Inside Dallas ISD

Sierra Jones, a fifth-grader at Charles Rice Learning Center, today was named the top orator during the 25th Annual Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition. She competed alongside seven other finalists at The Majestic Theatre. Jace Roberson, a fifth-grader at J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard, took second place. Asad King, a fourth-grader at William Brown Miller Elementary, took the third spot. Each of the eight fourth- and fifth-grade Dallas ISD elementary school students presented original speeches addressing the topic: “If Dr. King were alive today, what would he say about Muhammad Ali’s contribution to society?” The competition is co-presented…

After two weeks off for winter break, students, teachers and staff returned this week and kicked off the semester on a high note! AP District Honor Roll Dallas ISD is one of 433 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 7th Annual AP® District Honor Roll. (Learn more) School Board Recognition Month January is a time to thank trustees for their dedication and willingness to serve as advocates for children and public schools. (Learn more) Bridging the gap About 30 Lincoln and Madison high school students recently had an informal…

Hillcrest High School junior Jose Diaz is excited about the $21 million facelift his school is receiving under the district’s 2015 Bond Program.  Diaz, who has attended Hillcrest since freshman year, says it’s a good thing for the school even as he concedes his class will be all but out the door by the completion of the work in December 2018. “We’ll be the last class to witness the old campus, but we’ll be proud alumni when we come back from college to visit,” said Diaz, who was the sole student in attendance at the Jan. 10 community meeting held to…

In December, about 30 Lincoln and Madison high school students participated in classroom instruction and interactions with Dallas Police officers to help bridge the gap between police and the community. The African American Success Initiative helped host the event. The collaboration was designed to foster positive dialogue between Dallas youth and law enforcement officers, including about how to respond in traffic and pedestrian stops.  Called “Together We Learn,” the project combined efforts of the Dallas Police Department, the Black Police Officers Association of Greater Dallas, Dallas ISD’s African American Success Initiative and St. Paul United Methodist Church. The project, part of a larger initiative…