Inside Dallas ISD

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,…

The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) hosted its second annual “Heart of Teaching” gala on Tuesday, with an evening of desserts and drinks as well as stunning dance and musical performances by Dallas ISD’s own performing arts educators. The foundation is the direct, nonprofit philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD, with a mission to inspire community investment to accelerate student success. This year’s Heart of Teaching campaign focused on advancing learning through the arts.  Prolific civic leader and public servant Regina Montoya, the gala’s honorary chair, said, “One of the reasons I’m so proud to be a DEF board member is because…

Of the 4,200 JROTC cadets in Dallas ISD’s 23-school brigade, Cadet Col. Damari Amaya, a senior at H. Grady Spruce High School, is the highest ranking. Named to the position of cadet colonel in late September, Damari is the only female from Spruce known to have held this title. Prior to her promotion, she was battalion commander at Spruce, a post she still holds in addition to commanding the overall brigade. On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, she will be leading the cadets during the Dallas parade’s Flag Ceremony. “I’ve been in JROTC for four years,” Damari says. “I became interested…