Inside Dallas ISD

Dallas ISD’s goal is to educate every single student for success. In order to make that mission a reality, district principals strive every day to provide equity, safety and excellent educational opportunities. Each campus leader has a passion to help their community. They are the men and women who ensure day-to-day that our students receive a quality education, a secure environment and an opportunity for a brighter future. Derek Thomas, the new principal at Adelle Turner Elementary, and Executive Director Sheryl Wilson talked to us about the greatest qualities of a principal the district’s rigorous hiring process. Why did you…

Born and raised in Mexico, Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School Principal Alicia Iwasko followed in her mother’s and grandfather’s path and became a teacher. In Mexico, she taught English as a Second Language from the elementary to college level. In 2008, she moved to Dallas to follow her passion of teaching bilingual classes in elementary school. She served as a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Ascher Silberstein Elementary School in Dallas ISD for six years before becoming a math instructional coach for three years. “I believe in education because I know it is the best way to empower students…

Students who are moving between certain grade levels have the option of on-campus classes starting Monday, Sept. 28. Other groups of students will have the option of on-campus classes starting Monday, Oct. 5. Parents were given a survey to fill out to determine their preference of on-campus learning or to continue distance learning. The choice was for the first nine weeks of school. Students in grades prekindergarten, kindergarten, those moving to a new campus for fourth or sixth grade, from elementary to a new middle school, and from middle school to a new building for high school have the option…

David Ybarra is a supervisor in Dallas ISD’s Operation Services Division, leading a crew of 21 ground employees. His team is one of the many teams the District relies on to provide welcoming and safe learning environments at schools and other facilities. Ybarra often encourages his team to feel pride in the work they are doing and their  contribution to the district’s mission. “We are responsible for creating neat, nicely kept landscaping areas that will create the first impression for schools,” Ybarra said. “I want the student, staff and parents to feel proud of the way their school looks, and…