Inside Dallas ISD

From adopting new curricula to administration changes, Sunset High School continues to evolve, but two teachers –  Valarie Nichols and Stephanie Blankenship – are a constant source of support to students, and have been, for more than three decades. As English teachers, they are committed to encouraging students to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.   “Adapting to changes has been challenging, especially with the increasing emphasis on standardized tests,” Nichols said. As Nichols reflects on becoming campus “Teacher of the Year” and being recognized in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers,” she says her proudest accomplishments extend beyond accolades. Blankenship…

Fifth-grade students, representing 33 campuses, had the opportunity to share their hearts through words at a recent districtwide poetry slam competition at Skyline High School. The competition brought students together for the chance to be this year’s poetry slam champions as well as win scholarships. The Reading Language Arts Department partnered with the Roland Parrish Foundation, which funded the $10,000 in scholarships, to make the competition happen. First place went to Iker I. from Felix G. Botello Personalized Learning Elementary School, second place went to Max R. from William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted, and third…

When families from other countries come to Dallas ISD to register their children for school, the first place they visit is the Margaret and Gilbert Herrera Welcome Center, known informally as the intake center.  When families walk in the door, some of the first faces they see are team members Teresa Gonzalez and Herlinda Godoy.  As administrative assistants, both wear many hats, performing duties such as checking documents and making sure the families have everything they need to enroll in the district—from making IDs for the students to making sure they are placed in the correct school.  Often working through…

Submitted by Anne Howell, demonstration teacher at Dan D. Rogers Elementary School For bus driver Tamara Franklin, creating a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere in her vehicle is all in a day’s work. Which, for the past two years, has meant adorning her special education bus to match seasonal holidays and special events. “I started last Halloween,” Franklin said. “I decorate my home, and I saw that some drivers put stickers around, so I thought ‘I’m going to decorate the whole bus!’” That year, students entered the bus the next morning to find spider webs, skulls and a ghost inside. “They…