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Between the free and tuition-based programs, Dallas ISD has great pre-K options for every young family here in District 2.
The Dallas ISD Pre-K registration window kicks off Monday, April 1, and I encourage every eligible family to sign up. It’s worth repeating that research shows that 90 percent of human brain development happens before age 5, so enrolling your 3- or 4-year-old in high-quality Dallas ISD pre-K is critical for their future success.
Families can go to www.dallasisd.org/prek to start enrolling as of April 1.
Dallas ISD pre-K remains free for families who meet one of several eligibility requirements. And in District 2, Preston Hollow, Ben Milam, William Lipscomb, and Geneva Heights elementary schools all offer tuition-based pre-K for families who don’t qualify for free pre-K.
Improving our middle schools
For our students who are a bit older, I’m pleased to report that a new Dallas ISD initiative aims to better serve our middle school students.
The initiative would bring strategic staffing, instructional excellence, social and emotional support, extended learning and supportive partnerships to 24 middle schools, including Benjamin Franklin International Exploratory Academy in District 2. The initiative takes elements of previous successful school turnaround efforts and applies it to the middle grades considered to be the “make it or break it years.”
The initiative would cost about $10 million, which I think is a worthwhile investment to better serve students in these critical learning years. The initiative would be funded if Texas lawmakers pass House Bill 3 to bring much needed additional funds to Texas public schools. If House Bill 3 does not pass, trustees and district leadership will have the conversation on how to still potentially make the initiative a reality and help the schools and students.
In other news
A report from Children at Risk ranked Dallas ISD second among large Texas school districts in providing low-income students with nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day.
High school students who commit to being drug- and alcohol-free can get free prom attire on March 30 at Townview Magnet Center. Those who are interested can register here.
The Rotary Club of Dallas invites nominations from all district schools for its annual Service Above Self Teacher Awards, which recognizes teachers for going the extra mile. Winning recipients will receive a cash award. Applications may be submitted by Dallas ISD teachers on their own behalf or by other individuals on behalf of a teacher.
Dustin Marshall is the District 2 representative on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees.
