in its participation in the Disney Musicals in Schools program. The Bhasins’ support will help cover costumes, props, and other expenses so students can perform in a professional venue and work with theater coaches.
For community members who feel intimidated by the idea of getting involved, Bashin’s advice is simple: you don’t have to fund a vending machine or host a full‑scale dance to make a difference. Start small; show up.
“Just do it. Contact a school and say, ‘hey, can I bring donuts for your teachers next Friday,’’’ she said. “Or just go read to a classroom. It’s very rewarding and very needed.”
In many ways, that simple encouragement sums up her mission as a volunteer: see a need, answer it; see a child, celebrate them; see a teacher, honor them. And then do it again.
“We’re so happy to be able to help, and we hope that things that we’re doing are benefiting the kids and helping them to love school more,” she said.
