Inside Dallas ISD

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…

The dress code went out the window for teachers by the third day of school in favor of masks, helmets and capes at Dallas ISD’s Mark Twain Leadership Vanguard. The colorful attire helped kick off a year-long effort, “Teachers are Super Heroes,” to show students positive role models through real and imagined heroes. Heroes, Cops and Kids, a program started by two Dallas police officers, will also work with the school in promoting positive behavior, decision-making and ways to cope with peer pressure. “We want students to know that they are all superheroes in their own ways,” said counselor Keith…