The Diploma Dispatch

Welcome to Our First Edition for this 2025-2026 School Year!
Wildcat Families,
We are excited to share the launch of The Diploma Dispatch, our official IB newsletter! Each month, we’ll bring you updates from the program, celebrate our amazing students and staff, and highlight opportunities that connect learning to the wider world. Together, we’ll continue building a strong, thriving IB community at Woodrow Wilson High School.
With Wildcat Pride,
Mrs. Jackson
IB Team Spotlights
This month, we’re shining a light on our incredible IB teachers and staff. Their dedication and expertise make the IB journey possible for our Wildcats each day. Below you will find their names, the classes they teach, and their contact emails—so you can get to know and connect with the amazing team supporting your students.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Faculty
Shgivens@dallasisd.org
Ms. Rodriguez
IB Coordinator
Mayrrodriguez@dallasisd.org
Mr. Adams
IB Environmental
Systems & Societies
IB Biology
weadams@dallasisd.org
Mr. Benavides
IB Math Applications & Interpretation
jbenavidesmadero@dallasisd.org
Ms. Decker
Language A : Literature
jdecker@dallasisd.org
Ms. Garcia
IB Film
laurgarcia@dallasisd.org
Mr. Granello
IB History of the Americas
dgranello@dallasisd.org
Mr. Herz
IB Theory of Knowledge
rherz@dallasisd.org
Ms. McMahon
Language A : Literature
ammcmahon@dallasisd.org
Mrs. Marez
IB Dance
mamarez@dallasisd.org
Mr. Pinon
IB Visual Arts
dpinon@dallasisd.org
Ms. Romero
IB Spanish
tromerogonzalez@dallasisd.org
Mr. Ruiz
IB Math Applications and Interpretation
garuiz@dallasisd.org
Mrs. Schmidt
IB Music Studies
cschmidt@dallasisd.org
Mrs. Zotos
IB HISTORY OF
THE AMERICAS
kzotos@dallasisd.org
Learner Profile Trait of the Month
This month we celebrate Inquirers—students who approach learning with curiosity, courage, and an eagerness to ask meaningful questions. Inquirers are not afraid to dig deeper, challenge assumptions, and explore new perspectives. They recognize that every question opens the door to discovery and that learning extends beyond the classroom.
By fostering their curiosity, these students become active participants in their own education. They seek out answers independently, collaborate with peers to investigate ideas, and use their natural wonder to fuel lifelong learning. Their thoughtful questions spark conversations that inspire both classmates and teachers, creating a culture of inquiry that strengthens our entire IB community.
We are proud to recognize students who model this trait—showing us that being curious and asking “why” is one of the most powerful ways to grow as learners and leaders.
Wildcats on the Move: Where IB Takes Us
We are so proud of our IB graduates and the journeys they’ve begun! Our students have continued their education at amazing colleges and universities across Texas, the nation, and even around the world. Each destination tells a story of hard work, dedication, and the bright futures our Wildcats are creating.
IB Calendar Highlights
IB Parent Meeting (11th + 12 Grade)
September 10th 5:30pm -6:00pm Auditorium
IB Parent Meeting (9th + 10th Grade)
October 7th 5:30pm -6:00pm Library
Texas IB Schools College Fair
March 31st 2026 at Hurst Conference Center
Community Outreach
We’re excited to share that sign-ups for community outreach opportunities across our feeder pattern will be opening soon! This is a great way for students, families, and staff to connect, give back, and strengthen the bonds that make our community so special.
If you’d like to add an outreach opportunity or have any questions, please email Ms. Rodriguez at Mayrrodriguez@dallasisd.org.
Stay tuned for details on how you can get involved and make a positive impact right here at home!
Lifelong Learner Spotlight:
DId you know....
Lifelong Learner Spotlight: Mrs. Zotos
Lifelong Learner Spotlight: Mr. Herz
This summer, Mr. Herz served as an IB Examiner for the Global Politics course during the May 2025 exam session. Working with a team of examiners across North and South America, he helped mark Paper 1 assessments and gained valuable insight into the IB marking process—insight that will directly benefit Woodrow Wilson’s growing Global Politics program.
In addition, Mr. Herz participated in the IB Educator Network (IBEN) Workshop Leader training, an intensive 8-week virtual program. Through collaboration with IB professionals across the Americas, he deepened his understanding of IB philosophy and practiced facilitating small-group seminars for administrators, coordinators, and teachers.
DId you Know.... IB Facts
⚫ IB focuses on 10 Learner Profile Traits (like Communicator, Thinker, Risk-Taker) that go beyond academics to build character and leadership.
⚫ Students in the IB Diploma Program are receiving the same education that IB Diploma Program students around the world are receiving. The same education of royalty, presidents’ children, and ruling class elite in many countries. Hence being known as the "Educational Equalizer"
⚫ The IB Diploma Program gives students from all backgrounds and all socioeconomic classes the same high-level of exceptional education. It has, and will open doors for our students.
⚫ IB prepares students for the college and university level. The IB classes use college-level curriculum, which is why universities love to accept IB Diploma graduates.
IB Remind
ASP
What is ASP
ASP stands for Academic Success Program. We provide full-time, comprehensive, and complimentary college advising for all Woodrow Wilson HS students. ASP Advisors are trained in the following areas:
9-11th grade planning
College selection
Application building
Essay writing
Financial aid completion (FAFSA, CSS Profile)
Scholarship completion
Dallas ISD graduation requirement assistance
During school hours, find your ASP Advisors in Portable 6. After school, find us on Remind, Google Classroom, and Instagram @aspwwhs! All documents (FAFSA Confirmations, Acceptance Letters, Financial Aid Letters, Scholarship Notifications) MUST BE SENT OR FORWARDED TO woodrow@aspdallas.org
ASP Woodrow is part of a larger organization, ASP Dallas. In addition to connecting Title 1 schools with expert college advisors, ASP Dallas advocates for affordable education everywhere, pursues partnerships with colleges and universities all over the country, and hosts events and workshops for ASP network high schools. For the most part, this handbook outlines structures and procedures specific to ASP Woodrow; you can find more information about ASP Dallas at the links below.
ASP Hosting College Representative Visits
College representatives will be visiting ASP in Portable 6 throughout the year! To attend a visit, students must sign up with ASP in advance. These sessions are a great way to gather information about different colleges, ask questions, and make a strong first impression with the representatives. Don’t miss the chance to explore your options and connect with the schools that may be a perfect fit for you!
American University
Sept 3 at 10:50am
Texas A&M APPLICATION WORKSHOP
Sept 8 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Syracuse University
Sept 9 at 10:45am
Reed College
Sept 10 at 9:30am
University of Vermont
Sept 10 at 10:50am
University of Michigan
Sept 10 at 11:30am
University of Southern California
Sept 10 at 12:30pm
University of Rochester
Sept 11 at 9:30am
Colorado College
Sept 11 at 10:50am
Hamilton College
Sept 11 at 12:00pm
Johns Hopkins University
Sept 12 at 10:45am
Washington & Lee University
Sep 15 at 9:30am
Wake Forest University
Sept 15 at 3:25pm
Albion College
Sept 17 at 2:45pm
Babson College
Sept 19 at 12:00pm
University of Chicago
Sept 23 at 11:45am
Mount Holyoke College (Women’s College)
Sept 30 at 10:50am
Resources for Families
Woodrow Wilson High School IB Diploma Programme
Email: Mayrrodriguez@dallasisd.org
Location: 100 S Glasgow Dr. Dallas Texas 75214
Website: https://woodrow.dallasisd.org/programs/ib-diploma-programme
Phone: (972) 749-4569