Inside Dallas ISD

It’s a Monday morning at Dan D. Rogers Elementary School, and screams of delight are coming from the school’s playground. Students are swinging as high as possible, while other classmates zoom down a slide. Thanks to a partnership with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department and Texas Trees Foundation, Rogers Elementary was one of five Dallas ISD schools located in a “park desert”–meaning there was no other park within a 10-minute walk– chosen to become a Cool School Community Park. The partnership brought a new playground, 90 trees and walking trail to the campus. As part of the unique public-public-private…

Walking the halls of Umphrey Lee Elementary with volunteer Nell Maston, it’s clear she’s a VIP at the Oak Cliff school.  She attracts smiles and warm greetings from teachers and students in every hallway. As PTO president, grandparent of two Lee students and an almost daily volunteer, Maston is dedicated to helping students reach their potential. She said the school’s welcoming environment and teachers inspired her to get involved as a supporter. “They are interested in your child and always attentive to the students,” she said. Maston, who was recently recognized as Dallas ISD Volunteer of the Year for School…

Anne Frank Elementary School successfully celebrated its 22nd annual Cultural and Heritage Night on May 2. More than 800 people attended the event with the theme “The World Cup of Cultures: Embracing the Beauty of Diversity.” The enchanting evening event included the traditional Children’s Parade, a talent show, food sampling and an art show created by third- and fourth-grade students. This year, Mrs. McAffee added a photo slideshow of children in their family heritage clothing. For its 22nd edition, the organizing committee led by Javier Lopez invited people to dress in their traditional costumes and to share food from their…

Shareefah Mason, a twelfth-grade government teacher at New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell, was named a national 2018-2019 LifeChanger of the Year winner during a surprise ceremony held at a school-wide assembly. Mason was selected as one of 15 award winners out of 830 nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Mason received a $3,000 prize, which was awarded as a $1,500 individual prize and a $1,500 donation to a non-profit of her choice. The award was presented by National Life Group representatives Clare Ronaghan and Gabriel Kelly, as well as Principal Jameile Choice and Assistant…