Past namesakes set expectation for future educational opportunities in District 6

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. There’s much to appreciate regarding the rich history of African Americans in Dallas ISD with District 6 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; Jimmie Tyler Brashear, the only African-American in her graduating class from the University of Wisconsin who worked for Dallas ISD, training African-American teachers before becoming the first African-American supervisor for the district; and Ronald McNair, a decorated, MIT-trained astronaut who was part of the 1984 Nasa Space Shuttle Challenger crew.

These community pioneers have created opportunities of equal rights and access to education for students and communities. 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.

District 6 has a range of programs and opportunities in which students can not only meet the expectations set by those previously named cultural pioneers but excel. Explore the wide range of educational programming available in our schools such as Justin F. Kimball’s awarding-winning Academy of Hospitality and Tourism and Academy of Engineering which provides college and dual-credit opportunities. If your student is musically-inclined, consider David W. Carter’s nationally-renowned choir under the leadership of Director Demetrius Ethley or join one of the school’s many programs such as the Step Team, Theatre Arts Club, Art Club, Spanish Club, Math Club or Junior ROTC. Carter also offers a range of Career and Tech Education courses such as Accounting, Business and Information Systems, Professional Communications, Student Leadership, Child Development, Audio and Visual Technology and Web Technology, all of which can pave the way for future career paths for District 6 students.

The W.H. Atwell Law Academy which offers middle school students courses in Law, Business and Technology or consider Boude Storey where students can explore Culinary Arts or Finance and Marketing under the additional support of the ACE program. Let us also be reminded of the great opportunities available at District 6’s newly re-opened D.A. Hulcy campus for opportunities in STEAM-based educational experiences.

Our youngest learners have dual language programs available at select campuses in District 6 where they can begin learning Spanish as young as kindergarten. Jimmie Tyler Brashear offers a Two-Way Dual Language Immersion track and T.G. Terry offers a Two-Way Dual Language Enrichment track. Both of these programs expose students to Spanish-language instruction, curriculum and culture for both English and Spanish-speaking students.

Find the right program for your child in District 6 and set them on a path to achievement and success.

In other News in District 6:

African American Read-In

The 2016 African American Read-In is set for 11 a.m. Sat., Feb. 20, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 1819 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The event will feature free lunch, free books and backpacks and lots of fun activities for families. For more information, visit www.dallasisd.org/readinday.

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 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.

STAAR Prep:

In a few weeks, students from Dallas ISD and schools across Texas will be taking the 2016 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR. Parents can attend one of several PREP University workshops scheduled during February and March to learn more about the STAAR tests for grades third through 12th. For more information, visit www.dallasisd.org/staar.

Kudos:

Congratulations to District 6 scholars:

• Boude Storey Middle School’s Christopher Long who took first place in the district’s recent Science Fair for submission of his Behavioral and Social Sciences project titled “Does Pressure Affect Performance?
• Jaelynn Terry of Thomas L. Marsalis Elementary School for her advancement in the Dallas County Spelling Bee. Terry was one of 95 participants from 60 Dallas ISD schools able to advance to County-level competition.

A round of applause is in order for the dozens of student-athletes from District 6 who signed National Letters of Intent to solidify athletic scholarships at the Dallas ISD National Signing Day Event.