Demeatria LaForte is getting a new kitchen, but it won’t be in her home.  LaForte decided to swap a restaurant kitchen for a school cafeteria in the Dallas Independent School District. But first, she’s getting a sneak peak of the new recipes that will be part of the school meals menu for the 2017-2018 school year. “I am super excited about the new recipes in the school meals menu,” said LaForte. “The new recipes will offer more variety to students, which will encourage them to participate in the school meals program.” Chicken & Waffles, Apple Cinnamon Texas Toast, Chipotle Fish…

The Dallas Independent School District will share a four-year grant with Big Thought, an educational nonprofit that coordinates out-of-school-time creative learning programs for Dallas students. Through the four-year Partnerships for Social and Emotional Learning Initiative, they will focus on implementing social and emotional learning (SEL) during in-school and out-of-school-time, helping children in Dallas develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to be successful in school, work and life. SEL includes knowing and controlling your emotions, understanding and collaborating with others, making positive choices, and demonstrating resiliency. The initiative supports school districts and out-of-school-time organizations in six communities around the country…

In a couple of weeks, expect to see long lines at health clinics across the city as parents make their first stop to get children ready for the new school year with a little shot in the arm. Students enrolling in the Dallas Independent School District for the first time must provide evidence of required immunizations. All immunizations should be completed by students’ first attendance date. For the 2017-2018 school year, which begins Monday, Aug. 28, the Texas Department of State Health Services has the following new immunization requirement: ·       Hepatitis A: Two doses are required for students entering pre-Kindergarten – eighth grade…

Dallas ISD has partnered with Frazier Revitalization, a neighborhood-based nonprofit, to bring a successful summer camp to Paul L. Dunbar Learning Center. The six-week camp is focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), a growing priority across Dallas ISD. Students start each camp day discussing a different SEL concept before moving onto activities that require them to talk with and respect each other. The camp also has enrichment activities such as reading, dance, photography and art. “This camp has been a tremendous success,” said Henry Lawson of Frazier Revitalization. “There is such a need in this community for the kids…