“School Zone Dallas,” the district’s student-hosted television program, is returning after almost a decade, and high school students can audition for their chance to be a part of the award-winning television show on Nov. 11.
Students who make it past the audition process will gain several employable skills beyond a career in journalism. School Zone Dallas hosts also learn to become strong communicators and leaders.
Previously on KERA-TV (channel 13) and WFAA-TV (channel 8), “School Zone Dallas” featured teachers and students across the district in a 30-minute, magazine-style segment. The show’s premiere in October 2002 garnered more than 10,000 views and was called “first-rate slick” by the Dallas Morning News. The viewership rapidly grew to 50,000 its second year in 2003 and a Spanish version of the show, “Zona Escolar de Dallas” was started, which aired on KUVN-TV (channel 23).
Those who watched the program got an inside look at different Dallas ISD campuses with every new episode, which aired four times a month. The first season had a total of eight episodes and was designed to inform parents, students, and the community about the positive programs, stories, and people found within Texas’ second-largest school district.
Some of the show’s highlights included a trip to Alaska for Lincoln High School’s environmental field trip as well as interviewing actor and former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and former NBA player and basketball coach, Steve Nash.
Before the show’s end, it received the Lone Star Emmy for Outstanding Informational Program in 2003, the Award of Merit from National School Public Relations Association, and two Gold Stars from the Texas Public School Relations Association.
“We’re excited for ‘School Zone Dallas’ and ‘Zona Escolar de Dallas’ to return. We can’t wait to share more incredible stories and continue the legacy,” said Darrell Pryor, former School Zone Dallas host and current Creative Services Executive Director with Dallas ISD.
Auditions for both “School Zone Dallas” and “Zona Escolar de Dallas” will be held between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Dallas ISD Administration Building.
Click here to watch the “School Zone Dallas/Zona Escolar de Dallas” playlist on YouTube.
