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The impact of early learning cannot be overlooked. Students who attend quality early learning programs set the stage for success that will follow them throughout their lifetime. When you look at breaking the cycle of poverty, this is a good place to start. The earlier students begin putting the pieces in place for a solid academic foundation, the better prepared they will be to reach their full potential and create real change in their lives.

The benefits of a high-quality early learning program are far reaching and go beyond academics. The social and emotional development of students who participate in these programs is immeasurable. Coupled with improved graduation rates and increased college attendance, early learning programs help students chart a path to success.  These are compelling reasons to extend Dallas ISD’s early learning program to more students.

Last year, DISD introduced tuition-based prekindergarten for families who did not qualify for the district’s free program, making it possible for them to take advantage of vacancies not filled by eligible students. For the upcoming school year, we are lowering tuition for these families from $700 to $525 a month at 19 elementary schools, which include neighboring Nathan Adams, Arthur Kramer and Walnut Hills elementary schools.

Certainly, the goal is to ensure that every eligible student has access to the programs. However, for those vacant seats, the reduced-tuition option is a win for all students and promises to create classrooms with children from all walks of life learning and growing together.

Dallas ISD’s Pre-k Roundup starts April 3. To register your child, visit: dallasisd.org/prek or text PREK to 972.687.7735.

Other news in District 1:

  • I hope everyone will come out and support the seventh-annual T. White Community Street Fair, April 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be food, fun, games, entertainment and unique shopping opportunities. Proceeds will support the school’s scholarship fund.
  • Congratulations and best wishes to the Destination Imagination teams at Nathan Adams, William L. Cabell, and Henry C. Withers elementary schools which are all headed to state April 7-9 in Lubbock.
  • Nathan Adams Elementary will host a two-way dual language interest session for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten Thursday, March 30, in the auditorium.
  • T. White High School will host its College and Career Fair, 2:30 to 6 p.m. on April 3, and be on the lookout for the school’s annual dance explosion, 7 p.m., April 27-28. This is the event hundreds of dance students prepare for months in advance, featuring a variety of dance genres from tap to hip hop to modern and more.
  • Kudos to our District 1 students who participated in the middle school UIL academic competition recently. Those students placing first in their respective categories are: Ryan Yoo, Humberto Gallego, Lucille Leydon, Gary Sun and Grace Ling from George Bannerman Dealey Montessori; Emanuel Alcantar and Kevin Cabrera from C. Marsh; and Helena Aranda, Lika Lim and Jennifer Herrera from E.D. Walker Middle School.
Edwin Flores

Edwin Flores

 

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