Dallas ISD District 1 Newsletter – September 2024 Recap
Haga clic aquí para ver la versión en español.
School is hitting its stride, and so is our process of setting goals for the future of Dallas ISD, which we undertake once every five years. The Board has set up community listening sessions in all parts of the City and with certain key partners (business leaders, education advocates, etc.) so that we can work together to build the school system our kids deserve.
Dallas ISD Updates
Goals and Constraints Resetting Process: The District 1 community listening session will take place on October 9 at 6:00 p.m. at Career Institute North (10115 Midway Rd.). I will be there, along with Trustee Weinberg (D2) and Trustee Micciche (D3) Trustee Carreon (D8). We will focus on two key questions:
- What are the most important things that students in Dallas ISD should know or be able to do by the end of elementary, middle, and/or high school?
- With the priorities you identified in mind, what should Dallas ISD preserve or avoid doing as it focuses on its priorities?
If you can’t make this session, here is the full schedule so you can attend one of the other sessions. We are also gathering feedback through this survey, which will remain open for the next six weeks. This is your opportunity to share what is important to you and your family.
Student Outcome Goals Progress Report: Speaking of student outcome goals, we discussed progress toward our current goals in our September board briefing.Consistent with national trends, the district saw declines in state assessment (STAAR) scores across many subjects, notably in third grade reading and math. These third-grade students were not able to participate in in-person kindergarten, reflecting the importance of early learning. Increases were seen in Algebra 1, Biology, English II, and
US History. At the briefing, the administration explained its strategic adjustments to address these challenges.
Professional Learning Updates: Meeting student outcome goals depends on quality instruction. To that end, more than 4,000 Dallas ISD teachers participated in a variety of summer professional development sessions to hone their craft. Check out this video for more about Dallas ISD’s educator summer learning.
District 1 Updates
Here are highlights from our District 1 schools. Please e-mail any ideas you have for highlights to LanceCurrie@dallasisd.org.
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Congratulations to Ms. Cortney House, of E.D. Walker Middle School: Ms.House was selected by Teach for America and the College Football Playoff Foundation as a 2024 Extra Yard Teacher. Shoutout to Ms. House for her commitment to promoting excellence and equity in her classroom and going the extra mile for her students.
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Thomas Jefferson hosts incredible Hispanic Heritage Fair: Huge thank you to Mr. Nate Forrister, TJ’s modern band director, for inviting me to TJ’s Hispanic Heritage Fair, which made the news! It was an incredible showcase by the Patriots of traditional food, art, music, and dance. Well done.
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Reading Partners at Stephen C. Foster Elementary School: Thank you to Principal Crystal Torres and the amazing team at Foster for welcoming me and our friends at Reading Partners to the campus. I’ve been volunteering for reading partners for eight years, and I met an amazing student that I will work with for the rest of the year. Just one hour per week can change a young student’s entire educational journey. Volunteer at Reading Partners to help our kids become the best readers they can be.
Upcoming Events:
October 4 – TJ HS Alumni Association 20 th Annual Golf Tournament
October 9 at 6:00 p.m. – Dallas ISD Community Listening Session – Career Institute North (10115 Midway Rd.)
October 10-14 – Fall Break. Enjoy the free time or grab a corndog at the State Fair!
October 19 from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Fan Jam at W.T. White High School (4505 Ridgeside Dr.)
October 25 – W.T. White High School 60 th Anniversary (4505 Ridgeside Dr.)
November 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Discovery Dallas ISD Expo at Fair Park
November 25-29 – Thanksgiving Break
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our students. If you have questions, thoughts, or want to talk about how we can work together to make Dallas ISD the best school district, please reach out. I’m happy to grab coffee or set up a Zoom call. Just e-mail me at LanceCurrie@dallasisd.org.
Thank you,
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