Celebrating volunteers, graduation at our neighborhood DallasISD schools

Volunteering: An impact with dividends

April is National Volunteer Month, a great time to recognize the many parents, community members, and business and civic leaders for supporting students and schools. As we look at student outcomes, we know that volunteers make a huge impact on students. Whether it’s through mentoring, tutoring, or supporting the classroom in other ways, students are the ultimate benefactors.

But what about the impact volunteering has on those who actually volunteer. According to researchers at the London School of Economics, people who spend time helping others are happier than those who do not, and the more they volunteer, the happier they are. What a great ROI.

I think that we can all agree that there is something magical that happens when we take our focus off of our own lives for a minute and pour our energies into someone else’s. We have many outstanding volunteers and partners who do just that, regularly. They play a large role in making our schools better, and for that, we are grateful.

Dallas ISD recently honored volunteers and partners who were exceptional this year, including from District 7: Cecile Evans and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (for their work with M.B. Henderson Elementary); John Conners III (Peeler Elementary); Melanie Arrona and Winstead’s (Reagan Elementary); and Linda Cross, Arnulfo Aleman, and Vera’s Bakery (Rosemont Schools). Thanks to each of you for supporting Dallas ISD students and schools.

Other news

Summer Fair
If you’re looking for exceptional summer programs for your children, be sure to come out to the Dallas ISD and Dallas City of Learning Summer Resource Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 29, on the grounds of Mt. Auburn Elementary School, 6012 E. Grand Ave., 75223. You’ll have a chance to explore more than 100 summer learning opportunities, activities, and resources for children of all ages. There will be food, fun and loads of family resources to take advantage of, including free immunizations and health screenings. Don’t miss this opportunity to see all the options available to you and your child this summer.

Winnetka wins

Kudos to the Winnetka Robotics teams for placing first and fourth at the CREATE U.S. Open Robotics Championship.

Superintendent Scholars
Congratulations to Superintendent Scholarship winners:
• W.H. Adamson HS—Sergio Jaimes and Aracely Lomeli
• Trini Garza Early College—Linares Sigifredo
• Moises E. Molina HS—Maria Mancia and Laura Perez
• Sunset HS—Karen Garcia and Rozana Rivera

2017 Graduation Schedule
High school graduation season starts next month. In District 7:
• Sunset HS, 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 30, Ellis Davis Field House
• W.H. Adamson HS, 7 p.m., Friday, June 2, Ellis Davis Field House
• Moises E. Molina HS, 5 p.m., Saturday, June 3, Alfred Loos Field House
• Trini Garza Early College, 7 p.m., Saturday, June 3, Ellis Davis Field House

For the complete graduation schedule, visit: http://www.dallasisd.org/graduations