24 Mar 2004
Broadcast and Print Entries Recognized Among Best in the State
DALLAS—The Dallas Independent School District's Communication Services department received multiple awards from the Texas School Public Relations Association for excellence in school communications during 2003. The awards were announced at the Texas School Public Relations Association Star Awards Banquet held last month during the organization's annual conference in Austin.
Each year TSPRA, with more than 500 members, recognizes school communicators for outstanding work in print and electronic media. Almost 700 entries were received this year.
"The quality of an organization is reflected in its programs and services and how they align to empower the community it serves," said Superintendent Mike Moses. "In the DISD our goal is educate and these outstanding programs and publications—and the people behind them—are to be commended for working so hard to provide quality and reliable information to the public."
Entries selected as best in the state are honored with Silver Star, Gold Star and Best of Category Awards. Also, Crystal Commendations are presented for outstanding entries that featured special programs and events, and a Platinum Award was given for the best comprehensive communication program.
The Dallas Independent School District received 22 Gold Star Awards and 6 Silver Star Awards, including two Best of Category Awards. DISD's weekly employee newsletter, Communicator, was honored as the best Internal Newsletter among districts with more than 10,000 students. "All About Your Child's Schools/Todo Sobre las Escuelas de sus Hijos," produced by Dallas Schools Television, was named the Best Instructional video. "All About Your Child's Schools" aired locally on KERA-2 and Univision-KUVN-Channel 23.
DISD also received Gold Star Awards for its Web site, annual report, Spanish newsletters (El Boletín and DISD Parent/Padres Del DISD) and for the Emmy Award-winning TV show School Zone Dallas.
TSPRA, based in Austin, is a professional organization whose members are dedicated to improving public education in Texas by promoting effective public relations practices, providing professional development for its members, and improving communication between Texans and their public schools.
"We are honored that the work of our staff has been so well recognized again this year for outstanding broadcast and print productions," said Donald Claxton, division manager, Communication Services. "Our mission is to always provide good communications to the public and district staff. To receive awards for our work means a lot to our staff."