Update: The road to IB

The future is now for Preston Hollow Elementary

In time for the 2014-15 school year, Preston Hollow Elementary launches its new International Baccalaureate curriculum, pending official funding approval by the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees this month.

Administrators applied for IB designation in April and entered the candidacy stage during which the school must demonstrate success with the program. It could take two to three years for Preston Hollow to receive accreditation and become an official IB school.

“We have to prove that we are already implementing what we’re learning,” says PTA member Rackel Patel, who is among the parents leading the effort.

IB is a trans-disciplinary, cross-cultural education model aimed at developing better critical-thinking skills and helping students draw connections among many subjects. For example, the elementarylevel curriculum includes 45 minutes of Spanish each day along with community service and collaborative projects. IB successfully has been implemented at J.L. Long Middle School and Woodrow Wilson High School in East Dallas.

The rigorous program would replace the entire current curriculum at Preston Hollow, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

“The idea is to work with each caliber of student and set goals for each of those kids,” Patel says.

Franklin Middle School and Hillcrest High School are next in line to pursue IB status in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

The wheels are beginning to turn for the newly formed Hillcrest High School Foundation, a non-profit organization established to help fund and sustain IB and other programs in the Hillcrest feeder pattern. Charter members include alumni, parents and community activists.

Naptime

Oliver the Chihuahua enjoys some relaxation, basking in the warm sun on Mother’s Day. His people, Jeff and Norma Glass of Preston Hollow, write that he’s “thinking that a siesta is the most worthwhile thing he could do

What gives?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for nonprofits

Go thrift store shopping

Take advantage of summer discounts at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store (3052 W. Northwest Highway) while contributing to the organization’s cause. All net proceeds benefit local outreach programs, including courses on parenting, financial empowerment and English as a Second Language for those in need. St. Vincent also provides thousands of dollars’ worth of vouchers for furniture, clothing and household items. For details, visit svdpthrift.org.

Buy a virtual cupcake

Contribute to the Jewish Community Center’s senior department through its 2014 No Bake Sale. No baking or guilty eating is required to fill the “virtual cookie jar.” Donations help fund kosher lunches five days a week, transportation for disabled members and special programming. For details, contact Maria Downey at 214.239.7183 or mdowney@jccdallas.org.

Eat tacos

Each month, Blue Mesa Grill features “tacos for a cause,” benefiting local charities. A few include Baal Dan, a Dallas-based organization that helps impoverished children in India; Operation Kindness, the no-kill animal shelter; and the Lena Pope Home, which provides preventative and rehabilitation services to families. Visit Blue Mesa Grill’s Preston Hollow location in Lincoln Park at 7700 W. Northwest Highway, and ask for this month’s taco for a cause.

KNOW OF WAYS that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.

ARE YOU A MOONLIGHTER?

Advocate is looking for neighbors whose alter egos take over on nights and weekends for more artistic pursuits. From comedy routines to poetry slams to live music, tell us where you channel your heart and soul beyond the 9-to-5. Please send your name, zip code and brief explanation to editor@advocatemag.com.