News Briefs

Spruce High School student Angel Silva has read more than 1 million words—which is 12 total books—so far this school year! In celebration of his hard work in his Read 180 reading class taught by Griselda Whitaker, Silva received a Kindle. (Photo from left to right: Christine Elliott, Danielle Petters, Angel Silva, Griselda Whitaker, Tiffany Cameron, Carol Terracina, Tracie Walker-Reed)

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invites high school students and parents to register for its College Prep 102 Workshop, a free event featuring information on financial aid, scholarships and college life. It will be held at One Delta Place, 2525 MLK Jr. Blvd., Dallas, 75215 from 1 to 4 p.m., Sat., Feb. 10. Pre-registration is required by Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Eventbrite.com. For more information, go here to download a flyer, or contact sheahickmon@yahoo.com. The State Fair of Texas and other area organizations are sponsoring NXT Fest, a student conference featuring a job fair, free financial aid and scholarship workshops, college…

The joy of reading and the rich heritage expressed in African-American literature will take center stage at a trio of African-American Read-Ins planned in February. Families and educators can choose to attend one or all three events. Each will celebrate Black History Month with book giveaways, speakers, music, refreshments, and prizes for all ages. Saturday, Feb. 10, Golden Gate Baptist Church and District 5 Trustee Lew Blackburn will present STEAM UP with Reading at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. Speakers and performances will focus on the importance of strong reading skills to prepare students to enter careers in science, technology, engineering, arts,…

Trustee Lew Blackburn, Ph.D., represents District 5 covering Oak Lawn, West Dallas, Wilmer, Hutchins and parts of East Oak Cliff. He shares how social and emotional learning is a critical component of helping students soar to success, particularly as we address bullying. The excerpt below is from his monthly column in The Dallas Examiner. Leading by example – How we can help prevent bullying Dallas ISD is taking a stand for our students with Social and Emotional Learning, or SEL. Schools that adopt SEL promote a positive environment where students’ emotional needs are met, parents are an integral part of…