Educational Opportunities And Expansion On The Horizon For Dallas ISD Students
TRUSTEE-DISTRICT 6
November 2014 Trustee Column: Joyce Foreman, District 6
The Dallas ISD plans to wrap opportunities for community input this month regarding the schools of choice survey which asks district parents and community members to weigh in on what types of educational options they’d like to see established in their neighborhood schools.
By 2020, the district plans to have established 35 schools of choice according to goals set by the Destination 2020 strategic plan.
Though different from schools of choice, District 6 has great campuses with a multitude of special programs that improve college- and career readiness for our students such as Justin F. Kimball High School’s Academy of Engineering and Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.
College- and career-readiness efforts support more than 130 career pathways districtwide that lead to college credit or industry-recognized certifications. In 2014, 1,683 students completed certifications ranging from computer software specialists to pharmacy technicians preparing them for workplace-readiness with tangible skills.
In October, District 6 met with parents and community to discuss transformation campuses and career pathways. Parents and community will have another opportunity to join in this discussion, at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec 6, at David W. Carter High School. All are invited to attend this discussion on career pathways at Justin F. Kimball and David W. Carter High Schools and the evaluation of the former Hulcy Middle School campus as a transformation school.
As parents, I encourage you to research specialized educational opportunities for your children. Eighth-grade students will be able to do some research of their own at the 8th Grade Exploring High School Fair to be held December 3- 5 and December 8 – 9 at Ellis Davis Field House located at 9191 South Polk Street. This event is an opportunity for students to find out more information regarding the high school endorsements as outlined by House Bill 5. The endorsements focus on certain areas of study selected by incoming freshmen that will help shape the courses they take and the skills they will gain through a more customized learning experience.
In additional efforts to provide information on the Dallas ISD’s educational offerings, Magnets and Special Programs will host the annual Magnet Fair from 9 a.m. to noon, December 6 also at Ellis Davis Field House.
District 6 recognizes Jimmy Tyler Brashear for their acknowledgement as a Reward School which identifies high-performing Title I schools with distinctions in STAAR math and reading performance. The award recognizes the top 25 percent of Title I schools that are demonstrating the ability to close performance gaps based on their annual improvement.
As we are noting the work of our schools, particularly Brashear, let us recognize Brashear’s efforts in educating its students and parents on cyber-bullying through their recent awareness campaign.
Part of our students’ academic experience includes the interaction and growth that develops from participating in extracurricular activities like art, robotics and sports.
Several Dallas ISD volleyball teams qualified for UIL high school volleyball playoffs this month.
Carter led District 11-4A into volleyball playoff contention undefeated at 10-0 to take first place ahead of Lincoln (7-3), Wilmer-Hutchins (6-4) and Madison (4-6) to round out the four playoff sports for that division. Carter faced-off against Princeton in first round playoff action the week of November 3.
Kimball finished the season with 10-2 record for second place in District 13-5A behind Molina. Kimball went into first-round playoff action against Mansfield Summit Monday, November 3.
Congratulations to the W.H. Atwell Archers’ football team which finished the season undefeated at 7-0 to qualify for the District 1 bi-district title in middle school football. Atwell played Marsh at Kincaide Stadium Tuesday, Nov 4, for the bi-district championship title. The Archers fell short of the title in a 34-32 loss to Marsh.
District 6, make it a point to get involved. Volunteer and Partnership Services continues to welcome those interested in serving our students through volunteerism. This month, they hosted elementary literacy tutor training and volunteer orientation for newly-registered volunteers. Those who are interested in volunteering in Dallas ISD and, particularly, in District 6 schools should contact Volunteer and Partnership Services to complete registration and sign up for the December 9 orientation.
Visit http://www.dallasisd.org/domain/10416, to apply to be a Dallas ISD volunteer or learn more about volunteer opportunities in the district.
