Lake Dallas ISD Named TAEA District Of Distinction

LAKE DALLAS ISD NAMED TAEA DISTRICT OF DISTINCTION For Visual Arts For A Second Straight Year

by Contributing Writer | photo courtesy by LDISD Social Media Page

The Texas Art Education Association has named Lake Dallas ISD a District of Distinction for its visual arts programs and initiatives, making the district one of just 43 in the state to earn the prestigious honor. “This was all possible because of our ability to work collectively across the district for comprehensive visual arts The Lake Dallas High education, from dedicated visual More than 1,000 school districts were teachers Jeanette Murray and arts teachers to school and district eligible to apply for the recognition, with Lacy Almeida. administrators who value our Lake Dallas ISD earning the honor by meeting or exceeding a rigorous 12-point rubric. The rubric examines a district’s visual art program from participation in TAEA in areas such as community engagement in the visual arts, community service, collaboration with other content areas, and more. This marks the second consecutive year “Art is such an important part of life, and visual arts is an area where every student can have something to offer from their own unique perspectives and visions,” Mrs. Murray said. “When students leave school, art will permeate their world, and I’m proud our programs,” Mrs. Almeida said. “Many of the recipients of this honor are larger districts with extensive visual arts staff, so we are extremely proud to show up as a smaller district.” This year’s requirements “ART IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF LIFE, AND VISUAL ARTS IS AN AREA WHERE EVERY STUDENT CAN HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER FROM THEIR OWN Lake Dallas ISD has earned the TAEA’s schools give students an UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES were adjusted to fit District of Distinction honor, led by the opportunity to explore that. AND VISIONS...” the rapid shift to online work of Lake Dallas High School visual art I hope what they’ve learned here instruction and participation will lead to an appreciation of visual arts in light of COVID-19 concerns, throughout their lives.” including district responses to the educational challenges. School duo worked In addition to Mrs. Almeida and closely with the district’s Mrs. Murray, who led the application middle school and process, Lake Dallas ISD’s visual art elementary visual art teachers include Lake Dallas Middle teachers to submit School’s Janay Davis and Deanna Smith, this year’s rubric, Corinth Elementary School’s Shirley showcasing the Frase, Lake Dallas Elementary School’s educators’ best practices Jennifer Manis, and Shady Shores and unique lessons. Elementary School’s Shannon Henson.