New programs offer additional opportunities at Dallas ISD for 2019-2020

Dallas ISD Board of Trustees Dan Micciche, District 3

Teachers have been hired, schools have been spruced up, supplies and uniforms have been purchased, and everyone is ready for the start of a new school year on Monday, Aug. 19.

To help your school year get off to the right start, the district’s Back To School hotline will be available the entire first week of school at 972-925-5437. Bilingual representatives will be answering questions about transportation, enrollment, school hours, immunizations and more.

The new school year is cause for excitement not only because of all the new possibilities it presents to students and families, but also because of new programs offered by the district. One of these new programs is a true game changer for families across Dallas: a prekindergarten scholarship program.

Studies have shown that students who attend pre-K achieve at higher levels than those who do not. That is why the Board of Trustees voted in June to offer scholarships to expand the number of 3- and 4-year-olds eligible to attend at no cost.  The new guidelines are designed to increase opportunity for traditionally underserved communities by making early learning available to more Dallas families. Executives of the district’s Racial Equity Office and Early Learning department explained how the pre-K scholarship policy will help address structural racial inequities and bring the long-lasting benefits of prekindergarten to more families.

I encourage families to either call 214-932-7735 or visit www.prekdallas.org for additional information and to apply.

Speaking of opportunities, every year, Dallas ISD partners with colleges and universities from across the nation to bring information about the programs they offer and financial aid to our students. High school students are invited to register for the 2019 Districtwide College Fair that will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Ellis Davis Field House. Hundreds of representatives from colleges near and far will be there to meet face-to-face and answer questions. Students should see their high school counselor to sign up for free admission and transportation. Students who attend also will have access to free college entrance immunizations during the event.

I want to give Joseph Medaris, the new principal at Lee A. McShan Jr. Elementary School, a warm welcome into the District 3 family. I look forward to great things from McShan Elementary School and all the other schools in District 3 this school year.