News Briefs

Submitted by the Student Activities department Excitement about chess swept across Dallas ISD when, on two back-to-back Saturdays, nearly 3,000 students competed in the fall chess tournaments hosted by the Student Activities department. With the increased number of elementary and secondary students participating in the district’s tournaments, Dallas ISD boasts the largest districtwide chess program and hosts the largest chess tournaments in North Texas, said Dennis Raveneau, Dallas ISD tournament director. “Through playing chess, students learn to think critically, plan strategy, and execute a plan,” Raveneau said. “In addition to strengthening cognitive skills, playing in chess tournaments promotes good sportsmanship…

I wanted to send a quick note to catch you up on the latest developments in Austin. The Governor has called lawmakers back to the State Capitol for another special session on private school subsidies (also called school choice, vouchers, education savings accounts, etc.) as well as public school funding, school safety, and border issues. Last week, the House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity & Enrichment sent a bill (HB 1) to the House floor that would allow public taxpayer money to be used to pay for tuition at private and religious schools. I have nothing against private schools. Some…

To help fight hunger among children in our Dallas community during the holidays, the Food and Child Nutrition Services department plans to provide a “pop-up” meal service FREE of cost to all children 18 years and younger. Three breakfasts and three lunches will be served in a “pop-up” format on Monday, Nov. 20. Meals are served while supplies last.  Click here for a preparation guide as some meals may require cooking. Click here for times and locations. In case of weather conditions: If the weather is GOOD, we will have a “pop-up” meal service.  A delivery truck will park at the main…

As Dallas celebrates America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, the district continues to increase its recycling efforts in schools and other facilities. In the last five years alone, recycling in the district has increased from 12 percent to over 17 percent, according to Bryant Shaw, manager of the Energy and Sustainability Department. Since 2017, the district has also had a 52% decrease in trash going to the landfill. In 2015, Dallas ISD replaced the polystyrene trays with compostable plates in the cafeterias, and Shaw said the district hopes to add compostable trash bags and utensils by 2027. Dallas ISD is making progress…