News Briefs

With a secondary debate program in Dallas ISD schools for more than 10 years, the the district piloted a debate program for fifth-graders this year. Using the DebateAble curriculum, 15 schools were selected from across Dallas ISD to participate in the elementary debate program. Coaches and students attended after-school practices, workshops, and scrimmages from September to March. Educating self and others through thoughtful, persuasive and civil argument, the elementary debate curriculum is designed to enhance students critical thinking, organizational, teamwork and public speaking skills. The two resolutions that the students debated this year were: Fifth-grade students should do homework, and…

In celebration of Black History Month, a group of Roosevelt High School students used their creativity and research skills for a poster board competition. Students created poster boards detailing the lives and accomplishments of African-American leaders. Roosevelt teacher Winifred Bell said she and other staff ended up learning from the students. “These students worked hard on this project, and I am proud of what they have accomplished,” she said. A group of Roosevelt teachers and staff then judged the poster boards on Feb. 27 and named the winner of the competition.

Three new faces will join the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees after the May 4 election, as the incumbents for District 4, District 5 and District 7 are not seeking re-election. The District 4 seat is vacant after incumbent Jaime Resendez resigned this month. District 5 incumbent Dr. Lew Blackburn and District 7 incumbent Audrey Pinkerton are not seeking re-election. The candidates who will appear on the May 4 ballot are: District 4: Karla Garcia, Omar Jimenez, Amalia Lozano and Camile D. White District 5 : Maxie Johnson, David King and Ola M. Allen District 7: Ben Mackey and Brent…

Thanks to the generosity of Dallas ISD employees, the district raised $157,880–exceeding the $150,000 goal—to benefit the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. https://thehub.dallasisd.org/2018/11/16/district-sets-150000-goal-in-2018-united-way-workplace-campaign/ The funds raised will likely benefit hundreds of district families through a variety of programs under the United Way umbrella. “We are immensely grateful to our wonderful Dallas ISD employees for stepping up to support the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas,” Dallas ISD Chief of Staff Pam Lear said. “These contributions will have a positive impact on our students who receive valuable services—from pre-school preparation to college readiness— provided by United Way.”