The 1998-99 school year draws to a close with many accomplishments and great anticipation of the 1999 opening of school with new leadership and a new five-year plan. TAAS scores at Woodrow are higher than ever. Members of the graduating class have been accepted at many fine institutions, such as Stanford, MIT, Boston College, Wake Forest, UVA, UT, A&M, TCU, SMU and Trinity. Woodrow journalism teacher, Janelle Bates, was named Journalism Teacher of the Year by the Texas Professional Communicators. Woodrow athletics was also first in district championships, volleyball, cross-country, baseball, softball, tennis, swimming and golf. And, can anyone argue that this year’s musical, “Anything Goes” was one of the finest?
Rogers and Lakewood, each had special “Principals for the Day” — Councilwoman Mary Poss and Congressman Pete Sessions, respectively. Other successes included Math Maniacs and Math Olympiad at Lakewood, Stonewall’s Blue Ribbon visit from the U.S. Department of Education and Lee Elementary receiving a $150,000 grant for enrichment activities.
Many summer school locations will be offered in the area, including Stonewall, Lipscomb, Lee, Mata, Long and Woodrow. Course offerings include Jump-Start (pre-kindergarten classes), accelerated courses (to make up work), enrichment courses and classes at the secondary levels. You can contact Extended Year Services at 214-932-5123, for more information.
Selection of a new general superintendent and adoption of a district five-year plan make for a positive 1999 school year. Teachers, parents, business leaders, community leaders, and district staff developed the plan. Results of the Districtwide Survey were also incorporated. The bottom line is that it is a “well thought out” document with a lot of public participation and “buy in.” The plan focuses on lofty goals for the district, such as 90% of all students achieving grade level proficiency in reading and math by 2003; 90% of all students entering the ninth grade graduating in four years; and by the year 2003, 25% of junior and senior students enrolling in AP (Advanced Placement) courses. These “stretch goals” will be more attainable with the leadership of the new superintendent, a person with a national record of improved student performance.
The Districtwide Survey revealed that while there are exceptions, most people using the Dallas Public Schools are generally pleased. This was a surprise to many that may only get DISD information from the Dallas Morning News. Not surprisingly, the Board itself received the most negative rating. Improved governance is also addressed in the five-year plan with measurable outcomes. Improved governance is a “stretch goal” that must be achieved.
