9 May 2011
Eight Organizations and Individuals Received Awards
DALLAS-The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees recently recognized outstanding school district partners and volunteers for their support to schools in the 2010-2011 school year. Volunteers and partner groups annually contribute thousands of hours of time, and numerous in-kind donations and financial resources to help schools extend learning experiences for students.
Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa and trustees presented awards to eight organizations and individuals nominated by the schools they support.
Brenda Landeros who coordinates the volunteer and partner program for Rosemont Primary and Rosemont elementary schools received Outstanding School Partnership Coordinator Award. The award recognizes school staff whose work results in the greatest percentage of newly recruited volunteers, utilization of volunteers, the best ratio of volunteers to students and documented partnership contributions.
The Outstanding Elementary School Volunteer Award recognizes the priceless value a single dedicated individual can represent to a school. Felix G. Botello Elementary School volunteer Maria Amaya received the award. A virtual staff member on Oak Cliff campus, she performs a variety of duties, including tutoring, reading, serving as a role model for students and encouraging parents to get more involved in their children's education.
Inna Troik, a native Russian speaker who volunteers at William B. Travis Vanguard was named the Outstanding Secondary School Volunteer. She not only encourages students to master the basic concepts of her native tongue, Russian, but also serves as editor of the school's weekly online parent/staff newsletter.
The district's Outstanding Partner Organization Award was presented to the Victor H. Hexter Elementary School PTA. For 55 years, the organization has supported the school's instructional program through a variety of fundraising and family activities. Among their more popular efforts are sponsorship of an annual 5K race, a carnival, silent auction and annual home tours. Current PTA president Cheryl Robinson accepted the award.
The Outstanding Business Partner Award recognizes a business whose contributions to one or more schools have provided support for activities the school would not otherwise have afforded its students. This year's winner is the area investment firm Behringer Harvard. Among its contributions to Jerry R. Junkins Elementary School are more than 300 volunteer hours per month during which time the company's employees serve as tutors and mentors.
Greenhill School was presented the district's Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award in recognition of the positive impact the Greenhill student volunteers have made on their students at their adopted school, Herbert Marcus Elementary School. As part of their community service outreach, Greenhill students serve as tutors for Marcus students. Teachers say the volunteers create excitement about learning and give students that little extra help that makes a difference in student achievement.
The District's Extra Mile Award is presented to an organization or individual whose volunteer service has exceeded three years and whose service has shown significant growth over that period. This year's award recipient is BuzzFree PROMises Dress and Tuxedo Giveaway. Over the last several years, this event has become a favorite of high school juniors and seniors who get to select prom dresses and tuxedos for the big night as they receive education about the importance of making responsible choices regarding drugs and alcohol. The project has grown bigger each year and now includes a parent workshop and a fashion show.
National retailer Target received the Superintendent's Award in recognition for its outstanding volunteer and financial support to multiple district schools since 1994. In addition to donation of school supplies, gift cards, field trip funding and more, its School Library Makeovers have equipped four Dallas ISD school libraries with new books, wall art murals, technology, lighting and furniture valued at over a half-million dollars. Thanks to a $150,000 Target grant, the district will create a new Partners in Reading program for K-3 students and parents at 24 campuses starting next fall.
The 2010-2011 honorees were selected by a committee of volunteer judges. Dallas ISD salutes all school partners and volunteers for their service and support to students. This year alone, district schools have registered 24,076 volunteers and involved 1593 school partners. Individuals and organizations with an interest in supporting schools should contact the district's Community Relations Department at 972-925-3920 or visit the Web site www.dallasisd.org/supportourschools.
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