This school year, the district eliminated both in-school and out-of-school suspensions for middle and high school students, while still having any serious infractions go through the disciplinary alternative education program.

The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees had already eliminated out-of-school suspensions for students in grades Pre-K through second in 2017, as part of an effort to do away with a discipline system that district leaders say does not work for students of color, particularly Black students. In June, trustees approved a $50.5 million budget that expanded the discipline reform districtwide.

As a result, Dallas ISD established Reset Center Coordinators for all 52 comprehensive middle and high schools. The coordinator works with students who might behave in a way that, in the past, would lead to suspension. Each comprehensive middle and high school also received resources for a Reset Center, a space for the coordinator to work with these students while keeping them engaged in learning.

Per the Dallas ISD Student Code of Conduct, online at www.dallasisd.org/SCOC, the more serious Level III and Level IV offenses – such as felony conduct, harassment, assault, possession of alcohol or narcotics, bodily injury and other serious infractions – are punishable with removal from a regular classroom setting to a disciplinary alternative education program or expulsion.

Amazon volunteers join in team-building challenge at YWSA at Balch Springs

Volunteers from the AFW5 Amazon Sortation Center kicked off their community engagement program with the 3D Tetris Challenge at the Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs Middle School on Wednesday, September 8th. The event was held after school in the gymnasium, with 50 students and 12 Amazon volunteers participating. 

The competition consisted of 12 teams of 4 or 5 students each. Teams were provided with 25 empty, taped Amazon boxes of varying sizes and 25 Amazon jiffy envelopes. The students were challenged with building the tallest possible Amazon box tower, capable of holding 25 jiffy envelopes, in 40 minutes. The students displayed high levels of collaboration, problem solving, resilience, respectful competitive spirit, and enthusiasm throughout the competition.

Vaccine clinics for students and staff

Dallas ISD is partnering with several hospitals and healthcare organizations to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all students and staff 12 and older who want it. Find a list of upcoming vaccination sites at Dallas ISD campuses by clicking HERE.

Discover Dallas ISD

Every child deserves the best possible education, and Dallas ISD wants to assist every family in finding the best-fit school for their student. Learn about Dallas ISD’s choice school application program by participating in Discover Dallas ISD. This year’s recruitment event is virtual, consisting of a series of webinars, phone banks and virtual open houses. Visit www.dallasisd.org/discover to learn more.