Photo courtesy of Dallas ISD
Dallas ISD families and friends,
The holiday season is upon us, and I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy the cooler weather and the school festivities that make this time of year so special. November always reminds me to pause and give thanks—and I’m especially grateful for our amazing students, teachers, and families who make our schools shine. Together, we have so much to celebrate.
Dallas ISD District 7 November Updates:
District 7 Spotlights: This month, Dallas ISD has spotlighted an amazing senior, Sunny, at Moisés E. Molina High School who is doing big things as she prepares to head to The University of Texas next fall. Additionally, John F. Peeler Elementary School found fun ways to celebrate community and culture this month that inspired students and community members through dance.
Dallas ISD leads the way in lowering class size ratios: While Dallas ISD made significant strides in academic readiness this year, resulting in more than 70% of Dallas ISD’s campuses being rated an A or a B by the state of Texas, there are still some schools that need additional support. Therefore, the board and district have prioritized lowering class sizes below 20:1 in those campuses to accelerate learning going forward.
Reflecting on the impact of the 2020 Bond program: Thanks to voters in 2020, Dallas ISD passed a $3.2 billion dollar bond program without increasing taxes that made possible incredible upgrades across more than 250 campuses districtwide, including the Sunset High School and Rosemont School renovations, which held rededications last month. Currently, we have a taskforce of more than 100 community members exploring a future bond program for Dallas ISD to consider. Stay tuned for more detailed information as the board learns more about the community recommendations.
Applications for specialty schools are now open: Students can now apply to magnet and choice schools and programs beginning now and running through Jan. 31, 2026.
Teaching students habits of mind: When Dallas ISD trustees held community listening sessions across the district, community members and parents made it loud and clear that in addition to academic readiness, they wanted students to leave with habits of mind, such as grit, perseverance, and digital literacy. The school board heard you, and charged the superintendent with designing ways to understand how our students are progressing in these areas. This month, Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde shared progress on developing this for us to use across Dallas ISD. You can find her presentation on the link above.
Important dates:
- 6 p.m., Nov. 20: Dallas ISD Board Meeting (5151 Samuell Blvd.)
- Nov. 24-28: Thanksgiving Break, schools are closed
Ben Mackey
As always, please reach out to me if you have thoughts, ideas, questions, concerns, or simply want to say hello. Just reach out to me at BenMackey@dallasisd.org
Best,
Ben Mackey
