*Sponsored post*
In a few weeks, the last bell will ring for the 2017-2018 school year. Most students will rush out the door, while some will linger to say “goodbye” to close friends and teachers. Before everyone departs to enjoy another summer, I’d like to congratulate our teachers, administrators, parents and of course, our students, for another successful year and to each of you, I say THANK YOU for the hard work and dedication.
We are closing another year on a high note
Dallas ISD students in fifth- and eighth-grade can be proud of their accomplishments on the first administration of the STAAR which shows them outpacing the state in nearly every category. Results released by the Texas Education Agency show all math comparisons increased by at least five percentage points. That’s up from last year with double-digit gains at the Meets Performance Level. Reading results showed an impressive increase as fifth-graders posted gains in every performance level, and the greatest growth was at the Meets Level with a 9.2 percentage point increase, while students at the Approaches level gained nearly 7 percentage points.
Among other achievements accomplished this year is having lowered the number of Improvement Required schools to fewer than 5.
Wesley Stoker, from Harry C. Withers Elementary School and winner of the 26th Annual Gardere MLK Oratory Competition, shares other gains and wonderful things that make Dallas ISD the perfect choice for students. Watch this video featuring Wesley and help us share the good news about Dallas ISD.
Everyone’s hard work is paying off, congratulations and thank you!
A few of the many accomplishments in District 1 schools
- T. White was the only comprehensive high school in the district to earn all-academic distinctions from the Texas Education Agency
- Arthur Kramer Elementary became the first official International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) school in Dallas ISD
- Walnut Hill Elementary school for the third year in a row was ranked No. 1 Gold Ribbon School by Children at Risk.
Looking ahead at next year
Walnut Hill Elementary school is accepting applications for its new Dual-Language Talented and Gifted Program, the first elementary school in the district with this new and exciting program.
E.D. Walker Middle School is proud to announce the new Talented and Gifted Enrichment Program that will feature project-based learning, leadership opportunities, real-world learning experiences and after-school enrichment activities.
The program is designed for students entering grades six, seven and eight who have previously been identified as talented and gifted. One hundred and fifty available seats will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Students who are interested in participating in the program must submit a Gifted and Talented Designation form.
Mark your calendars for Class of 2018 graduations
- Thomas Jefferson High School, 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, at Alfred J. Loos Field House
- T. White High School, 9 a.m., Saturday, June 2, at Alfred J. Loos Field House
Summer tips
Begin planning for the next few months by asking your child’s teachers about summer activities that will help enhance what has been learned this year. Check with the school’s Physical Education teacher about summer sports options to support physical activity.
Dallas ISD offers summer programs and enrichment opportunities in partnership with several community organizations. The district offers more than 100 options with emphasis in the arts, science, technology and other areas that will help prevent summer loss by reinforcing what students learned during the year in fun and interactive sessions. To learn about the summer program opportunities around Dallas ISD, click here. Enrollment dates vary per program and campus. I encourage you to contact the school offering the program that peaks your interest.
Also, remember to check community service organizations such as the Girls and Boys Clubs, the YMCA and YWCA and Girls, Inc. Talk to the churches in your community, as well as the local businesses that may sponsor camps. Lastly, keep an eye out for camp offerings from area sports organizations.
The key is to keep your children mentally and physically engaged, not just entertained all summer. Help them avoid the dreaded “summer learning loss” by helping them locate ways to expand their minds and move their bodies in the home, in the community, in a class or at a summer camp.
I wish everyone a safe, relaxing and fun summer. Thanks for a great year. See you on August 20 to begin a new and exciting school year!
Edwin Flores, District 1
