Inside Dallas ISD

Dallas ISD’s Risk Management Department celebrated the accomplishments of 21 schools on Friday, August 19, recognizing campuses who showcase a commitment to safety beyond measure. Throughout the year, schools hold in-house inspections and safety training, practicing emergency protocols, distributing safety material, and promoting safety in their day-to-day routine. The school that has accumulated the most points at the end of the year will receive the prestigious Eagle Safety Award and be crowned Dallas ISD’s Safest School. “On behalf of Dallas ISD and Risk Management, I would like to thank all the safety coordinators throughout the district for their effort in…

Evelyn Lopez and Patricia Barroso were well into planning out their year as early learning specialists when the call came for Teaching and Learning staff to support students in a more direct way—as teachers of record in schools across the district. “My first reaction was surprise,” said Evelyn Lopez, who is teaching first grade at John W. Carpenter Elementary School. “But when Chief [Shannon] Trejo shared the reality that some kids would not have a teacher on their first day, I knew that’s what I had to do. My mind immediately transitioned to being back in the classroom.” “My son…

The 2022-2023 school year is off to a busy start for John F. Peeler Elementary School Principal Tito Salas, and he is showing his school spirit in a rap video dressed up in a “Peeler Pirates” costume with a hook for a hand. The rap video, produced by Dallas ISD Public Safety Officer Mauricio Montoya, was originally meant as a special “welcome back” message for Salas’ students, and it has now been making its way around YouTube.  Over the summer, Salas knew he wanted to come up with an idea to get Peeler Elementary excited. His own children, who are…

Dallas ISD made significant gains despite COVID-19 challenges to learning and maintained its pre-pandemic score of 86. With the B grade from the Texas Education Agency, the district has a baseline for success as staff, students and families begin the 2022-2023 school year.  “These results clearly reflect the hard work and commitment of our staff and the innovation and versatility that drives Dallas ISD,” said Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde. “The ratings provide encouraging data points that will map the programs and supports for this year. As I have told our schools, ‘You got us here, preparing students during difficult circumstances, now,…