Molina High School graduation.

Molina High School graduation.

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Examples of academic excellence can be seen throughout Dallas ISD. The Texas Education Agency reports 91 percent of our schools met standards, and 17 of them earned the maximum number of distinctions awarded by the agency, proving that extraordinary learning is taking place in the district. I’m excited that three of these schools of excellence are located here in District 7—Moises Molina High School, Trini Garza Early College and W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy.

Molina, one of only two comprehensive high schools in the district to earn all seven distinctions, continues to impress and offers exciting opportunities for students to achieve and reach their full potential. Serving roughly 2,000 students, Molina offers a host of academic, athletic and career programs, including the Culinary Arts program, which has garnered much attention. The school also boasts the MJ Café, which is open to the public Tuesday and Wednesday. Visit the school’s website to see the menu.

Garza, named after the longtime civic leader and former trustee for Dallas ISD, maintains high expectations for students and gives them the opportunity to earn an associate degree while attending high school. Last year, Garza ranked No. 16 on The Daily Beast’s Best of the Change Makers list for beating the odds and achieving academic excellence despite economic hurdles. Other awards include: National Blue Ribbon School (2015) and the prestigious 2012 Excellence in Urban Education Award.

W.E. Greiner not only houses the Stevie Ray Vaughan Performance Hall, but is home to one of the most creative and expressive arts programs in the city offering concentrations in dance, music, theater, and visual arts. Greiner is one of the largest middle schools in the state serving more than 1,500 middle school students.

A few other schools in District 7 should be singled out for earning all but one of the possible distinctions: Sunset HS, Arcadia Park ES, James Bowie ES, Louise Wolff Kahn ES and Felix Botello ES.

These hot spots of excellence should be celebrated and congratulated, and they should encourage us to get involved with the schools in our neighborhoods to help raise them to this level of achievement. Every student deserves the opportunity to attend programs that excel and prepare them for a bright future. Each of us can help by getting involved. Contact the school nearest you to find out how you can help.

Other District 7 news:

It’s fall carnival time and several schools are celebrating with family fun:

Arcadia Park and Winnetka elementary schools festivals are scheduled for Oct. 28, starting at 4:30 p.m.; Botello will hold its festival Nov. 11, 5 to 7 p.m.

PTOs and PTAs are great ways to get involved. Botello ES PTA meets at 6 p.m., Oct. 27, and Margaret B. Henderson PTO meets at 5:30 p.m., Nov. 10.

Prep U Parent Workshops are scheduled at Rosemont Primary School, 6 p.m., Oct. 25; and Leila P. Cowart, 6 p.m., Oct. 27.

Each Saturday in October, Rosemont is hosting family fun day walks to promote health and wellness for the entire family. Participants can have the opportunity to be selected to attend the Cooper Institute Legacy Dinner where they can meet Roger Staubach and George Foreman on Nov. 9.

Thanks to everyone who participated in Principal for a Day earlier this month. It is important that our business and community leaders get a chance to experience firsthand the day-to-day challenges of leading schools. I encourage each of you to stay engaged with the schools throughout the year to help support student achievement.

 

Audrey Pinkerton

Audrey Pinkerton

Audrey Pinkerton is the District 7 representative on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees.Â