Past Namesakes Give Way To Inspiration,Great Expectation For Future Of Dallas ISD Feb Trustee Column: District 6: Joyce Foreman
Feb Trustee Column: District 6: Joyce Foreman
February is a time in which we, as a country, observe Black History Month. As we celebrate the accomplishments of notable African Americans, it is important to note the impact and progress of African Americans in the Dallas Independent School District and community. With district schools’ namesakes such as Kathlyn Joy Gilliam, a civil rights activist and Dallas ISD’s first African American woman to serve on the district’s board of trustees, Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., community leader and Pastor Emeritus of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church, and John Leslie Patton Jr., a Dallas ISD alumnus, teacher, principal, and author, there is much to appreciate regarding the rich history of African Americans in Dallas ISD.
These community pioneers have created opportunities of equal rights and access to education for students and communities across the district. I encourage all members of the community, regardless of race, color or creed, move forward with the intent to approach educational progress and achievement in a manner that sets high expectations for all students.
As parents and community members supporting Dallas ISD students and schools, the following are events families and students can get involved in to support academic readiness and achievement:
Historically Black Colleges and University College Fair:
Parents and community are invited to attend the HBCU Experience: Gearing Up for Success hosted by the African-American Success Initiative to be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, at Skyline High School, 7777 Forney Road. Families and students in fifth through 12th grade are invited to come and enjoy workshops, entertainment, food and fun with HBCU representatives. For more information, contact Regina Rice, director of School Leadership Initiatives at (972) 925-3013 or visit http://tiny.cc/HBCUexperience.
Preparation for the STAAR Test:
The State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness, or STAAR exam, is a state exam that measures students’ ability to perform work at grade level in grades 3-8, and how they are progressing toward college-readiness. Many schools have scheduled Saturday test prep classes and parent workshops. Check with your child’s school to learn if such assistance is available. For more STAAR information, visit www.dallasisd.org/Page/12754.
February is Career and Technical Education Month:
Dallas ISD’s Career and Technical Education Program offers opportunities for students to explore and prepare for a variety of careers starting in middle school. High school students can choose from a variety of courses directly related to their interests and career goals, and participate in on-the-job internships. To learn more about career education in the Dallas ISD, visit www.dallasisd.org/Page/3375.
STEM Conference aimed at providing opportunities for girls:
The Design Your World STEM Conference for Girls will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 28, at Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Middle School located at 2923 Saint Rita Drive for girls in fourth and fifth grade.
The event will feature dynamic speakers, hands-on engineering activities, interaction with college students in STEM fields and professional women engineers along with sessions for parents and educators.
Register at www.designyourworld.org or learn more about the event on Facebook at DesignYourWorldSTEMConferenceforgirls or on Twitter @ScienceGirlDFW.
Free Basketball Camps set for Sundays in March:
If your child enjoys basketball, mark your calendar for the Second Annual (FREE) March Madness Basketball Camp co-sponsored by Hope Restoration, Inc. The camp is scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 15, 22 and 29, at P.C. Cobb Gymnasium located at 1702 Robert B. Cullum Blvd. For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer or coach, contact Rev. Donald Parish at (214) 284-1589.
Kudos:
- Applause are in order for Thomas Tolbert Elementary fifth-grader Camilla Meza who placed second in the 2015 Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition and Thomas L. Marsalis fourth-grader Serenity Dugan who was named a finalist in the event.
- Congratulations to the dozens of District 6 athletes who committed to attend college at Dallas ISD’s National College Signing Day, Feb. 4.
- Good luck to David W. Carter High School’s Head Girls Basketball Coach Cynthia Callahan and her team as they pursue playoffs. The team won their first playoff game in the Class 4A Region II Bi-district matchup Feb. 16 against Princeton High School, 51-50.
Have a safe spring break, March 9-13.
