Author: The Hub

On Oct. 17, 29 robotics teams gathered at Ellis Davis Field House for the inaugural Dallas ISD Intra District VEX-IQ Robotics Competition. Each team of students built their robots, learning to work together and problem solve during the process. Each team had 60 seconds for their remote-controlled robot to capture as many orange balls as possible and hoist them over the competition barrier. The event gave students a glimpse into what a career in technology and robotics would be like. The event was organized by the Dallas ISD Educational Technology and Student Activities departments. Watch the above video to learn more.

Mockingbird Bridal has donated approximately 150 dresses to Sunset High School students with the hopes of making their homecoming memories a little sweeter. Click here to view the WFAA report on the donation.

On Nov. 3, voters will weigh in on a proposed $1.6 billion bond for Dallas ISD that is anticipated to create nine new schools, 326 new classrooms, facilities for a variety of new educational programs, and facility improvements. Click here to see a map of the proposed Dallas ISD projects that are currently anticipated to be funded with bond proceeds. Based on certain assumptions regarding property values, interest rates, and other factors, the proposed bond is not anticipated to raise tax rates. The road to the proposed bond started back in 2013, when the district commissioned a study from an engineering…

Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is hosting informal discussions with teachers and parents/community members in October and November. Attendees are invited to ask questions and provide feedback and suggestions at the meetings. Here is the schedule for the upcoming dialogue with teachers: And here is the schedule for the upcoming community conversations: Hinojosa will hold similar meetings across the district through May.

Representatives from 20 large urban public school districts convened in Dallas this week to focus on strategies, techniques and programs that encourage healthy habits among schoolchildren. Participants at the Urban School Wellness Conference spent much of its second and final day touring three Dallas ISD schools to see some of the district’s innovative programs in action. The tour highlighted programs at Francisco “Pancho” Medrano Middle School, James Bowie Elementary School and Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. Longtime Bowie PE teacher Sharon Foster showcased a classroom that will become a fitness center for students, staff and parents. Foster has used grant…

As reported in this story, four out of 12 finalists were named a 2015 Teacher of the Year for the Dallas Independent School District on Oct. 22. In the above video, the four winners—Tara Broadus, Rachel Harrah, Dana Clark and Michael Ruiz—talk about their love of teaching and how they try to help their students.

Four of 12 finalists have been named 2015 Dallas ISD Teachers of the Year. This year, one teacher from the elementary and secondary categories and an elementary and secondary teacher from the magnet/special schools category were selected to receive the top award at a special event honoring them on Thursday, Oct. 22. Tara Broadus at Joseph J. Rhoads Learning Center received the award in the elementary category and Rachel Harrah, from Thomas Jefferson High School won for secondary. Michael Ruiz at William B. Travis Vanguard/Academy for the Academically Talented and Gifted received the elementary magnet/special schools nod, while Dana Clark…

Reasoning Mind invites all 2nd–6th grade Math teachers to Dallas GenieCon 2015. Attendees will enjoy a day filled with learning, sharing, collaborating and connecting with other Dallas ISD teachers. Teachers can register today at: http://get.reasoningmind.org/dallas-geniecon-2015

Students at Thomas A. Edison Middle Learning Center are learning to express themselves through the unique Spoken Word Poetry course led by Edison teacher Thomas Browne. WFAA 8 reported on the class that gives students a creative outlet to communicate through writing and presenting in front of their peers. Browne’s main goal for the class is for the students to become better writers. This opportunity to explore their emotions has translated into not only improved writing skills, but also improved social and emotional skills for the students involved. Click here to view the WFAA 8 report. Photo courtesy WFAA.

The more than 3,100 district employees who help keep the schools clean, children fed, and facilities in operation were recognized at an event on Monday afternoon. Chief Operating Officer Wanda Paul thanked employees in Operation Services–which includes those who work in Business Services, Construction Services, Food & Child Nutrition Services, and Maintenance & Facility Services—for their hard work in serving approximately 160,000 students and maintaining facilities that total approximately 3,000 acres and 226 million square feet. The Operation Services Division Assembly was held at the Jesse Owens Memorial Athletic Complex. “It’s stunning the work you do every day,” Paul said.…