News Briefs

Dallas ISD will host special application workshops tonight at three magnet schools that are adding grades starting in the 2018-2019 school year. The workshops, which will help parents fill out applications for their child, will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at  J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard; Sidney Lanier Expressive Arts Vanguard; and Mark Twain Leadership Vanguard. All three schools, which have served students in grades 4-5, will add one grade each year until each serves grades 4-8 in 2021. The three magnet schools are housed within neighborhood schools. Learn more about these and other Dallas ISD magnets that are…

Olssen Fuentes, third-grader at Herbert Marcus Elementary School, will soon be granted with his wish of going shopping. That’s what the ten-year old asked for as a celebration of being cancer free for almost a year now. Fuentes underwent through chemotherapies for a few months as part of his battle with leukemia. The Make-A-Wish foundation surprised Fuentes at school on Feb. 15, along with his classmates, teachers and a family. When Fuentes goes on his shopping spree in a few weeks, he knows the first thing he wants to get: an iPad.

An owl, snake, and anteater were among the special guests at the Dallas Zoo’s Animal Adventures Program held at Ebby Halliday Elementary School on Feb. 13. AT&T and the Dallas Zoo sponsored the program that also brought out Dallas City Councilman Tennell Atkins to the school. Some students’ jaws dropped as they saw the incredible animals. “Partnerships that incorporate TEKS-aligned science programming and fun experiences like this make a big difference for Dallas students,” said Dallas ISD Partnerships Coordinator Jane Didear. “We are grateful to AT&T for continuing to support the Dallas Zoo, ensuring that more than 30 Dallas ISD campuses benefit…

Sixty Dallas ISD students and six staff members joined members of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine for its annual national conference on Thursday, Feb. 1, in Dallas. Strategic Initiatives and External Relations/ Partnership Services teamed up with Dr. Brian Casey of UTSW Medical to ensure two groups of students could participate:  School for Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center and Sunset Collegiate Academy-Public Health Pathway. The event included a day of presentations and programs led by members of the society. According to Assistant Superintendent Usamah Rodgers, “These are the types of meaningful experiences our students need to grow and develop.  We are grateful for…