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Spotlight on Dallas ISD Students
Dallas Students Create Change
Some Dallas ISD students are giving in a big way. They collected $60,000 in pennies! The district calls this effort the Common Cents campaign. Through the Common Cents program, students in kindergarten through 12th grade at 57 Dallas ISD schools collected coins from their friends and neighbors to help meet the needs of their surrounding communities. All the money collected will go to charities across North Texas.
Students from W. W. Samuell High School decided to give the money they collected to the United Way's Destination: Graduation program, a joint endeavor to improve high school graduation rates. Focusing on college preparation, mentoring and parental involvement, Destination: Graduation has been very successful.
Clyde Pikes, one of many students who benefited from the program at Samuell High School during the 2005-2006 school year, presented the United Way with a check for $1,336. Clyde increased his practice SAT score by 300 points by participating in the program's college preparation course at the Princeton Review. Sporting his class ring, Clyde is now a senior and is making plans to attend Stephen F. Austin University.
Common Cents has been a great learning experience. The 57 Common Cents Schools learned to work together, rather than competing against each other. They worked hard to collect coins to help meet the needs of the communities around their schools. We are proud of these students, who have learned the power of change at such a young age.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Hinojosa, applauded students for their efforts and their commitment to helping others. Hats off to these Dallas ISD students for raising one penny at a time to make a difference in our community!
