Dallas ISD November 2024

As we move further into the school year, we’re excited to reconnect and bring you the latest updates from our district. This month, we’re featuring a new Academic Corner piece, a fresh edition of the "I Have All the Keys" initiative, and a recap of the much-anticipated Fam Jam event! Plus, mark your calendars for Discover Dallas, coming up soon.

Our mission remains to empower, educate, and engage our Dallas ISD parents. This newsletter is crafted with you in mind, offering valuable resources and information to keep you connected to everything happening in our district.

Let’s dive in and see what November has in store for our families!

I Have All of The Keys: Advocating for Your Child

Welcome to this month’s edition of "I Have All The Keys"! In this edition, we’re focusing on the important role families play in advocating for their child’s education. Knowing how to effectively communicate with educators and school staff is key to ensuring that your child’s needs are met, whether academic, social, or emotional.

Why Advocacy Matters

As a parent or guardian, you are your child’s first and most important advocate. When you actively engage in discussions about your child’s education, you provide a voice that helps shape their experience. Advocacy helps to ensure your child receives the support, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Building Strong Communication with Educators

Healthy and respectful communication with teachers and school staff is vital to advocating effectively. Schools and educators want to partner with families, but it’s essential to approach these conversations in a way that fosters understanding and collaboration. Start by asking questions, seeking clarity, and working together to find the best solutions for your child’s needs.

Remember: The goal of advocacy is to work alongside educators, not against them. By developing a partnership based on trust and respect, you can create a positive impact on your child’s education.

How to Advocate for Your Child at Every Stage

For Younger Children (PreK-5):

• Open the Lines of Communication: Meet with teachers regularly and ask how your child is progressing in areas like reading, math, and social development. Don’t hesitate to ask for examples of their work or for explanations on how certain activities support their growth.
• Clarify Expectations: If you have concerns about what your child is learning or how they’re being assessed, ask the teacher to explain the curriculum and grading process in detail.
• Stay Positive: Remember that teachers are there to support your child’s learning. Approach discussions with a positive attitude, seeking solutions together.

For Middle Schoolers (6-8):

• Monitor Progress: Stay informed about your child’s academic progress and social development. Attend parent-teacher conferences and ask for updates on their behavior, performance, and any areas where they may need support.
• Ask for Help When Needed: If your child is struggling with a particular subject, ask what additional resources or support the school can provide, such as tutoring or enrichment activities.
• Discuss Concerns: If you notice behavioral or academic issues, express your concerns calmly and ask for the teacher’s input on how to address them collaboratively.

For High Schoolers (9-12):

• Prepare for the Future: Discuss your child’s academic goals, graduation requirements, and post-secondary plans with their teachers and counselors. Ask for advice on how to best support their ambitions.
• Encourage Self-Advocacy: Help your high schooler take ownership of their education by encouraging them to ask teachers for feedback and clarification on assignments or coursework.
• Resolve Issues Respectfully: If a disagreement arises, approach it with the mindset of problem-solving. Request a meeting with the teacher or counselor to discuss the issue and work together on a solution.

Best Practices for Advocacy

• Be Clear and Concise: When addressing a concern, focus on the issue at hand. Describe the problem clearly and ask specific questions to gain a better understanding of the situation.
• Listen and Collaborate: Allow educators to share their perspectives, and be open to their suggestions. Together, you can develop a plan that supports your child’s success.
• Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with school policies, available resources, and your child’s progress reports to make informed decisions about their education.

Additional Resources for Families

• Connect with School Resources: Utilize resources such as tutoring programs, counseling services, and workshops that can support your child’s needs.
• Stay Engaged: Attend school meetings, read newsletters, and maintain open communication with your child’s teachers to stay informed about their academic journey.

Thank you for reading this edition of "Advocating for Your Child." By working together with educators, we can create a strong support system that helps our children thrive academically and personally!

Check out the Parent Advocacy Support Services flow chart below:

As the holiday season approaches, many parents seek ways to keep their children academically engaged while also allowing for relaxation and family time. This can be a delicate balance, as families strive to maintain a productive environment without overwhelming their children. In this section, we address common questions from families regarding effective strategies for academic engagement during breaks, resources available to support learning at home, and ways to harmonize academic pursuits with leisure activities. By exploring these questions, we aim to provide practical tips and tools that will help families foster a love of learning while enjoying the holiday season together.

Questions from our families

1. What are some effective ways parents can keep their children engaged academically during the holiday break?

• Start Early: Establish processes and routines with your children as soon as possible. The earlier you start, the better their future success will be.
• Establish a Routine: Create a balanced schedule that includes study time alongside fun activities like outdoor play, arts and crafts, reading, board games, gardening, cooking, and science experiments.
• Set Goals: Work together to set achievable academic goals, like reading a specific number of books or completing certain assignments.
• Provide Resources: Ensure access to educational materials such as books and online courses.
• Encourage Reading: Dedicate time for family reading or allow children to read what interests them.
• Engage in Educational Outings: Plan community outings that spark curiosity and provide learning opportunities.
• Promote Healthy Habits: Maintain regular sleep, nutritious meals, and physical activities.
• Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate academic achievements, no matter how small, to build confidence.

Online Learning Platforms:

• Unite for Literacy - Free read aloud in various topics in English.

• PBS Kids for Parents - Find ways to play. English

• U.S. Department of Education - Secondary Parent Support

• BigFuture - Secondary Parent Support

• Dallas ISD - Parent Curriculum Support - Math - English and Spanish

• Dallas ISD - Parent Curriculum Support - Reading Language Arts - English and Spanish

Educational Apps and Websites:

• Khan Academy: Free resources for all grade levels.

Tutoring and Academic Support

• Dallas ISD: Free materials and resources available with a student ID

Community Programs:

• Big Thought: Non-profit offering programs for students.

Library Resources:

• Dallas Public Library: Free access to e-books, audiobooks, and educational databases.
• Dallas ISD Resource Center: Free services including nutrition classes, mental health support, and academic sessions for parents.

3. How can parents balance relaxation and academics over the break without overwhelming their children?

• Set Realistic Goals: Help children focus on small, achievable academic goals.
• Create a Flexible Schedule: Include time for both academics and relaxation to help children know when to focus and when to unwind.
• Incorporate Fun Learning Activities: Choose games and arts and crafts that feel like play while reinforcing skills.
• Limit Screen Time: Utilize screen-free time for academic activities.
• Prioritize Family Time: Engage in family activities that promote connection, like movie nights or game nights.
• Encourage Independent Learning: Allow children to choose subjects of interest.
• Provide Breaks: Include short breaks during study time for snacks or stretching.
• Involve Children in Planning: Let children participate in planning holiday activities and setting academic goals.
• Celebrate Achievements: Recognize both big and small successes to motivate children without adding pressure.
• Be Mindful of Stress: Keep an eye on stress levels and adjust activities as needed.
• Stay Flexible: Be open to changing plans to reduce stress for the whole family.

4. Are there specific skills or subjects parents should focus on to prepare students for success when they return to school?

• Reading and Literacy Skills: Daily reading in various formats. Activities could include family reading time and discussing content.
• Math Skills: Reinforce basic concepts through games and budgeting for holiday expenses.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Engage in puzzles and strategic games.
• Communication Skills: Encourage storytelling, journal writing, and family discussions.
• Social Skills and Teamwork: Promote collaboration through group games and community service.
• Self-Management: Assign age-appropriate chores and encourage responsibility.
• Digital Literacy: Oversee projects that teach safe internet use and technology skills.
• Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence: Practice mindfulness exercises and discuss feelings to foster emotional regulation.

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to share how this academic partnering collaboration has helped you and your family, please let us know, we would love to know. Please contact Marlene Yepez-Porras, Program Coordinator, via email - click here.

Get Ready for Fam Jam! 🎉

📅 Date: November 2, 2024

📍 Location: Hector P. Garcia MS, 700 E 8th St, Dallas, TX 75203

Calling all families from Adamson, Molina, Pinkston, Sunset vertical teams! 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.
• 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 November 2 and join us at Hector P. Garcia Middle School for a day filled with opportunities and enjoyment.

We can't wait to see you there!

Dallas ISD families,

Join us every Tuesday starting in September through November for Dallas ISD's CCMR Parent Engagement Nights—Empower Your 5th-8th Grader's Future with Real-World Opportunities and College, Career, and Workforce Readiness Programs!

• P-TECH
• Early College High Schools
• Career Institutes

You will also hear more about how Dallas ISD provides real-world opportunities for students to develop workplace skills. Register today for more information on how to guide your child’s future success.

November DATES:

• November 12 @ David W. Carter HS
• November 19 @ Seagoville HS

Every event registration will begin at 5:30 PM and the program will begin at 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

At Dallas ISD's Biomedical Preparatory at UT Southwestern, students collaborate with doctors and use simulators designed for medical professionals. Recently, students practiced first aid by creating human skin and wounds to learn how to treat common playground injuries.

The school’s "Bio Fridays" feature hands-on sessions with medical experts, giving Dallas ISD students unique experiences with medical professionals.

Watch the full story on the FOX 4 website here.

To learn more about Biomedical Preparatory at UTSW and all of Dallas ISD's unique offerings, visit our ​website.

You’re invited to the largest school fair in Dallas! Join us Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Discover Dallas ISD at Fair Park. Come and explore ALL of our schools and programs, including our specialty and Legacy Schools. Onsite application support will be available for specialty schools and neighborhood school transfers. Visit DallasISD.org/Discover to join this rich LEGACY!

-

¡Está invitado a la feria escolar más grande de Dallas! Acompáñenos el sábado, 9 de noviembre, de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. a Descubre Dallas ISD en Fair Park. Venga y explore TODAS nuestras escuelas y programas incluyendo nuestras escuelas especializadas y escuelas de legado. Podrá recibir ayuda para la inscripción en escuelas especializadas o transferencias de escuelas de la comunidad. Visite DallasISD.org/Descubre para ser parte de este rico LEGADO.

i-Ready is an interactive online program designed to support your child's learning in math and reading. i-Ready helps teachers identify your child’s strengths and areas for growth through personalized lessons and assessments. Here's what you can expect:

• Customized Learning: i-Ready tailors lessons to match your child’s individual learning needs, keeping them challenged and engaged at the right level.
• Interactive and Fun: Lessons are designed to be engaging, with activities and games that make learning fun and keep your child motivated.
• Progress Tracking: You'll be able to see how your child is progressing with regular updates. Teachers use this data to adjust instruction and support in class.
• Boosting Confidence: By focusing on both skills your child excels in and those that need improvement, i-Ready helps build confidence and success in key academic areas.

To learn more about how you can support your child’s growth with i-Ready, visit the i-Ready Family Center website HERE.

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

We're 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 a quick Google form, click the button below to fill out the Google Form. All we ask for is your first and last name, email address, and the name of your child's campus!

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,

The Family & Community Engagement team