Kramer becomes an IB innovator, Thomas Jefferson gets spruced up and W.T. White feeder goes high tech thanks to donation

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The mission of Dallas ISD is to “Educate all Students for Success.” Engaging students in teaching and learning opportunities, which allow them to explore local and global issues, is definitely a way of leading them to the road of success.

The opportunity to participate in international educational programs makes Kramer Elementary School one of the premier campuses in Dallas ISD. The school recently became the first official International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) school in Dallas ISD.

The PYP program focuses on developing students’ academics while preparing them to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the world around them.

What exactly does it mean to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) school? For students, attending an IB school means that they will have opportunities to benefit from transformative learning experiences,” said Kramer Principal Kate Walker. “Students at Kramer will have a unique opportunity to learn about the world through curriculum and interactions with others, increasing their cultural awareness. They will also learn to better engage with people in our increasingly global, social and rapidly changing world. As the new principal, I feel honored to have come to Kramer at such an exciting time. We’re not only celebrating this new designation, but we’re committed to continue to implement the IB program.”

The IB program features challenging and rigorous programs of international education and assessments. The curriculum includes teaching and learning opportunities that allow students to experience international real-life contexts. To become an IB school, campuses must complete an equally rigorous authorization process, which takes a minimum of three years to complete.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in making this achievement possible at Kramer Elementary School!

In other news:

Fidelity Investments brought a facelift to Thomas Jefferson High School. (Courtesy of DISD)

I would like to thank the more than 300 volunteers from Fidelity Investments who recently joined Thomas Jefferson High School students and teachers to pick up hammers, brushes, paint and cleaning supplies to give the school a fresh face-lift to celebrate the new school year.

As part of Fidelity Investments’ School Transformation Day, volunteers enhanced the campus for its more than 1,700 students, with the goal of helping to build an educational environment that motivates students to thrive.

Several Dallas ISD schools have been recipients of Fidelity Investments School Transformation Day for the last eight years, including Marsh Middle School. This is the first year of a new Fidelity partnership with Thomas Jefferson High School.
Also, I extend my gratitude to the Jiv Daya Foundation for giving each third, fourth and fifth-grader in the W.T. White feeder pattern a Kindle tablet to use at school. This year, the foundation expanded their donation of tablets to several feeder patterns in Dallas ISD, including W.T. White. For example, Gooch ES students received their tablets after a surprise pep rally in the school’s auditorium. To date, the Jiv Daya Foundation has provided 14,000 devices to Dallas ISD schools for student use. Thank you Jiv Daya Foundation for giving our students a resource to help them enhance their reading and learning skills!

And last, but not least, October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Through Social and Emotional Learning, district staff is fostering a positive and nurturing environment, to help students gain the knowledge and skills needed to develop healthy relationships and improved social awareness – two skills needed to prevent bullying. In addition, to improve the overall health of our district, school counselors will be coordinating Character Education activities this month. Dallas ISD recognizes the social and emotional needs of our employees and students and supports the effective implementation of Social and Emotional Learning.