Irving Teacher Turned Author Continues To DREAM Beyond Teaching And Writing - Celebrating 10 Years

One year ago on May 3rd, 2012, Michael and Pia Pulido celebrated their wedding anniversary by making the local news on NBC 5 with reporter Christine Lee.  Ms. Lee featured Pia Pulido as an Irving teacher turned author last year and interviewed her along with her husband Michael. One year later, the Pulidos continue the journey together in creating a platform for their core curriculum: creative writing and music. Much has happened since then.

1. Local media took notice and reporters from Irving Rambler, DallasChild, NorthTexasChild, to FtWorthChild paid attention: http://dallaschildblog.com/?s=Pia+Pulido
    
2. They hosted a children’s book signing event and followed up with the “Wake Up and Dream Big” Summer Camp(Creative Writing and Music) for children. Guest teacher and speaker Leah Sanchez, former Irving ISD teacher is a Level I Certified Handwriting Specialist (Handwriting Without Tears) who became a member of their team: https://www.facebook.com/PiaPulidoChildrensBookWriter
    
3. Pia provided a class for Irving Arts Center’s KidArts Summer Camp in Creative Writing “Camp #8 Dream Weavers and Guitar Heroes”  http://www.zvents.com/irving_tx/events/show/268529786-camp-8-dream-weavers-guitar-heroes
    
4. Irving Homeschoolers and families began using Michael’s customized music curriculum to correlate music and Language arts skills. (References available upon request)
    
5. A group of small business companies and supporters sponsored them to continue the publication of their six book series of children’s books. http://www.thelivingdaylightsco.com/proud-sponsors.html
    
6. They earned a partnership with an exclusive vendor, Teacher’s Supply Closet, to sell their books nationally and globally, owned by a former DISD teacher and Coppell Resident Cecilia Gomez-Horridge: http://www.teacherssupplycloset.com/
    
7. They provided small scholarships for young students who wanted to learn to play an instrument or attend a creative writing workshop this summer, as they hope to establish scholarship foundations to honor their parents:  Pia’s mother Josie A. del Rosario (1936-2006) and Michael’s father Fortino B. Pulido in the future. (References available upon request)
    
8. The Terrible Trevor book and lessons reached Italian students in Milan! Shari Ruiz, 2nd grade teacher and the “virtual teacher” included in the Terrible Trevor multimedia CD and video traveled to two Italian cities last summer to work as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in Associazone Culturale Linguistica Educational. She used  Pia’s book to teach English. Italian students used the story to learn how to identify grammar conventions in English. A 2nd grade class in Irving is currently adapting the Terrible Trevor book into a play written, produced, directed entirely by the students and facilitated by teacher Shari Ruiz. Video coming soon.
    
9. Michael and Pia Pulido will celebrate their 10 Year Wedding Anniversary (and one year NBC 5 news clip anniversary) on May 3rd, 2013. Children Devyn (age 15, a sophomore at MacArthur) and Zoe (age 8, a 2nd grader at WT Hanes) will celebrate this milestone with them.
    
10. Pia lost almost 40 pounds after seeing herself on TV and in pictures at her book signing. She continues to inspire others beyond reading and writing! Now her friends have also joined the fitness journey with her.  “I was shocked to see that I looked my worst at one of the best moments of my life. It motivated me to transform myself to become healthier.” She spends many evenings in the gym and makes her husband cook well-balanced meals.