Dallas ISD August 2024

As we step into a new school year, the Family and Community Engagement team extends a heartfelt welcome to all our Dallas ISD families—both returning and new. We’re thrilled to be back for the second year of our District Family Newsletter, your go-to source for the latest updates, events, and highlights from across our schools.

Last year, we had the honor of serving over 8,000 Dallas ISD families, a record-breaking achievement that we’re incredibly proud of. We look forward to reaching even more families this year and continuing to support our vibrant community with the same dedication and enthusiasm.

This newsletter will keep you informed and engaged throughout the year. Be sure to join our mailing list by scanning the flyers available at your campus or by following the sign-up information included in this newsletter.

Thank you for choosing Dallas ISD. We’re eager to make this year another outstanding one for our students and families. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Warm regards,

The Family and Community Engagement Team

Dallas ISD

In this edition of the Academic Corner, we're excited to highlight Marlene Yepez-Porras, the dedicated Academic Partnering Program Coordinator here at Dallas ISD. Marlene's innovative approach to fostering family engagement is transforming how parents and schools collaborate to support student success.

What is Academic Partnering?

Academic Partnering is an initiative designed to keep parents actively involved in their child's academic journey. The Family and Community Engagement Academic Partnering Program emphasizes a collaborative approach, where school staff, teachers, and families work together to address a child's developmental needs, resolve concerns, and achieve educational goals. The core aim of this program is to educate, engage, and empower Dallas ISD families to play a vital role in their children’s education.

Parents have two main avenues to engage with Academic Partnering:

1. School-Based Engagement:

• Build relationships with teachers and school staff
• Communicate regularly with educators
• Participate in parent workshops
• Support learning and homework at home
• Advocate for your child’s succes
• Join the school’s parent organization (PTA, PTO, etc.)
• Volunteer at school events and activities
• Contribute to school committees (SBDM, FELT, etc.)
• Share your expertise and promote positive attitudes

2. Academic Partnering Program Engagement:

• Participate in sessions and ask questions via email at myepez@dallasisd.org or through live Facebook sessions on our Dallas ISD Parents page
• Visit our Academic Partnering Program Website for videos and materials to support home learning
• Attend campus-hosted academic sessions
• Engage in the Fam Jam event at your child’s school for more information

Mark your calendars for these important Academic Partnering sessions:

Facebook Live! Academic Partnering Sessions:

• English: 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Spanish: 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Dates: 8/22/24, 9/19/24, 10/17/24, 11/21/24, 12/12/24, 1/23/25, 2/20/25, 3/20/25, 4/17/25, 5/15/25

Facebook Live! Parent Forums with the Parent Advocacy Executive Director:

• Dates: 9/5/24, 10/3/24, 11/7/24, 2/6/25, 4/3/25, 5/1/25

Marlene’s Advice for Parents

Marlene shares a valuable piece of advice: “Once you participate and see the benefits of being engaged with the school and teachers, you'll notice a positive change not just in your child’s academic performance but in your own experience as well. Let’s partner for a great year and make a difference together!”

We encourage all parents to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the Academic Partnering Program. Your involvement is crucial for your child’s success and can lead to a more fulfilling and productive school year for everyone involved.

The Key of Communication with Your Child

Welcome to this month's edition of "I Have All of The Keys"! Today, we're focusing on a fundamental aspect of your child's academic journey: communication. Strong communication between you and your child is vital for their success in school and beyond. Let’s dive into why it’s so important and how you can foster meaningful conversations at every stage of their education.

Why Communication Matters

Consistent and open communication with your child lays the foundation for their academic success. When you stay engaged and maintain high expectations, you help your child understand the importance of their studies and encourage them to strive for their best. Moreover, recognizing and celebrating their strengths while addressing areas where they might need extra help can significantly boost their confidence and performance.

Building Strong Home-School Connections

Effective communication at home creates a solid base for positive interactions with teachers and school staff. When you’re in tune with your child’s academic life, you can better collaborate with educators to support your child’s learning. Regular communication with teachers, attending school events, and staying informed about school policies all contribute to a supportive educational environment.

Remember, effective communication isn’t just about talking—it’s also about listening. Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings openly, and be sure to respond with empathy and understanding. By fostering a communicative and supportive home environment, you’re setting your child up for success both in school and in life.

How to Communicate Effectively at Any Grade Level

For Younger Children (K-5):

• Set a Routine: Establish a regular time for talking about school—perhaps during dinner or before bed. Ask simple questions about their day and listen attentively.
• Be Positive: Focus on what went well and celebrate small successes. This builds their confidence and motivates them.
• Use Visual Aids: For younger kids, visual aids like drawings or charts can help explain school topics or homework in a fun, engaging way.

For Middle Schoolers (6-8):

• Encourage Independence: Allow your child to take charge of their homework routine but check in regularly. Ask about their challenges and successes, and offer guidance as needed.
• Discuss Goals: Help them set academic and personal goals. Talk about steps they can take to achieve these goals and celebrate milestones.
• Talk About Interests: Explore their interests beyond school. Showing interest in their hobbies can lead to conversations about school and life in general.

For High Schoolers (9-12):

• Stay Informed: Regularly check their grades and school progress. Discuss any concerns and offer support in a non-judgmental way.
• Discuss Future Plans: Conversations about college, careers, and their aspirations are crucial. Offer guidance and resources, but also listen to their ideas and support their choices.
• Be a Partner: Work together to solve problems, whether they’re academic or personal. Respect their growing need for independence while being available for support and advice.

Thank you for reading this edition of "The Key of Communication with Your Child." Together, let’s unlock the doors to your child’s academic and personal growth!

Get Ready for Fam Jam! 🎉

📅 Date: September 14, 2024

📍 Location: Skyline High School, 7777 Forney Rd, Dallas, TX 75227

Calling all families from Skyline, Bryan Adams, Woodrow Wilson, and North Dallas! Join us for a fantastic day at Fam Jam, a special event dedicated to bringing our communities together.

👪 What to Expect:

• Free Resources: Access to endless academic and community resources for your family.
• Immunizations & Health Screenings: Keep your family healthy and safe.
• Academic Activities: Fun and educational activities for all ages.
• Student Performances: See students perform and show off their talents from all over the district.
• Great Prizes: Exciting giveaways and prizes throughout the day.

Fam Jam is a unique opportunity to strengthen connections between families, schools, and the community. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that’s all about building strong relationships and having fun!

📅 Save the Date! Make sure to mark your calendars for September 14 and join us at Skyline High School for a day filled with opportunities and enjoyment.

We can't wait to see you there!

We are thrilled to extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for making the past year truly exceptional. Thanks to your support and engagement, we celebrated a record-breaking year, serving over 8,000 families across our district. Your commitment and enthusiasm have been instrumental in helping us achieve this remarkable milestone.

As we reflect on our successes, we’re excited to celebrate these wins with you and set ambitious goals for the year ahead. Our Family and Community Engagement (FCE) team is eager to build on last year’s achievements and continue exceeding expectations. We are committed to reaching even more families and providing the best support and resources possible.

We cannot wait to embark on this new year with renewed energy and dedication. Thank you for being an integral part of our Dallas ISD community. Together, let’s make this year even more remarkable.

Welcome to our newsletter! We're excited to share our latest news, insights, and resources with you.

We're also excited to announce that we're adding a mailing list to our newsletter this year. This means that if you'd like to receive the newsletter directly in your email inbox every month, you can sign up using this quick Google form, click the button below to fill out the Google Form.

By joining our mailing list, you'll never miss a newsletter. We will not send additional emails, we will only email you the newsletter.

Welcome to the newsletter! Thank you for choosing Dallas ISD,

Chelsea Liles