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To prepare students to be successful in college and career, we must not only build a solid foundation where they can excel academically, socially, and emotionally, but we must also provide the kind of academic rigor that will sustain them in programs of higher learning.

Advanced placement (AP) programs are a great way to do just that. Through the AP program, students are challenged to participate in advanced classes that could not only prepare them to successfully navigate college academics, but could possibly give them a head start with college credit.

Dallas ISD was recently named one of 433 school districts in the nation and Canada to be placed on the College Board’s 7th Annual AP District Honor Roll. It is a great achievement that should make our teachers, students, and parents proud, and it is one that shows the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are ready for advanced placement classes.

Based on data for the last three years, AP District Honor Roll members had to increase the number of students participating in AP while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP exam scores of 3 or higher.

Success on AP exams is a strong indication that students are prepared for the rigors of college work. This is encouraging news for Dallas ISD and affirms that great work is being accomplished in our classrooms.

Other district news:

The district is holding several budget meetings throughout the city and the entire community is encouraged to come out to hear how tax dollars are being invested and to provide input into the budget process for the 2017-18 school year. District 1 will host one of the meetings at Arthur Kramer Elementary School, 7131 Midbury Drive, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31.

The following Kindergarten-roundups are taking place in District 1:

Jan. 26:

  • 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Nathan Adams Elementary, 12600 Welch Road
  • 6:30 p.m., Gooch Elementary, 4030 Calculus Road

Jan. 27:

  • 1:30 p.m., George Herbert Walker Bush Elementary 3939 Spring Valley Road

Jan. 31:

  • 6:30 p.m., DeGolyer Elementary School 3453 Flair Drive

Dallas ISD is taking STEM day to a whole new level in 2017 with the largest STEM Expo in Texas, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The event is free and open to all Dallas area families and will feature 150 hands-on STEM activities. Registration now at dallasisd.org/stem.

Please remember, the application period to apply to attend one of Dallas ISD’s magnet or choice schools, collegiate academies, or two-way dual language schools is Jan. 31. Applications are available online at dallasisd.org/application1718.

Edwin Flores

—Edwin Flores is the District 1 representative on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees