A message from Dallas ISD District 4 Trustee, Karla Garcia:
Our administration and our board recognizes that the lives of all Dallas residents underwent an abrupt change in the last couple of weeks. Despite the circumstances, Dallas ISD remains committed to providing the best quality education, and to keep our children safe above all else.
Above all, I want to thank our resilient teachers, students and parents, and all of our staff in the various Dallas ISD departments for going above and beyond to ensure that our students continue learning, all while adapting to the vital safety measures.
Technology for our students
Beginning March 26th, every student from W.W. Samuell High School who lacked home internet access was able to receive a hotspot that provides mobile internet access anywhere.
Additionally, the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved up to $2.5 million to purchase more than 10,000 hotspots to ensure secondary students have Wi-Fi access while learning from home. The district expects to start distributing the hotspots within several weeks. Secondary students still needing a hotspot should contact their principal. Food distribution sites have hotspot and laptop pickups along with IT support for students and families.
Providing food security during this transition
Dallas ISD remains committed to following the recommendations from the county and public health agencies. In order to protect the health and safety of our families and staff, our meal distribution sites will now be distributing meals on Thursdays only.
Students will be able to pick up about a week’s worth of breakfasts, lunches and dinners at most of our secondary campuses every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please visit www.dallasisd.org/grabandgomeals to identify the sites and the meals included in your bags for each day as well as to get preparation directions.
Other helpful links
The Technology Department added personnel to their IT Service Desk in order to support the needs of all employees, teachers, students and parents alike. Anyone with questions can contact the IT Service Desk from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday by phone (972-925-5630), email (itservicedesk@dallasisd.org) or through their website at www.dallasisd.org/informationtechnology.
Dallas ISD is committed to providing ongoing academic, social and emotional support to students during the time schools are closed. Parents, guardians and staff who want to request the services of a school counselor in English should complete the request for counseling services form at https://forms.gle/5m3gS85ErHjzUPbh7 . A member of the identified school counseling team will respond to the request for assistance.
Lastly, parents and students who need assistance with at-home learning can visit tiny.cc/studentathomelearning.
Pre-K registration for the 2020-2021 school year is now open!
Dallas ISD offers free and tuition-based pre-k programs throughout the district. More information on the enrollment process and requirements can be found at www.prekdallas.org.
Marching band paves the road to college for several Samuell students
Congratulations to the W. W. Samuell High School Spartan Marching Band! Three seniors have earned scholarships to go to college. In addition, approximately 10 juniors from the Spartan Marching Band are prospects to receive scholarships for their musical talent. The juniors are expected to audition for college recruiters during their senior year.
