December 23, 2024 

Dear Dallas School District Community,

Our Holiday Break is underway – December 24 – January 1 with school reopening on January 2, 2025.  As a result, nearly half of our school year is complete and we have accomplished much during the first semester.  

Aligned with are identified goals, we’ve expanded the role of behavioral health partners, increased school-wide positive support at the secondary level, emphasized the LRE and updated processes for student placements, increased during the day interventions, supported 12 first year teachers with an revised EIP, improved our technology infrastructure, expanded a new science program pilot at the MS, researched Structure Literacy, increased community partnerships, initiated a District Facebook Page and transitioned to a new middle school principal.

These, and many additional accomplishments, including small wins within each classroom, have made the first semester a success.  Our excellent faculty and administration and the overwhelming support of parents and families are appreciated and valued. 

Reaching the afternoon of December 23 also means it’s time to take a break.  The Holiday Season is a time for reflection, celebration, and giving thanks. It is a wonderful opportunity to pause and appreciate the accomplishments of the year thus far. More importantly, it’s time to enjoy family, friends, and holiday traditions and to vary your routine and take the time to relax, recharge, and enjoy special moments with your loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating among the masses, or taking a quiet break, our hope is that the season is filled with peace, joy, and happiness.

When we return in 2025, we will initiate before and after school programing for students, finalize plans for course offerings at the middle and high school for next year, deploy phase I new teacher station classroom computers, continue and finalize our exploration and recommendation related to science and ELA, explore new safety related technology and continue the Comprehensive Planning Process, all while delivering world-class instruction to students in classrooms daily.

In the meantime, please accept our very best wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Duffy, Ed.D                                                                                                 

Superintendent of Schools 

Pictured below are Wycallis students participating in a sing-along