Humanity wins in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, plus a college fair, extracurricular fair and more

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Nothing can prepare you for the kind of devastation we have seen our fellow Texans endure over the last few days. The destruction, emotions and uncertainties that come with a calamity of this magnitude can overwhelm all of us, but it is the beauty of the human spirit that continues to see us through.

In all of its wickedness, Hurricane Harvey, one of our nation’s worst natural disasters, stripped away the strife that divides us and revealed a nation of people who can band together and reach across all lines to lend a helping hand. At our core, we all want to live in a world that is safe where we can support and nurture our children and provide a better life for our families. That is the strength of our humanity, and it is what binds us. It is, also, this humanity that should always be our default when presented with challenging times.

I was proud to see Dallas ISD students, staff, parents and partners join to support the relief efforts by collecting uniforms, supplies, and funds to help support those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. In addition to opening our schools to enroll students from the Houston area so they could continue some form of normalcy, Dallas ISD’s Loos Stadium was made available as a shelter to house families. These are the lessons our children will remember. These are the lessons that will mold them into better human beings. I am proud to see that kind of humanity being supported and taught in Dallas ISD.

So, while Hurricane Harvey brought destruction to our shores, it also brought hope in the goodness of people and what we can accomplish together. Now, the true test is whether we can maintain this level of care for one another when the headlines fade.

District news:

American Airlines gives generously to Adamson High. (Photo courtesy of Dallas ISD)

American Airlines pulls out the stops

I want to thank American Airlines for a fantastic back to school kickoff at W.H. Adamson High School. They are the industry partner supporting Adamson’s new collegiate academy. The students were very encouraged, and we all look forward to a great year. I also want to thank Patrick Morin, director of IT at American Airlines, for his generous donation of a $5,000 college scholarship to the top graduate at the Adamson Collegiate Academy in honor of his son, who passed away. American Airlines has agreed to match that donation for another top student.

Mark your calendars for parent/teacher conferences:

Oct. 9 – high school

Oct. 10 – middle school

Oct. 12 – elementary school

Journey to Literacy event

Mark your calendars for the Journey to Literacy Prep U Super Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, September 23, at L.V. Stockard Middle School, 2300 S. Ravinia Drive. The entire family is welcome to come out and enjoy the fun. There will be food, door prizes, games, student entertainment, health screenings and more.

Extracurricular fair

The district will hold its first after-school and extracurricular activities fair, Saturday, Sept. 16, at Emmett J. Conrad High School, 7502 Fair Oaks Ave. The fair will showcase the many activities available to Dallas ISD students. The free event will also feature free vision screenings, glucose and blood pressure tests, immunizations, books, resources and refreshments.

Districtwide college fair

Dozens of college representatives want to meet you and your high school junior or senior at the annual districtwide College Fair; 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 Polk St. For free registration and transportation, contact your high school counselor.