Author: The Hub

Taught at a young age that his name was his most valuable asset, Aubrey Hooper, a 2001 Law Magnet (better known today as the Judge Barefoot Sanders Magnet Center) alum, has set out to live a life of service to others and build a reputation as a citizen leader who walks with integrity, putting himself on the line to make a difference. Today, Hooper serves as vice president of the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees where he has been a member since 2011. He has spent much of his time working in the community, spearheading the development of national leadership…

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), Senator Royce West, and Dallas ISD Board Trustee Joyce Foreman celebrated this week with Dallas’ first graduates of the ESA Digital Living Project, a program which teaches Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills to middle school students. The program, which is developed by EverFi, Inc., started in 2012. “It is a thrill to see so many students graduating from this important program at D.A. Hulcy STEAM Middle School,” said Senator West. “Technology and STEM skills are extremely valuable as students graduate and enter the workforce. I am grateful to ESA for underwriting the cost of…

Hundreds of seniors will take that much-anticipated final walk across the stage to receive diplomas this month. For many, the next big step will be leaving for college. To see that students have the capacity to transport their gear to colleges near and far, Dallas ISD Counseling Services has joined forces with 2011 alum and founder of the Puede Network Adan Gonzalez to sponsor a luggage drive. Employees and community members who would like to donate new luggage, duffel bags or backpacks to this worthy cause are invited to drop off their donations at the offices of Dallas ISD Counseling…

Like virtually every high school senior, 18-year-old Landon Finley is looking forward to graduation. The South Oak Cliff student has won multiple scholarships, and has set his sights on attending Texas A&M University at College Station where he says his older brother, a former athlete and important role model, is in his second year and really loves the school and its rich traditions. Number three in his class of 250, Landon recently learned he is one of seven Dallas ISD seniors selected to receive the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship. The scholarship will cover all college-related costs at the university or…

The Dallas Environmental Science Academy has received a 2016 library grant from The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. The Dallas ISD school will use the grant to expand, update, and diversify its book and print collection. “Congratulations to the schools and libraries that have been awarded a 2016 Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries grant!” said a statement from Mrs. Laura Bush. “With this grant, your librarian will order new books and materials for your school – something everyone can enjoy. I challenge every student to build your reading skills during the summer break, and come back to your new and…

Dallas ISD’s graduating class has reported receiving more than $104 million in college scholarships. Nearly 3,000 college scholarships have been awarded to 1,066 seniors. More than 7,500 seniors are expected to graduate this year. Superintendent Michael Hinojosa said the scholarship dollars represent dividends from a worthwhile investment. “These scholarships are just the first dividends from the countless hours invested in pursuit of academic excellence, an investment that will continue to pay off far into the future,” Hinojosa said. “The total reflects the quality of our graduates and the strong support they have received from teachers, counselors and parents. Both our staff…

Wearing shirts that read “Mental Health Matters,” the Dallas ISD Psychological and Social Services’ (PSS), school social workers, and school psychologists participated in the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Walk earlier this month. PSS employees raised $1,000 in support of NAMIWalks. Norma Pereida, a licensed master social worker with PSS, said the event is part of a greater effort to change how Americans view mental illness. Go here for more information on PSS, and go here for more information on NAMIWalks.

Recently, sixth-graders from 20 Dallas ISD schools participated in a Model United Nations Conference at Ellis Davis Field House. Students debated current issues and prepared draft resolutions with supporters and adversaries in order to resolve problems that affect the world. “The students have been studying world cultures for the entire year. This is a complement to the curriculum,” said Shalon Bond of the Dallas ISD Social Studies Department. “It’s kind of fun for the students because they dress up as if they’re from that native country. They are delegates from that country and they are representing what that country really needs,…

Dr. Tererai Trent asked one simple question to girls at Mark Twain and Adelle Turner elementary schools—“What do you want to be when you grow up?” The question gave rise to wide eyes and a whirlwind of girls’ hands up in the air ready to announce to their peers their dreams. Whether a veterinarian, a ballerina, a teacher, or a police officer, each and every girl had a dream to become something, which was just the message behind Trent’s book, “The Girl Who Buried Her Dreams in a Can.” The story follows Trent’s experience as a little girl from Rhodesia…

Samantha White, a teacher at Richard Lagow Elementary School, loves her job because she has the privilege of inspiring students to become who they want to be. White became a teacher to help shape the world of tomorrow for a better future that she, as well as others, can live in. Meet a Top 100 Teacher, a Hub feature that talks with top educators in Dallas ISD, caught up with White in her classroom at Lagow Elementary. What motivates/inspires you? I am motivated by the “lightbulb” moments that I spark through daily interactions with my students. When they arrive at the…