News Briefs

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brice Butler kicked off his Summer Reading Challenge this week by challenging students at Dallas ISD’s David G. Burnet Elementary School to read. The Reading Challenge, presented by the Rashad Jennings Foundation, serves more than 20,000 students across the country by partnering with NFL players who serve as Reading Challenge Ambassadors from all 32 NFL teams. In the challenge, students will read as many books as they can during summer break and answer reading comprehension questions. Each time a student reads a book and demonstrates an understanding of the text, they are entered into a drawing…

Volunteers from the American Red Cross of North Texas presented the American Red Cross Pillowcase Project to more than 300 students at Highland Meadows Elementary School this week. The Pillowcase Project, sponsored by Disney, is a preparedness education program for grades three to five that teaches students about personal and family preparedness and safety skills, local hazards and basic coping skills. Red Cross volunteers led students through a learn, practice, and share framework to engage them in disaster preparedness and survival skills. Upon completion of the presentation, students received a pillowcase in which to build their personal emergency supplies kit.

The Woodrow Wilson High School Community Foundation announced today that 20 graduating high school seniors—all who are from within the Woodrow Wilson High School feeder pattern—have been awarded foundation scholarships commencing in the fall of 2017. “The Woodrow Wilson High School Community Foundation is proud to continue in our tradition of assisting children graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School achieve their academic and career goals,” said Richard H. Vitale, President of the WWHS Community Foundation. “Since the inception of this program in 2009, the foundation has provided financial assistance to almost 100 students totaling over $155,000 in financial aid. We…

After participating in chess tournaments throughout the year, more than 500 students from 120 Dallas ISD schools competed in the Districtwide Championship Chess Tournament at Conrad High School in May. Chess players competed in three divisions: Elementary (3rd – 5th grade); Middle School (6th – 8th); and High School (9th – 12th). Individual and team medals were awarded to first, second and third place finishers. Highlights of the results are listed below. Top Teams by Division High School Division Place Business & Management Gold Medalist Kathlyn Gilliam Collegiate Academy Silver Medalist Samuell High Bronze Medalist Middle School Division Place Marsh…