As we finish another school year in Dallas ISD, let us take a moment to reflect on the past year. It has been quite a journey, one that took us from not knowing if we would be able to open schools in August to looking forward to in-person graduations this month. I would like to thank our amazing teachers and campus staff for all the hard work they have done over the past year to combine in-person and virtual learning, working tirelessly to ensure that students remain on track with their studies. I am sure the lessons we have learned will make us stronger as a district as we move into the 2021-2022 school year.
What to expect for next school year
We know Dallas ISD parents have questions on what next year’s school calendar will look like, as we work to address the learning gaps caused by the pandemic. Most schools, including all District 1 schools, will continue to operate under the normal school calendar starting on Aug. 16. However, 41 schools in the district will operate under an Intersession calendar, starting on Aug. 9, and five schools will have a School Day Redesign calendar, beginning on Aug. 2.
For next year, it is also important to remember that even though the use of masks inside district facilities is no longer mandatory, we still need to keep our guard up. As an immunologist, I strongly recommend getting immunized as soon as possible. Dallas County has already seen the benefits from widespread distribution of the various vaccines, and the sooner we reach herd immunity, the sooner we will be able to return to our pre-pandemic lives. The pandemic has certainly reminded us of the importance of sanitation protocols, such as handwashing and covering our mouth when sneezing.  As a district, we will also keep offering access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination opportunities for our students and staff.
Congratulations are in order
Big kudos to three District 1 seniors for being awarded district scholarships: Kamila Vargas, from Thomas Jefferson High School, was awarded the $10,000, 2021 Green-Garner Scholarship, while Danna Reyna, and Timothy Wyatt, from TJ and W.T. White High School respectively, received $3,000 the Dallas ISD Superintendent’s Scholarships.
On May 27, E.D. Walker Middle school was chosen as the site for the district to receive a $115,000 donation from Reliant to help several schools replace their performing arts departments’ equipment damaged during February’s storm. Thanks to this donation, affected campuses will be able to get new musical instruments, speakers, instrument cases, uniforms, sheet music and more damaged by the storm.
Summer in Dallas ISD
When they go home for the summer, Dallas ISD students returning next year will be able to keep the technology devices they’ve been using during the school year. Graduating seniors and students withdrawing from Dallas ISD must return their devices to their school by June 18 or, if they are participating in a summer program, by July 1.
Using these devices, students will be able to stay engaged and participate in the district’s fun summer opportunities. These activities will allow students to reconnect with their friends, engage in interactive tasks, accelerate learning, and improve their social and emotional well-being. Options for in-person, virtual and hybrid learning will be available to meet our families’ needs.
Visit www.dallasisd.org/summerlearning to see a list of FREE summer offerings available for students of all ages. Engage your student in fun and experiential summer learning!
Stay up-to-date with district news by following us on social media @Dallasisd and @dallasisdEspanol.
Dallas ISD Trustee
Edwin Flores, District 1
