Inside Dallas ISD

Making learning relevant became a reality this year for students in the Texas Academic Pentathlon program. This year’s theme was In Sickness & In Health: An Exploration of Illness and Wellness. Designed to include middle school students with a variety of academic abilities, the pentathlon competition is theme based around five subject areas: fine arts, literature, mathematics, science and social science. In preparation for the regional competition, coaches and students participated in a districtwide workshop in November and attended afterschool practice sessions until the COVID-19 pandemic caused school closings across the District. Coaches and pentathletes immediately pivoted to virtual team meetings in order…

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation recognized Dallas ISD for assuring that all students have access to a well-rounded music program. Dallas ISD was awarded with the Best Communities for Music Education designation. This nationwide honor recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Dallas ISD answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.  “This designation honors the commitment of teachers and administrators along…

Though schools are closed for the remainder of the academic year, Dallas ISD’s Homeless Education Program (HEP) continues its mission to support housing insecure students and their families by helping them stay connected to available resources, services and programs. “During the current crisis, HEP supports these students in various ways,” said Ashley Marshall, homeless education program manager for Dallas ISD. “From providing basic school supplies and hygiene items, to drop-in centers at the high schools, we continuously strive to reach our families and help ensure our students’ academic success.” Through HEP the district’s housing insecure population can access school supplies,…

During the current crisis, Dallas ISD school cafeteria staff members have been busy ensuring that no child goes hungry. Each week they prepare and distribute thousands of free meals via curbside pick-up. They are our heroes! Help us celebrate them! The week of April 27-30 will be Super Hero Gratitude Week. You can go online and vote for your school staff to be nominated for an award by casting your vote at www.dallasisd.org/lunchhero. The school with the most votes wins and will be recognized with a special prize!