In this episode of Elevated Engagement, we shine a light on Dallas ISD's District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) and its vital role in strengthening family–school partnerships across our district. Join us as we explore how DPAC amplifies parent voices, shapes collaborative decision-making, and helps ensure every family feels informed, connected, and empowered.

Our conversation highlights the purpose behind DPAC’s work, the diverse perspectives parents bring to the table, and the innovative ways the council supports student success through advocacy, communication, and community engagement. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this episode offers valuable insight into how collective leadership drives meaningful change.

Tune in and discover how DPAC is elevating engagement—one parent, one school, and one conversation at a time.

.

.

En este episodio de Elevated Engagement, destacamos el Consejo Asesor de Padres del Distrito (DPAC) de Dallas ISD y su papel fundamental en el fortalecimiento de las alianzas entre familias y escuelas en todo nuestro distrito. Le invitamos a acompañarnos mientras exploramos cómo el DPAC amplifica las voces de los padres, guía la toma de decisiones de manera colaborativa y ayuda a garantizar que cada familia se mantenga informada, conectada y empoderada.

Nuestra conversación resalta el propósito del trabajo del DPAC, las diversas perspectivas que los padres aportan, y las maneras innovadoras en que el consejo apoya el éxito estudiantil mediante la abogacía, la comunicación y la participación comunitaria. Ya sea usted padre, educador o miembro de la comunidad, este episodio ofrece información valiosa sobre cómo el liderazgo colectivo impulsa un cambio significativo.

Sintonice y descubra cómo el DPAC está elevando la participación: un padre, una escuela y una conversación a la vez.

In this episode of Elevated Engagement, we sit down with a true pillar of Dallas ISD—Thomas Garner, Coordinator of the Partnership and Volunteer Engagement (PVE) Department. With 27 years of dedicated service, Thomas reflects on his journey through the district, the evolution of PVE, and the impact of community partnership and mentorship on student success.

He also opens up about his passion for serving others, the relationships he’s built along the way, and what life might look like after his upcoming retirement in December. From heartfelt stories to hard-earned wisdom, this conversation is a tribute to a career rooted in purpose.

Tune in for inspiration, insight, and a celebration of legacy and leadership.

We’re back for Season 2 of Elevated Engagement, and we’re starting strong! In this kickoff episode, Brianna sits down with two standout FCE Summer Interns from the Dallas ISD Internship Program—Alex Rodriguez (’26) and Jessica Contreras (’26).

They open up about the excitement and pressure of being rising seniors, what they’ve learned as interns, and the changes they’re bracing for as graduation draws near. But that’s not all—Alex and Jessica also share meaningful advice for parents on how to support their students during this pivotal year.

It’s a mix of honesty, humor, and heart from two voices who are living the senior-year experience right now. Tune in and get inspired for the journey ahead!

In our Season 1 finale, host Brianna Hogg takes you inside Career Week at Maria Moreno Elementary, where she sat down with an inspiring group of fifth graders. Hear their bright ideas, big dreams, and powerful messages for the next generation of students. This heartwarming episode is a celebration of curiosity, confidence, and the future creators of change.

In this throwback episode of Elevated Engagement, we sit down with Debi Rowley and Melinda Hillis from Dallas ISD's Food and Child Nutrition Services team to explore the powerful work happening behind the scenes to nourish students and elevate their educational experience. With a passion for wellness, equity, and innovation, Debi and Melinda share how their department is reimagining school meals—balancing nutrition, taste, and accessibility for every child in the district.

We dive into the strategies they're using to tackle food insecurity, create student-centered dining experiences, and build a culture of care through food. Whether you're in education, public service, or just curious about what it takes to run one of the largest school nutrition programs in the country, this conversation will leave you inspired by the heart and hustle behind every meal served.

Tune in and learn how Dallas ISD is fueling student success—one tray at a time. 🍎✨

Sintoniza un episodio cautivador de Elevated Engagement mientras exploramos el impactante Departamento GRAAD del Distrito Escolar Independiente de Dallas (Dallas ISD). ¡Este departamento está dedicado a apoyar y empoderar a todos los estudiantes de Dallas ISD, ofreciendo una amplia gama de oportunidades educativas!

¡No te pierdas Elevated Engagement mientras descubrimos cómo el Departamento GRAAD de Dallas ISD está influyendo positivamente en el futuro de nuestros estudiantes, padres y la comunidad!

Tune in to an engaging episode of Elevated Engagement as we explore the impactful Dallas ISD GRAAD Department! This department is dedicated to supporting and empowering all Dallas ISD students by offering a wide range of educational opportunities.

Don’t miss out on Elevated Engagement as we uncover how the Dallas ISD GRAAD Department is positively influencing the future of our students, parents, and community!

¡Únete a nosotros para un episodio revelador de Elevated Engagement mientras exploramos el emocionante mundo del Programa de Pasantías de Dallas ISD! Esta iniciativa ofrece a los estudiantes de penúltimo año de Dallas ISD la increíble oportunidad de ganar experiencia laboral en el mundo real en su campo de estudio elegido.

En este episodio, descubrirás:

¡Sintoniza Elevated Engagement y descubre cómo el Programa de Pasantías de Dallas ISD está moldeando el futuro de nuestros estudiantes y nuestra comunidad!

Join us for an insightful episode of Elevated Engagement as we delve into the exciting world of the Dallas ISD Internship Program! This initiative offers Dallas ISD high school juniors the incredible opportunity to gain real-world work experience in their chosen field of study.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Tune in to Elevated Engagement and discover how the Dallas ISD Internship Program is shaping the future of our students and our community!

Welcome back to Elevated Engagement, Dallas ISD Families! We are thrilled to be back and to continue sharing valuable resources with you all. In this episode, we have a special guest, Clairessa Cruz, the owner of Cruzversity Tutoring, LLC, a tutoring company that specializes in reading aids for students. Cruzversity Tutoring offers an abundance of resources for parents to assist their students at home and online. We hope you find this episode informative and helpful!

Initiate a conversation with Clairessa Cruz by emailing: [email protected], (text messaging is available after initial emails). 

-

This episode has important updates, event dates, and information from Dallas ISD Family and Community Engagement. You'll also find highlights from Dallas ISD Communications services, the Homeless Education Program, and Food and Child Nutrition Services, including Spring Break Meals for families in need.

-

Additional links and information:

More Choice Expo: Dallasisd.org/MoreChoice