February is Black History Month, and in Dallas ISD, we are excited to celebrate this community’s rich history, stories, and achievements centered around the theme “Black Resilience.” Throughout this month, we will have many academic and cultural activities to learn about and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans and their central role in U.S. history. For more information about Dallas ISD Black History Month activities, visit www.dallasisd.org/blackhistorymonth.
TJ and WHILA’s ribbon-cutting ceremony
On February 11, I joined Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde and other distinguished guests for the formal reopening of Thomas Jefferson High School and Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy. Although the schools have been serving students for over a month now, it was essential to take a moment to formally celebrate this new campus with the Walnut Hill community.
By spending time celebrating, enjoying school performers and marveling at the new campus, this neighborhood will replace the memories of that late-night tornado in October 2019 with new and happier memories. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us, and I am eager to discover the possibilities that lie ahead for our students.
Thomas Jefferson High School and Walnut Hill Elementary campuses reopen after 2019 tornado.
Read to the Final Four
The excitement of the NCAA’s Women’s Final Four comes to Dallas ISD with a fun academic challenge. As you read this, thousands of third-grade students are combining their collective reading times to compete against other campuses in the “Read to the Final Four” competition.
The final four schools with the highest reading averages by May 19 will receive special prizes, including a trip to open practice at the Women’s Final Four. The top school will earn a $5,000 Scholastic library, a trophy and a championship banner. Besides the excitement of the competition, remember that reading aloud for 30 minutes every day helps improve young readers’ confidence and proficiency.
Graduation season is almost here
It may seem like a long time in the future, but the end of the school year is in sight, which means graduation season. For District 1, W. T. White High School’s commencement ceremony will be on Saturday, May 20, and Thomas Jefferson High School’s will be the following week, May 27. Both events will be hosted in person at Alfred J. Loos Athletic Complex and will be streamed live on the district’s social media channels.
If you are unable to watch a commencement ceremony live, you can find all of the graduation events on the district’s YouTube channel playlist after the live event.
Spring Break
Mark your calendars for March 13-17, when all district schools and offices will be closed for spring break.
Stay up to date on news from the district by following us on social media @Dallasisd and @dallasisdEspanol.
Dallas ISD Trustee
Edwin Flores, District 1
