Believe, Achieve, Succeed!

November 8, 2020 Volume I

“The Best in the U.S.A”

It's hard to believe that we are halfway finished with the first semester! I have so many things to be thankful for this year as I reflect on the last 9 weeks. The most important thing that I am thankful for is the safety of the brothers and the staff. Now that we have established a system that allows is to provide a learning environment that is consistently safe, we are now focusing on increasing student engagement. We are specifically looking for more collaborative activities, an increase in the amount of time the students are talking and a decrease in the time that the teachers are talking.

We are no longer using the hybrid schedule for 9th - 12th grade. Now all students who choose to attend school in person will come to school Monday - Friday. We are still not allowing the students to change classes. They are attending their classes virtually even though they are physically in the school.

There will be schedule changes announced later this week after the 1st grading period is closed out. The changes were necessary because we had to fill several vacancies. Although the vacancies have been filled, we have to wait until the grades are finalized to make the changes. We will make sure that the students who have classes at different times are given time to adjust to their new schedules. Teachers will also remind students of their changed schedule if they come to their class at the incorrect time.

We have already started recruiting for the next school year! The online application opened November 7th. I attended a meeting for our 8th grade students and their parents last week. Ms. Johnson prepared an informative presentation that explained the many options that Dallas ISD is offering. She also re - recruited our current 8th grade brothers. We have some of the smartest and hardest working brothers in the district! Every school wants them to attend their schools next year. We want to communicate to them that we want them to stay and continue to be impactful leaders at Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy! Please take a look at the recruitment video below.

I am adding a link to the district calendar so that you can see all upcoming holidays and testing dates. https://www.dallasisd.org/calendars

We know that every family is making the decision to send their son to school or to keep them at home based on their own unique circumstances. If you want to change your decision from at home virtual learning to being in person on campus, please contact the school and let us know. This allows us the opportunity to plan for your son's arrival.

I am looking forward to another great week of learning! I speak with many parents and students daily to assist with anything that I can help with. As I have said before, don’t hesitate to contact me with any concerns or questions!

Sincerely,

Rashad Jackson

972-749-2100

Rajackson@dallasisd.org

3030 Stag Road

Dallas, TX 75241