Inside Dallas ISD

Almost everyone who knows Preston Hollow Elementary teacher Leanne Woods says she has a gift for teaching students with Down syndrome. Principal Tom Brandt describes her as a teacher of boundless energy who applies tough love to get her special needs students to grow when other teachers might give up. “Ms. Woods’ ability to connect with and address each student’s unique talents and specific needs is absolutely incredible,” he said. Parents echo the sentiment. Celina Abeyta-Barry, whose son is one of Woods’ students, says the veteran special education teacher is “kind and loving yet firm and determined.” Woods also takes…

At Charles A. Gill Elementary School, teachers and school leadership encourage as many parents to be as involved as possible. MySchool is a Hub feature that spotlights a different Dallas ISD school each week. Watch the above video to learn more about the good things happening Gill Elementary.

Amber Harris, owner of Mockingbird Lane Bridal Boutique, knows how much teenagers want to look and feel good during their homecoming dance. Harris spends much of her week helping brides, bridesmaids, and women preparing for a formal event pick out the dress that is perfect for them. Knowing the power of the perfect dress, Mockingbird Bridal donated approximately 150 dresses to Sunset High School students with the hopes of making their homecoming memories a little sweeter. “When you wear a beautiful dress, you feel great about yourself and it helps build your confidence,” Harris said. “We were excited to be able…

From the owner of a luxury home firm who served on charitable boards to an actress and director who has appeared in films such as “Minority Report” and “Charlie Wilson’s War,” six Hillcrest High School distinguished alumni will be recognized for their noted accomplishments on Oct. 14. In addition to recognizing the Class of 2015 HHS Distinguished Alumni, the HHS Alumni Association’s second-annual Platinum Panther Celebration will also honor alumni who graduated 50 years ago. Proceeds from the event, which is by reservation only and held at the Prestonwood Country Club, will benefit the HHS Alumni Association Scholarship fund. “We…