The first day of school is just around the corner, and Dallas ISD is welcoming students back with several new updates for the 2026-2027 school year.
New universal badge system
Dallas ISD’s universal student badge system goes into effect for all students starting in the 2026–2027 school year. Printed directly on each campus, students will receive lanyards and ID badge cards.
While Dallas ISD has always required student badges on campus, this new universal badge simply combines multiple student services into one easy-to-use ID for transportation, meals, library checkouts, and athletic events, helping streamline operations and enhance campus security.
Districtwide app for parents
Last school year, Dallas ISD transitioned to a new system powered by Apptegy for sending calls, emails, and texts to parents/guardians and team members. This two-way communication reaches parents and guardians in their preferred language.
Currently available in iOS and Android versions, it is recommended that parents download it ahead of August. Parents can use the app not only to access the two-way communications, but also to find their children’s daily cafeteria menus as well as news and notifications from the district and respective schools. Schools have already been using the new system to send out calls, texts with additional characters, and emails in English and Spanish.
Dallas ISD is expanding access to early learning by offering tuition-free pre-K for three- and four-year-old students, regardless of family income. Under the newly approved policy, the district eliminated tuition for students who did not meet federal, state, and district guidelines. For more information, click here.
New program to strengthen early learning foundations
Dallas ISD launched a new Pre-Primer initiative, creating a specialized bridge year for young learners who may benefit from additional support before entering first grade. The pilot program will serve targeted groups of students. Those enrolled in Pre-Primer will receive instruction that blends kindergarten and first-grade standards, helping strengthen early literacy, phonics, and math skills while building confidence in the classroom.
Get Involved with Dallas ISD
Dallas ISD is making it easier than ever to support local schools with the launch of the Get Involved With Dallas ISD campaign. Designed as a single “front door” for community engagement, the initiative streamlines the process for anyone interested in volunteering, partnering, or donating to district students and schools just in time for the new academic year.
New school names
Several Dallas ISD schools now have new names.
- Diane Ragsdale CityLab High School formerly CityLab High School
- Gertrudis Tula and Hector M. Flores Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship Academy formerly Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship Academy at James W. Fannin
- Shirley Ison-Newsome Montessori Academy at Harry Stone formerly Harry Stone Montessori Academy
- Dr. Edwin Flores Career Institute North formerly Career Institute North
- East Dallas Elementary School formerly Cesar Chavez Learning Center
Learn more about upcoming Bond updates, here.
Mahjong now part of afterschool programming
With a new school year in full swing, parents and students are encouraged to explore joining a campus club, academic team, or student activity that provides learners with essential life skills.
Student Activities will roll out Mahjong across all 58 middle schools this school year, with the hope of expanding to elementary and high school.
Transportation Services launches registration for new school year
Students riding a Dallas ISD school bus must register for transportation for the 2026-2027 school year.
Student Transportation Services is also utilizing the Universal Badging System, allowing riders to scan when boarding and exiting the bus. This technology will improve route tracking and provide families with greater visibility into their student’s transportation.
After transportation registration is completed, parents and guardians will receive information on how to register for Edulog. The app serves as the primary communication tool between Student Transportation Services and families throughout the school year. Parents will receive transportation updates, notifications, and information regarding their child’s bus service.
Click here to register for the Edulog parent app.
