Inside Dallas ISD

Arthur Ybarra is a proud product of Dallas ISD and a third grade math and science teacher at Winnetka Elementary School, but his path to success has not been easy.  “I sit here all the time and look at this classroom and say, ‘I really shouldn’t be a teacher. I really shouldn’t be in this room,’” Ybarra said. “But my family really pushed me to succeed. Everything I do is for them—every single thing for my wife, my four kids, my house.” Ybarra, who is Comanche, struggled to make it through school as a teenager. He dropped out twice, once…

Every time Tracy Palmer, a specialist with Dallas ISD’s American Indian Education Program, sees a Native student graduate, she is glad she chose a career where she can help transform the lives of students like her. Growing up in Oklahoma, Palmer remembers not being able to read or write because she did not have American Indian educational support, so seeing Native students graduate is “one of the greatest moments,” she said. “Once I knew who I was and where I was, I felt like I had a big moment in life—that ‘ah ha’ moment,” said Palmer, who has been with…

Dallas ISD is celebrating Nov. 17, National Parent Involvement Day all week long with events hosted by the Family and Community Engagement department. It’s important that our parents feel valued and below are ways students can highlight the powerful contributions that parents and guardians provide at school and at home to support student success.  Monday, Nov. 14: Facebook Live Appreciation – Parents are invited to join us on Facebook Live  at 9 a.m. for a special message from Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Stephanie Elizalde and the Trustees as they share their gratitude for parents. Tuesday, Nov. 15: Crazy Sock day…

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…