Author: The Hub

Skyline High School hosted hundreds of students, teachers, administrators and campus coaches from across the Dallas Independent School District on Jan. 31, for STEM Day 2015. The event was a mix of fun demonstrations, learning opportunities and hands-on engagement designed to emphasize the importance of science, mathematics and engineering. SEE ALSO: Gallery: Sixth grade students flex STEM muscles There were also a number of professional development sessions designed to increase the level of engagement and rigor in the classroom through the use of technology. Google education leader Jaime Casa was the keynote speaker. SEE ALSO: Science fairs: stepping stones to STEM careers

The Cliburn Musical Awakenings program visits nearly 250 schools each year, to help stimulate the young music minds of children. Thomas L. Marsalis Elementary School, a campus without additional fine arts programs – aside from the basic requirements – received a music lesson of a lifetime. Top, classically-trained pianists spent some time with the school’s second through fourth-grade students. As part of the lesson, one of their second-grade classmates joined the elite group of musicians, on the bench, to perform a classical piece. Check out this news story from KDFW-TV Channel 4 below, featuring the Marsalis students’ performance: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/clip/10794449/talented-pianists-perform-at-disd-elementary-school

“We must infuse our thoughts with love,” urged Etana King, winner of the 2015 Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition. Etana, a fifth-grade student at John Neely Bryan Elementary, was crowned the top orator after delivering an inspirational speech sharing her thoughts on what Martin Luther King Jr. would say in his acceptance speech if he were alive today and won the Nobel Peace Prize. “We must not use our arms to take up weapons that harm and destroy; instead we must use them to embrace our differences,” she continued. The inspiring words of eight students rang out across the legendary…

Dallas ISD’s Future Facilities Task Force was presented the first draft on Tuesday of recommendations regarding how the district’s facilities can be utilized and enhanced to best prepare students for college and the workplace. Check out this video to learn more.

Manny Scott, one of the original Freedom Writers, went from being a dropout to earning his Ph.D, thanks to the help of an inspiring student teacher. In presentations around the country he shares his experience with students to help them take responsibility for their lives.  He works to eliminate bullying and encourages students to spread a philosophy of compassion and understanding. In this video, Scott brings his message of empowerment to students at T.W. Browne Middle School.

Today, more than 100 Dallas ISD student-athletes and their families gathered at Ellis Davis Field House to celebrate athletic signings to colleges and universities across the country. National College Signing Day highlights the achievement of student athletes while encouraging their commitment to higher learning. When asked what this occasion means to students and their families, Dallas ISD Athletic Director said this: “I think what we try to do is make it a big highlight, we to try to celebrate with them their accomplishments,” said Dallas ISD Director Gil Garza. “They’re parents make a tremendous amount of sacrifice in four years…

When you think of Distinguished Teacher Review meetings you think of collaboration and conversation but do you ever think of…a party? That’s exactly what the DTR eligible teachers from the Thomas Jefferson feeder pattern held when they combined working on their DTR applications with pizza, music and fun. Ms. Sculley, third grade teacher at Foster Elementary and DTR applicant, agrees with the process of rewarding hard working teachers. The party gives her and her fellow DTR applicant teachers the opportunity to collaborate on their applications, build camaraderie within their feeder patterns and have their DTR questions answered by their executive…

Elizabeth Kelley, a teacher at Stonewall Jackson Elementary School, is glad there’s a Distinguished Teacher Review (DTR) process. Check out her comments in the latest video about the process and the Teacher Excellence Initiative. SEE ALSO: Thomas Jefferson teacher excited about the DTR process SEE ALSO: Principal excited about the Distinguished Teacher Review process

Dr. Dora Renaud, principal of Nathan Adams Elementary School, is very proud of teachers going through the Distinguished Teacher Review (DTR) process. Check out her comments in the latest video about the process and the Teacher Excellence Initiative. SEE ALSO: Thomas Jefferson teacher excited about the DTR process

Raising the quality of instruction in each classroom requires having effective teachers. Destination 2020, Dallas ISD’s strategic plan for college and career readiness, places a strong emphasis on identifying, supporting and rewarding effective teaching.” Tonight, teachers from around the district, known as TEI Experts, met at meetings like this one to discuss and provide feedback for the Teacher Excellence Initiative, the district’s new evaluation system that measures teacher effectiveness. They provide guidance and input on TEI. “The things that we do at these meetings help me to understand this evaluation system a little better because we see the PowerPoints every…