Author: The Hub

From April 6–8, the Dallas ISD Multi-Language Enrichment Program took 19 secondary dual language teachers, assistant principals, and principals to tour schools in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District. During the visit to the San Juan school district, Dallas ISD educators toured schools and experienced the district’s secondary dual language program in action. Educators from J.L. Long Middle School, E.D. Walker Middle School, Rosemont Middle School, Sanger Middle School, and Sunset High School reported that they were impressed with how the San Juan school district used dual language components effectively and efficiently. They said the experience left them “invigorated, inspired,…

When looking at student performance on ACPs, STAAR, and the number of seniors applying for college, encouraging numbers are emerging in Imagine 2020 schools. Data compiled by district staff shows Imagine 2020 students increased their passing rate percentage in every content area on the ACPs, outpacing districtwide averages in each area except reading. Imagine 2020 is the district’s strategic feeder pattern initiative to accelerate student achievement. When looking at STAAR data from 2012-2013 to 2013-2014, Imagine 2020 students made improvements in fourth-grade reading, fifth-grade math, Algebra 1 and biology, outpacing districtwide averages in these areas as well. Regina Rice, director…

The Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship Academy at James W. Fannin HS.  This new high school will facilitate a personalized learning model, allowing students to learn when and how it’s best for them. Listen as Principal Sarah K. Ristema explains how Fannin will emphasize three major components that set it apart from other schools: teaching will be geared toward each student’s needs, interests and skills; each student will be paired with a professional mentor who will help them secure an internship; and the school will focus on “soft skills” needed by the next generation of worker such as innovative thinking, communication…

During his visit to Billy Earl Dade Middle School, Kevin Concannon, the U.S. Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, said that Dallas ISD is a nationwide leader in nutrition services. Concannon visited Dade Middle School and the district’s Central Kitchen on April 14 to see for himself how Dallas ISD is providing healthy, nutritious meals to all students. Concannon enjoyed a meal along with Dade students as part of the school’s federally funded After School Meal Program, which helps combine nutritious meals with educational and/or enrichment activities. More than 150 Dallas ISD schools participate in the After School Meal Program. “For…

Friendly reminder: With STAAR testing next week, wake up to a smart start with a school breakfast.  A school breakfast provides a balance of low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole-rich grains and lean protein for maximum brain power.  Starting a day smart with a school breakfast will help students move to the front of the class in time for STAAR testing, as well as every other day of the year!

On Saturday, the Dallas ISD “Giving Back” Student Film Festival will showcase videos students created to highlight ways to serve the community. Students in grades kindergarten-12 were invited to participate by submitting videos on or before April 10. The best films will be screened 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 18, at Skyline High School, 7777 Forney Road. The winning entries will be announced at the festival. This is the first year the district’s Social Studies Department is coordinating the film festival. The short films – 3 minutes or less – focus on community needs, volunteering and community service, mentoring and other ways…

The Dallas Morning News profiled a new professional network group that connects notable Booker T. Washington High School alumni with current students. Called BTWConnect, the network has brought in performers and artists such as Robert Duvall, Sidney Poitier, and Kevin Bacon. Click here to read the full story. Photo courtesy Dallas Morning News

Five Dallas ISD teams will compete in the Destination Imagination (DI) Global Finals set for May 20-23 in Knoxville, Tenn. The teams advanced after placing well in the state tournament on April 11 at Skyline High School. The DI program emphasizes creativity and teamwork to solve various open-ended challenges. More than 100,000 schoolchildren across the U.S. vie to reach the Global Finals. The district teams advancing are: DI Postal Service, School for the Talented and Gifted, Project Outreach Challenge-Brand Aid Beats by DI, School for the Talented and Gifted, Scientific Challenge-Making Waves Literacy Militia (pictured), Bryan Adams High School, Project Outreach…

A fundraiser for the family of Ning Sian Et, a first-grader who went to Hotchkiss Elementary, has raised more than $2,000. The fundraiser organized by the Hotchkiss Elementary Family had raised $2,161 out of its $2,500 goal as of April 20. Et died when she and her mother were struck by a car near their home on March 30. Et’s mother suffered serious injuries in the accident and had to stay in the hospital for several days. The online fundraiser will help the family pay for some of the medical expenses as well as provide money for other expenses that might…

As part of National Volunteer Month, we are recognizing those who do great work in helping out at different schools within the district. Here is a letter Sara Suarez, a student at Stockard Middle School, wrote to Ms. Estrada, a volunteer at the school.