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As the nation's eleventh largest school district, Dallas Independent School District serves more than 160,000 students who come from homes where 58 different languages are spoken.  Operating with a $1 billion dollar budget, DISDemploys 18,613 employees including 10,000 teachers in 220 schools.

Dallas Black Chamber Of Commerce Sponsors Yvonne A. Ewell Power Day

17 Aug 2000

Activities Focus on Preventing DISD Students from Dropping Out of School

In partnership with the Dallas Independent School District, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce will host the Yvonne A. Ewell Power Day for students who are at risk of dropping out of school. The all-day event, scheduled for Aug. 26 at Paul Quinn College, is designed to provide students with resources and mentors who will encourage and support their academic success.

The 60 participating students will be selected from four middle schools: D. A. Hulcy, T. W. Browne, Thomas A. Edison and Pearl C. Anderson Learning Center. Selected by principals, the students will spend the day participating in workshops and seminars.

Two seminars titled “Life in High School” and “Why Should I Go To College” are scheduled in the day's activities to promote the advantages of getting the most out of educational experiences. Other topics of the workshops include self-esteem, time management and team building, said Karen Smith, Director of Education for the chamber.

“Providing workshops and on-going mentors for the students is a small contribution by the chamber that has a potential of maximum results and success,” she said. “The chamber feels that each segment of society from businesses to churches has a role in creating our future workforce.”

The students, 15 from each school, will be provided breakfast, lunch and a tour of Paul Quinn College. Information from DISD Dropout Prevention and Student Services will be available to all participating students.

During the day, students will be paired with an adult to discuss and assess the individual needs of each student. Members of churches will serve as mentors. Approximately 35 churches have volunteered their services to help and encourage the students throughout the year.

The Black Chamber of Commerce will provide transportation to and from the Saturday workshops.

The event is named in honor of Yvonne A. Ewell who for more than five decades was involved in education as a teacher and school administrator. She spent the last 11 years of her life serving the voters of District 5 as a member of the Dallas Board of Education. Ewell died April 27, 1998, at the age of 71.

For more information about Yvonne A. Ewell Power Day, contact the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce at (214) 421-5200.