mySchool: Stellar staff at H.I. Holland sets the school apart (video)

The staff at H.I. Holland P.R.E.P. Elementary at Lisbon is focused on students and helping them achieve.

More than 300 students attend the school, which is part of the South Oak Cliff feeder pattern and has been at the heart of its community since 1938.

Principal Julie Singleton says staff members have been recognized for putting programs from Reasoning Minds, iStation and its limited technology to good use. They've also been honored by Dallas ISD for excellence, including Robin Jefferson, a recent Teacher Assistant of the Year; and Krystal Thornton, Division 4 Counselor of the Year.

"We've received a lot of recognition. We're on the way up," said Singleton, who herself is the current Elementary Principal of the Year. "Having all of these recognitions and actually moving student achievement and getting distinctions on the STAAR test, it's really motivated the staff to push even a little bit more. They honestly go above and beyond the call."

Teacher Jessica Staten said a main goal is the close the achievement gap, and the campus does that by analyzing data to know exactly where students are and where they need the most help.

"Everyone is on the same page," said teacher Aneka Buckner "We are all here for the students, and whatever they need, we all come to the rescue."