News Briefs

Skyline High School alum Levatta Dean Levels (1982) knows firsthand the power of great teachers who invest in their students’ lives, pushing them to excel and expecting them to achieve. Levels, assistant superintendent at the DeSoto Independent School District, recalls caring teachers who helped give her the tools needed to succeed and a school that prepared her for a world of diversity. AlumNow, the Hub feature that profiles Dallas ISD alumni, checked in with Levels for an update. What are you doing now? [I am] Assistant Superintendent for DeSoto Independent School District. Briefly list a few of your career and/or…

The ravanhattha, an instrument played by the bhopas of Rajasthan as they sing and tell the stories of a deity, is best classified as a/an: Idiophone Membranophone Aerophone Electrophone Chordophone That was just one of many questions posed to high school students from 24 district campuses as they competed in the Super Quiz at the Dallas ISD District Academic Decathlon competition on Nov. 14 at Seagoville High School. The theme focused on India, with students engaged in friendly competition testing their knowledge in music, art, economics, math, language arts, science and social science. Schools competed in three divisions—small, medium or…

Florence Middle School in Pleasant Grove is partnering with the community to offer a free Thanksgiving meal next week to its students and their families. The “Feed the Grove” Thanksgiving meal is happening Nov. 23 from 6–8 p.m. in Florence Middle School’s cafeteria, 1625 N. Masters Dr. Florence Middle School Assistant Principal Sabrina Hodge said the school wanted to reach out and help those who might be alone or unable to prepare a meal for the holidays. The meal will include smoked turkey, green beans, rolls, tea, and more. “I know sometimes students in our community don’t have the opportunity…

The annual Bryan Adams Cougars Running Wild 5K and one-mile fun run is tomorrow, and it’s not too late to register to participate. Proceeds from the event will benefit the school’s athletics department. The school anticipates to use the proceeds to pay for three athletic banquets in the fall, winter, and spring for all high school athletic programs. Additionally, some of the proceeds will be used for facility upgrades throughout the athletic complex. Bryan Adams Principal Richard Kastl said the event, which is going into its third year, is a great way to bring the Bryan Adams feeder pattern community…