Dallas ISD Parent Newsletter

Welcome back to a new year and a new semester at Dallas ISD! We are thrilled to present you with our latest newsletter, jam-packed with FCE news, upcoming events, and new resources for your family. As we kick off this semester, we want to remind you that Family and Community Engagement is committed to providing you with the support you need to ensure your child's success in school.

In this edition, we are thrilled to share a wide range of updates from various departments across the district. From innovative programs to unique opportunities, we have something for everyone.

Don't miss out on the fun! Check out our newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news and events happening in our district. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. Thank you for your continued support and participation in Dallas ISD. Let's make this semester one to remember!

Get ready to flex your comedic muscles and hone your dad joke skills because the Dallas ISD Family and Community Engagement Dad Joke Competition is finally HERE! Starting from January 1st through March 23rd, all Dallas ISD parents, dads, and father figures are encouraged to participate in this competition.

But hold on, what exactly is a dad joke? Well, a dad joke is a type of pun-filled, cheesy, and often cringe-worthy joke that is typically told by fathers. However, the one rule is that these jokes must be clean, so keep it family-friendly! Whether you prefer to type or record a video or audio, one submission is allowed per person, so make it count. Stay tuned for more information regarding registration and the competition, and get ready to showcase your best dad jokes to win the crown of the ultimate dad joker! Prizes will be awarded at every level of the competition, but only one will win the grand prize!

SUBMIT YOUR JOKES HERE!

The first Fam Jam event of the new year will be here before you know it. Fam Jam is happening on January 27th, at Young Women's STEAM Academy at Balch Springs Middle School and you don't want to miss it. This Fam Jam will serve all schools in the Spruce, Samuell, Seagoville, and Single Gender/OTI vertical teams!

Right after our first Fam Jam of 2024, we have another one coming to SOUTH DALLAS! Fam Jam is happening again on February 24th, at David W. Carter High School. This Fam Jam will serve all schools in the Carter, South Oak Cliff, Kimball, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Madison, and Wilmer-Hutchins vertical teams!

For the academic-minded, we've got a range of academic activities that will challenge and engage students of all ages. Whether your little ones are just starting out in kindergarten, or they're gearing up for college applications, we've got something for everyone. Plus, we know that learning can make you hungry, so we're also offering free breakfast for all attendees.

But Fam Jam isn't just about academics. We're also bringing you student entertainment and performances that are sure to make you smile and cheer. And if that's not enough, we're also offering free health screenings for students who need them and welcoming a ton of vendors who provide additional resources from Dallas ISD and from within the Dallas community. It's never too late to learn new ways to support your student, and at Fam Jam, you can do it all while having a great time.

We cannot wait to have you and your family join us - mark your calendar now!

The Family Resources On the Go (F.R.O.G) bus is a drive-through outreach effort to bring a variety of district resources and services to the community. We have various Dallas ISD department representatives onsite to answer questions on the Parent Portal, Academic Partnering, Uniform Assistance Program, and more at our bus stops.

We have our Spring 2024 dates to share with you, locations will be released closer to the dates! Get ready to mark your calendars!

• March 5th, 6th, 7th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 26th, and 27th.

As the Spring 2024 semester begins, we are thrilled to announce the return of Elevated Engagement, the podcast that has captured the attention and minds of parents throughout Dallas ISD. With new segments and guests on the horizon, there's never been a better time to tune in and stay informed. Whether you're a busy parent on the go or simply looking for a fresh perspective on educational achievement, Elevated Engagement has you covered. Join us as we explore the latest district initiatives, share valuable insights, and connect with the Dallas community like never before. So sit back, relax, and get ready for another year of Elevated Engagement!

Follow Elevated Engagement on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Dallas ISD offers families more than 100 choice school programs and schools to help your child succeed. Join us for a virtual Discover Dallas ISD event to help parents understand the application process and explore the variety of choice programs available at each grade level. Experts from each of the different programs will be available to answer questions. The session will include all grade levels—elementary, middle, and high school. Register today at DallasISD.org/Discover.

Dallas ISD ofrece a las familias más de 100 programas y escuelas de opción para ayudar a su hijo a tener éxito. Acompáñenos en una sesión virtual de Descubre Dallas ISD el sábado 20 de enero para recibir más información sobre el proceso de solicitud y los programas de opción. Expertos de cada uno de los diferentes programas estarán disponibles para responder preguntas. Esta sesión incluirá todos los niveles: primaria, secundaria y preparatoria. Regístrese hoy en DallasISD.org/Descubre.

You are invited to the largest STEM expo in Texas. Students will explore, design, and create real-world STEM activities at no cost at the 2024 Dallas ISD STEM Expo. It’s happening Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The Dallas ISD STEM EXPO will feature over 100 interactive exhibits and serve as the culmination event for the District’s STEM competitions, including: First Lego League, VEX IQ and VRC Robotics, Coding Competition, and Tech Connect. Register today! DallasISD.org/STEMExpo

Los invitamos a la STEM expo más grande de Texas. Los estudiantes podrán explorar, diseñar y crear actividades STEM reales sin costo alguno en la STEM Expo 2024 de Dallas ISD. Tendrá lugar el sábado, 3 de febrero, de 9 a.m. a 3 p.m. en el Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. La STEM Expo contará con más de 100 exhibiciones interactivas y servirá de evento culminante para las competencias STEM del distrito, incluyendo First Lego League, VEX IQ y VRC Robotics, la competencia de codificación y Tech Connect. ¡Regístrese hoy! DallasISD.org/STEMExpo

Dallas ISD Parents, if your family is currently in a temporary or inadequate living situation resulting from housing loss, your child may qualify for specific educational rights and services. Please engage with your school counselor, community liaison, or parent instructor to discuss your circumstances. They are equipped to guide you in accessing valuable resources and our program (HEP).

Dallas ISD Padres de Familia, Si su familia se encuentra en una situación temporal o inadecuada debido a la pérdida de vivienda, es posible que su hijo tenga derechos educativos específicos y sea elegible para recibir servicios académicos particulares. Lo invitamos a comunicarse con el consejero escolar o el instructor de padres para obtener ayuda en la búsqueda de recursos e información que puedan serle útiles en esta situación. Están preparados para orientarlo hacia recursos valiosos y facilitar su participación en nuestro programa (HEP).

Click on the following link to view a Parent’s Journey: Katrina’s Story

The Dallas ISD Food and Child Nutrition Services department has joined forces with the federal government to recognize programs for children and adults. The Child and Adult Care Food Program emphasizes meal quality, nutrition education, and the overall wellness of its childcare providers, children, and parents/caregivers. At Dallas ISD we are committed to providing nutritious and delicious foods at no cost to all enrolled students.