Inside Dallas ISD

The dress code went out the window for teachers by the third day of school in favor of masks, helmets and capes at Dallas ISD’s Mark Twain Leadership Vanguard. The colorful attire helped kick off a year-long effort, “Teachers are Super Heroes,” to show students positive role models through real and imagined heroes. Heroes, Cops and Kids, a program started by two Dallas police officers, will also work with the school in promoting positive behavior, decision-making and ways to cope with peer pressure. “We want students to know that they are all superheroes in their own ways,” said counselor Keith…

The South Oak Cliff High School feeder pattern has joined the 21 schools in the Lincoln, Madison and Pinkston feeder patterns that comprise the Imagine 2020 initiative. Schools in the Imagine 2020 feeder pattern receive additional support and resources for both students and teachers with the goal of increasing student academic ­achievement, improving college- and career-readiness, and training teachers to help them grow as educators. “Imagine2020 will open the door to a level of instruction and services our students need and deserve at South Oak Cliff,” said Principal Shon Joseph. “The increase in services and personnel will positively impact our…

Executive Director of Food and Child Nutrition Services Dora Rivas was recently recognized by the Dallas Observer as one of 20 of the metro area’s most interesting characters for her work improving nutrition for the Dallas Independent School District’s students and their families. Read more about Rivas’ work here: Dora Rivas Is on an Insatiable Quest to Improve the Nutrition in Dallas’ Public Schools

The Belles, the dance team at Bryan Adams High School, has a tradition dating back to 1957. With 48 members consisting of 10th through 12th grade girls, the young ladies began rehearsals in June to get ready for the busy school year. Due to the Belles’ popularity and the growing interest in dance at Bryan Adams, a freshman team also has been added. The dance team, called the Kellie Spirit Dancers, is new this year. Amy Solorio, who has been the dance director for the last eight years, said that they are trying to bridge the gap for incoming 9th…