Inside Dallas ISD

Four Dallas ISD schools advanced to the State Academic Decathlon Competition by earning top scores in their divisions at the Region XII competition held Jan. 19-20 at Seagoville High School. This is the first time that four Dallas ISD schools have advanced to the state competition. The School of Science and Engineering took first place in the large school division. Bryan Adams High School placed first in the medium division and Seagoville High School took second place in the medium school division. Meanwhile, L.G. Pinkston High School took first place in the small school division. All four schools will represent…

Thomas J. Rusk Middle School Spanish teacher Akash Patel began his education career in small rural communities in Oklahoma where people had never seen or met “a brown Indian guy who spoke five languages and had traveled to over 30 countries.” In Oklahoma and Dallas ISD, Patel uses his travel experiences to design all of his lessons. And Patel’s dedication to teaching is being nationally recognized: he is a top 50 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize. This annual $1 million teaching prize recognizes a classroom teacher who exemplifies global citizenship teaching and learning. “I am humbled and honored to…

Here’s something to cheer about! The varsity cheer squads from two Dallas ISD schools placed in the recent UIL State Spirit Competition held Jan. 11–13 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. W.T. White High School placed seventh in the coed division (watch their routine here); And Molina High School placed 15th in the coed division (watch their routine here). Varsity cheer squads from 20 Dallas ISD schools competed at the event that featured more than 500 squads from around the state. Learn more about the competition results here.

When South Oak Cliff High School relocated temporarily to the Village Fair campus a few miles away, a special part of the school’s history was left behind. The Golden Bear won’t make the move, nor will he witness renovations at the school. To protect the old guy from potential damage during construction, he will be removed from his glass enclosure, boxed up and relocated to a secure location in the near future. South Oak Cliff High School first opened in 1952. The Golden Bear was dedicated to the school two years later by Roland Pelt, a builder and developer in…