Darandall Riley and his wife worked as contractors on their own home, hand-picking the materials, collaborating on interior design choices and layouts. They put the work into the home because it’s where they planned to raise their future family. But as they settled into the home and their children began school, the Rileys wanted to expose their children to learning opportunities that exceeded sports and music. [See Darandall Riley discuss his family’s transition into Dallas ISD] Though they felt their previous school district was great, the Riley family ultimately came to the decision to sell the home they hand-crafted to…

The Dallas ISD Special Education Department is hosting a free mini-conference for parents of students with special needs. The mini-conference is happening Friday, April 1, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Pleasant Oaks Recreation Center, 8701 Greenmound Ave. The conference will feature different sessions focusing on topics such as asperger’s and high functioning autism, moving through the cycle of grief, and ADHD vs. ADD. The conference will also have sensory stations that will give parents an idea of what it is like to have special needs. Dallas ISD Translation Services will provide simultaneous translation. Dallas ISD Special Education Social Workers will also…

Approximately 90 percent of human brain development happens before age 5. In other words, a parent who registers their child in a Dallas ISD preK program is giving their child the gift of a brighter future. Qualifying parents are encouraged to set their students up for success by registering their child during Dallas ISD PreK Registration Week happening April 4–8. Studies show that, as adults, a child who attended preK will earn higher incomes, on average, than similar students who do not attend preK. Studies also show that kids who attend preK are: 5 times more likely to be ready…

Let’s hear it for the boys! The Lincoln Tigers Boys Basketball team, that is. The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees recognized the “comeback kids” for claiming a state title in San Antonio earlier this month. The Tigers claimed their last title in 2002 when they finished the season 40-0. That team featured a college-bound cast of talent, including Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat. Meanwhile, alumni, families and community are invited to attend a celebratory parade for the Tigers team at noon this Saturday, March 26. The parade will begin at the corner of Fitzhugh and Second Avenue and end at…