Author: The Hub

Dallas ISD teachers will have the ability to earn a higher salary at a faster rate under the district’s new salary schedule. In the 2015–16 school year, the starting base salary for new Dallas ISD teachers will be $50,000. For reference, new teachers previously had a starting salary of $47,382. Meanwhile, newly hired teachers with more than two years of teaching experience will have the ability to earn a base salary of $58,000, with the capacity in the coming years to earn up to $90,000. When excluding any cost of living increase, the base salary under the previous salary schedule…

With colorful superhero capes flapping in the wind, students at Lee McShan Elementary cheered and applauded as they gathered to shake off nervous energy during a STAAR pep rally last Friday. Students in grades 3-5 donned yellow, red or blue capes and superhero t-shirts while members of the Lincoln High School band and dancers pumped up the crowd in the name of academics. Younger students looked on and cheered for those who are taking the test this week. “We’re going to rock the STAAR test,” students yelled as they whirled to show off their capes. The capes were made possible thanks…

Hailey Ortez volunteers weekly at William Lipscomb Elementary. A Woodrow Wilson High School freshman, Ortez volunteers after school helping with Parent-Teacher Association events and after school activities. Hailey has a brother who attends Lipscomb and her mother is the parent liaison at the school, so her volunteer work at Lipscomb is a family affair. Ortez said she loves being around children and wants have a career working with people in the community. 

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