What makes schools successful? In no small part, it’s the parents and communities that support them.
The Dallas Independent School District has benefitted from numerous community groups, organizations and businesses that have helped support the district.
Greenville Avenue Pizza Company’s “Slices for Supplies” recently invited patrons to donate school supplies or monetary donations in exchange for a one topping slice of cheese pizza, the proceeds of which were given to Ignacio Zaragoza Elementary. Owners Sammy and Molly Mandell, products of Dallas ISD, matched the donations in hopes of providing a sizable contribution to Zaragoza, their second fundraising effort for the school in as many years. Last year’s effort sent 100 students to visit the NASA facility.
The Mandells are not alone.
Recent NFL Hall-of-Fame inductee Tim Brown is a Woodrow Wilson alum who has supported the district over the years through his philanthropic efforts. Whether visiting schools or acting as the face of a fundraiser, Brown makes the consistent effort to support Dallas ISD in as many ways as he can.
In addition to the numerous accounts of alumni who’ve returned to support Dallas ISD, community members, businesses and organizations have also aligned their charitable resources and efforts to give back to the school district.
Dallas ISD continually appreciates the support of the thousands of volunteers who help support schools and teachers across the district.
When a teacher from W.A. Blair Elementary contacted Elrod’s Cost Plus Supermarket requesting a donation of hot dogs for a school fundraiser, the local grocer responded by organizing a larger campaign, the Field Trip Fund, which so far has collected $25,000 in donations from major sponsors such as MoneyGram, Wrigley and General Mills.
Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities have become district regulars, donating more than $100,000 in uniforms, school supplies and sports shoes and apparel to schools and athletics programs in Dallas ISD.
Since 1991, the Junior League has awarded more than $1 million in grants to Dallas ISD teachers for projects not normally provided for in school budgets. Every spring, the funding process begins with Junior League members inviting teachers to submit their ideas and budgets for innovative projects. Teachers who do the best job of connecting the dots between their ideas and the concepts they propose to teach can receive up to $2,000 to implement their projects.
Each year in Dallas ISD, Principal for A Day places volunteers from various corporate and community entities as actual school principals for one day. These professionals participate in all the work that regular school administrators handle on a daily basis, from welcoming students at the start of the day to talking with parents and community members and counseling with students.
For those interested in donating to a Dallas ISD school, there a few things you should know before you make a contribution to Dallas ISD, whether it’s material or monetary. But whether you’re part of a group or an individual seeking to get involved, there is a place where you can volunteer and make a different with Dallas ISD.
