28 Jul 2003
Spanish TV Show, Parent Newsletter, Web Site and Intake Center to Help Parents Find Needed Services for Students
DALLAS–The Dallas Independent School District offers an array of information services aimed at helping Spanish-speaking parents and community members find answers to questions about DISD programs, policies and services.
A Spanish web site, located at www.dallasisd.org/spanish, features information about the schools and photos of current district events. Parents will find answers about enrollment procedures, district policies on school attendance, important telephone numbers, student transfer opportunities, PTA, school meal service and student transportation. A publications' page located under the News link features photos and links to the district's various publications. Other offerings include links to a profile of the superintendent, information on trustees, a link to the budget, a section on facts and statistics, and student and staff calendars.
Members of the community may subscribe to the district's monthly e-mail newsletter, @ DISD, by going to www.dallasisd.org/forms/newsletter_subscribe.htm. The e-mail newsletter is available in English and Spanish and features news of events, awards and programs and the dates and times of district-sponsored activities.
This month, just in time for back to school, parents can tune in to KUVN-TV Channel 23 to view the district's Spanish television show, Todo Sobre las Escuelas de Sus Hijos. The 30-minute show, scheduled to air at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, August 9, and 9 a.m., Saturday, August 16, is designed to provide answers to many questions parents may have about DISD schools. Topics will include information on how parents can get involved as school volunteers, the importance of early childhood education, the role of the school counselor and information parents should consider in helping their secondary student develop an academic plan.
Both an English and Spanish version of the show will air on KERA-TV Channel 2 on Sunday, August 10. The English version will air at 6 p.m. followed by the Spanish version at 6:30 p.m.
The Spanish show is hosted by DISD's Raul Treviño and Rebecca Garcia. One segment will focus on this year's Skyline High School valedictorian, Rosalba Estrada, who will attend SMU on scholarship this fall. The story will focus on her record of academic accomplishment, achieved in spite of her beginning school speaking only Spanish.
The show's producer Jon Dahlander said he hopes Ms. Estrada's story will inspire parents to get involved early in their child's education. "I think it shows what every child can do if he or she has the strong support of a family committed to educational success," Dahlander said. He also said the district is appreciative of Channel 23's offer to run the show the two weekends prior to the opening of school when the information is most needed.
Also designed to motivate parents to get involved in their children's education is the DISD publication, Padres del DISD , a parent newsletter published twice a year. "Padres" provides tips for parents on helping their children succeed in school, information on testing, sources of college scholarships, and other information. The next issue will be mailed to parents in August.
Beginning this school year, immigrant students who speak languages other than English, are required to enroll in DISD schools through the district's student intake center where parents can access information and assistance related to immunizations, enrollment, and testing for English proficiency. The program's goal is to make the enrollment process a little easier for immigrant parents and their children. The center is located in the building behind James Bonham Elementary at 2617 North Henderson Street. Parents can walk in to access services weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or call (972) 749-5760.