Orlando Velazquez has two full-time jobs. He works in the front office at Anne Frank Elementary School. He is also a competitive figure skater. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Velazquez was inspired to try figure skating after watching a movie about a teenager who rose to the competitive level. “I didn’t experience winter weather, so I was amazed when my parents took me to an ice rink for the first time,” he said. He was hooked the second his blades hit the ice.  “I fell in love with it because it is like a form of art that allows me…

Driving in a Dodge Ram at the crack of dawn, Adolfo C. makes his way to his first job at Excell Electric after graduating just a few weeks ago from Bryan Adams High School. He credits owning the Dodge – his second car – to having the opportunity to explore his talents with the company as an intern. “The pay at my age was really good. I saved money to buy school supplies and even managed to buy a truck,” Adolfo said. “I’m only 17, and the fact that I have all this is incredible. I just work hard for…

Submitted by Michelle Read, Student Activities Department Imagine waking up early Saturday morning, getting dressed as pirates, kings, queens, or even mystical fairies. That is exactly how students prepared for the Lone Star Challenge competition. Dressed in costumes to represent this year’s theme, IMAGINE, over 600 elementary school students across 80 Dallas ISD campuses showed up in teams of nine to compete in the annual scholastic extravaganza. A four-event competition, the Lone Star Challenge tests participant’s knowledge in literature, social studies, science, and math. “The Lone Star Challenge helps young students cultivate teamwork and lays a strong foundation for their…

Special education teachers were recently recognized by the Dallas Education Foundation for the dedication they have to their students. The foundation awarded 16 teachers with a 2024-2025 Heart of Teaching Grant to support innovative teaching practices and impactful educational projects. The total funding for all the projects awarded amounts to over $61,500 and will benefit more than 1,000 Dallas ISD students across all trustee districts. Hydee Lopez, a three-year bilingual special education teacher at Central Elementary School, is a first-time grant recipient.  Her project, “We Heart Games!” will provide a vibrant and inclusive game room tailored for special education students…