Dallas ISD is creating new Transformation Schools that offer specialized academic programming, similar to Magnet Schools. Unlike Magnet Schools, Transformation Schools do not have any academic entry requirements — they are open enrollment for all students across the entire district, regardless of academic ability.  Transportation will be provided. Dallas ISD employees, parents and the community at large can get answers to these questions and take a close-up look at Dallas ISD Transformation Schools at a series of open house events. The dates and times are listed below. All meetings will have both English and Spanish options available. Solar Preparatory School for Girls…

If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were a candidate for U.S. president, what would he be saying today on the campaign trail? It’s an intriguing topic and one that a number of Dallas ISD fourth- and fifth-graders have recently given a lot of thought. Students from 15 district campuses will recite their essays on the topic at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the semifinals of the annual Gardere MLK Oratory Competition. Dallas law firm Gardere, sponsor of the annual competition, challenged the students to combine their knowledge of current events and their understanding of Dr. King’s life and work…

Trustees gave initial consideration on Thursday to a proposed policy change to require all elementary schools to offer recess at least once a day for students in preK–fifth grade. Trustee Dan Micciche, who is proposing the policy change, said research shows the positive benefits of recess for young students. While many Dallas ISD elementary schools have daily recess, it is not required by district policy. The proposed policy change would also not allow teachers to withhold recess from students as punishment for low-level infractions. Superintendent Michael Hinojosa said the district is open to the proposed policy change. He said the…

Great things are happening in Dallas ISD schools every day. Show and Tell is a weekly feature on The Hub that rounds up some of the news happening across the district into one place. If you have any story ideas for Show and Tell, email thehub@dallasisd.org. Dictionaries donated to Hotchkiss students The Rotary Club of Dallas recently donated more than 130 dictionaries to third-grade students at Hotchkiss Elementary. A member of the Rotary Club of Dallas said the club donates dictionaries to 15-20 Dallas ISD schools every year to encourage students to learn new words. KDFW weatherman visits Anne Frank Elementary Evan…