Inside Dallas ISD

S.S. Conner Elementary School in Dallas, TX hosted a three-day Literacy Summit sponsored by Kia America and the Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) from February 21 to 23. The event aimed to promote literacy by providing students with the opportunity to add to their home library collections. During the summit, more than 600 students from Pre-K to 5th grade attended the book fair and explored the books on offer, guided by their teachers or media specialists to ensure age-appropriate and culturally relevant materials. The students were encouraged to select three books to take home, and teachers facilitated guided read-along sessions with…

Almost 50 lucky seventh- and eighth-graders from George B. Dealey Montessori Academy had the opportunity to taste-test a new recipe for vegan tacos from Dallas ISD’s Food & Child Nutrition Services (FCNS) department. Contrary to traditional taco meat, the taco was made of plant-based meat from chickpeas to create a delicious yet healthy alternative option for students. Due to the rising popularity and interest in vegan options, a meatless option allows students to try their favorite meal in plant-based form. After the taste test, students were asked to complete a survey on iPads, and about half said they enjoyed the…

During the pandemic, Demetrius Ethley was unsure if he would retire from being Carter High School’s choral director, but instead, he has now been teaching for 13 years, specifically functional piano, modern band, musical theater, music theory and choir. Part of “Mr. E’s” continued passion for the arts comes from being in Dallas ISD’s Virtual Private Music Lessons Program, which was soft-launched last October.  The virtual program allows directors to nominate students of a certain competency level for free, private music lessons over Zoom. Lessons are currently administered by University of North Texas graduate students or faculty members, and last…

Dallas ISD is home to more than 142,000 students from diverse households where more than 80 different languages are spoken. Our students are supported by 24,000 team members, parents and community representatives who work every day to ensure they are successful in their educational journey and beyond. Public Schools Week — Feb. 27 – March 3—brings together families, educators, and community members to shine a light on local public schools and share the stories of the positive things happening in our schools. The work that takes place in our classrooms and campuses positively impacts students and families, their neighborhoods, and…