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Dallas ISD Strong
The lives of many District 1 families and educators have been forever changed in the past few weeks after our community was impacted by recent tornadoes.
While this tragedy left behind devastation throughout our area, not all the aftermath was bleak. For it is in this darkest hour that the true spirit of community and human kindness was revealed, and hope continues to rise as we recover. Yes, this tragedy turned into many positive opportunities for so many. The unexpected tough situation brought together not only the District 1 and Dallas ISD communities, but the entire City of Dallas and many individuals throughout the state.
Students have learned valuable lessons from this experience. They have learned how to adapt to changes quickly and make the best of them, how to bond with others during the toughest of times, and most importantly, they have witnessed tremendous support from groups and individuals who care for and believe in them.
I am grateful to everyone who reached out to help. The outpouring of support from the community has been amazing, and I am thankful for that. Leaders such as Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones, along with their families and foundations, have been examples of how great leadership and community support can impact students.
To our Dallas ISD leadership and staff, I am extremely proud of your hard work to relocate nearly 3,000 students in 36 hours, in what was almost a seamless process.
To teachers and campus educators, what you have done for students is something they will never forget. You made sure their temporary school location was a welcoming, safe environment to allow them to continue to focus on their academics. Your dedication is priceless, and I am very proud of you.
The actions that came out of this tragedy for Dallas ISD, specifically for District 1, are, by far, some of the proudest moments that I’ve witnessed as a Dallas ISD Board Trustee. Every extended hand is further proof that Dallas ISD is not alone in creating the future leaders of our community who, one day, will return to serve their own.
To parents, thank you for your patience and continued support, but most importantly for believing in Dallas ISD. You have my commitment that along with the rest of the Board of Trustees and district leaders, we will continue to provide your children a quality education and a welcoming and safe learning environment.
I know that everyone in the Walnut Hill Elementary School, Edward H. Cary Middle School, and Thomas Jefferson High School communities will remain strong … stronger than before, and that will be what drives them to make the most of the endless opportunities that have flourished from this tragedy.
Thank you all for caring for our students and helping us to continue providing each of them a quality education. I am proud to see #DallasISDStrong!
In other topics:
Application period for choice schools begins Nov. 2 and will end January 31. I encourage you, parents, to learn more about the specialty schools offered in Dallas ISD by visiting www.dallasisd.org/yourchoices and choose the best school that fits the needs and interests of your child. In a continued effort to assist families with the application process, there will be a series of workshops between November and December at schools throughout the district. One of those workshops will take place at George Bannerman Dealey Montessori Academy, 6501 Royal Lane, on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A calendar item:
The district will be closed from Monday, Nov. 25 through Friday, Nov. 29 for the Thanksgiving Break. To ensure that students continue to have warm meals during the break, several schools throughout the district, including District 1, will serve breakfasts and lunches during the break. A schedule of locations for Thanksgiving meals will be available soon at www.dallasisd.org/childnutrition.
Edwin Flores
