News Briefs

The Extended Learning Opportunities Department is creating exciting opportunities for students in afterschool programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Afterschool programs have the ability and flexibility to be creative and provide a variety of individualized learning. They are rich with educational opportunities and can make what is learned during the traditional day vibrant and relevant to the lives of children. Learning takes place in various formats and designs.  High-quality comprehensive programs beyond the school bell can yield positive outcomes and motivate students to get excited about learning during the school day. The ELO Department is creating virtual and in-person afterschool platforms…

More than 250 cheerleaders from 13 high schools came out to Ellis Davis Field House on a cold Saturday morning to compete in the Dallas ISD Cheer Challenge. Hosted by the Student Activities Department, the Third Annual Cheer Challenge mimicked the UIL Spirit State Championship Finals. The Cheer Challenge followed the Cheer Showdown hosted in November. Together, these events gave the cheer teams exposure to fast-paced cheer competitions, and constructive critiques and feedback to improve their performances. The UIL Spirit State Championship is set for January 13-15 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Spirit is an extracurricular activity that focuses…

The Parent Services Department in collaboration with some student attendance heroes want to remind students and families that if you are an on-campus or distance learner, attendance still matters. Regular school attendance is an important element for success in school. When a student is frequently absent, tardy or dismissed early from school, students lose valuable instructional time. Because regular attendance is necessary for students to succeed in school, Dallas ISD encourages all parents and guardians to stress the importance of punctuality and regular attendance with their children. Stay engaged for every class and #ShowUpDallasisd.

Recently, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, hundreds of pounds of food and hygiene products were picked up by schools to distribute among the almost 4,000 Dallas ISD students who are considered to be homeless. The food distribution is one of the highlights of activities by the Homeless Education Program during November, Homeless Youth Awareness Month. “We have been working with the North Texas Food Bank for a few years,” said Ashley Marshal, outreach manager for the district’s Homeless Education Program. “We are extremely grateful for this partnership this year since the pandemic has put such a strain on the usual…