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…

Students at Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy mastered a life skill in time for summer, participating in a pilot program that teaches swimming basics while preparing them for future employment. Integrated into the Lifetime Recreation and Outdoor Pursuits curriculum, the eight-week pilot program met students at their skill level. In partnership with YMCA, beginners worked to overcome a fear of water, while advanced swimmers built leadership skills by mentoring their peers. Next school year, the program will focus on lifeguard training certification that students can leverage for employment, future careers, and lifelong credentials. “This year was introductory, but moving forward,…