Author: The Hub

As an alumnus of the Science and Engineering Magnet at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, Clinton Blackburn, Class of 2004, found himself with an advantage over some of his peers at MIT thanks to SEM’s tremendous effort to prepare and challenge students to excel. Today, Blackburn is a senior software engineer at edX/MIT who’s not afraid of new adventures as is evident when he’s involved in a favorite, yet daring, pastime. AlumNow, The Hub feature that profiles district alumni, connected with Blackburn who shared advice for students to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and embrace new adventures. What…

Third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at Dallas ISD’s Henry B. Gonzalez Elementary School each had the chance to pick a book to take home among about 1,000 donated books on Wednesday, June 1. Having their own books can help prevent the “summer slide,” when students don’t read much when school is out, said Gonzalez librarian Erica Kennard. Choosing their own books can make reading more fun rather than an assignment, she said. “It’s going on a summer vacation without having to buy a ticket anywhere.” The books were donated by Virgie Hunter, who saw a need after seeing posts by Kennard…

Dallas ISD teams put up a great showing in the Destination Imagination Global Finals 2016, which is promoted as the world’s largest celebration of creativity. The finals held in Nashville last weekend saw more than 1,400 teams from 21 countries showcase their creative solutions to this season’s academic challenges. The following Dallas ISD teams placed in the competition: 3rd Place: William L. Cabell Elementary School 9th Place: Superior Nobility Dallas ISD (Bryan Adams High School) 39th Place: Window Breakers (School for the Talented and Gifted)

Khagindra Kadariya’s family came to the United States after living in a refugee camp in Nepal. They had been forced to move from their home country of Bhutan. Having attended Dallas ISD schools since the fifth grade, he said it was at first hard for him to adjust to American culture and learn how to speak English. Having overcome those obstacles, the Emmett J. Conrad High School senior plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington to pursue a career in the medical field, with a major in science and minor in business. Khagindra is one of seven district…

Students at multiple Dallas ISD schools are using their artistic skills to help revitalize a South Dallas community. In partnership with the City of Dallas, AT&T, Lowe’s Home Improvement, and Mesa Design, Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity hosted the Mill City Connecting Through Art Competition. The competition saw students from six schools paint wooden fence panels that are now displayed at the corner of Collins and Clarkson streets. Dallas ISD Trustee Bernadette Nutall applauded the partnership that went into the artistic project. “Teamwork always makes the dream work, and I think it’s great when you have schools, the community, and…

On May 26, trustees recognized individual students and student groups for their accomplishments including: • The Cyber-Tigers robotics team from F.P. Caillet Elementary School. In its first year, the team received the Teamwork Champion Award at the STEM Day Robotics Competition. This qualified them to compete at the state championship, where they were invited to compete at the Vex IQ World Championship. This team’s achievement demonstrates their skills in teamwork, problem solving and engineering design. • Two robotics teams from Winnetka Elementary,  also in their first year to compete, found success. Both achieved high honors and qualified for the VEX…

Jessie Helms is a teacher at Dallas ISD’s Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School whose energy and passion for teaching is contagious in her classroom and have a tremendous impact on her students’ success. Meet a Top 100 Teacher, a Hub feature that talks with top educators in Dallas ISD, caught up with Helms in her classroom at Blanton Elementary. What motivates/inspires you? My students are what motivate and inspire me. I get to watch my students grow socially and academically every day and it motivates me to continue to work hard so I can give my students the amazing education that I…

John F. Kennedy Learning Center recognized its 20-year anniversary this month. Current and former staff members got together in celebration and dined on a delicious spread provided by parents. John F. Kennedy Learning Center is located at 1802 Moser Ave.

Three graduates of Dallas ISD’s Skyline High School were honored by the school on Friday, May 27, for reaching the pinnacle of professional football as well as succeeding academically. Corey Nelson (Denver Broncos), Mike Morgan (Seattle Seahawks) and Josh Bell (Green Bay Packers) are NFL Super Bowl champions and former athletes at Skyline. Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, Trustee Bernadette Nutall, Dallas City Councilwoman Tiffinni A. Young and dignitaries from Skyline’s past and present participated to recognize the trio. The football players received plaques and proclamations from the school district and city, and a banner proclaiming Skyline as home of three Super…

Credit Union of Texas hosted a Reality Fair at Lang Middle School and W.T. White High School to teach students about budgeting. The event had students create budgets based on their salary after they graduate college. Multiple students said the event was “eye opening.” The above video gives an inside look into the event at White High School. On May 20, the Credit Union of Texas held an event at Lang Middle School. The Volunteer and Partnership team issued a statement thanking the Credit of Union of Texas for supporting financial literacy in Dallas ISD schools.