Inside Dallas ISD

At Leonides Gonzalez Cigarroa Elementary School, volunteer Danae Gutierrez is considered a superstar. Gutierrez motivates fellow parents to become involved in the school, leads the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, and is even organizing a community event for school students. “She puts her heart into everything: working with kids, parents, and school staff,” said Nancy Brinkley, a counselor at the school. Gutierrez was a recipient of the Volunteer Impact Award for School Support at a ceremony held in April. Watch the above video to learn more about Gutierrez’ great work.

Seniors representing every comprehensive and magnet high school in Dallas ISD were recognized for academic excellence and received a share of $155,000 in scholarships at the 2015 Superintendent’s Scholarship Reception held Tuesday, April 21, at Emmett Conrad High School. Superintendent Mike Miles, members of the board of trustees, and the district’s Counselor of the Year, Yolanda Velasquez Cortes, congratulated the scholars and encouraged them to continue their commitment to education as they leave for college. The students were selected by their school scholarship committees to receive $2,500 scholarships based on academic achievement, community service, and recommendations. Go here for the list of…

A middle school team that has built an underwater robot is hoping to raise funds so they can make some waves at a national competition in Massachusetts. The nine inaugural members of the Stockard Robotics Club placed third in the Dallas Regional SeaPerch competition, which earned them a spot at the national championships in Dartmouth, Mass. Michelle Walaski, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math teacher at L.V. Stockard Middle School, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise $10,000 to help fund the trip for the robotics club. The registration cutoff date is April 28. To win third in the…

With colorful superhero capes flapping in the wind, students at Lee McShan Elementary cheered and applauded as they gathered to shake off nervous energy during a STAAR pep rally last Friday. Students in grades 3-5 donned yellow, red or blue capes and superhero t-shirts while members of the Lincoln High School band and dancers pumped up the crowd in the name of academics. Younger students looked on and cheered for those who are taking the test this week. “We’re going to rock the STAAR test,” students yelled as they whirled to show off their capes. The capes were made possible thanks…