Inside Dallas ISD

Walter Taylor III learned a lot about persistence over the last year. The senior at David W. Carter spent most days this school year with his eyes peeled on a computer screen attending class remotely from home. “I had to learn how to be a student,” he said of developing the discipline to consistently wake up, open the computer and motivate himself to do the required assignments to maintain a superior GPA. When he wasn’t studying, the soon-to-be collegiate academy graduate was doing conditioning exercises, sharpening his basketball skills and helping his Carter Cowboys teammates overcome their rivals on the…

The 2020-2021 Dallas ISD Counselor of the Year is someone who not only advocates for what is best for students at the school but is also always willing to share personal best practices with and mentor other counselors. For her meticulous work in auditing transcripts and her, ensuring students have the best customer service and support, her contributions to district counselors during six years at Hillcrest High School, Belia Martinez has been named Dallas ISD 2021 Counselor of the Year. Dallas ISD counselors promote and support the academic excellence and personal well-being of students by helping them focus on academic, personal,…

Dallas ISD alums often proudly describe themselves as “products of Dallas ISD.” Most mean they attended school in the district, often from K-12. When South Dallas native and New Tech High School Principal Jameile Choice calls himself a product of Dallas ISD, he means he was all but reared by district educators. Thanks to teachers and administrators who provided him safe haven, inspiration and resources, Choice is working to pay it forward to a new generation. “I grew up in a home filled with a lot of trauma,” Choice said. “My mom was addicted to drugs, and I lived with…

On May 27, Dallas ISD’s Board of Trustees recognized Kamila Vargas, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, as the 2021 recipient of the Council of Great City Schools’ Green-Garner Scholarship, based on her high academic performance and strong character. The scholarship accompanied CGS’ recognition of Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa as its 2021 Superintendent of the Year. “I feel so lucky to be chosen,” Kamila said. “When I got the news that I had won the scholarship, I felt really happy that they had read my story and that I was being seen.” Kamila’s parents came from Mexico when…