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The last day of school is Wednesday, May 29. Before we conclude another great school year, I’d like to thank teachers, students, parents, administrators and supportive community partners and volunteers for another successful year! The year was full of outstanding accomplishments thanks to everyone’s work and dedication. 

I am especially proud of the many successful achievements in District 1 schools, including:

E. D. Walker Middle School improved the campus culture and climate thanks to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) practices. The culture and climate improved by 40 percent since last school year, according to the latest climate survey completed by staff. The impact of SEL practices in the school also shows a 40 percent increase in students’ good behavior and the number of discipline referrals have decreased. Walker is one of more than 120 schools throughout the district, which implements SEL practices. Visit https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/57673 to learn more about SEL practices and how you as parents can implement them daily in your child’s life. 

Thirteen schools from District 1 received beautification projects valued at $135,000. During Campus Community Day, organized by United to Learn, schools such as Nathan Adams, F. P. Caillet, Arthur Kramer, Herbert Marcus, John J. Pershing elementaries and many more, received mural and hallway enhancements to improve landscaping.  Additionally, they provided Kindles for students.

Looking ahead at next school year, W. T. White High School will offer a Fine Arts Collegiate Academy to enable students to pursue their passion for dance education. The new W. T. White Fine Arts Collegiate Academy will feature extensive performance options for students and training and career pathways for those who want to become arts educators. With a cohort of 50 students for the 2019-2020 school year, the program will include instruction in world dance and cultures, intermediate ballet, modern and jazz dance, and dance composition.

These accomplishments and initiatives are the result of the outstanding work of teachers, students, parents, and District 1 supporters, and I am grateful to all for their continued dedication and support. 

I am also thankful for all the efforts, which led to districtwide achievements. Preliminary state exam results indicate gains in various subject areas and various grades across the board. While there is still much work to be done, this is an accomplishment which should be noted.  

Another important goal for us is student participation in extracurricular activities because these activities enhance students’ learning and positive behavior. I am pleased to see that the number of students participating in these activities increased this year. Next school year, we’ll have new extracurricular activities to continue engaging students in even more opportunities, especially in the elementary level.

We are definitely closing 2018-2019 on a great note and are looking forward to having another successful school year, which starts on August 19. For now, I’d like to wish all of you a great and restful summer. I would also like to congratulate our 2019 graduates and wish them the best of luck in their journey after high school. 

We’ll be celebrating District 1 graduates on:

Wednesday, May 29 | at 7 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson High School

Alfred J. Loos Sports Complex

3815 Spring Valley Rd. 


Saturday, June 1 | 8:30 a.m.

W. T. White High School

Alfred J. Loos Sports Complex

3815 Spring Valley Rd. 

Don’t forget to follow us on social media for district news and happenings at @dallasschools via Twitter or www.facebook.com/dallasisd.

Trustee Edwin Flores, District 1