Inside Dallas ISD

Great leaders often anchor their actions in core values that will help bring out the best in themselves and those around them. Cassie White, assistant principal at Buckner Terrace Montessori, leads by example, fostering a culture that inspires both teaching and learning through resilience, collaboration, and compassion.  The week of April 6-10 is National Assistant Principal Week, recognizing the contributions these campus leaders make to learning and the school environment every day.  White’s path to education began in her own childhood when school became a safe haven.   “I had teachers who believed in me and made school interesting,” she said.…

On an unusually cold Thursday morning in March, Seagoville High School students and team members filed onto the soccer field after morning announcements.  With a field bathed in sunlight, the anticipation of spring break in the air, and music blasting from a sound speaker, they all got ready for the kickoff of the first ever soccer match between staff and student athletes.  Headed up by teachers Yennifer Reyes, Daniel Seelig, and Jennifer Wallens, the soccer match raised funds for Link Crew, a program that pairs up freshmen with upperclassmen who can help them navigate the high school experience.  The proceeds…

Written by Michelle Read, Student Activities Department Dallas ISD is celebrating a high school student who was recently named a finalist for the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues Debater of the Year award. The Urban Debate National Debater of the Year Award is a coveted honor given to a high school urban debater who exemplifies competitive excellence and the impact debate has had on their lives. In her submission, Alaysha C., a student at Sunset High School, described debate as more than an extracurricular activity. “Debate didn’t just teach me how to make arguments,” she said. “It taught me…

Written by Julian Spearman, Student Activities Department This semester, introducing Mario Kart World to the Dallas ISD Esports program culminated in a thrilling victory. “During the year, our Esports team meets weekly to train,” said Allison Peña, coach of Felix G. Botello Personalized Learning Elementary. “We hold mini tournaments on our campus every week, so our students are extremely prepared.” Similarly, Luis Baeza , coach for Geneva Heights Elementary School, said that consistency was their secret weapon. “We committed to weekly practices where we didn’t just play the game,” he said. “We focused on structure, social skills, and the fundamentals…