50^th Anniversary of the Desegregation of Dallas ISD

I open this month’s column by recognizing the 50^th anniversary of the desegregation of Dallas ISD. So many ordinary people dared to take a stand to not only impact the generation in which they were providentially placed but also the generations since. We salute their bravery and determination, and we acknowledge them as heroes. We stand on their shoulders and resolve to do all we can, while we can, to pursue racial equity in every field of human endeavor, leveling the playing field for all.

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

With the safety and well-being of staff and students in mind, Dallas ISD is making it easy and convenient for anyone 12 years of age or older to receive the free COVID-19 vaccine.  The district will host COVID-19 vaccination clinics at various campuses throughout the district. Participants can receive their first or second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, or the booster shot newly recommended for certain groups. For a list of currently scheduled COVID-19 vaccination clinics, please visit: www.dallasisd.org/covidvaccineclinics.

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. I urge you to learn about Dallas ISD’s choice school application program by participating in Discover Dallas ISD. This year’s recruitment event will consist of a series of webinars, phone banks and virtual open houses. The good news is you only have to travel to your nearest computer to shop our selection of magnets, single gender, arts and leadership schools and apply. Visit dallasisd.org/discover to learn more.

Office Depot’s Start Proud Program Partners with Charles Rice Learning Center

Office Depot partnered with Dallas ISD for the third consecutive year to distribute over 1,000 backpacks and supplies valued at more than $120,000 as part of their Start Proud® program. Students at Charles Rice Learning Center received brand new backpacks filled with notebooks, composition books, crayons, pencils, and highlighters to kick off the 2021-2022 school year. Additionally, students' parents/guardians received a $20 Office Depot or Office Max merchandise card to assist with additional school supply purchases.  

Dallas ISD values Office Depot’s long-standing partnership with the district and their commitment to providing our scholars with the resources they need to begin each academic year on a proud note.

In other news…

• We recognize the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, who conducted a school supply drive for E.B. Comstock Middle School and donated school supplies valued at $1,500. 

• The College Football Playoff Foundation celebrated “Extra Yard for Teachers” Week by surprising five outstanding Dallas ISD educators each with a $100 Donors Choose gift card. One of those five teachers was District 9’s very own Mary Nunley at CityLab High School. Thanks to the College Football Playoff Foundation for supporting our teachers!