Imagine being transported to a new world with the push of a button. By picking from a selection of stories in their campus’s book vending machine, Dallas ISD students are able to do just that.  The initial book vending machines, introduced in 2022 through a partnership with the Dallas Education Foundation, began in three schools to foster a love of reading and help students build an at-home library. “Book vending machines are an innovative approach to spark a love of literacy and bring books into our students’ homes,” said Emily Davis, Development and Grants Manager for DEF. “Instead of snacks,…

Results of the spring’s administration of the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness,   (STAAR) showed that Dallas ISD students are achieving above pre-pandemic levels in most subject and grade levels and overall achievement remained steady and stable.  In the interest of transparency and accountability, the district is releasing its internal calculations of accountability ratings for the 2023-2024 school year. These preliminary scores show the number of Dallas ISD high schools with A and B grades almost doubling compared to internal calculations for 2023 ratings. The district is also expected to have no failing high schools and the most…

Young Women’s STEAM Academy, Dallas ISD’s first all-girls legacy school, began the 2024-2025 school year with an inaugural freshman class as part of its expansion – and the Young Women’s Preparatory Network’s newest members. In support of YWSA’s integration to the network, Texas Instruments Foundation donated a $2 million grant in an effort to shrink the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math confidence gap. The funds will support the refurbishment of YWSA’s science lab, the installation of a wall wrap featuring female trailblazers, state college visits, a college success advisor, and the recruitment of new teachers. Rubinna Sanchez, principal of Young…

Imagine walking through a tunnel of cheers and high-fives, welcoming you into the first day of the 2024-2025 school year. John J. Pershing Elementary School did just that as the campus welcomed students back to school on Aug. 12. Across the district, more than 140,000 students were greeted in a variety of ways at their campuses prior to the first bell of the day. Campus cheerleaders, drumlines, principals, mascots, and special guests were at their school’s entrance ready to make it happen for students of all grade levels. Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde, Ed.D. set the tone for the school year…