Dallas ISD Parent's Newsletter
Dallas ISD Parent's Newsletter
Hello Dallas ISD Parents!
Greetings and welcome to our November newsletter! As we near the end of the semester and the holiday season, we are thrilled to share some exciting events and updates with you. In this edition, we will be featuring Fam Jam and F.R.O.G. (Family Resources On the Go) events that are scheduled to take place throughout the month. Additionally, we will be sharing the latest questions and answers from the Elevated Engagement podcast, sharing the Food and Child Nutrition Services holiday information, and much more!
We understand that this time of the year can be hectic, but we hope that you will take the time to read through our newsletter and stay informed about the happenings within our community. Our aim is to keep you updated on important events and initiatives, as well as provide helpful tips and information that can benefit you and your family.
We are committed to building strong partnerships between our schools, families, and community members, and this newsletter is just one way we hope to strengthen those relationships. We encourage you to read each edition and provide us with feedback and suggestions for future topics.
Thank you for your continued support of Dallas ISD and our students. We look forward to sharing more news and updates with you in the coming months!
FCE News and Resources
FAM JAMS ARE BACK!
The Fam Jam event of the season is happening on November 11th, at Molina High School and you don't want to miss it. This year, Fam Jam is bringing you a whole host of exciting activities that will keep both parents and students entertained.
For the academic-minded, we've got a range of academic activities that will challenge and engage students of all ages. Whether your little ones are just starting out in kindergarten, or they're gearing up for college applications, we've got something for everyone. Plus, we know that learning can make you hungry, so we're also offering free breakfast for all attendees.
But Fam Jam isn't just about academics. We're also bringing you student entertainment that will have you tapping your toes and bobbing your head. From live music to dance performances, there's something for everyone at Fam Jam. And if that's not enough, we're also offering immunizations for students who need them. It's never too late to make sure your family is protected, and at Fam Jam, you can do it all while having a great time.
So mark your calendars and get ready to jam with the whole family. Fam Jam is back, and it's better than ever!
Want to view what Fam Jam is all about? See the videos below:
Fam Jam YouTube Video (English)
November F.R.O.G. Dates!
The Family Resources On the Go (F.R.O.G) bus is a drive-through outreach effort to bring a variety of district resources and services to the community. We have various Dallas ISD department representatives onsite to answer questions on the Parent Portal, Academic Partnering, Uniform Assistance Program, and more at our bus stops.
We have some exciting November dates and locations to share with you! Get ready to mark your calendars!
- November 1st: Nancy J. Cochran ES | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- November 2nd: Lee A. McShan Jr. ES | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- November 6th: James S. Hogg New Tech Center | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- November 8th: Cesar Chavez Learning Center | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- November 9th: Maria Moreno STEAM Academy | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Elevated Engagement
Elevated Engagement with Dallas ISD is a weekly podcast created for Dallas ISD parents in English and Spanish to educate and create awareness for new initiatives and trending topics within the district. The podcast is available here on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Links will be shared to each episode via Instagram and Facebook.
In our latest episode, we delved into the current events surrounding the Texas Education system. We covered a range of topics, from private school subsidies to the special session, and opened up a forum for you to submit questions for us to answer. We have gathered the most frequently asked questions and provided answers to them below. Take a look!
Q: How does the special session affect Dallas ISD
- The special session could have a significant impact on school funding, both for Dallas ISD and other school districts in the state. It is now entering its third week with 2 weeks left. At this point, while the Senate has passed 2 bills related to education, the House has only introduced a bill. As of today, October 23, it appears House members won’t meet to discuss it. The reason is that Governor Abbott has said he won’t discuss additional pay for teachers and district team members until after a voucher bill—one that would give taxpayer dollars to private schools—is passed. The challenge is that many school districts approved deficit budgets this year to make ends meet. Dallas ISD, for example, adopted a deficit budget this year of $186 million. The state has an unprecedented multi-billion dollar state surplus.
Q: What is a private school subsidy and how are those affecting equality in education?
- Private school subsidies, what advocates call “education savings accounts”, would allow parents to direct $8,000, as proposed in SB 1, to a private school to help underwrite tuition. Private school tuition in the Dallas area is much higher than $8,000, so this plan would simply reduce the amount that parents would need to pay to send their children to private school, not eliminate the cost altogether.
Q: What do Dallas ISD schools offer that private schools might not offer?
- Dallas ISD has an enormous amount of choices and opportunities for its students. Dallas ISD has neighborhood schools—schools that are close to home and build a sense of community—that often offer programs such as dual-language instruction, talented and gifted programs, and programs to meet the needs of individual children. In addition, Dallas ISD offers students opportunities to earn Advanced Placement credit and participate in International Baccalaureate classes and P-Tech (Pathways in Technology) programs which allow students to receive both a diploma and a credential and/or an associate’s degree. We also offer career certification programs in 18 different trades. Finally, Dallas ISD’s nationally-recognized magnet school program offers students world-class opportunities in several areas including the arts, science and engineering, health, law, business, education, and social services. Public schools provide services to students with special needs as well as students with limited English proficiency, which are services often not offered by many private schools.
Q: Why are subsidies such a big conversation right now?
- There have been previous efforts in Texas to use state dollars for private schools that have been unsuccessful. In February, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared “education freedom” (which would give parents taxpayer dollars to help pay private school tuition) an emergency but the Texas Legislature did not support the idea during the regular session that ended in May. In October, he called a special session to address “education freedom” and has indicated he will call an additional special session if lawmakers do not approve it.
Q: How can we as community members and families help?
Department News and Resources
November is Homeless Youth Awareness Month
In 2007, November was officially designated as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and addressing the unique difficulties that homeless students encounter. During this month, we strive to raise awareness of our program's services and to encourage meaningful conversations centered on the topic of homelessness.
Wear purple on Fridays to show your support for Dallas ISD Homeless Education Program! If you or anyone you know would like to contribute to the Dallas ISD Homless Education Program, you can do so by visiting their Amazon Wishlist and purchasing an item.
Food and Child Nutrition Services
The Dallas ISD Food and Child Nutrition Services department has joined forces with the federal government to recognize programs for children and adults. The Child and Adult Care Food Program emphasizes meal quality, nutrition education, and the overall wellness of its childcare providers, children, and parents/caregivers. At Dallas ISD we are committed to providing nutritious and delicious foods at no cost to all enrolled students
Plastic Free Lunch Day – November 8
- Dallas ISD’s Food and Child Nutrition Services is committed to participating in “National Plastic-Free School Lunch Day” on November 8, 2023, as designated by the Urban School Food Alliance and Cafeteria Culture.
Dallas ISD school cafeterias use biodegradable and compostable trays and plates. Eliminating plastic items prevents millions of environmentally harmful plastics, styrofoam plates, and trays from being dumped into landfills. Our elimination of dish machines in Dallas ISD school kitchens has saved millions of gallons of water annually and keeps dish machine wastewater from entering drainage systems. Finally, Dallas ISD purchases many fresh Texas-grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, reducing transportation costs and emissions compared to purchasing items from out-of-state growers and vendors.
We invite you to join the Plastic-Free Lunch Day to create a better and healthier environment in Dallas ISD. On this day, your school cafeteria will eliminate the use of plastic. Plastic cutlery and plastic cups for water will be available upon request. Plastic straws will be available upon request for special dietary needs. If students bring their own lunch to school, please join us by limiting the amount of plastic product usage. Join us in this action!
Thanksgiving School Meal
- As we approach the season of gratitude and togetherness, Food and Child Nutrition Services would like to promote the spirit of Thanksgiving among our students. We are excited to offer a delightful Thanksgiving meal that will not only provide our students with a delicious dining experience but also instill a sense of appreciation and unity within our school community.
The Thanksgiving meal will consist of roasted turkey breast with gravy, cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, savory sweet potatoes, fresh pear, cinnamon honey apples, and a special harvest cookie. Adult meals will be available for purchase for $5.00. A-la-carte pricing will not be offered for this special meal.
Thanksgiving Break Meal
- Dallas ISD will distribute curbside meals for all children ages 1-18 during Thanksgiving week. Distribution will take place on Monday, November 20, 2023. To find times and participating schools near you, visit www.Dallasisd.org/FCNS.
District News
Principal For A Day is a teaching experience for students - and for execs:
- Throughout their school years, students are faced with countless paths to take and are often unsure of the ins and outs of any given profession—be it business leader, executive producer, or even elected official. For the twenty-third consecutive year, the nationally recognized program known as “Principal For a Day” continued to inspire students on Tuesday, providing a real-world perspective for their future endeavors. Read more here.
Straight Talk on Special Session:
The Texas legislature has begun a special session to once again try to divert public school funds to pay for private school subsidies. The Governor has also instructed the legislature to take up a list of political hot-button issues, including border security, public safety, and even COVID-19 vaccine restrictions. To learn more, click here.
Heroic actions by teacher save the life of a stranger:
- Teachers are often thought of as heroes in the classroom, but sometimes, they get to be heroes outside of school. That was the case for Israel Alfaro, an English I teacher at W.H. Adamson High School, who recently found himself in a dangerous situation, playing a crucial role in saving the life of a hot air balloon pilot. To read more about this incredible story, click here.
Do not want to be out of the loop when it comes to district news? Look no further than the district news website, The Hub! The Hub covers everything from community events to school board meetings, and everything in between. Stay informed and connected with your community by visiting their website today. Don't miss out on the news that matters most to you! Click to be redirected to The Hub website.