Dallas ISD Board of Trustees Dan Micciche, District 3

Bringing Back Vocational Education in a Big Way!

In my last column, I reported on the expansion of Dallas ISD’s career and technology education (CTE) offerings. I reported that Dallas ISD has brought back vocational education in a big way, with more CTE offerings than ever before! Students at Bryan Adams and Conrad high schools in District 3 can prepare for high-demand, high-wage careers in the following areas: construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, interior design and cybersecurity. In the fall of 2021, the Bryan Adams curriculum will expand to add patient care tech and pharmacy tech, while the Conrad curriculum will also include mechatronics, aviation, architecture and interior design. Each program provides students with an industry certification for that field and a practicum (work-based learning experience) similar to an apprenticeship. The CTE offerings were chosen based on the need in the local job market. 

Early College High School Programs  

I would also like to tell you about another amazing opportunity for our students. Both Bryan Adams and Conrad high schools have early college programs that provide students with the opportunity to get a head start on college by earning 60 college credits while in high school through Dallas ISD’s P-TECH programs (Pathways in Technology Early College High School). Under this program, students can earn an associate degree at no cost to the student.

The Bryan Adams P-TECH program is a partnership with Dallas College’s Eastfield Campus. Students can explore a range of careers in Education or Criminal Justice. Under this program, Bryan Adams will be “growing our own” future police officers and teachers.

Conrad High School’s P-TECH program partners with Dallas College’s Richland Campus to give students the opportunity to earn an associate degree in science (health) or applied science (gaming, networking, programming), tuition-free while still in high school. 

Both Bryan Adams and Conrad also offer a wide range of advanced placement courses and are participants in the Academy Foundation (NAF). My next column will cover these opportunities. 

STEM Expo Winners

District 3 students brought home quite a few awards from the 2021 Dallas ISD Virtual STEM EXPO, too many to list them all, but here are just the first place winners:

Science & Engineering Fair Competition Winners:

Christopher Roman, Alex Sanger Preparatory, 1st place in Cellular and Molecular Biology

America Hernandez, Robert T. Hill Middle School, 1st place in Chemistry

Aiden Johnson, Robert T. Hill Middle School, 1st place in Robotics & Intelligent Machines

Parker Davidson and Kellan Davidson Alex Sanger Preparatory, 1st place in Earth and Environmental Sciences

Jennifer Barraza, Poala Martinez and Ariana Delgado, Robert T. Hill Middle School, 1st place in Energy: Chemical

Ellie McAnally and Ninel Guzman, Robert T. Hill Middle School, 1st place in Energy: Physical

Renita Hernandez and Edgardo Rayo, Victor H. Hexter Elementary, 1st place – elementary 

Nevaeh Heidleberg and Daniel Perez, Victor H. Hexter Elementary, 1st place – elementary

Lui Navarro, Robert T. Hill Middle School, 1st place – secondary

Math Olympiad Competition:

Altaf Saeidi, Hotchkiss Elementary, 1st place Olympic Gold

Robotics Competition:

Wendy Rosales, Emma Aldana, Paloma Cerda, Anabelle Lira, Casa View Elementary, Judges Award in VEX IQ Robotics Challenge

Andrew Morrisey, Randy Gaspar, Maya Guevara, Alex Sanger Preparatory, Robot Skills Champions in VEX IQ Robotics Challenge

Andrew Morrisey, Randy Gaspar, Maya Guevara, Alex Sanger Preparatory, Excellence Award in VEX IQ Robotics Challenge

Operation Comeback: Student Re-Engagement

Dallas ISD wants to hear from families whose students are experiencing problems connecting with their school. Operation Comeback: Student Re-Engagement is connecting with families of students who are not regularly attending class, either remotely or in person. Staff are calling, texting, emailing and making contact-free home visits to provide whatever support is needed to get students re-engaged in learning. Parents are urged to call their child’s school to speak with the campus counselor about challenges students may have that are keeping them from attending classes. It’s critical that students connect with schools to catch up on missed instruction. Let us help your student get back on track!