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Angel Sitiriche, Campus Teacher of the Year at John J. Pershing Elementary.

Angel Sitiriche, Campus Teacher of the Year at John J. Pershing Elementary.

Being thankful is a way of sharing positive emotions and helping lift the spirits of others.

What are you thankful for this holiday season? I am thankful for my family and the thousands of educators who sacrifice time away from their families and loved ones to help Dallas’ children. I am especially thankful for the many educators who are part of the District 1 family, such as Angel Sitiriche, who selflessly invests in the lives of the children and families that he serves.

From serving in the army in Iraq after Sept. 11, Sitiriche decided to invest his time in the community and he became a public school teacher. For the past 12 years, he’s been part of the John J. Pershing Elementary family.

His outstanding contributions to education were recognized last month as he was named a Dallas ISD Campus Teacher of the Year.

“As a valued member of the Pershing Elementary family, Mr. Sitiriche contributes in so many ways to the school’s community,” Assistant Principal Mary Ramos said. “His service to his country has been impeccable and adds a varied experience that he shares with his students, who see him as a role model and someone they admire.”

In addition to teaching fifth-grade language arts and social studies, Sitiriche is also a soccer coach for fifth-grade students on the weekend, donating his own money and time, and serves as a STEM First Lego League coach, among other roles.

Sitiriche is just one of the many teachers in Dallas ISD who dedicate their time to helping educate the future leaders of the city. Congratulations to him and to the rest of District 1 Campus Teachers of the Year for their commitment to education.

In other district news:

Congratulations to Samuel Hardy, third-grade student at Harry Withers Elementary and fourth- graders Anisa Herrera and Daniel Dywer from George Bannerman Dealey Montessori and International Academy, for receiving an individual gold medal in this year’s Dallas ISD Elementary Chess Tournament. A special recognition goes to the fourth-grade team at Dealey for taking home second place prize in their grade level category.

Also, I would like to invite the community to come see the great magnet program offered at Dealey. An open house is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6-7:30 p.m.

And last but not least, I encourage every family to come and discover what makes Dallas ISD the perfect choice for their children. Join us for the largest school fairs in the city, Discover Dallas ISD. During these events, families can get a sneak peek at the amazing programs available in schools throughout the district.

Discover Dallas ISD will take place over two weekends in four different locations:

  • Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
    • Ellis Davis Field House; 9191 S. Polk St., Dallas
    • Skyline High School; 7777 Forney Rd., Dallas
  • Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
    • Emmett J. Conrad High School; 7502 Fair Oaks Ave., Dallas
    • Loos Field House; 3815 Spring Valley Rd., Addison

Admission and parking are free at all four locations. For more information visit dallasisd.org/discoverdallasisd.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at one of the Discover Dallas ISD events. We can help you to discover the school that is just right for your child.

Happy holidays to you and your family!

Edwin Flores

—Edwin Flores is the District 1 representative on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees