Inside Dallas ISD

“We all have the power, in our own spheres of influence, to make a difference, to fulfill the hopes, prayers and dreams of Dr. King.” With these words, Zihair Douglas, a fifth-grade student at Thomas L. Marsalis STEAM Academy, ended the speech that would ultimately have him win the Dallas MLK Oratory final on January 13. For this year’s competition, eight Dallas ISD students delivered original speeches addressing the topic: “What would Dr. King say to us today about hope for tomorrow?” In his speech, Zihair included a sharp critique of current policy changes limiting voting access, immigration, abortion and…

Food and Child Nutrition Services (FCNS) has launched several new menu items based on a new, healthier smoked beef. The new entrees are being piloted at L.G. Pinkston High School. The smoked beef is prepared and seasoned with special spice blends created by Dallas ISD chefs, with decreased sodium content and enhanced flavor. The beef is slowly smoked at low temperatures for about 18 hours. It has been showcased at multiple taste-testing events attended by students and Dallas ISD team members to ensure the quality and richness of the product. This new item allows different entrees to be created, such…

Jose Fernando Loaiza never expected to become a teacher, but when he entered his first classroom, he said it did not take him long to realize he had found where he was supposed to be. Today—20 years later—he relies on students’ love of reading to transform their lives and make memorable moments at San Jacinto Elementary School. “I love this job,” said Loaiza, a second-grade bilingual teacher. “Teaching is a calling. It is not for everyone, but if it’s done well and with passion, we get to go to bed every day knowing we impacted someone in a positive way.…

George Peabody Elementary School is on the move so their current campus can undergo substantial work. Principal Sherri Rogers-Hall and her team recently welcomed their community to their temporary home at the Edison Learning Center to get a look before the start of the spring semester. Families and students were invited to tour Peabody at Edison, getting to know various classrooms, one of two gyms, the library and more. They also got to preview their new bus drop off and pick up location at a church next to the current Peabody campus. “We are so thrilled about getting a new…