News Briefs

The Dallas Morning News got an inside look at the ferocious readers at Macon Elementary School. Students at the school have checked out 55,000 books so far this school year, the DMN reports. The article also profiles Mary Bilbrey, the school librarian, who does great work inspiring students to read. Click here to read the full story. Photo courtesy Dallas Morning News.

WFAA 8 visited Skyline High School to learn more about a Dallas ISD program that gives students skills that make them more competitive in a variety of careers. As the Hub previously reported, between 2009–10 and 2013–14, the number of career certifications received by district students rose from 177 to 1,683, an increase of more than 850 percent. Specialized CTE courses range from horticulture to automotive tech and are offered at every district middle and high school. Click here to view the full report from WFAA 8.

The Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce Education Committee honored Rametria Smith of Sunset High School as the High School Educator of the Year. The committee also recognized Carmalie Sims at George Washington Carver Creative Arts Learning Center as the Elementary School Educator of the Year. The award ceremony on March 25, which was held at the Methodist Dallas Medical Center, was a benefit for the Golden Oaks Scholarship Fund. Click here to read the full story from the Dallas Examiner on the event.

As part of National Volunteer Month, we are recognizing those who do great work in helping out at different schools within the district. Here is a letter Henry C., a student at Hillcrest High School, wrote to a volunteer parents.