Dallas ISD December 2024

As we wrap up 2024 and approach the winter break, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible ways our students, families, and communities have come together this year.

In this festive December edition of the Dallas ISD Family Newsletter, we are excited to share a warm mix of celebration, connection, and inspiration to close out the year. From fresh updates in "I Have All the Keys" and "Academic Corner" to new content designed to empower and engage, we’ve got something for everyone. In this edition, you will also find highlights from our recent events, tips for staying connected during the break, and fun activities to enjoy with your family as you celebrate the season.

As always, our mission remains focused on empowering, educating, and engaging every family in our district. This newsletter is your go-to resource for staying informed and connected as we all get ready for a well-deserved winter break.

So grab your favorite holiday treat, settle in, and let us dive into what is happening this December!

Welcome to this month’s edition of "I Have All the Keys", we are excited to welcome you back! This December, we are focusing on how families can support their children when they face academic challenges—whether it is struggling in a subject, feeling overwhelmed by new concepts, or simply not seeing the success they are hoping for. No matter the grade level, every child, from Kindergarten through high school, will encounter a subject or skill that does not come as easily to them. The good news? With time, effort, and your encouragement, they can overcome these obstacles and grow stronger as learners.

Facing Academic Challenges

Every child will encounter academic hurdles, and that is perfectly normal. Whether your little one is navigating the alphabet or your high schooler is tackling advanced calculus, challenges are part of the learning process. It is important to remember that struggling with a subject does not mean your child is not smart or capable—it just means they need a bit more time or a different approach to master it. Your support, patience, and guidance play a huge role in helping them rise above these obstacles and develop resilience

Support at Every Age and Stage

It is easy to think that older students, particularly those in middle and high school, do not need as much guidance, but children of all ages—K through 12—benefit from the encouragement and support of their families, especially when they are facing difficulties.

Here are some tips and strategies for supporting your child at every stage of their academic journey:

For Younger Children (PreK-5):

At this stage, your child is building the foundational skills that will shape their future learning. It is important to recognize that early struggles with subjects like reading or math are common and nothing to worry about.

• Be Patient and Encouraging: Celebrate small victories, like reading a new word or solving a simple math problem, to help boost their confidence.
• Use Hands-on Learning: Turn learning into a fun activity. Use games, puzzles, flashcards, or even cooking together to practice math and literacy skills.
• Create a Consistent Routine: Structure and routine help younger children feel more secure and confident. Set aside specific times each day for reading, practicing math, or reviewing classwork.
• Provide Reassurance: Let your child know it is okay to make mistakes. Show them that learning is a process, and that each mistake is just a stepping stone toward improvement.
• Read Together Daily: Reading with your child, even for just 15-20 minutes a day, helps develop literacy skills and encourages a love of learning.

Need Book Ideas?

Growing up, I was always surrounded by books, and reading was one of my favorite ways to escape into different worlds. One series that was always a go-to for me was Junie B. Jones—her hilarious adventures never failed to make me laugh! I also spent hours reading the poems of Shel Silverstein. I loved how his poems were both silly and clever, and I found joy in learning how they were structured and recognizing the rhyming words. It was not just the stories that captivated me, but the fun and rhythm of language that made reading feel like an adventure. Whether it is funny stories or clever rhymes, books can open up a world of imagination and learning for kids—and I’m sure your child will find a favorite of their own!

For Middle Schoolers (6-8):

Middle schoolers are navigating more complex subjects and may begin to experience more frustration with academic challenges. Support during this time is crucial for building their resilience.

• Monitor Progress Regularly: Stay on top of assignments and grades. Review their homework and make sure they understand the material.
• Break Down Tasks into Steps: Large assignments or projects can overwhelm children, especially when new to assignments with multiple moving parts. Help them break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps with clear deadlines.
• Encourage Active Learning: Help them find alternative ways to study, like summarizing what they have learned, teaching it to someone else, or creating mind maps to organize information.
• Provide Emotional Support: Middle schoolers may experience self-doubt or frustration. Validate their feelings and reassure them that struggling is part of learning. Encourage a growth mindset, where effort is celebrated over immediate success.
• Ask for Help: Encourage your child to ask for help from teachers, tutors, or classmates when they do not understand something. It is a great way to develop independence and problem-solving skills.
• Use Visual Aids: Visual tools like charts, graphs, or diagrams can help explain complex concepts, especially in subjects like math or science.

For High Schoolers (9-12):

High school can be a time of academic pressure, but it is also when students start to take more ownership of their learning. They will need support not just with academics, but also in managing their time and preparing for the future.

• Stay Involved in Their Academics: Even if they do not ask for help, check in regularly on grades and assignments. Encourage them to keep track of deadlines and maintain good study habits.
• Encourage Self-Advocacy: High schoolers should take ownership of their learning. Encourage them to seek help from teachers, ask questions in class, and attend office hours or tutoring sessions.
• Prepare for Future Goals: Help your teen set academic and career goals. Discuss graduation requirements, college plans, or vocational interests and work together on a plan for achieving them.
• Help Manage Time Effectively: Teach your teen how to break down large assignments and manage their time efficiently. Use tools like planners, apps, or calendars to keep track of deadlines.
• Foster Independence: While it is important to be supportive, high schoolers also need to learn how to solve problems on their own. Encourage them to research solutions or try to figure things out before coming to you for help.
• Promote Healthy Study Habits: Help them create a study routine that works for their learning style—whether that is using flashcards, taking regular breaks, or studying with peers.

Tips & Tricks:

High school can feel like a time when the pressure is on—students are preparing for the future, juggling tough subjects, and often feeling like they need to have all the answers. I remember being in high school and feeling scared to ask questions in class. I did not want anyone to think I was not smart or capable, and that fear kept me from speaking up sometimes. But looking back, I wish I had realized that asking questions is actually a sign of strength, not weakness! Many students share this feeling, especially at this age. Sometimes, it helps when they see their parents asking questions too—it makes those questions feel more reasonable (or maybe even necessary) in the learning process. One great way to help your teen is by asking them to teach you what they have learned in class. It not only reinforces their understanding but also gives them the chance to explain concepts in their own words. Be open and remind them that asking questions is all part of the learning process. It is how we expand our knowledge and grow, and it is always a great idea to keep the conversation going!

Tips for All Ages:

• Stay Positive and Patient: Remind your child that struggles are a natural part of learning. Praise their effort and persistence rather than focusing solely on grades or results.
• Set Realistic Goals: Help your child set achievable, short-term goals that focus on effort rather than outcomes. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small.
• Use Technology as a Resource: There are a wealth of apps and online resources available to help students of all ages. From interactive math apps to educational YouTube videos, these tools can make learning more engaging and effective.
• Make Learning Fun: Incorporate activities that make learning enjoyable. Visit a museum, watch an educational documentary, or go on a nature walk while practicing science or math concepts.

The Role of Parents in Championing Their Children

As we approach the winter break, it is a great time to take a step back and assess how your child is doing academically. If they have encountered obstacles, it is important to recognize that facing challenges is a natural part of their educational journey. Be there to listen, support, and encourage, and remind them that no obstacle is too big to overcome.

Your involvement does not end when the bell rings—it is your continued encouragement that will help your child tackle challenges with confidence, no matter what subject they are facing.

Thank you for being such an integral part of your child’s educational journey. Together, we can ensure that they not only face academic challenges but rise above them, stronger and more confident than ever!

Academic Corner: Holiday-Themed Learning Activities for the Whole Family

As the holiday season approaches, it is the perfect time to incorporate fun and festive academic activities into family time! While the break from school offers a welcome respite, keeping children engaged in learning during the holiday season does not have to be difficult. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply enjoying the winter season, there are many ways to keep kids of all ages engaged in academic activities that are fun, inclusive, and holiday-themed. Here are some creative ideas for parents to incorporate reading, math, science, and more into this special time of year.

1. Holiday Reading Activities: Spark Imagination and Build Literacy

Winter-Themed Storytime

Gather around and get cozy on the couch and read winter or holiday-themed books. Some suggestions include:

• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
• Latke the Lucky Dog (a Hanukkah story) by Natasha Wing
• My First Kwanzaa by Deborah Chocolate
• Dream Snow by Eric Carle

Create a Holiday Storybook

• Have your child create their own holiday story. Encourage them to write or dictate the story and illustrate it. This exercise helps with writing, creativity, and reading comprehension. For younger children, this could be a simple story, while older students can add more complexity and descriptive language

Try writing holiday-themed poems. Whether it is about a snowy day, their favorite holiday tradition, or a new year’s wish, poems are a fun way to explore rhyme, rhythm, and language. Use Shel Silverstein’s poems as a fun example for children to learn how poems can be silly and structured.

2. Math Activities: Counting Down the Days and More

Holiday Countdown with Math

• Create a holiday countdown calendar with math challenges behind each door or fold-out. For example, each day’s challenge could involve addition, subtraction, or simple multiplication based on holiday themes. For younger children, focus on counting or basic addition with holiday-themed items like candy canes, dreidels, or ornaments. For older children, add more complex challenges like solving algebraic equations using holiday-themed clues (e.g., "If a Christmas tree has 3 branches with 5 ornaments each, how many ornaments are there in total?").

Bake and Measure

• Baking is a great way to integrate math into the holidays! Have your child help you measure ingredients for holiday cookies or other treats. This is a perfect opportunity to practice fractions, addition, and measurement. Younger kids can help with counting ingredients, while older children can tackle more complex conversions (e.g., "If we double this recipe, how much of each ingredient will we need?").

Holiday Budgeting

• Have your child help plan and budget for holiday gifts or decorations. This is a practical application of math skills! Give them a set amount of money and help them research gifts or create a holiday shopping list. This teaches both math (adding prices, calculating discounts) and critical thinking about how to allocate resources.

3. Science and Nature: Winter Wonders

Build a Snowman Science Experiment (for us Texans who do not see snow often!)

• Don’t have snow? No problem! Conduct a science experiment to learn about how snow forms by making your own "snow" at home. Use baking soda and shaving cream to create a fluffy, snowy texture. Talk about the science behind snowflakes, the freezing point of water, and why snow is white.

• Whether you are stringing Christmas lights, lighting a menorah, or decorating your home for any holiday, there’s a great opportunity to explore the science of light! Discuss how electricity flows through circuits to power lights and how different materials can conduct or insulate electricity. Older children could also experiment with simple circuits using batteries and LED lights.

Ice Ornaments Experiment

• Since we live in Texas, seeing frozen water is a rare treat! But you can still bring a bit of winter magic indoors by making your own frozen ornaments. Simply fill balloons with water, add holiday-themed objects like glitter, food coloring, or small toys, and then place them in the freezer. Once the water is frozen, carefully cut away the balloon to reveal your icy ornament. This is a fun opportunity to explore the properties of water—why it freezes, how the objects inside move, and what happens when ice melts.

4. Cultural Exploration: Holiday Traditions Around the World

Explore Global Traditions

• Teach your child about how different cultures celebrate the holidays! For Hanukkah, you can learn how to play dreidel and explore the story behind the menorah. For Kwanzaa, you can discuss the seven principles of Kwanzaa and the importance of family and community. Christmas traditions vary across the world—explore how different countries decorate their trees, prepare special meals, or exchange gifts. Have your child create a "Holiday Around the World" poster, illustrating these different customs and traditions.

Holiday Craft Projects

• Make holiday crafts that represent different cultures. For example, create a Menorah or Kwanzaa Kinara, decorate a Christmas tree, or craft a festive lantern for Diwali. This is a great way to connect hands-on learning with cultural appreciation and engage in creative expression.

5. Family Activities: Fun Ways to Reinforce Learning and Spend Time Together

Holiday Scavenger Hunt

• Set up a holiday-themed scavenger hunt around the house or yard. Include clues based on math (e.g., "Find something that is shaped like a triangle and has 3 colors!"), reading (e.g., "Look for a book that features snowflakes on the cover!"), or science (e.g., "Find something that changes color when it gets cold!"). This can help younger children with basic counting and older kids with critical thinking and problem-solving.

Family Storytelling Night

• Gather the family around to share holiday stories or family traditions. Ask your children to share their favorite memories, or let them create a holiday story. This encourages communication, imagination, and language skills.

Building with Holiday Materials

• Use holiday materials (like gingerbread cookies, marshmallows, or wrapping paper rolls) to build structures. This is a great way to integrate engineering principles into holiday fun. Challenge your child to build the tallest tower or the strongest structure using only holiday-themed materials.

By blending learning with fun holiday traditions, we can create memorable, meaningful moments that engage our children academically while allowing them to enjoy the festive spirit. These activities will not only help reinforce what they are learning in school but also foster curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning that will last well beyond the holiday season.

Happy Holidays from Dallas ISD Family and Community Engagement!

Dontavius “Dontay” Taylor, central kitchen supervisor in Dallas ISD’s Food and Child Nutrition Services department, carries a rich legacy of feeding young minds and bodies.

A proud graduate of Seagoville High School, Taylor is the third generation of his family to work in school food services, a tradition rooted in love and community. Click here to read more.

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

The Family & Community Engagement team