Inside Dallas ISD

When tragedies happen at district schools, a cadre of specially trained staff stand ready to step in to comfort, reassure and counsel students, staff and families. A death or other tragedy involving a student or school staff member brings with it the same grief felt by a family when one of its members is stricken. In a school setting, that might mean upwards of 500 staff and students need help grappling with loss or trauma. While the school counselors represent the front line in this process, the district’s Psychological and Social Services Department is staffed with 37 full-time licensed counselors,…

For children new to the United States, the first step in the process of becoming a Dallas ISD student puts them in a safe environment surrounded by smiling faces. In its second year, the Margaret and Gilbert Herrera Student Intake Center assesses immigrant children and registers them for school. As of last week, the center has aided more than 1,000 families since July. Many families arrive at the center after being referred by the schools in their new neighborhoods. Marlene Yépez-Porras, parent/community liaison specialist, has been with the center since it opened last year. “We believe it’s something that’s very…

Through its Service Above Self Teacher Awards, the Rotary Club of Dallas calls attention to the importance of teachers, and rewards those who demonstrate excellence by going the “extra mile.” Each year the organization solicits nominees from all Dallas ISD schools, and selects three finalists at elementary, middle and high school levels. Finalists are honored at a recognition luncheon, and receive cash and other awards, with the winner at each level taking home $2,500. “Every year, it is a very special day for all who attend, but especially because it’s a chance to give much- deserved recognition to those dedicated…

In 1989, Marcus Gates told his high school coach, “Mark my words, I’ll be head coach here one day.” Today, not only is he the head football coach at James Madison High School, he’s also the athletic director, and teaches college and career readiness. A natural at motivating students at Madison to work hard and pursue college, Gates draws inspiration from vivid childhood memories of his grandmother working long hours to support an extended family of nine. “By watching her, I learned to work hard, and I knew that education would be critical if I wanted something different for my…