Author: The Hub

It took nine years for Shawn Scott, a 1995 graduate of W.W. Samuell High School, to complete his college journey. However, through each hurdle, he became more determined to achieve his goal. Today, Scott is head of technology for VenueCenter and spends some of his spare time teaching students the ins and outs of computer programming. He urges students today to learn from the mistakes of others because “the biggest thing you don’t know is what you don’t know.” AlumNow, The Hub feature that profiles district graduates, caught up with Scott to see how things are shaping up in his life.…

The H. Grady Spruce High School staff kicked off the new semester by visiting homes of 116 students who had at least 99-percent attendance for the first semester. More than 100 teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, and City Year Corps members split into teams and spent the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 6 surprising students with “All-Star Attendance” certificates and getting to know them and their families. Students shared with staff why they made it a point to be at school each day and their thoughts on how the school could encourage others to do the same. Family members welcomed staff into their homes…

Woodrow Wilson High School International Baccalaureate juniors recently attended their annual writing workshop at Southern Methodist University. The three-day seminar served as the official start to the development of their extended essays, a requirement of the prestigious diploma program. “The students learned to conduct college-level research, developed and honed their thesis subjects and fleshed out their ideas with peers and their teachers,” said Woodrow IB Director Dr. Kelly Ritchie. Over the course of the week, many of the IB diploma level English teachers, including Mr. Lundberg and Ms. Fisher, were present to work with the students. “Many staff members told…

Fox 4 has a story on how parents can apply to have their child attend one of the district’s new Transformation Schools, which offer specialized academic programming, similar to a magnet school. However, unlike a magnet school, Transformation Schools do not have any academic entry requirements: they are open enrollment for students across the district. Go here to view the Fox 4 story.

“I will use each day to the fullest. I promise that each day shall be gained, not lost, used, not thrown away.” That affirmation is an excerpt from the school creed recited by students each day at the O.W. Holmes Humanities/Communications Academy. The brainchild of Holmes’ Principal Sharron Jackson, the creed is meant to set the tone for a positive day of study and academic progress for the school’s 750 students. Schools often employ creeds as a sort of mission statement that builds students’ sense of self-worth and shapes their attitudes toward school and learning. Members of the Holmes’ student…

At an energetic meet and greet on Tuesday night to honor and welcome Dallas ISD Chief of Staff Dr. Cynthia Wilson, more than 70 community and faith leaders were briefed on the district’s effort to help ensure African American students succeed in school and beyond. Trustee Lew Blackburn spearheaded the event that provided details on the African American Student Success Initiative, which aims to close the achievement gap and increase access to opportunities for African American students. Blackburn, Trustee Bernadette Nutall, and Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa joined the community and faith leaders in attending the meet and greet. “When members…

Dan Micciche serves on the Dallas ISD School Board representing District 3, which includes Northeast Dallas. Trustee Micciche spent several years leading a community partnership with James Fannin Elementary School. When asked to recall a memorable educator, his thoughts turn to those teachers he met there. “If I had to pick one teacher, I would say Ms. Uranga, who taught at Fannin. Like so many teachers, she worked extremely hard, was committed and passionate, went the extra mile in so many ways for kids, had an optimistic view, and would do anything to help her students and challenge them,” Micciche said.…

The 24th Annual Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition, co-presented by Dallas ISD, will be held at the Majestic Theatre on Friday, Jan. 15 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Incorporating ideals from Dr. King’s writings and speeches, eight fourth- and fifth-grade Dallas ISD elementary school students will present original speeches addressing the topic: “What would Dr. King say in his campaign speech if he were running for president this year?” Leading up to Friday’s event, The Hub filmed small parts of each finalist’s speech as the students practiced for the competition. Enjoy a small preview of the eight speeches in the…

Forget the clichéd erupting volcano – this year’s Dallas ISD Science Fair ignited passion in students that went well beyond baking-soda lava. This year’s fair was conducted Jan. 9 at UT-Southwestern Medical Center. Winning entries will be showcased at STEM Day, which is Feb. 6 a Skyline High School. Science fair judge Tyler Liang said that it’s important for students to be involved in science fairs because science is a big part of life. Shelly Goel, a ninth-grader at the School of Science and Engineering, said that the projects go beyond science. “It doesn’t matter what you do for science fair,…

Update: Great news! STEM Day registration has been extended to Feb. 1. There are good reasons that the study of STEM-related subjects is all the rage these days. Forget all the stereotypes of how STEM is the lone preserve of nerds. Today, it’s widely recognized that excellence in STEM is the pathway to a wide array of interesting and lucrative careers. STEM is also documented to promote creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. From coding classes and math and science competitions to the new STEAM school at D.A. Hulcy and the Solar Preparatory STEAM School for Girls, Dallas ISD is…