Artificial intelligence is transforming the way people learn, work, and communicate, and Dallas ISD wants to ensure teachers and principals have the tools to succeed. Recently, the district hosted its first AI Summit, where campus-based staff explored how AI can strengthen instruction, support educators, and prepare students for an evolving workforce. The summit also launched Dallas ISD’s AI Champions initiative, creating a network of educators who will serve as campus leaders and resources as the district continues implementing responsible AI practices across schools.  “Our students won’t be competing against AI — they’ll be working alongside it,” said Angie Gaylord, chief…

Ten juniors and seniors are getting an early start to their future careers by spending their summer break climbing rooftops and exploring crawl spaces to learn about the behind the scenes work of the district’s Construction Services department. For six weeks under the guidance of district contract manager Joseph Rockett, they made several stops at architecture firms and campuses to learn from industry professionals about design, engineering, project management, and safety. “The goal was for them to be able to see the entrepreneurial ventures of different vendors,” Rockett said. “We went to all of the different branches of this industry…

Building understanding through ASL For Nirali Q., learning American Sign Language is personal. As someone who is hard of hearing, the fourth grader sees herself as someone who can help connect two worlds. “Most hearing people don’t try to communicate with deaf people,” Nirali said. “There are two different sides, but I want to be the person who bridges the gap.” This summer, she’s building those skills through Dallas ISD’s Spark ASL and Multi-Sport Camp, which combines ASL instruction and lessons about deaf culture with activities such as volleyball, basketball, and swimming. While athletics keep students active, ASL lessons help…

This fall, Christian R. will leave Dallas ISD for the University of Texas, where he plans to study music education. Before beginning that next chapter, the recent Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith graduate, returned to a place that helped shape his own musical journey: the Dallas Winds Summer Band Camp. “I like taking the master classes, meeting the instructors, and learning from them,” Christian said. He attended the summer camp for five years, growing from a young clarinet player into a student leader and future educator. He credits much of that growth to the relationships he…