Inside Dallas ISD

Dallas ISD fifth-grade students participated in a debate workshop at Adamson High School in late October where they were immersed in hands-on activities and lessons taught by Dallas ISD middle school debate coaches about learning how to respectfully disagree. To prepare for their first debate tournament, elementary debaters learn the ins and outs of debate and the art of public speaking at the annual Elementary Debate Student Workshop. This year, 374 students from 53 campuses participated in the workshop that was designed to help them develop the skills needed to become skilled debaters. Workshop topics included Intro to Debate, Public…

Question: Who can build four bridges in two hours from just popsicle sticks and glue – each bridge strong enough to hold 20 pounds?  Answer: 20 competitive fourth- and fifth-grade STEM students from Paul Dunbar Learning Center, with a little help from some partners.  Dallas ISD’s STEM department “works very hard with our industry and community partners to provide Dallas ISD students with fun, engaging, hands-on, interactive activities and opportunities that spark and increase their interest in STEM disciplines and career fields,” Crystal Alexander, STEM department manager, said. “Today we are providing an opportunity for students to explore the Engineering…

While during November—Native American Heritage Month—Dallas ISD celebrates the 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States, their heritage, history and contributions are celebrated and supported year round through the American Indian Education Program. This program was designed to address the unique educational and culturally-related academic needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students from pre-K through 12th grade. Students who identify as American Indian can apply for the program, which provides cultural events and enrichment programs, college and career preparation, truancy and retention support, culturally competent counseling, representative book clubs and more.  “Our ultimate goal is to have our…

G! E! T! Get – Involved – with Dallas ISD! This year, the Student Activities Department expanded the cheer program to elementary campuses in an effort to spread awareness of the sport. Support for the program in the lower grades exposes elementary students to basic cheerleading skills and techniques from a young age so they can feel more prepared by the time they reach the secondary level. For many elementary school students this year, their first experience with cheer occurred at a camp held in September. At the end of camp, the Student Activities department provided teams with sound systems,…