Written by Communications Services junior associate, Chandler Flowers The school buildings that make up Dallas ISD all started from a design plan, and this summer students learned all about that process by working with the Construction Services Department. “This is our second year having interns in our program,” said Nikki Grant, executive assistant at Construction Services. “Our executive director, Michael Garcia, and chief of construction, Brent Alfred, were contacted by Micheal Gange and I worked to arrange the program. We’ve been going strong ever since.” This year, Grant brought in Joe Flores, contract manager for Construction Services, to instruct the…

Written by Communication Servies Junior Associate, Chandler Flowers Every time a flight is taken, many things happen behind the scenes to help the journey go smoothly. This summer, Dallas ISD partnered with the Commemorative Air Force to create an internship for students in Skyline High School’s aviation program. “I visited the CAF during one of their promotional events and was able to speak to many of their representatives,” said Erik Thomas, head of the aviation program at Skyline High School. “We came up with the idea of the internship then.” The aviation program starts in the ninth grade by learning…

Being a member of the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith choir is more than a chance to sing – it creates community. “My main goal is to ensure that every young man who enters my room feels accepted and appreciated and leaves each day knowing that someone loves them, cares for them, and values their contribution to the group,” said Dustin Barksdale, choir director. “I firmly believe that a child’s entire trajectory can be changed by knowing that someone believes in them.” His efforts don’t go unnoticed. “I love the environment because it truly feels like…

Written by Communications Services junior associate, Chandler Flowers Student debate competitions happen all around the world, and Dallas ISD is no exception. By partnering with Dallas Urban Debate Alliance, the district is able to create and train students to compete in competitions on the state and national levels. “Dallas ISD has 66 campuses that participate in debate from grades six through 12, serving 1,260 students,” said Michelle Read, student activities coordinator for Elementary and Secondary Debate. “We also have fifth grade debate teams in 54 campuses serving 462 students.” Debate teams are first formed by selecting between the three types…