We are so thankful for our students and families that connect us. It is an honor to provide the highest level of dyslexia instructional services for our students by having a minimum of one dyslexia therapist (CALT) at every campus to support you! We recognize the value of our rigorous training for our dyslexia therapists and having truly specialized instruction to meet your students' needs. We recognize the importance of our collaboration, and we will continue to build meaningful relationships through our community and campus connections. We are here for you!!!

May you have an enjoyable and relaxing break with your family and friends. See you in January!

Kind regards,

Marcy Eisinger, M.Ed., M.S.

LDT, LPC, CALT, SLDS

Assistant Director, Dyslexia

meisinger@garlandisd.net

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to instruction or interaction with students that is geared toward developing students’ social or emotional understanding and skills. (Yale Center)

Why do we need to understand and talk about the dyslexia /mental health connection?

Individuals with dyslexia have reported:

• Anger
• Stress
• Embarrassment
• Shame
• Aggression
• Guilt
• Isolation
• Insecurity
• Anxiety

We strive to meet the needs of the whole child, not just their academic needs. We talk to students about dyslexia and what it means to be dyslexic. Students begin to understand that dyslexia is in no way related to intelligence. We encourage them to lean into their strengths as well as work hard and persevere to overcome their struggles. Students feel encouraged and empowered when they learn just how common dyslexia is and just how many people with dyslexia live successful, fulfilling lives. Students learn about many of the famous athletes, authors, scientists, entertainers, and entrepreneurs with dyslexia!

Muhammad Ali called himself the “Greatest of All Time,” and then backed it up with words and actions. At 21, he was the youngest boxer ever to become heavyweight champion, and he won a gold medal in the 1960 Olympic Games. He also had dyslexia. (Understood.org)

Key takeaways:

• Kids don’t have to read traditional books to practice reading.

• Practicing jokes can help kids become more fluent readers.

• Audiobooks are just as valuable as traditional books. All GISD students identified with dyslexia have free access to Learning Ally Audiobooks. Reach out to your child’s campus or dyslexia therapist for assistance.

• 12/15/23 Student early dismissal/Staff development

• 12/18/23-1/3/24 Winter Break

• 1/4/24 & 1/5/24 Student holiday/Staff development

• 1/15/24 MLK Jr. Day- No School

• 2/10/24 Garland ISD 6th Annual Dyslexia Symposium- This FREE event is open to parents, teachers, community members…anyone! It will be at Naaman Forest High School from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. More information will be coming soon!

• 2/19/24 Student holiday/Staff development