Chants, kicks and stunts are only one aspect of being a cheerleader. This summer, Dallas ISD high school, middle school and elementary students are learning fundamental life skills by spending part of their summer at cheer camp. While cheer camp isn’t uncommon for high school cheerleaders, for the second year, Dallas ISD Student Activities hosted a cheer camp for elementary students. “What we want students to take away from cheer camp is leadership. We want them to learn how to express themselves, be confident, be outgoing and become a student leader,” said Shenita Jones, Student Activities coordinator. “Allowing anybody who…

When the University of North Texas began offering free virtual music classes to Dallas ISD, schools like James Madison High School, was one of the schools who saw immediate results. “I saw leaps and bound with the students,” said Andrea Diggs, choral director at Madison. The Virtual Private Music Lessons program began last fall, offering a one-on-one 30-minute session per week to each participating student. The  lessons, taught by UNT graduate students and faculty members, are offered via an online platform and an iPad supplied by the district. In Madison High School’s case, the school hadn’t had a choral program…

Growing up in the rural-coastal town of Isabela, Puerto Rico, in the 1990s, I was always ready to go on an adventure with my brothers and childhood friends. We would discover new trails and creeks, collect seashells and sea glass along the beach, and explore tropical coral reefs together. These experiences became the foundation for my sense of discovery and awe. My world was a place of wonder. Trying to make sense of it all. What or who would bring comfort, and what or who would bring quite the opposite, or both at once. Looking back, I can feel the…