At H. Grady Spruce High School, amid the zeroes and ones of the Information Technology cluster, Ashley M. turned an ordinary class project into a practical business tool for her father. “We learn about many things from graphic design to coding,” she said. “It was my first time doing anything like that. The project was to create a website for a legitimate business and since my dad has one, I thought I might just help him out.” As a sophomore, Ashley takes Principles of Technology, Computer Maintenance and Digital Media. Next year, she will tackle Independent Technology Applications, a project-based…

For students in Mariachi Verde at Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy, mariachi is more than a class. It is a continuation of family traditions and a way to honor the past while building their future. Through music, they are preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations.  “It connects me to my culture by showing me a musical genre that is part of my heritage and helping me better understand my roots in a way I can’t learn through books or articles,” said Jairo G. That connection often begins at home. “Performing in mariachi connects to my culture…

At John Lewis Social Justice Academy at Oliver Wendell Holmes, social studies lessons don’t stop at the textbook. Twice a month, students hear directly from local judges, lawyers, and other changemakers who bring government and civic responsibility to life through their own lived experiences. During Black History Month, that mission is especially meaningful. Through Social Justice Fridays, social studies teacher Darryl Rudd is helping eighth graders connect what they learn in class to the real world and to the legacy of leaders like Congressman John Lewis, who believed in civic action and good trouble as a pathway to change. “You…

“I would love to come back and see more boys in Dallas ISD that look like me playing tennis,” said Malcolm M., senior at Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith.  At the ripe age of 5 years old, Malcolm was introduced to the game of tennis by his grandfather while visiting Longview, Texas. Little did he know that 5-year-old boy would become a history maker in Dallas ISD. “My grandfather gives himself plenty of kudos for introducing me to the game,” Malcolm said. “He really is so proud of me, and I thank him for exposing me…