Joyce Giddens-Steadham Wants to Welcome You

Joyce Giddens-Steadham Elementary School opened on Monday, August 9, 1999. The school, located at 6200 Danridge Road in Rowlett, Texas, welcomed 518 students that first day. With new families moving to the area on a regular basis, the school is expected to reach its capacity of 850 within the next few years.

Meet Joyce Marie Giddens-Steadham
Joyce Marie Giddens-Steadham grew up in the Garland Independent School District, attending George Washington Carver Elementary School, Stephen F. Austin Junior High, and graduating from Garland High School in 1972. Influenced by her elementary school teacher Thelma Toney, her life long dream was to grow up , get an education, and return to GISD to help the boys and girls in her neighborhood. Once this goal was set, she never waivered from that destination.

She married Arcasano Steadham. Together, they served as “foster parents” to numerous youth in their neighborhood. Joyce’s impact as a positive role model to minority youth is beyond measure.

During her 15 year tenure as a teacher in Garland ISD, she taught at Kimberlin and Back Elementary Schools. She was honored as “Teacher of the Year” by her co-workers at Back in both 1989-90 and in 1993-94. A crowning honor came to her when then first lady, Barbara Bush, presented her with the “Thousand Points of Light” award for teaching a student to read against all odds.

Something that set her apart from her peers was the fact that she achieved all these accolades in spite of battling a debilitating illness throughout her life. At the age of three, Joyce was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia. It was with a bittersweet irony that a woman, in whom so many found strength, taught in pain on an almost daily basis.

Joyce Giddens-Steadham departed this world on March 7, 1994. Few, if any, other educators have left a legacy as far reaching and unselfish as Joyce Giddens-Steadham. Against all obstacles, she answered the call “to Teach”.

This school stands as a living reminder of the impact that one person can make; the impact of a teacher.

Dress Code Guidelines 2007-2008

Shorts must be hemmed, of modest length and loose fit, as designated by the building principal. (Modest length is interpreted to mean that when the student’s arm is extended straight down by their side, the bottom of the shorts or dress should be approximately even with their longest finger).

Dresses or skirts should be of modest length and fit.

Extremely sloppy or badly torn clothing will not be permitted.

Spaghetti straps, tank tops and halter tops are not permitted

Shoes must be worn. Taps, metal plates, cleats or wheels on shoes will not be permitted. Tennis shoes are required daily for students who receive P.E. instruction.

House shoes, pajama tops or bottoms will not be permitted.

Extremes in modes of dress such as see-through clothing, exposed midriffs or clothing normally considered as undergarments are not acceptable.

Students shall wear their hair above the eyes, well-groomed, and clean at all times, and extreme modes of hair design and color will not be allowed.

Male students will not be permitted to wear earrings or make-up.

Apparel that advertises or depicts alcohol, drugs, nudity, tobacco products, satanic themes, gang membership, obscene language or graphics, and/or phrases that are offensive to others will not be permitted.

Hats, caps, bandanas or sweatbands should not be worn in the school building.

Any disruptive or distractive mode of clothing or appearance that adversely impacts the educational process is not acceptable.

Body piercing is not allowed. This includes spacers or place holders.

Tattoos will not be allowed.

Our Mission

Joyce Giddens-Steadham Elementary School will ensure that all students are afforded the opportunity to develop and enhance the academic and social skills that are essential to becoming productive, responsible citizens

In a way that:

Empowers students to set, attain. and fulfill personal, academic, and social goals;

Promotes critical thinking and problem solving;

Develops a healthy balance of self-esteem, self-respect, and the acceptance of cultural and economic diversity;

Encourages students to study effectively and to become lifelong learners;

Provides a safe learning environment, which promotes honesty, self-discipline, and positive mental attitudes;

Ensures that the commitment to education is supported in both the home and school environment,

So that:

All students can achieve an optimum level of competency in the areas of knowledge acquisition, citizenship, and enjoyment in a constantly changing world.

Joyce Giddens-Steadham Elementary School will ensure that all students are afforded the opportunity to develop and enhance the academic and social skills that are essential to becoming productive, responsible citizens

Steadham's Motto

Steadham Eagles soar on high;
the Eagle soars and so d