Inside Dallas ISD

As part of its Start Proud initiative, Office Depot distributed 600 backpacks filled with school supplies to Dallas ISD students on Sept. 3 at Eddie Bernice Johnson Elementary School. Office Depot also donated a $10,414 check to the school and surprised Evelyn Gallegos-Gonzalez by naming her as its “Star Teacher,” an honor that also brought her brand-new furniture, technology and teaching supplies. “I’m so thankful and I know I’m at the best school in Dallas ISD,” Gallegos-Gonzalez said after the surprise. Office Depot also donated 400 backpacks with supplies to students at John Neely Bryan Elementary School. Johnson Elementary School is the…

Fifteen Dallas ISD students have been named among the approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. This award, presented by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, aims to recognize the nation’s scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence. To become a finalist, each student and their sponsoring high school official will have to provide information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. About 15,000 students are expected to advance to the final stage in February. National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced between…

When the switch to virtual learning happened in the spring, Sunset High School cheerleading coach Natasha Mitchell held virtual practices and made sure her students didn’t miss out on their dream to attend the National Cheerleading Association’s (NCA) cheer camp. Her athletes’ hard work paid off at August’s virtual camp when four of 13 nominated cheerleaders from Sunset made the NCA All-American team. Sunset’s NCA All Americans Jourdyn Hawkins, Class of 2021 Mario Garcia, Class of 2021 Alexis Rodriguez, Class of 2022 Frederick James Jr., Class of 2022 These four students not only made Sunset athletic history but are also…

Eric Hale, 2020 Dallas ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, was selected as one of six finalists for the 2021 Texas Teacher of the Year program. In a surprise announcement via Zoom, Hale was notified by his principal and district staff of the recognition. “I share this with all of the teachers and staff in Dallas ISD,” said Hale, who teaches kindergarten and first grade at David G. Burnet Elementary School. “Our district went through more this past year dealing with tornadoes and the pandemic, more than any other district in the state. So, I hope I can bring back…