Inside Dallas ISD

When schools unexpectedly closed in March due to the Covid-19 threat, Walnut Hill Elementary School teacher Alejandra Ramos Gómez first found it tough to talk to students. The kids were just bouncing back from the tornado that five months ago demolished their home campus, and she worried about the additional toll the epidemic would bring. After a few awkward virtual lessons, she fully embraced her professional and personal passion: social and emotional learning. “We began talking to the students about how they were feeling and how their new reality was affecting them,” Gómez said. “I really wanted to allow them…

With national studies showing students falling behind academically due to the Covid-19 closure of schools, Dallas ISD administrators briefed trustees on Aug. 13 on the district’s efforts to mitigate learning loss. “We are now facing conditions where students have not received instruction in a classroom environment for six consecutive months,” Chief of Staff Pam Lear told trustees. “The research is disturbing, and we need to prepare to address it in the short term and long term.” From expanded access to digital learning tools and ongoing progress monitoring to strong on-grade level instruction and tutoring supports, Chief of School Leadership Jolee…

Under a proposed resolution, students who choose distance learning this school year could still participate at the campus in all extracurricular activities, co-curricular activities and elective courses requiring in-person instruction and supervision. The resolution up for consideration would designate certain times and days for distance learning students to participate in those activities at the campus. Transportation may be provided for some on-campus participation options. A cross-divisional planning committee and feedback from parents, teachers, principals and stakeholders led to the recommendation. Trustees will vote on the proposed resolution during the Aug. 27 board meeting.

Three Dallas ISD teachers have been named winners of the “Service Above Self Teacher Awards” presented by the Rotary Club of Dallas. The award is presented annually by the Rotary club to teachers who demonstrate excellence in their profession and go the extra mile to serve students and the community. This year’s winners are: Brittnay Connor from Paul Dunbar Learning Center Shelly Thibodaux from Robert T. Hill Middle School Yvonne Morgan from the School of Health Professions The three outstanding educators received a recognition plaque and $2,500 check. Watch the Zoom ceremony here.