The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2015-2016 school year calendar during its regular meeting on Dec. 18. The calendar calls for teachers to report for the new school year on Monday, Aug. 13. It includes 175 days of instruction, and designates Monday, Aug. 24, as the first day of classes. State law requires that public schools begin the school year no earlier than the fourth Monday in August. Other features of the approved calendar include three days for Thanksgiving Break for students and staff, 10 days for Winter Break and a full week for Spring Break, March 14-18,…

More than 800 coats and warm items have been donated to Dallas students by the Give A Kid A Coat organization spurred by the opportunity to serve others during the holidays. The coats and warm items will be distributed to homeless students in the Dallas Independent School District.    “I was driving by a Dallas school a couple years ago on a cold day and noticed a child on his way to school who was freezing,” said Carla Harrell, owner of The Rhinestone Artist. “I decided to stop in at the school and ask the principal how many students need…

Principals play an important role when communicating the components of the Teacher Excellence Initiative (TEI) – Dallas ISD’s new teacher evaluation system that defines, supports and rewards effective teachers. Principals must have a deep understanding of the components that make up the new evaluation system to ensure a successful implementation and to answer questions and provide feedback to teachers. The district leadership team meets regularly with campus leadership to provide ongoing training. Yesterday, principals, executive directors, and assistant superintendents gathered at D.A. Hulcy Middle School to receive additional, in-depth TEI training. Superintendent Miles worked with principals to review their knowledge…