News Briefs

J.L Long Middle School janitor Enrique Mendez has been named a finalist for a nationwide Janitor of the Year contest. Sponsored by Cintas Corporation, the contest aims to recognize the best-of-the-best in school janitors. Mendez is one of 10 finalists competing for a $5,000 cash prize along with $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid products and services for his or her school—not to mention bragging rights. Mendez often works 12-hour days and even some weekends in order to keep the school in tip-top shape, according to Cintas. During last year’s ice storm, Mendez spent several nights away from his family to…

Urban Park Elementary staff, teachers, and parents worked together to put on an out-of-this-world STAAR pep rally for the school’s third-, fourth- and fifth-graders on Wednesday. The rally, which aimed to motivate the students taking the first round of STAAR exams next week,  started with the third-, fourth- and fifth-graders parading across the front of the school as younger schoolmates cheered “si se puede” and “may the scores be with you!” Meanwhile, the Skyline High School drumline performed high-energy arrangements that had students dancing and nodding their heads. The students then entered the auditorium, where they were greeted with flashing lights…

Voters who live in Dallas ISD trustee districts 2, 4, 5 and 7 have an opportunity in the May 7 elections to choose a new board member to represent them. Residents who are eligible to vote but are not registered to vote have until April 7 to register. Find information here on how to register to vote in Dallas County. Four candidates are seeking the District 2 seat in a special election to fill the unexpired term of Mike Morath, who was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to be Texas Commissioner of Education. The winner will serve the remaining year…

KERA has an in-depth report on a Dallas ISD pilot program designed to proactively address disciplinary and behavioral issues before they escalate. The restorative discipline program, which is being piloted at select district schools, rethinks how to discipline students. The process includes students gathering in circles in their classrooms. Teachers ask questions, and then students – one at a time – have a chance to respond. The goal is to reduce the amount of time students must be disciplined outside the classroom, cutting into valuable instructional time. Click here to read and listen to the full report from KERA.