Screenshot of video by DISD Virtual Sate of the District on YouTube

As we reach the final stretch of the 2020-2021 school year, I want to invite all Dallas ISD families to consider going back to in-person learning, either to make these closing weeks as memorable as possible, or to begin the next school year strong. Especially for our senior students, the district is working to offer fun, memorable activities to help them close their high school career on a high note.

We are excited about the possibility of welcoming all students back to face-to-face learning. Face-to-face learning leads to a higher academic performance. Our data clearly shows that students learning on campus significantly outperformed those learning from home. In addition, in person learning improves their social and emotional well-being, by having contact with friends and classmates. Safety will remain our top priority and every campus will continue following the CDC protocols to keep everyone healthy.

State and future of the district

As the district has grown to meet the unprecedented challenges that 2020 brought, we have made great progress and laid the foundations to empower students in their education and future careers. I had the opportunity to join Superintendent Hinojosa during the 2021 State of the District event. We reviewed the past, present and future of the district through the testimony of district leaders, staff and students. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch the Virtual State of the District, I invite you to visit the district’s YouTube channel and social media and take a look.

One of the projects that excites me the most for the future of District 1 is the planning and building of the new Walnut Hill PK-8 and Thomas Jefferson High School. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with families who will be served by that school to show them the latest advances we’ve made in the project and to listen to their questions. It was exciting to listen to the voices of the community in this type of project because it gives them ownership and pride over the new Walnut Hill K-8 school and the renovated and revamped Thomas Jefferson High School. I look forward to meeting with them again.

Sources of district pride

I would like to congratulate one of our teachers in District 1, Jose Armendariz from Pershing Elementary School, for being named Teacher of the Year for the elementary level. Dallas ISD is fortunate to have wonderful teachers who have acted as frontline heroes during this pandemic, and Mr. Armendariz has gone the extra mile to show his passion for teaching and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of students. I would also like to congratulate Adrian Luna of Nathan Adams Elementary School for being a Principal of the Year finalist!

Finally, I would like to congratulate the members of the E.D. Walker Middle School robotics team for qualifying for the VEX Robotics World Championship at the end of May. Despite the pandemic, these young scholars used technology to overcome challenges and excel in the extracurricular activities. Innovation at E.D. Walker begins from an early age. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of their journey by visiting dallasisd.org/walkermontessori to enroll today at Prestonwood Montessori!

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DONT US EDITORIALLY - DISD AD PHOTO

Dallas ISD Trustee
Edwin Flores, District 1