Inside Dallas ISD

Students and teachers from automotive programs at five Dallas ISD high schools got revved up at Mecum Dallas 2016, one of the world’s largest collector car auctions. The 250 students and teachers also met with Dave Magers, the CEO of Mecum Auctions, as well as various consignors to learn about the collector car industry, the restoration of collector cars, and also the career opportunities for auto-tech students. Mecum Auctions donated tickets so the students to attend. Nancy, a junior in Spruce High School’s auto collision repair and refinishing program, said her Dallas ISD classes have given her a great appreciation…

Dallas ISD announced today the 2016 Campus Teachers of the Year. Each campus selected its Teacher of the Year based on demonstrated excellence in and out of the classroom. Go here to see the full list of Campus Teachers of the Year as of Nov. 3. The campus Teachers of the Year exemplify the following traits: Leads students of all backgrounds to demonstrate learning. Collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a culture of respect and success. Deliberately connects their classroom to the community and the community to the classroom. Engages in leadership opportunities that contribute to the work…

The early morning rain couldn’t put a damper on the Big Dig at John H. Reagan Elementary as more than 200 volunteers from Sprouts and AT&T tramped through the mud to create a REAL School Garden at the small Oak Cliff campus. Students got in on the act finishing up artwork and decorating colorful flagstone pavers that will lead students to hours of outdoor learning and exploration. Staff also lent a hand painting, coordinating, and beautifying the school that has a special meaning for so many. “This was my school when I was little,” said Blanca Vazquez, Reagan’s fifth-grade science…

Dallas ISD is piloting a program that allows several schools to accept credit cards, debit cards, or an online “e-check” to pay for everything from field trips to fees. The pilot program is active at Hillcrest High School and Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, and will become active this spring at Skyline High School, Marsh Middle School, Bowie Elementary and Stemmons Elementary schools. The pilot program means parents can pay for school-related expenses online and not have to send a check or cash to school with their kid. “We have long heard from parents who wanted to use their credit…