Inside Dallas ISD

The other can be almost anyone: that person who looks different or talks differently, or wears a headscarf, or isn’t popular. Any of these can be reasons to be isolated and teased especially in middle school. On Friday, Feb. 12, middle school students across the district were encouraged to look beyond surface differences and embrace those they might consider different. It was No One Eats Alone Day, and at Ann Richards Middle School, students took action to make sure everyone was welcomed to the table at lunch.

The fifth grade was a memorable year for Estephanie Rodriguez. She had just moved to Dallas from Mexico and started school, not understanding a single word of English. It would have been very easy to feel out of place and discouraged, but her teacher seemed determined to give Estephanie a vibrant learning experience. “I still remember my fifth-grade teacher; she inspired me so much,” Estephanie said, remembering how so many lessons felt more like games, activities and songs with new words but familiar tunes. “She didn’t speak Spanish to us, but the way she taught me, I never felt different…

Families who attend this Saturday’s African American Read-in are in for a feast of literature, music, and dance. The agenda features an African drum and dance ensemble, student dance groups, a jazz band and a Reader’s Walk showcasing students sharing poems and passages from their favorite books. This all takes place this Saturday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 1819 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The event theme is Reading is The Wave of Life. The celebration is free and open to the community. Author Cheryl Wills will share with students her love for reading and writing.  Wills’ book,…

Trustees expressed their support Thursday night for a proposal to give $1,000 retention stipends to veteran distinguished teachers who did not receive pay raises this year under the Teacher Excellence Initiative. This school year, 148 veteran teachers who received a distinguished effectiveness level — placing them among the top-performing teachers in the district — received no raises because their salaries exceeded the amount set for a distinguished teacher. Another 20 distinguished veteran teachers received raises of less than $1,000 for the same reason. The proposal discussed at Thursday’s board meeting would provide a one-time retention stipend of up to $1,000…