Dallas ISD Parent's Newsletter
Dallas ISD Parent's Newsletter
Hello Dallas ISD Parents!
Welcome to the March edition of the Dallas ISD Parent Newsletter! As we transition into spring, we have some exciting updates and important information to share with you.
Get ready to learn about the student spring break meals and the $1,000 scholarship contest provided by the dedicated Dallas ISD Child and Food Nutrition Services team, ensuring that our students stay nourished during the break.
Additionally, stay tuned for the latest Family and Community Engagement updates and announcements to keep you informed and engaged in your child's education. We are announcing March Family Resources On the Go (F.R.O.G.) dates in this edition, so make sure you mark your calendars and do not miss joining us at a location near you! We also have numerous Dallas community partner resources and opportunities to share with you.
We are thrilled to bring you more valuable content and insights in this edition, so be sure to read on for all this and more!
FCE News and Resources
Dad Joke Competition Is Happening NOW!
The Dallas ISD Family and Community Engagement Dad Joke Competition is happening NOW!
Flex your comedic muscles and hone your dad joke skills, submit your joke today! Through March 7th, all Dallas ISD parents, dads, and father figures are encouraged to participate in this competition. Voting for your favorites will take place on our social media pages via polls! Go follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to make sure you do not miss this or any important updates.
But hold on, what exactly is a dad joke? Well, a dad joke is a type of pun-filled, cheesy, and often cringe-worthy joke that is typically told by fathers. However, the one rule is that these jokes must be clean, so keep it family-friendly! Whether you prefer to type or record a video or audio, one submission is allowed per person, so make it count. Stay tuned for more information regarding registration and the competition, and get ready to showcase your best dad jokes to win the crown of the ultimate dad joker!
Prizes will be awarded at every level of the competition, but only one will win the grand prize!
March Family Resources On the Go (F.R.O.G.) Events!
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 our Spring 2024 dates to share with you, locations will be released closer to the dates! Get ready to mark your calendars!
- March 5th: T.L. Marsalis ES | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- March 7th: Nancy J. Cochran ES | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- March 19th: Maria Moreno STEAM Academy | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- March 20th: Rufus C. Burleson ES | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- March 21st: John F. Peeler IB World School | 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
- March 26th: Julius Dorsey ES | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- March 27th: Lorenzo DeZavala ES | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
The dates listed above are subject to change in the event of inclement weather.
Elevated Engagement
Elevated Engagement, the podcast that has captured the attention and minds of parents throughout Dallas ISD. With new segments and guests on the horizon, there's never been a better time to tune in and stay informed. Whether you're a busy parent on the go or simply looking for a fresh perspective on educational achievement, Elevated Engagement has you covered. Join us as we explore the latest district initiatives, share valuable insights, and connect with the Dallas community like never before. So sit back, relax, and get ready for another year of Elevated Engagement!
Follow Elevated Engagement on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Save The Date!
It is time to mark your calendars for 2024 Parent Survey! We want to hear from you and your feedback is important to us, please ensure your child's campus has your updated email address and contact information,
- Survey Opens: Monday, March 4th, 2024
- Deadline: Friday, March 22nd, 2024
Dallas ISD Department News and Resources
In this section of our newsletter, we are presenting Dallas ISD Department News and Resources. This segment is packed with valuable information from various departments, including the Homeless Education Program and Food and Child Nutrition Services, among others.
Whether you are looking for resources to support your child's education or seeking guidance in various topics, this section has something for everyone. From scholarships and prizes to free meals, check out the information below to learn more.
Dallas ISD Homeless Education Program (HEP)
Dallas ISD Homeless Education Program (HEP): Important Resources
So far in 2023 (through October), ~19,000 evictions have been filed within the City of Dallas. Since pandemic-era renter protections have expired and rent relief has dwindled, there's been an increase in eviction filings locally and nationwide. Children are particularly vulnerable to eviction. A recent study published by researchers at the Eviction Lab found that "the risk of experiencing an eviction . . . is highest during childhood." For children who experience eviction, they "face increased risk of food insecurity, exposure to environmental hazards, academic challenges, and a range of long-term physical and mental health problems."
Historically, eviction filings in Dallas spike in January after the holidays and again in late summer/early fall -- just as school is starting. We know that many Dallas ISD families might be experiencing housing instability and on the brink of eviction.
The Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center and Legal Aid of Northwest Texas provide free legal help to families facing eviction. Housing Forward, which manages the Homeless Crisis Hotline, can help connect families experiencing homelessness with shelter and resources.
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing or worried about an eviction, contact Legal Aid of Northwest TX and/or the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center numbers listed on these flyers for FREE legal support. Bilingual staff is available.
English Information Flyer
Spanish Information Flyer
Food and Child Nutrition Services
SURF’S UP WITH SCHOOL BREAKFAST!
National School Breakfast Week Campaign Encourages Students to Celebrate School Breakfast
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 4th-8th, 2024 – To encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy choices available with school breakfast, Dallas ISD schools will celebrate School Breakfast Week (SBW) during MARCH 4th-8th, 2024.
Busy weekday mornings make it a challenge for many families to find time for a healthy breakfast. Fortunately, Dallas ISD schools offer nutritious school breakfasts to all students free of charge, complete with fruit and low-fat or fat-free milk, to ensure students are fueled for learning every school day. All week, Dallas ISD will celebrate with fun activities and serve healthy menu items to help students realize that starting the day with school breakfast will help them “ride the wave” to nutritious habits and a healthy lifestyle. Planned activities include outreach to local schools and communities, social media promotion, and a Cool Tropics Surf’s Up art contest. The Cool Tropics art contest will give Dallas ISD students the opportunity to win a variety of prizes such as a bike, laptop, or a $1,000 scholarship.
Dallas ISD provides free meals to all students regardless of income. The free meal program includes breakfast, lunch, and after-school meals during the week, as well as breakfast and lunch on Saturdays for students participating in Saturday educational programs, and students can receive meals during winter, spring and Thanksgiving breaks.
More information on Dallas ISD’s menu and serving times can be found at their website here: www.dallasisd.org/FCNS or by contacting your child’s school.
Parents and students can follow the fun using the hashtag #TXSBW, #NSBW24 #surfsupwithschoolbreakfast and, @DallasISDFood.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Cool Tropics Contest
Food and Child Nutrition Services Department has partnered with Cool Tropics to sponsor a design contest for Dallas ISD students. The top design for the new surfboard top on Cool Tropics Paradise Punch will be enjoyed by millions of students nationwide. Please share our Cool Tropics Art Contest entry forms with teachers, students, and parents. Students' submissions are due March 29, 2024. Entry Form English & Entry Form Spanish.
Awards:
1st place: $1,000 Scholarship Award
2nd place: Laptop Computer
3rd place: Mountain Bike
Submit to:
Dallas ISD Cafeteria Manager or
Send to: Marketing
Dallas ISD Food Services
1515 Al Lipscomb Way
Dallas, TX 75215
See information flyers below to learn more.
Spring Break Meals
To maintain student nourishment during Spring Break, Food and Child Nutrition Services plans to provide meal service on a drive-up basis on Monday, March 11, 2024.
FCNS will provide meals to every child, 18 years and younger. Home cooking instructions will be provided at the pick-up location and will also be posted on our FCNS website. Children do not have to be present to claim meals.
Meals will include
2 breakfast meals
2 lunch meals
When: Monday, March 11, 2024
Time/Locations: Visit www.dallasisd.org
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM SCHOOLS:
- Grady Spruce
- Herbert Marcus
- Justin F. Kimball
- J. L. Long
- L. G. Pinkston
- Sam Tasby
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM SCHOOLS:
- Billy E. Dade
- Francisco F. "Pancho" Medrano
- Moises E. Molina
- South Oak Cliff
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Any additional updates to links found in this section will be updated closer to meal distribution times. Links will also be shared via social media.
Dallas ISD More Choice Expo
You're invited to the LARGEST choice school fair in the city! Join us for the Dallas ISD More Choice Expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 23rd at Centennial Hall in Fair Park. Enjoy food, family fun, and explore our nearly 200 first choice schools! Visit DallasISD.org/MoreChoice because you deserve more!
Dallas Community Resources
Dallas County Student Election Workers
It’s that time of the year again! The Dallas County Elections Department is looking for Student Election Workers for the upcoming March 5th Joint Primary Election. Student Election Workers help to ensure that Dallas County voters have a smooth and efficient Election Day, so we are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to serve in this important role.
This is an excellent chance for schools/organizations to make a positive impact on the democratic process while providing valuable hands-on experience for students. By participating in this initiative, students will have the opportunity to contribute to their community, develop essential organizational and teamwork skills, and gain a deeper understanding of our electoral system.
Key Details about the Student Election Worker Role:
- Student election workers will assist with various tasks such as checking in voters, ballot distribution, and ensuring voters have a great voting experience on Election Day. Paid training will be provided to ensure that everyone is well-prepared for their responsibilities.
- Election Day is Tuesday, March 5th and we ask for a commitment of a maximum of 15 hours.
- This opportunity is a paid at $16/hour. In addition to the professional development opportunity, student election workers will receive 19 service hours for participating in this civic duty.
We firmly believe that engaging in such activities enriches the educational experience for our students, strengthens community ties, and promotes a culture of civic responsibility. We would be delighted to have your school/organization join us in this endeavor.
Please find the attached application. Your assistance in sharing this information is greatly appreciated. We look forward to the possibility of working together to create a memorable and impactful experience for students. Please note that the application deadline is February 5th.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, feel free to reach out to us at (214)-819-6332 or via email at studentelectionworker@dallascounty.org.
District News
A Message From Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde, Ed.D.
This coming primary election on March 5 may be the most important for public education in Texas history.
That’s why I am asking every teacher, every school district team member, every parent, every grandparent, every one of our family members, everyone we know to vote in this election, especially in races for the Texas House of Representatives and State Senate. About 90% of Texas children—5.4 million in all—attend public schools. Our children can’t vote, so we must.
Here are the facts:
- Just 3% of voters who vote in Texas primaries elect who govern the other 97%. That means that a very small number of voters are deciding what issues will become law. For public education, the primaries go a long way in determining, for example, how much funding local schools will receive or whether state lawmakers will increase salaries for teachers and other district team members. Texas has "open" primaries, meaning you can request either a Republican or Democratic ballot, regardless of how you plan to vote in the November general election. Watch THIS VIDEO for more information and please vote in the March primary!
- Even with a $32.7-billion surplus available to the state this past year, our Legislature was unable to reach a consensus on providing any significant additional funding to Texas public schools that have not received an increase since 2019. As you know, we have experienced double-digit inflation since then—but still no significant funding increase from the state. Here in Dallas ISD, our board adopted a $186-million deficit budget this past year in order to make sure that you, our valued teachers and team members, received modest salary increases.
You can help cultivate a culture of voting across the Dallas ISD community by:
- Registering to vote by the February 5 deadline, then voting early between February 20 and March 1, or on Election Day, March 5.
- Ensuring that eligible students are given the opportunity to register to vote. March to the Polls is a non-partisan organization committed to increasing electoral participation.
- Forwarding this email to everyone you know throughout the state (friends, siblings, college roommates, relatives, parents, grandparents, significant others, etc.) who is eligible to vote in the March 5 Texas House primary.
It is more important than ever for you, your friends and family to vote. Do not think that others will “do the right thing” on behalf of our schools. Remember—kids can’t vote so they need us to vote for them.
Let’s make sure that our voices are heard, Dallas ISD!
Yours,
Stephanie S. Elizalde, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dallas ISD