Dallas ISD students thrive with leadership activities, dual-language programs and more

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Education shapes a student’s world by broadening horizons. Certainly, academics are key; however, Dallas ISD is committed to going further to provide experiences that prepare students for real-world success.

The Amazing Shake is one of these experiences. K-12 students from Sidney Lanier, L.K. Hall, Salazar, Molina and other schools across the district gathered with local businesses, community volunteers and district staff to focus on the art of conversation.

Students were expected to greet each of the volunteers by making eye contact, firmly shaking their hands, introducing themselves, finding out a little about the volunteer and starting a conversation around the question: “Do leaders have moral obligations?”

What students learned from these few hours could never be duplicated in textbooks. Not only does this create awareness about others and the world around them, but it provides a wonderful boost to students’ self-esteem as they grow and see themselves in a broader view beyond the classroom.

More amazing opportunities in District 7:

There’s still time to enroll students in the two-dual language program at John H. Reagan Elementary, one of District 7’s gems nestled in the Bishop Arts community. The benefits of a two-way dual language program are considerable. Students learn to speak, read, write and think in two languages setting the stage to become global biliterate and bilingual citizens. Call the school at 972.502.8200 for more information.

Financial Aid February

The Texas priority deadline for high school seniors to apply for financial aid for college is March 15. This is also an important deadline for students who completed the Dallas County Promise pledge and want to receive free tuition to attend a DCCCD college. Seniors who have not applied for aid should complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) as soon as possible. Students and parents can visit dallasisd.org/PayForCollege to find out which application is right for them and access resources that help with the application process. Financial aid workshops are taking place at all high schools throughout February to help families complete this crucial step to college.

SAT School Day and Official SAT Practice

All Dallas ISD 11th-graders will take the SAT college entrance exam during the school day on March 7. To prepare for the exam, students can access free, personalized SAT prep at satpractice.org. Dallas ISD’s investment in PSAT administrations affords students the ability to link their PSAT scores to Khan Academy and access Official SAT® Practice as early as eighth grade. A study from the class of 2017 showed that students who spent six hours on Official SAT® Practice gained an average of 90 points from the PSAT/NMSQT to the SAT and students who spent 20 hours practicing gained an average of 115 points. For a high school student, this point gain can be the difference between getting denied or admitted to a top choice college, or being eligible for a merit-based scholarship, so get practicing! More information and resources are available at SAT & ACT Information.