DALLAS, TX – The Dallas Education Foundation proudly announces the official unveiling of a multilingual book vending machine at Dallas ISD’s Margaret and Gilbert Herrera International Welcome Center. The event, marking a milestone in our commitment to literacy, is set to take place on April 16th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Dallas ISD’s Headquarter in Suite 200.
In partnership with Superior Text, the Dallas Education Foundation has been able to secure a fully-stocked book vending machine that will serve as a “welcome to Dallas ISD” and, more importantly, will enhance reading opportunities for the thousands of students who will enroll in the school district. This program aligns with Dallas Education Foundation’s strategic initiative of advancing literacy by curating home libraries for Dallas ISD students.
“We are thrilled to share our Book Nook with the enrollment center. The book nook is simply a delivery vehicle that provides excitement with the end goal of fostering a love of reading. We can’t imagine a better welcome gift than a golden coin that students redeem for a book of their choosing. Through this initiative students are able to explore new worlds and expand their imaginations. The work currently being done in Dallas ISD in conjunction with DEF is inspiring a movement throughout the nation. We look forward to our continued journey together,” said Diane Goldsmith, CEO of Superior Text.
“The Dallas Education Foundation is thrilled to continue our partnership with Superior Text to advance literacy for our newest Dallas ISD students. Now students from all over the globe who enroll in a Dallas ISD school will have the opportunity to expand or start building their home library with a brand new, culturally relevant book of their choice,” said Emily Davis, Development and Grants Manager at the Dallas Education Foundation.
After a breakfast at 10:00 am, we will move into the ceremony with opening remarks by Dallas ISD Director Amanda Clymer, followed by insights from Deputy Chief Elizabeth Casas about the enrollment center’s pivotal role.
“The Margaret and Gilbert Herrera International Welcome Center provides a variety of support for students and families including registration, family orientation, language proficiency testing, and health screenings by an on-site nurse. Students receive a backpack with resources to kick start their educational journey. The Welcome Center has registered over 7,000 students during the 2023-2024 school year from 76 countries, speaking over 36 different languages. The International Welcome Center is proud of the work we do in the service of students and their families and is excited to partner with the Dallas Educational Foundation and Superior Text in working together to create spaces for the appreciation of literacy. We believe the book vending machine will be a symbol to our students and families that the love of literacy begins at home,” said Amanda Clymer, Director of Dual Language ESL at Dallas ISD.
Regina Montoya, a board member of the Dallas Education Foundation, and Diane Goldsmith of Superior Text will address the collaboration’s goals and outcomes. Dallas ISD Trustee Dr. Edwin Flores will provide additional context to the district’s literacy efforts, and the ceremony will conclude with a ribbon-cutting by key stakeholders including Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Superintendent of Dallas ISD.
The unveiling ceremony is a gesture of gratitude towards Superior Text and an acknowledgment of everyone dedicated to advancing literacy for newcomer students. It will be an interactive event, with demonstrations of students selecting books and the joy of reading manifesting live as they engage with the new vending machine.
For more information about the Dallas Education Foundation and its initiatives, please visit our website at dallasedfound.org.
About Dallas Education Foundation
The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) and serves as the direct and designated philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD. With a mission to inspire community investment to accelerate student success, our vision is a galvanized community whose resources support the transformative work that makes Dallas ISD the preferred choice for families across North Texas.
Aligning with the district’s strategic initiatives, DEF has granted more than $5 million over the last three years for the benefit of our Dallas ISD students, teachers, and schools, focusing on economic mobility by supporting early learning, advancing literacy, driving post-secondary success, and catalyzing our educators. To learn more, go to https://dallasedfound.org and follow us @dallasedfound on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Dallas ISD
The Dallas Independent School District is continually preparing its more than 141,000 students for college or a career. The district offers a competitive mix of innovative programs, choice programs and instructional initiatives that support the increased academic achievement and the social and emotional development of its students. To learn more, visit www.dallasisd.org.
