Author: The Hub

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…

“I need you to look at your neighbor and tell your neighbor if it is to be, then it is up to me,” said a speaker at a symposium for girls held Jan. 8 at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School. Such messages were the order of the day at the symposium, which was geared toward the more than 312 young women at the school. The goal was to address and encourage young women to employ the positive attitudes and thoughtful decision-making skills needed to be successful as they matriculate to college and career opportunities. In addition to positive affirmations, the…

W.E. Greiner Middle School teacher Steve Thomas was out shopping after-Christmas sales with his family when the tornadoes hit. It wasn’t until he returned home that he discovered just how much damage the tornado caused to his home. Thomas is using the experience to motivate students and show them that a person can overcome anything. Click here to view the report from WFAA, and go here to see the story from CBS 11.

Ashley Fortner-Dominguez always had a love for education, but never thought she’d make a career out of it. She was more intrigued by Middle Eastern studies and international relations. While studying abroad in Jordan, she picked up a job teaching English as a foreign language to first-graders at a private school. Though she didn’t fully realize it at the time, that experience would change the course of her life. “When I dipped my feet it, I didn’t want to leave,” she says. “I just forced myself to leave [the classroom] and get my master’s, but there was an unfulfilled part…