Dallas ISD—come rise with us

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If you’ve not yet heard, Dallas ISD is on the rise, and the Governor of Texas recently gave high praise to the district for its impressive gains and turnaround. Based on the state’s latest accountability ratings, Dallas ISD earned a B, with 66 percent of all schools earning a B or higher. This is a significant indication that the district is moving in the right direction as it increasingly gives parents more reasons to take a closer look at our public schools.

I’m pleased to announce all schools in District 7 met state standards; out of our 31 campuses, four of them earned the highest possible number of distinctions. Distinctions measure academic growth, college readiness, closing gaps between subgroups, reading, math, science, and for secondary schools, social studies. Ten schools earned an A and 16 earned a B.

It’s encouraging to see students and staff reaping the rewards of their labor, no matter which school they attend. But it is especially gratifying to see neighborhood schools that you don’t always hear about, making great strides at successfully preparing students for a bright future.

Schools like our own Louise Kahn and Margaret B. Henderson elementary schools both earned six out of six possible distinctions. These schools are high performing and were named 2018 North Texas Elementary Gold Ribbon Schools by Children at Risk, along with L.O. Donald Elementary, which also earned six distinctions and is now a leadership academy. Trini Garza Early College High School rounds out the list of four schools in our area earning all distinctions.

Molina High School was just one shy of earning all distinctions, and 16 other schools earned two or more.

These schools have many things in common—great teachers, principals, students, programs and great parental engagement. You might be surprised to learn how parental and community involvement helps schools improve. Find out how you can get involved in your neighborhood school. Working together, anything’s possible.

Other news:

Don’t miss Oak Cliff Live, 6:30-8 p.m., September 19 at Turner House, 401 N. Rosemont, where you can learn how to navigate Dallas ISD programs to find the best school choices for your family. You’ll have a chance to talk with other parents who have mastered these choices to hear about their experiences. District staff will also be available to answer questions regarding early learning, school choice and other exciting Dallas ISD programs.

September is Attendance Awareness Month, and the Attendance Improvement and Truancy Reduction department is challenging students to “Show UP” and have perfect attendance this month. Students who reach the attendance goal will have the chance to enter a prize drawing conducted in each trustee district. In addition, Dallas ISD schools and departments that help promote great student attendance on social media have a chance to win prizes. Post creative messages using the hashtag #showupdallasisd to enter.

The annual Dallas ISD Districtwide College Fair for all district high school juniors, seniors and their parents, is set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S. Polk St. The free event will feature essential information about preparing for college and workforce opportunities after graduation. Schools will provide no-cost bus transportation for those who sign up with their school counselors.

Hogg Elementary will host a parent workshop series at 6 p.m., beginning September 20, and October 18. Topics include: social media awareness, finances, healthy social emotional child, marketing yourself for a better job, and supporting your child’s academics.

Prep U Super Saturday showcasing afterschool and extracurricular activities takes place from 9 a.m. to noon, September 22, at W.H. Adamson High School. Come out for an entertaining look at programs that are available to students after school.

Mark your calendars for parent/teacher conferences:

October 8 – High School

October 9 – Middle School

October 11 – Elementary School

Fair Days:

Friday, Oct. 12 – Elementary (Secondary Student Holiday/Staff Development Day)

Friday, Oct. 19 – Secondary (Elementary Student Holiday/Staff Development Day)