Inside Dallas ISD

As the Dallas ISD Police Department officer assigned to Thomas J. Rusk Middle School, Officer Walter Gunn believes that building relationships with students is the most vital part of this job. Gunn maintains an open-door policy at Rusk Middle School, where he encourages students to talk to him about their issues inside and outside the classroom. When he walks the hallways during transition periods, he makes sure to shake the students’ hands or give them high-fives, and he is constantly interacting with students whenever possible. “If the students can trust you, they’re able to connect with you. And if they…

Dallas ISD’s Reading and Language Arts Department will give away over 10,000 books at Read for Me on March 7. Read for Me is an interactive, multi-cultural literacy experience designed to instill a love for books and reading in parents, students, and community members. Attendees will also enjoy an International Festival celebrating diverse cultures through activities, tasty snacks, and performances.  This year’s theme is Stories from Around the World. Students and parents will meet authors, work with community members, and experience the joy of literacy. We’ll provide an interactive, multi-cultural experience in literacy while building advocacy for parents, students, and…

Joseph Contreras is a Lead Dyslexia Evaluator who has partnered with parents and professionals in Dallas ISD for over 18 years to identify students with dyslexia and help them find success. For his great work, the Dallas International Dyslexia Association chose Contreras to receive the 2020 Excellence in Education Award. He was recently recognized at Dallas IDA’s 2020 Regional Conference on Feb. 7. The Excellence in Education Award is presented annually at Dallas IDA’s regional conference to teachers or other professionals who demonstrate excellence in practice and a commitment to students with dyslexia and related differences. Individuals may be nominated…

W.H. Adamson High School’s P-TECH provides students with rigorous training and opportunities in the information and computer technology industry. This is possible through the support of El Centro College and two industry partners: American Airlines and IBM. The curriculum focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with an emphasis in computer and information technology. “The P-TECH program helps to create a pipeline of future STEM professionals,” said Joseph Gonzales, Adamson’s P-TECH workplace coordinator. “There is a need for STEM professionals and our industry partners are excited to help us to cultivate talent to fill high demand jobs.” Adamson’s P-TECH,…