News Briefs

Eighth-graders from Billy Earl Dade Middle School who will attend James Madison High School next year as freshmen got a firsthand look at the school and the programs it offers on Friday, March 4. After a pep rally-style orientation that included performances by the school’s cheerleaders, drill team and band, students could talk to students and staff members who are involved in the various programs. One major change will be that next year, Madison will offer a Collegiate Academy program. Principal Gayle Ferguson Smith said that Madison’s student population is one of its benefits; it is the smallest Dallas ISD high…

A 2004 graduate of Skyline High School, Christopher Stewart learned early that he was the master of his fate and became accustomed to taking advantage of every opportunity presented to him. Today, he encourages students to do the same and to take ownership of their future. AlumNow, The Hub feature that profiles district alumni, caught up with Stewart for an update. What are you doing now? I’m associate director of recruitment of admissions and programming at Dillard University in New Orleans. Briefly list a few of your career and/or personal highlights. After graduating from Skyline High School in 2004, I…

Staff at Edna Rowe Elementary is proactively exploring ways to create a robust Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program at the Dallas ISD school. Staff members this week took guided tours of Parish Episcopal School to see how the school offers STEM programming. Edna Rowe Elementary Principal Cynthia McFarland said her school wants to see best STEM practices at other schools that they could potentially emulate. “We must be proactive in keeping our neighborhood kids in our neighborhood school,” McFarland said. “We have to be proactive in determining ways to offer our students the best possible education.” McFarland said the…

Winners of an essay contest that was part of the Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. African Heritage Lecture Series were recognized at the Feb. 25 Dallas ISD Board of Trustees meeting. The series, presented by St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church, heralds the beginning of African-American History Month each year. This year’s theme was, “Speaking to the elephant in the room: The church’s response to the …isms.” The following writers were recognized in the Youth Night essay contest: First place: Anthony Harris, Jarrod Wheeler Second place: Justice Bradford, Diamond King Third place: William Perkins, Debrciya Everett Honorable Mentions: Lorenzo Hicks, Ira…