School spirit & history
Norma Dorsey Elementary School ...
- welcomed 602 students on August 12, 1996, the first day of school.
- is located in the rapidly growing community of Rowlett, Texas.
- has a floor plan that is one of a kind. Since the building site is on a slope, the design has three terraces.
- has a natural spring bubbling beneath it.
- has won multiple attendance awards, safety awards, and Gold Performance awards.
- is a "Keep Rowlett Beautiful" campus.
- has Awards Assemblies each grading period to recognize student success.
- has several murals painted by Kathy Holland that decorate our main office, cafeteria, gymnasium, and each of the grade level wings. They were graciously donated by the PTA.
Wildcat pledge
Respect yourself, adults, classmates and your school.
Traditions
- Wildcat Welcome -- A chance for parents and students to come an see the classrooms and meet the teacher before the first day of school.
- Six Weeks Award Assemblies- After every six weeks there are award assemblies for each grade level. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
- Austin Trip- In the Spring, fourth graders get the opportunity to take a day trip to Austin to see the Capital. This day long trip is a highlight of the school year.
- Veteran's Day Program -- Several Veteran's come to share with students.
- Grandparents Day-- A day to celebrate families and share with our Grandparents what we do at school, as well as, listen to their stories of school.
- Turkey Trot-- On the last day before Thanksgiving we have a race/ fun run to celebrate fitness.
- Giving Tree- Pride Council leads a school wide collection of toiletries, socks, and other necessary items for those in need. They are put on and around a tree in the front foyer in December. It's quite a site to see!
- Holiday Store- PTA sponsors a week long "store" where students can bring money to buy gifts on their own for their loved ones. It's a great opportunity for them to surprise friends and family with a gift.
- Holiday sing-a-long -- All the school gathers together to sing traditional songs.
- 5th grade camp--5th graders get the opportunity to spend 2 nights and 3 days at YMCA Adventure Camp in Anna, TX. Dorsey staff members and parents chaperone and stay in the cabins with students. While there, students get the opportunity to learn and explore the outdoors. Camp includes things like fishing, canoeing, skits, campfire, zip lining, climbing tower, and more. A memorable and great experience for all!
- End-of-year talent show
A brief history
Our school was named after Norma Dorsey, a life-long Garland educator. She taught in Garland I.S.D. for thirty-two years. As a teacher, Norma never failed to put her students first. She was known as the "fighter of fighters for student achievement." She inspired students to become better citizens through her sponsorship of educational study trips to Washington, D.C., the National Honor Society and the Beta Club. She retired from teaching in 1987 and passed away in 1990. She left a legacy of love and compassion to her "family of friends." Schools are a place where teachers will practice their profession and students will discover a love for learning. In the years to come, this school will serve as an appropriate monument to a woman who personified all that is right with education.
School colors
Blue and White
School mascot
Wildcats