DVISD staff alumni dinner brings generations of Cardinals together

Superintendent Dr. Tielle invited Del Valle ISD staff alumni throughout the district to a special dinner Monday night. They took a trip down memory lane, looking through old yearbooks, playing Del Valle ISD trivia to see who knows the most district history, and sharing their favorite memories from their time as students and staff members.

"I enjoy watching the kids grow, and my daughter is working for Del Valle now, and she feels the same way. She gets to see the babies start in Pre-K and move up. I've had the joy of seeing some of my kids from Popham graduate," said Veronica Soto from Gilbert ES. 

The air buzzed with excitement as old classmates reconnected and seasoned alumni met with more recent alumni to share how traditions and DVISD school culture were in their day. Plenty of laughter was shared throughout the night, and attendees left with a renewed connection to DVISD and one another. 

Some staff spoke about painting the beautiful mural at Smith ES, reminiscing on being a Hornsby Hurricane before they became the Hound Dogs, their pride in DVISD's teacher retention, the family-oriented culture of  DVISD, and so much more. 

"The best thing about being in Del Valle is the kids. I've had a lot of one-to-one children but I'm telling you right now, in this literacy first position, they're going to have to take me out kicking and screaming because I'm not giving it up. Literacy First is the best. Thank you Dr. Tielle. It is absolutely amazing, I love it," said Cathy Brown from Hornsby-Dunlap ES.

Dr. Tielle reminded alumni staff this is their district and that their feedback is integral as we honor the past of the district and continue to strive for the future.

"We can understand and relate to our students because we were our students. We were in those places. We can show how much we care, and we pay it forward, and then we have our students become teachers as well," said Diana Ragan from DVHS.

Although it was a night to celebrate the past, alumni celebrated how far the district has come in supporting students and staff as the district continues to grow. Staff highlighted the opportunities available to enter higher education and the workforce directly out of high school, the campus culture like a big extended family, and a true feeling of community between campuses. 

Thank you to all of those who made it to the dinner, and thank you for choosing to stay and make such a positive impact in Del Valle!