News Briefs

Parents and community members welcomed an opportunity to view and comment on preliminary architectural drawings showing plans for a $21.7 million expansion to Hillcrest High School. Architect Jeff Miller shared his plans and answered questions about the expansion plans at a community meeting in August. Initial plans call for a construction of a new competition gym, a 29-classroom addition and upgrades to science labs, the cafeteria and kitchen, additional parking and a number of interior improvements. District 2 Trustee Dustin Marshall said the upgrade will be a real boost to Hillcrest. “The athletic facility I think is the highlight,” he…

Homework assignments are well underway for students across the district. With that in mind, here are 12 ways that a parent can help their child succeed when he or she brings school work home. 1. Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework. Avoid having your child do homework with the television on or in places with other distractions, such as people coming and going. 2. Watch your child for signs of failure and frustration. Let your child take a short break if he or she is having trouble keeping their mind on an assignment. 3. Reward progress in…

The Skyline Raiders are starring in a Labor Day matchup under the lights at Cotton Bowl Stadium, taking on the Mesquite Horn at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2. Go here for ticket info and here to view a video promo of the matchup. Go Raiders!

As an incoming sixth-grader at the Dallas Environmental Science Academy, Fernando Flores was assigned a summer project. His monthlong effort resulted in a castle fit for a king – at least a small king. He constructed a castle and its contents patterned after the one in the book, The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop. The details are fantastic, from handmade furniture and accessories to the individual pebbles hot-glued to the exterior. A working pump stirs the water in the moat, and a drawbridge operates off to the side. There is also a small, battery-powered string of lights along…