News Briefs

Walk into Mr. Garcia’s classroom at Lee A. McShan Jr. Elementary School and you will immediately notice the pool table near the center of the room. Your eyes will then probably spot Mr. Garcia’s Army uniforms hanging near the United States flags and the headphones that help students engage in learning. It quickly becomes clear that Mr. Garcia has put plenty of thought into his classroom. “I designed my classroom the way I did because I feel like it will help my students be more engaged,” Garcia said As an ex-soldier, Garcia knew it was important to find a career…

As students and teachers make their way back to classes this week in Parkland, Florida, the community is adjusting to their new normal.  Memorials and vigils continue, as leaders of some of the nation’s largest police agencies and community members join in a summit to address school safety. As part of the symposium, Dallas ISD Police Department joined with law enforcement officers and safety practitioners from across the country, on Monday, to discuss school safety issues. The session was held in Parkland, Florida on March 5, and it was hosted by the Miami-Dade Public Schools Police Department. Police Chief Craig…

Catch up on this week’s great news! Watch this video, or read below, to learn more.   Distinguished school Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School celebrated its designation as a National Title I Distinguished School (see photos). Addressing violence Students attended a forum to lead respectful conversations on how the district and greater community can address threats of gun violence in schools (watch a video). Political leaders Female students from four Dallas ISD schools saw their political ambitions ignite after attending the Young Women’s Political Leadership Conference (learn more). Hall of Fame Dr. Beverly Chinn from Wilmer-Hutchins High School was inducted into the National Association of Negro Musicians…

Dallas ISD’s Hillcrest High School recently received the good news that it has been authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. IB schools share a commitment to a high quality, challenging internationally focused education. With the news, the feeder pattern now features schools at all three levels that have IB programs: Arthur Kramer Elementary School, Benjamin Franklin Middle School and now Hillcrest. That is similar to the Woodrow Wilson feeder pattern, which features the IB program at Robert E. Lee Elementary School, J.L. Long Middle School and at Woodrow Wilson. Harry Stone Montessori Academy also offers IB. Learn about…