EXTRA NEWSLETTER
Created for Team Dallas ISD—especially campus activity coordinators and principals—Extra highlights the schools, programs, and people who make our extracurricular experiences shine.
The Student Activities Department is dedicated to adding fun to learning by creating opportunities for every student to participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities that enhance their overall school experience.
This month, we’re excited to introduce our new school year theme: Enjoy the Experience. This theme reminds us to appreciate the journey as much as the results. In this issue, you’ll find program updates, summer camp highlights, coach spotlight, and important information about upcoming events and snapshot dates.
We hope you find something extra special—and useful—in every issue of Extra!
The competition handbook is your go-to guide for everything related to Student Activities programs.
Inside, you’ll find an introduction to our department and team, along with important updates and helpful information about programs, participation data, activity requirements, and details about coach agreements and stipends.
You can also use the handbook as a handy resource to recruit teachers and students, submit field trip requests, and stay up to date with event dates for the upcoming school year.
We invite you to explore the handbook, learn about the Board of Trustees, and discover the extracurricular programs available on your campus via Student Activities.
With 32 years of service in Dallas ISD, Denise Harris has built a career defined by dedication, leadership, and lasting impact. At Judge Louis A. Bedford Law Academy, she proudly serves as Demo Teacher, Student Activities Campus Activity Coordinator, HB1416 Coordinator, and Lead Mentor — inspiring both students and colleagues alike.
Ms. Harris sponsors UIL Academics, Spelling Bee, and Pentathlon, while also supporting other clubs as needed. Her journey into Student Activities began when her principal recognized her commitment to students after hours and encouraged her to take on a formal role. “The biggest benefit of extracurricular activities is how students build friendships while developing leadership and teamwork skills,” she said.
Outside of school, Ms. Harris starts each day at 5 a.m. with a four-mile run — a reflection of the same discipline and dedication she brings to her work. Colleagues and students know her as dependable, driven, and devoted to helping others succeed.
What Are CACs Responsible For? Snapshot Dates for 2025–2026 Student activity data must be entered into the Activities Site by: Campus-by-campus reports will be pulled after each deadline. Virtual Office Hours – November 12, 2025 Have questions about the Activities Site? Join our virtual office hours for individual support. Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Location: Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87237930194 Need Help? Contact Christina Martinez with any questions:
Visit www.dallasisd.org/studentactivities for step-by-step instructions.
Time: 5:00–6:00 PM (CT)
Email: christmartinez@dallasisd.org
Phone: 972.749.5796
The 2025-2026 school year brings an exciting new opportunity for the Student Activities Department to continue to grow its programs and provide exciting experiences for our students to participate and enjoy events outside the classroom.
The Dallas ISD School Board and Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde have seen the dramatic impact that extra- and co-curricular activities can have on all students in Dallas ISD.
This school year, our Board of Trustees will set a new precedent as we all ensure a high quality educational experience for all students. The progress measure set by our Board will be that the percent of students participating in extracurricular activities will annually meet or exceed a threshold of 73 percent.
This goal lays the foundation for expanded participation by students and teachers districtwide.
Schools that advanced to the state level for UIL Academics: TAG, SEM, and Hillcrest HS.
- SEM was the 4A UIL Academic State 2025 Sweepstakes Winner, placing first as a team and individually in eight events.
- TAG earned a third-place individual award in one event and a third-place team finish in computer science at the UIL academic state meet.
- Six students were awarded $18,000 in scholarships for the Parrish Charitable Foundation Debate Tournament.
- Eight debaters competed in the 2025 CX Debate State Tournament at the University of Texas at Austin.
- 17 students qualified for and competed at the Texas Forensic State Tournament.
- Four students qualified for and competed in the Urban Debate National Championship in Atlanta, GA.
- TAG & Obama competed in the National Speech & Debate Championship tournament.
- Four teams qualified for State Academic Decathlon Finals by earning top scores at the Regional competition: TAG, SEM, Obama, and Lassiter.
- TAG decathletes placed second in the state competition, winning nine scholarships and 32 medals (11 golds, 8 silvers, 11 bronzes).
- SEM took fifth place at the state decathlon finals, winning 12 medals and two scholarships.
- TAG competed in the small division for the Online National Competition and won third place.
- 16 high schools participated in the UIL State Spirit Championship Competition.
- 30 teams from 22 schools advanced to the State DI Competition.
- Three teams advanced to the DI Global Finals competition: TAG, New Tech HS, and Travis TAG.
- At DI Globals, TAG took fifth place; New Tech HS placed ninth; and Travis TAG placed sixteenth.
- New Tech HS received the Renaissance Award for outstanding creativity and design at DI Globals.
- SEM won first place sweepstakes at TMSCA State HS Meet by winning first place team awards in every category. Three graduating seniors earned scholarships for their outstanding individual cumulative scores.
- TAG won sixth place overall at TMSCA State HS Meet.
- Long MS won ninth place overall and fourth place in Number Sense at TMSCA State MS Meet.
- New Tech High School sent 19 students to the 2025 TexSEF Undisputed Esports State Championship.
- 15 New Tech High School students advanced beyond the pool stages at the TexSEF Undisputed Esports State Championship. Two Mario Kart teams and one Rocket League team from New Tech High School placed in the top nine statewide at the TexSEF Undisputed Esports State Championship.
The Dallas ISD Student Activities Department launched the new school year by connecting with students, families, and educators at major community events across the city. From the Mayor’s Back to School Fair to the For Oak Cliff Back to School Festival, our team celebrated education, shared resources, and helped families and students start the year strong.
We also welcomed nearly 1,000 new teachers during New Teacher Orientation, providing guidance and support as they begin their Dallas ISD journey.
Year after year, these events highlight our commitment to creating opportunities, building connections, and supporting every student’s path to success. With the new school year underway, the Student Activities Department is excited to keep inspiring students both inside and outside the classroom.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Antonio Verduzco as Dallas ISD’s new Director of Student Activities!
A proud Dallas ISD graduate, lifelong educator, and an award-winning leader, Dr. Verduzco brings over 24 years of experience inspiring students both in and out of the classroom.
From his early days as a bilingual teacher to his tenure as a celebrated principal, he has championed leadership and student success. A passionate advocate for creating enriching opportunities, Dr. Verduzco believes in empowering every student to discover their talents, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
We’re excited for the energy and vision he brings to elevate student engagement across the district!
- November 15: MS Debate @ Molina HS
- November 15: MS Esports @ Obama MLA
- December 06: HS Cheer @ Ellis Davis Field House
- December 06: HS Debate @ Spruce HS
- December 06: ES UIL @ Virtual
- December 06: ES Eports (Division 1) @ Obama MLA
- December 13: MS Debate @ Molina HS
- December 13: ES Esports (Division 2) @ Obama MLA
- December 13: MS UIL @ Virtual
- December 13: Destination Imagination @ Skyline HS
