Inside Dallas ISD

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…

Wesley Stoker, a fourth-grader from Harry C. Withers Elementary School, took the top honors in the 26th Annual Gardere MLK Oratory Competition. Eight finalists competed on Friday, Jan. 12, at W.H. Adamson High School. The students wrote their own speeches and delivered them based on their answer to the question, “What is your dream for today’s world?” The theme was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Stoker used a refrain in his speech that tied into the theme. “I may not look like Dr. King,” he said.…