Inside Dallas ISD

Dallas ISD’s Risk Management Department is highly involved and supportive in keeping safety a top priority in the district. Each year, schools that demonstrate an overall commitment to safety beyond expectations receive the prestigious award as a “District Top 20 Safe School”. The Dallas ISD Risk Management Safety Incentive Program recognizes the district’s top schools that prioritize safety throughout the school year by conducting in-house inspections, safety training, practicing emergency protocols, distributing safety material, and promoting safety in their day-to-day routine. This year the top spot went to Henry B. Gonzalez Personalized Learning Academy, followed by John F. Peeler…

As part of the Extra Yard for Teachers Week, the College Football Playoff Foundation on Sept. 14 surprised five outstanding Dallas ISD educators each with a $100 DonorsChoose gift card. The teachers honored were: Katelyn Sokol from Stevens Park Elementary School Aaron Steward from Skyline High School Mary Nunley from CityLab High School Peter Morrissey from Alex Sanger Preparatory School Maria Sarmiento from Nancy J Cochran Elementary School. As she surprised Sarmiento with the good news, Dallas ISD School Leadership Director Dawn Walker thanked the educator for her hard work. “This is a small token of appreciation for the work…

Dallas ISD Mental Health Services and Dallas ISD Counseling Services invite schools to establish a spirit of compassion and kindness with #BeKind21. This annual challenge encourages an act of kindness each day from September 1 to September 21, with the goal of building kinder communities that foster mental wellness. Since the annual challenge launched in 2018, the Born this Way Foundation has recruited over 7M participants and over 160M pledged acts of kindness with the help of hundreds of partners. Learn more at bornthisway.foundation/bekind21. Born This Way Foundation & Channel Kindness Social Media Twitter: @BTWFoundation | @ChannelKindness Facebook: @bornthiswayfoundation |…

Social and emotional learning (SEL) builds the skills, knowledge and attitudes that students and adults need to be successful. SEL is a high priority in Dallas ISD, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made it more clear the value SEL skills bring to the district’s individuals, classrooms, and families. While SEL does not replace needed mental health services, SEL can promote mental wellness in many ways. By fostering responsive relationships, emotionally safe environments, and social and emotional skills development, SEL cultivates important “protective factors” to buffer against mental health risks. SEL is for individuals of all ages and when schools…