From the cheers at school entrances to the excitement in the community’s voices, Dallas ISD’s first day of the 2025-2026 school year began with a celebration of legacy, excellence, and innovation. Across the district, more than 140,000 students returned to classrooms, greeted by principals, educators, community members, and special guests ready to set the tone for the year. At Albert C. Black Jr. STEAM Academy, the school’s namesake, Albert C. Black Jr., addressed students and teachers, sharing his hopes for the year ahead. “We are so proud of you. When a plan manifests as nice as this one has, you’ve…

Over 200 Dallas ISD students participated in a summer commencement ceremony, held on Aug. 5 at Alfred J. Loos Field House to celebrate those who completed their high school graduation requirements after the traditional school year. “This is a vital event acknowledging those students who needed additional time or support to meet graduation requirements after the traditional school year ends,” Leslie Swann, director of Advocacy & Outreach for the Graduation, Recovery, Attendance, Advocacy, and Dropout Intervention department. “It is a second chance for completion prior to the next school year, students can maintain academic momentum, helping them stay on course…

When students walk down the halls of the brand-new John Lewis Social Justice Academy at Oliver Wendell Holmes, they’ll step into a space built just for them, a place that honors the school’s history while opening doors to its future. The $80 million campus, built as part of the 2020 Bond Program, was designed with both innovation and tradition in mind.  Its metal screens, preserved from the original building, and color-matched brick serve as nods to the school’s legacy, while features like a central open library, described as a “living room” concept, reflect a vision for the future. “I’ve been…

As the 2025–2026 school year kicks off, the Dallas ISD Police Department is introducing a new traffic enforcement unit to improve safety during the busiest times of the school day. This marks the district’s first dedicated traffic unit, with officers specially trained to monitor school zones. Easily identifiable by the red on their uniforms, these officers will be stationed near campuses starting at 6:30 a.m. and will return during afternoon dismissal hours. The goal is to increase visibility, promote safer driving habits, and help protect students, families, and team members during high-traffic periods. “We’re going to be watching for speeding,…