News Briefs

In our ongoing effort to ensure safer schools, Dallas ISD will require clear backpacks for all students in grades K-12 for the 2023-2024 school year. This requirement does not apply to Pre-K students. As an additional option, mesh backpacks will be acceptable, however clear ones are preferred. Students may carry a small, nonclear pouch in their backpack to hold personal items, such as cellphones, money, and hygiene products. To support families, each student will be provided a durable clear backpack at no cost. Parents may also purchase the preferred clear backpack, or the acceptable mesh backpack, for their students. A…

The Dallas Education Foundation, the direct, nonprofit philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD, has announced the recipients of its inaugural HeART of Teaching Discretionary Grant Awards Cycle. The foundation received grant applications from dozens of teachers at campuses across the district and named 35 awardees to receive nearly $127,000 in funding. Proposals included projects that spanned the spectrum of the arts in Dallas ISD, including visual, performing, theatrical, and musical arts. “The importance of the arts in education cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Scott Rudes, Dallas ISD’s executive director of Academic Enrichment and Support. “We’re grateful to the Dallas Education Foundation…

A total of 97 high school seniors from six Dallas ISD campuses surrounding the Fair Park neighborhood gathered at the historic State Fair of Texas. They were awarded the Juanita Craft Scholarship for their hard work and dedication throughout their high school career including passing a minimum of 12 hours each semester, a minimum 2.5 GPA in their first semester, and a 3.0 cumulative GPA for every semester thereafter. In addition, students enjoyed games and food with “Little Tex” on the Midway.  Miguel Solis, North Dallas High School P-Tech: EMT Program senior, says he will be using his award to…

Students from 104 schools were able to showcase their chess skills while competing against their peers at the first-ever multi-location elementary chess tournament, held at Thomas Jefferson High School and Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. Almost 1,600 young chess players from grades kindergarten to fifth- grade participated in three rounds of chess. The students were a mix of experienced and new players, with some showing off their advanced chess skills, while others were just learning the game. The atmosphere was electric as the young players competed in hopes of winning top prizes. Overall, there were 159 individual gold medal winners,…