Educators from Puerto Rico Find ‘Home Away from Home’ in Cityscape Schools

  • Post published:March 22, 2023
  • Reading time:4 mins read

It all started with a Newspaper advertisement that motivated Norma Gomez-Fuentes to pursue her career goals outside of her hometown, a small island in Puerto Rico or “Islita” - as she calls it.  Ms. Gomez-Fuentes moved to Dallas, Texas joining Cityscape Schools in pursuit of her passion for teaching. She joined Cityscape’s family back in 2016 and has been here ever since. She says that she knew great things were coming for her the moment she stepped into the interviews. “They welcomed me and accepted my vibrant and unique personality, since day one they celebrated my culture and knowledge, and that’s how I knew Cityscape Schools was going to be my second home,” said Ms. Gomez-Fuentes. In the seven years that Ms. Gomez-Fuentes has been here, she has earned certifications in MTA, Life Sciences 6-12, Bilingual Supplemental, EC-6, ESL, Reading Specialist and Special Education and also became an Esperanza interventionist, while also leading the Dyslexia and related disorders program, and is currently the first Bilingual Dyslexia Lead Teacher and Reading specialist of the district. She says all of this was possible with the support she found at Cityscape Schools. “Cityscape has been my academy when it comes to the teaching experience. I started teaching here and I have learned a lot throughout the years, I have met and worked with great campus leaders, who share their knowledge and expertise without hesitation. One of the many things that makes Ms. Gomez-Fuentes admirable is her resilience when it comes to embracing challenges and finding a positive aspect in all situations. She was able to find people with the same qualities and values at Cityscape Schools.  “I have stayed for so long because…

Continue ReadingEducators from Puerto Rico Find ‘Home Away from Home’ in Cityscape Schools

Cityscape’s TIA Program Approved with Six New Designees!  

  • Post published:March 10, 2023
  • Reading time:4 mins read

On February 7, 2023, Cityscape Schools received a congratulatory email from Commissioner Mike Morath stating that our TIA program, pending designations, and all supporting data have been APPROVED!   Congratulations to the following teachers who are now recognized as Texas’s top teachers and their respective designation:   Ms. Sol Acuña –               Recognized    Mr. Carlos Cupido –        Recognized Ms. Margarita Esquivel -   Exemplary Ms. Naima Howard –       Exemplary Ms. Lindsey Miles –         Recognized Mr. Angel Rodriguez -      Recognized   The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) was created by the Texas Legislature as part of House Bill 3 to provide a realistic pathway for top teachers to earn competitive salaries and to help attract and retain highly effective teachers at traditionally hard-to-staff schools.   Our designees will learn in April 2023 what their allotment funding will be, according to TEA’s formula based on their campus’s rural and Title 1 status.   Again, congratulations to these dedicated and talented Cityscape instructors. May they continue to positively affect children’s lives in a positive way for many more years to come.   Mr. Carlos Cupido Mr. Angel Rodriguez Ms. Lindsey Miles Ms. Margarita Esquivel surrounded by students Ms. Naima Howard and class

Continue ReadingCityscape’s TIA Program Approved with Six New Designees!  

Buckner Preparatory shines with Ms. Naima Howard!

  • Post published:March 8, 2023
  • Reading time:3 mins read

Meet Ms. Naima Howard TIA Exemplary Designee for the 2021-2022 School Year! In February 2023, Ms. Naima Howard was designated as Exemplary status in TEA’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program. Ms. Howard joined our district (via Buckner Preparatory) in 2020.  She currently teaches 5th and 6th grade mathematics/science and has been teaching for 9 years in total. Before coming to Cityscape, Ms. Howard earned her bachelor’s degree in education (with a concentration in mathematics) from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. One interesting note is that she has taught every grade level between Kinder and 6th, with the exception of 3rd grade. When asked about earning an Exemplary distinction, she responded “I think it all comes down to how your students perceive you feel about them. My students know that I am there to teach them, yes, but also give them confidence and motivation.”  Ms. Howard knows how important it is to prepare her students for state assessments and future grade levels, but believes it is equally important to teach them character and values.  In fact, one of her students recently told her that she would make a wonderful counselor.  When asked what advice she would give to new teachers, she replied that the focus in a classroom should be an equal mix of academics and social/emotional.  She has noticed that students with emotional problems are most likely to also suffer academically. When asked for some words of commendation for Ms. Howard, BP Principal, Ms. Clarencia Wade, said that when she thinks of the quote, “Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become…

Continue ReadingBuckner Preparatory shines with Ms. Naima Howard!

4-Day School Week | Exploring Possibilities

  • Post published:February 28, 2023
  • Reading time:3 mins read

LEA ESTA PÁGINA EN ESPAÑOL Our commitment to partnering with you to prepare your child to fulfill productive leadership roles in society remains strong. Therefore, to continue strengthening our service and support to your child and family, we are exploring the possibility of adopting a 4-day school week for the 2023-2024 school year, which begins in August.  Your feedback as we explore a 4-day school week is very important to us, so we ask that you please take a few minutes of your time to complete the brief survey below. ANSWER THE SURVEY Parent Frequently Asked Questions DOWLOAD Staff Frequently Asked Questions DOWLOAD Join Superintendent Brannon in upcoming meetings to learn more, and share your thoughts, feedback and questions. Virtual Townhall Recordings: April 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB2OnQeES7U Virtual Townhall Recordings: February 24 https://youtu.be/2FckhLBNlBc Virtual Townhall Recordings: February 17 https://youtu.be/De6I_bQpk34 Virtual Townhall Recordings: February 10 https://youtu.be/mdBnrh1BNOs

Continue Reading4-Day School Week | Exploring Possibilities

Meet One of Our Seven Pending TIA Designees!

  • Post published:February 23, 2023
  • Reading time:3 mins read

One of our seven pending TIA designees, Ms. Lindsey Miles, joined our district (via East Grand Preparatory) last year.  She currently teaches 6th grade mathematics and has been teaching for three years in total. Before coming to Cityscape, Ms. Miles majored in criminal justice and had dreams of becoming a juvenile probation officer.  Her desire was to reduce recidivism and show the adolescents that there were still opportunities available to them.  However, she also had the call to teach, which happily brought her to the Cityscape family. When asked about her high marks on the T-TESS and the MAP assessment (student growth), she responded “I really try to ensure that my students are always engaged!” She added with a chuckle, “I am loud and energetic.  I tell the students to match my energy.  Emotions are a big part of how we learn.  I tell them to BE EXCITED when they come to class.  When my kids are excited, I know they are ready to learn.” When asked what advice she would give to those who are currently in alt cert programs, as they chose teaching after earning a bachelor’s degree in a major other than education, Ms. Miles replied, “Give yourself grace.  Celebrate those little victories!  If you have a student who only grew by one percentage point, celebrate that one point!  If you arrive at work late, celebrate that you made it for those students who need you!  Keep yourself motivated through those little victories!” When asked for some words of commendation for Ms. Miles, EGP Assistant Principal, Dr. Israel Garcia, said, “When you are in Ms. Miles’ classroom, it is difficult to miss the action; her voice goes…

Continue ReadingMeet One of Our Seven Pending TIA Designees!

Foresight Summer Camp

  • Post published:February 21, 2023
  • Reading time:2 mins read

Mark Your Calendars Foresight Summer Camp 2023 is in the planning! We are excited because planning is already underway for Foresight Summer Camp 2023! We are preparing 25 days of interactive, fun, and enrichment learning.  The camp provides us an opportunity to continue strengthening students’ academics. We are excited to see some of the results from last year’s camp, such as an improvement in math and reading among 86% of the students who attended the camp. We are committed to continuing to drive students toward successful academic achievement. Foresight Summer Camp 2023 is scheduled from June 7 through July 13. Be on the lookout for more information on how and when to enroll your child.

Continue ReadingForesight Summer Camp

Dallas Fire Department Visits ECC!

  • Post published:February 9, 2023
  • Reading time:3 mins read

Cityscape's Early Childhood Center had some special guests from the Dallas Fire Department... a Dalmatian puppet dog named Sparky alongside Officer Lewis. The DFD's Rescue team showed our students what a fire alarm should look like and what sound it makes. Our students also learned what to do in case of a fire or if a person is on fire. They all yelled "Stop, Drop, & Roll," and learned that there should be a Family meeting point in case of any emergency. Another important lesson today was: when to call 911 and what information to give them. Our two students: Gemma & Jesus participated in showing their classmates how and when to call! At the end, Sparky played a couple of games with all of students like hide and seek and a guessing game. To finish off, our students pledged to follow everything learned in any case of a fire. We'd like to thank Dallas Fire Department for their time with our amazing students!

Continue ReadingDallas Fire Department Visits ECC!

Exploring Possibilities: 4-Day School Week

  • Post published:February 9, 2023
  • Reading time:2 mins read

 Our commitment to partnering with you to prepare your child to fulfill productive leadership roles in society remains strong. Therefore, to continue strengthening our service and support to your child and family, Cityscape Schools is exploring the possibility of adopting a 4-day school week for the 2023-2024 school year.  JOIN Superintendent Leonard Brannon to learn more and share your thoughts, feedback, and questions. Meeting to be streamed through this Facebook platform and our YouTube channel. Facebook         www.facebook.com/CityscapeSchools  YouTube          www.youtube.com/@cityscapeschools2974 For more information, visit: http://www.cityscapeschools.org/4dayschoolweek

Continue ReadingExploring Possibilities: 4-Day School Week

Cityscape Schools and The Compelling Why: Helping to Educate the Whole Child

  • Post published:January 11, 2023
  • Reading time:1 mins read

Cityscape Schools and The Compelling Why partner to continue helping to educate the whole child. The partnership provided students with Success Sessions and  Leadership Series. Read more.https://www.thecompellingwhy.org/cityscape-schools-and-the-compelling-why-helping-to-educate-the-whole-child/

Continue ReadingCityscape Schools and The Compelling Why: Helping to Educate the Whole Child

Buckner Prep Students Celebrate the Sounds of the Season

  • Post published:December 20, 2022
  • Reading time:4 mins read

As part of a tradition that grows every year, students at Buckner Preparatory shared holiday carols during the 4th Annual PreK Holiday Sing Along. Students and staff wore cheerful holiday props and bells during the program. Performances, included songs in English and Spanish, such as Navidad “Ozuna”, Muñeco de Nieve, Santa Claus Llegó a la Ciudad, You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch, Christmas Don’t Be Late, the traditional Jingle Bell Rocks and many other songs. As part of the festivities for the week, students also had an opportunity to engage in activities such as wearing holiday sweaters, pajama day and watching holiday movies such as The Polar Express and A Christmas Carol.

Continue ReadingBuckner Prep Students Celebrate the Sounds of the Season