Dallas ISD Schools To Host Events In Observance Of Cinco De Mayo

23 Apr 2010

Schools will host folklorico programs, festivals, and other activities

DALLAS–Traditional folklorico dances, festivals, and programs featuring guest speakers and local artists are a few events that Dallas Independent School District schools will host in observance of Cinco de Mayo.

The events and activities are open for students, parents, staff, and community members.

Cinco de Mayo marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Although the Mexican Army was eventually defeated, the "Batalla de Puebla" came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism.

Below are some of the Cinco de Mayo events scheduled at Dallas ISD schools:

• Urban Park Elementary School's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), will host a Cinco de Mayo carnival, at 3:30 p.m., on Friday, April 30. On the same day, the school also will host assemblies with ballet folklorico performances at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Urban Park Elementary is located at 6901 Military Parkway.
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• Texas House Representative Roberto Alonzo will address students at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School, 525 Bonnie View Rd., during the school's Cinco de Mayo program, at 2:30 p.m., on Wednesday, May 5. The program will include student performances, featuring traditional folklorico dances.
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• The Cinco de Mayo program at Harry Stone Montessori Academy, 4747 Veterans Dr., will include student performances from the Strings, Choir, Piano, and Theater Arts departments. There are two programs scheduled, for Wednesday, May 5 at 9 a.m. at 1:30 p.m.
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• Several Dallas ISD schools will participate in the House of Blues' Cinco de Mayo Celebration, on Wednesday, May 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The proceeds will benefit International House of Blues Foundation Acton for the Arts Initiative to support Dallas ISD's Mariachi programs. Dallas ISD performing groups which will participate include the Mariachi Juvenil and Mo-Set AllStarz of Moisés E. Molina High School, W. T. White High School Mariachi Band, and Mariachi Los Unicos from W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy. The House of Blues is located at 2200 North Lamar St.
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• A mariachi dance and concert will be hosted by Moisés E. Molina High School students and staff at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 6. Students from L. V. Stockard Middle School also will be performing. Special guests will include representatives from the Mexican Consulate. The school is located at 2355 Duncanville Rd.
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• Dan D. Rogers Elementary School, 5314 Abrams Rd., will have a Cinco de Mayo field day on Friday, May 7. The activities will include student performances, games and food.
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• Arturo Salazar Elementary School will host a Cinco de Mayo coronation at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 6, to crown the royal court for 2009–2010. On Friday, May 7, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the school will have a festival which will include food, games, and entertainment. The school is located at 1120 S. Ravinia Dr.
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• Harrell Budd Elementary School students will perform Hispanic songs and dances during the school's Cinco de Mayo programs scheduled at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., on Friday, May 7. The school is located at 2121 S. Marsalis Ave.

"The Dallas Independent School District and the students it serves have made substantial strides over the last several years. Its academic gains have been some of the most impressive in the country, and the district is now viewed as one of the nation's fastest improving urban school systems."