Inside Dallas ISD

Words can have a lasting effect on people, something that Wilmer Hutchins Elementary School physical education teacher Earnest Sims learned in 1983 as he was preparing to graduate from his high school in Arkansas. “I remember it like it was yesterday,” Sims said. “I went into the counselor’s office, and the counselor told me, ‘You’re not smart enough to be successful in college.’ That stayed with me. So many things in life I refused to do because I was afraid I was going to fail, just because of what one person said.” Even so, Sims worked hard and graduated from…

If you’ve ever been to a Dallas ISD community event at a school or throughout the city, chances are you’ve seen Sgt. Simon Tapia, one of the faces of the Dallas ISD Police Department’s UNIDOS program. He, along with fellow officer Lt. Juan Cedillo, co-founded the Dallas ISD chapter of UNIDOS, an outreach program that provides assistance and information to the district’s Spanish-speaking community, with a focus on parents and students. “UNIDOS is a collaboration with multiple police organizations and the purpose of the program is to connect our Spanish-speaking community with resources and to address areas of need that…

Ana Casas Sanmartín, a geometry teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School, was sitting in her classroom recently when a former student, Aaron Castro, came up to her and made her day. The senior told her, “Last year was the first time I understood math. I really was struggling. I never figured it out until your class.” And then he added, “I love angles now.” For Casas, that is what teaching is all about: helping students feel successful and proud of what they can achieve. Her passion shines through to her fellow teachers and students alike. “Mrs. Casas’ dedication to her…

The South Oak Cliff Golden Bears continue to be recognized for their historic win of the UIL Class 5A Division II Football State Championship. During the January board meeting, the Golden Bears were officially recognized by Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, and the Board of Trustees for their back-to-back state championship. The coaches, team captains and the entire football team were in attendance to hear praises from the board. Read more about how the Golden Bears climbed their way to the top here. Check out the gallery of photos from the team’s visit.