Inside Dallas ISD

To help prepare Dallas ISD cheer squads for the UIL State Spirit Competition in January, more than 400 cheerleaders from 20 schools honed their skills at the Cheer Challenge that was held recently at Ellis Davis Field House. Hosted by the Student Activities Department, the Second Annual Cheer Challenge mimicked the UIL Spirit State Championship Finals and included cheer squads outside of Dallas ISD. The Cheer Challenge followed the Cheer Showdown hosted in October. Together, these events gave the cheer teams exposure to fast-paced cheer competitions, and constructive critiques and feedback to improve their performances. Lincoln High School Cheer Coach…

Seven Dallas ISD teachers were recognized on Dec. 9 with Texas Instruments Innovations in STEM Teaching Awards. The Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation gave the $70,000 grant to the Dallas Education Foundation, which then provided the award to the teachers. The awards program honors local secondary math and science teachers from Dallas, Garland, Lancaster, Mesquite, Plano and Richardson ISDs who consistently demonstrate quality instruction and build student achievement in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects. The Dallas ISD teachers recognized are: Ernest Barlow ~ Dallas Environmental Science Academy (DESA) ~  Technology Applications Kamilah Crouch ~ Skyline High School  ~…

After visiting the orphanage she was adopted from as a child, Sanaya, a senior at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, was inspired to make a positive impact with her life. With her friend who attends Hockaday, Sanaya started Songbirds of Service, which spreads a love of music and singing with younger Dallas ISD students. “When I visited the orphanage, I saw myself in the kids who were still there,” Sanaya said. “I knew I couldn’t just go home from visiting the orphanage and do nothing. Singing has always brought me joy, so I…

Tracie Walker-Reed, library media specialist at H. Grady Spruce High School in Dallas, is a winner of this year’s I Love My Librarian Award. Recognized for her leadership in her school and commitment to transforming lives, she is one of only 10 librarians in the country to receive this national honor. Walker-Reed’s nominators highlighted her 1:1 tutoring and mentoring of at-risk and low-income students and her invaluable support of H. Grady Spruce High School’s learning process through instruction, technology support and access to print and digital library books. Holding a true commitment to supporting all ares of positive learning, Walker-Reed…