Inside Dallas ISD

Pat Johnson, who serves as the nurse at Dallas ISD’s Stonewall Jackson Elementary School, is the 2017-2018 Health Services Employee of the Year. Johnson said that one thing she enjoys about being a school nurse is that the job is different every day. “You get to work with students, parents and staff to facilitate their health and well being,” she said. “In addition to providing health services such as first aid and medications, we do health education activities, screenings, counseling, and promote parent and community involvement. You can make a real difference in the lives of children every day.” Johnson’s nomination stood…

Community partnerships are crucial to provide funding, support and enrichment for Dallas ISD students. Four awards were presented during the May 24 Board of Trustees meeting to this year’s outstanding volunteers and partners who made a positive impact on education. The Superintendent’s Award was presented to Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities. Beginning in 2014, the organization has provided uniforms and resources to a growing number of students. A back-to-school event now serves all students at five Dallas ISD schools. Additionally, Smith Charities provided special funding assistance for Hurricane Harvey evacuees, and introduced additional partners to help families. The Emmett J.…

Parent ShaTonda Edmonds calls her 19-year-son Jheilaun Roberts a miracle.  Born at 23 weeks weighing one pound four ounces and only 12 inches long, he literally fit into the palm of her hand.  Released after a 10-month hospital stay, Jheilaun and his mom went home to start a new life that his doctors warned would be filled with challenges. “Jheilaun is on the Autism spectrum, and his doctors said he would definitely be intellectually delayed,” said Edmonds. Born with the serious eye disorder retinopathy, Jheilaun was at risk of losing his vision and hearing, and doctors predicted he would require…

W.H. Adamson High School senior Sergio Armendariz is a tall, slender young man with a soft voice and polite manner. He’s quick to open doors for others and defers to his coach in conversation. But when he begins talking about his love for track and field and cross-country, his eyes light up, he sits a bit taller and leans in. Recently named Dallas ISD’s male Student Athlete of the Year in recognition of his accomplishments as a scholar and athlete, 18-year-old Armendariz is a proud, lifelong resident of Oak Cliff and has attended Adamson High School for four years. For three…