I have focused on student achievement since my election to the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees in June 2001. To recognize the academic achievements of students in District 5, I hosted Academic Pep Rallies at the end of each six weeks grading period.
The purpose of the pep rallies, supported by community and business sponsors, was to inspire, encourage and support District 5 students to make good grades. It is a simple plan and has proven to be successful. It was excellent!
The last District 5 Academic Pep Rally was held Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Ellis Davis Field House from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
It was really exciting to see more than 500 pre-K through 12th graders cheering together about good grades and academic excellence. We had kids telling kids it’s cool to make good grades. Principals told of the great academic successes at their schools.
Students who have made “A’s” in core subjects: Math, Science, English/Language Arts and History/Social Studies won prizes like tickets to Texas Rangers games, Hurricane Harbor, Medieval Times Dinner & TournamentMedieval Times Dinner & Tournament, iPods and gift cards valued from $20 to $100. It was exciting!
After a drum line play-off, Clara Oliver Elementary School, Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School, and Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center bands received $100 each for their performances.
I want to thank our speakers who motivated and encouraged students to do well in class; Dallas County Juvenile Judge Cheryl Shannon, Dallas Mayor’s Youth Council Earnest Mason, former KTVT 11 anchor Cliff Caldwell, and WFAA Channel anchor Shon Gables.
We celebrated academic excellence! We accentuated students being SMART: Students Making Academics Real Today! We experienced the excitement!
