Inside Dallas ISD

While families are getting their children ready for school, Miller Wilson and hundreds of Dallas ISD custodians are getting schools and facilities ready to receive students, district team members, and community members. Wilson, who is beginning his third year with the district at Mockingbird Elementary School, normally arrives on campus at 6:30 a.m. When necessary, he gets there as early as 5 a.m. While the hours might be challenging for some, for Wilson, they are fine because every day brings a new opportunity to not only do the work he enjoys but also to see the people he considers to…

This summer, several Dallas ISD team members went above and beyond to assist families facing severe hardships, including lack of electricity, food, hygiene products, transportation, and housing. Just days after school ended in May, many families were severely impacted by a tornado that passed through Dallas. Numerous households were left without electricity or water for days when temperatures climbed into the 100s. The City of Dallas received a report about terrible conditions of several apartment buildings where Dallas ISD families lived, many of whose children attend Charles A. Gill Elementary School. Leslie Cannon, a community engagement specialist for the City…

Dallas ISD’s Athletics Department fired up approximately 750 coaches, trainers, and various team members at their annual back-to-school event at Skyline High School last week. “Meeting with all the coaches to kick off the year provides us with a great opportunity to connect and share as an entire team our goals and initiatives for the upcoming year,” said Vince Reyes, assistant director of the Department of Athletics.  According to Reyes, the theme for this year is “Play BIG Dallas.” “For all coaches to hear at the same time the expectations on how we all need to step up and play…

Sara Ramirez, a science lab teacher at the Environmental Education Center, has spent 13 years connecting students with nature by guiding them through hands-on field trips and providing information on environmental and earth/space science.  For Ramirez, who graduated from Dallas ISD, becoming an entomology teacher is like coming home. Ramirez attended Casa View Elementary School, Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy, and the School for Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. Her passion for science and wildlife led her to Texas A&M University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences.  Despite moving to east…