Preston Hollow Dallas ISD schools earn every distinction possible from Texas Education Agency

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W.T. White High School teachers kicked off the new school year with seven stars on their individual name cards.

The stars weren’t for decoration; they represented the seven out of seven academic distinctions the campus received from the Texas Education Agency for outstanding student performance. W.T. White High School was the district’s only comprehensive high school to receive all possible distinctions, and the school’s principal, Elena Bates, credited the teachers and students who committed to exceeding expectations.

“We have an incredible team of educators, students, supportive families, and a leadership team who deserve to take great pride in this accomplishment,” Bates said. “We are looking forward to another great school year where we can build on these successes.”

Teachers provided individualized instruction to students to address specific areas where they struggled. The school saw the greatest gains in student growth over the school year.

W.T. White High School was one of four District 1 schools that received all possible academic distinctions and one of 30 schools districtwide. The other three schools in District 1 that reached all of their stars are John J. Pershing Elementary, Walnut Hill Elementary and George H. W. Bush Elementary.

It is an honor to serve W. T. White High School and the rest of District 1 schools. There are 19 schools in this community and each of them met standards, with 12 of them earning at least one distinction. That says a lot about the hard work and commitment that is evident on our campuses. Congratulations to every student and staff member! And thanks to our parents who are vital to the work at each school.

In other news, I would like to commend Dallas ISD staff, students and parents who gave a helping hand to our friends in Houston and the surrounding areas after being displaced from their homes by Hurricane Harvey. The Dallas ISD family stepped up and helped by volunteering at Dallas shelters and making monetary and/or donated items. Thank you for your support and for showing love and affection to our friends and neighbors in the Houston area during this time of need.

Also, Walnut Hill Elementary School will host various activities during the week of Sept. 11, as a way of teaching students appreciation for the U. S. Constitution, its history and its contemporary relevance. Another event that the Walnut Hill Elementary community is invited to, is the upcoming literary night “Reading Under the Stars,” on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Students will spend time with their families choosing a book, eating warm cookies with milk and reading under the stars. Also, they will enjoy a play hosted by teachers.

Meanwhile, Thomas Jefferson High School parents, students and staff, are invited to join us for a bond program community meeting at 5 p.m., on Monday, Oct. 9, at the school. We will be sharing information and welcoming input about the proposed bond improvements at the school.

And last but not least, I invite all District 1 seniors and juniors to begin preparing to take the next step toward their future by attending the 2017 Districtwide College Fair. The fair will take place Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S. Polk St., Dallas, TX 75232. Representatives from colleges and universities throughout the country, will be available to share information about their school’s programs. To register for the fair, please visit: www.gotocollegefairs.com. Transportation will be provided for Dallas ISD students who register with their counselor by Sept. 13. For more information about the fair, please call 972-925-3505.