Inside Dallas ISD

Parents of graduating seniors may not be aware that filing their tax returns early can put their child in front of the line for financial aid consideration. Dallas ISD counselors are working to inform parents that early filing can mean more tuition aid dollars for students headed to college. Families in North Texas who earn less than $54,000 can get personalized help from an IRS-certified tax preparer at more than 30 area tax preparation sites. Families can also file online with United Way’s MyFreeTaxes, a product of H&R Block, at no charge if they earn less than $62,000. The Free…

After much hard work and rehearsal, Charles Rice Learning Center fifth-grader Lyriq Turner was named the winner of the 2016 Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition. Turner was the judges’ top choice from among eight orators who recited their original speeches in response to the question,“What would Dr. King say in his campaign speech if he were running for president this year?” The student orators were judged on their delivery, stage presence, content interpretation and memorization. Approximately 135 students participated in the annual competition that began in October with in-school competitions that identified 15 semifinalists. Of that group, eight finalists were selected…

Hundreds of Dallas ISD students gathered at Fair Park recently where they took on instant challenges with the Star Wars theme: May the Creative Force Be with You. Destination Imagination is an educational program in which students solve open-ended challenges and present their solutions at tournament competitions. Sponsored by the Student Activities Department, elementary and secondary students – in Star Wars costumes – worked in teams and on deadline with tasks and performance-based, hands-on activities throughout the day. Dallas ISD has more than 160 teams from 74 schools competing in Destination Imagination. The 2016 Dallas Regional Tournament is scheduled for Feb. 20…

The H. Grady Spruce High School staff kicked off the new semester by visiting homes of 116 students who had at least 99-percent attendance for the first semester. More than 100 teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, and City Year Corps members split into teams and spent the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 6 surprising students with “All-Star Attendance” certificates and getting to know them and their families. Students shared with staff why they made it a point to be at school each day and their thoughts on how the school could encourage others to do the same. Family members welcomed staff into their homes…