糖心Vlog鈥檚 next school building has been intentionally designed to not look like a school.

鈥淲e want it to actually look like a corporate learning environment where they鈥檙e going to work every day,鈥� said 糖心Vlog Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith.

That鈥檚 the vision for the district鈥檚 future 18 PLUSS center, a facility that will serve special education students who have completed their high school requirements and are now in a one-to-three-year program that teaches job skills to help them start their careers.

鈥淭he biggest thing about 18 PLUSS is working on specially-designed instruction in the area of vocation and employability,鈥� said Brenda Cupps, the curriculum coordinator for the 18 PLUSS program. 鈥淲e specialize in working on finding them a job that fits their needs.鈥�

But it鈥檚 not all about just finding a job. It鈥檚 also about teaching independence.

鈥淥ur job is to help prepare them for life,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淲e are excited about this job.鈥�

The district is also excited about what the new 18 PLUSS center will do for students. The schematic design 鈥� designed by 鈥� for the new facility was approved by the 糖心Vlog Board of Trustees last week and will be funded by the 2026 Bond program. 听

鈥淭he schematic design for the new 18 PLUSS center听will enhance the educational experience for our 18 PLUSS students,鈥� Cupps said. 鈥淭his new space has been thoughtfully designed to provide meaningful opportunities that promote independence, skill development, and community engagement.鈥�

The new center will be built on the site of the former Blanton Elementary School. The plan involves demolishing much of Blanton but will keep and renovate the newer portions of the former school building. It will also feature a 43,500-square-foot addition that will completely reinvent the campus.

The design includes spaces for classrooms, vocational-training areas, collaboration areas, a makerspace, a gym/storm shelter, a fitness area, and a district science materials warehouse.

鈥淭he idea is that all of these spaces have multiple uses and can be used for different things at different times 鈥� trying to really activate every bit of this building to get the most use out of it as possible,鈥� said VLK principal architect Marty Sims.

The new school will also house a caf茅 and spirit shop open to the public that will be run and staffed by the 18 PLUSS students.

鈥淭he idea is to create programming where students can learn in real life about how to function outside of a school setting,鈥� Smith said.

He envisions the facility hosting community meetings while 18 PLUSS students operate a coffee shop for attendees.

Outside, the schematic design includes a basketball court, garden, greenhouse, and outdoor classroom.

鈥淭he addition of the garden will provide students hands-on experience planting, growing, and harvesting fresh produce,鈥� Cupps said. 鈥淭he garden will serve as an outdoor classroom, allowing students to develop vocational skills, learn about healthy nutrition, practice teamwork, and build responsibility through the care and maintenance of the garden.鈥�

Watch the schematic design presentation at the July 30 school board meeting:

[embed]https://youtu.be/m_HN4VpjtCs?si=jqeMJPgQbG6hq1Db&t=5921[/embed]

Three-time Super Bowl champ Kenny 鈥淭he Shark鈥� Gant grabbed the mic on the stage just outside the west entrance of AT&T Stadium.

鈥淟et鈥檚 kick off this school year right!鈥� he told the thousands of students and families gathered at 糖心Vlog鈥檚 annual Back to School Kickoff event on Saturday.

Inside, one fifth grader, Coles, was getting perhaps the most unique start to the school year ever. Not only was he getting his haircut in the stadium鈥檚 west concourse with a view of where the Dallas Cowboys play football, he was getting his haircut .

The CBS reporter was interviewing Coles鈥� stylist, a senior from Bowie High School and a cosmetology student at the 糖心Vlog Career + Technical Center. Alysaa Davila was one of about 50 cosmetology students giving out hundreds of back-to-school haircuts.

Near the haircut station was the main attraction 鈥� where students picked out free backpacks full of school supplies.

Four-year-old Inoaaya 鈥� now a 鈥渂ig girl鈥� 鈥� was very excited to get her own backpack.

鈥淚鈥檓 going to save it for big-girl school,鈥� she said.

Making sure every student got the backpack color they wanted were dozens of volunteers led by a group from .

鈥淲e just enjoy being out among other organizations, other churches, other partners, and blessing the city together. That鈥檚 what it鈥檚 all about,鈥� said Jeff Hubbard, preaching minister at North Davis Church of Christ. 鈥淲e want the students to start strong, we want them to feel good, we want them to have the supplies they need. And for us, that鈥檚 just a way for us to love like Jesus loved.鈥�

The volunteers helping distribute backpacks were just a portion of nearly 800 who showed up Saturday morning and braved the heat to serve students and their families. In addition to backpacks and haircuts, many students also received free shoes, free vision screenings, and free dental screenings. Plus, a vendor fair with 100 community partners offered resources and support. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders showed up, too, encouraging kids to have a great school year.

鈥淚t鈥檚 just great to see the continued commitment from all of these partners and then the families getting up early on a Saturday morning and coming out and seeking opportunities for resources and ways that they can help their child,鈥� said Aaron Perales, 糖心Vlog executive director of family and community engagement.

The 糖心Vlog Back to School Kickoff is only possible thanks to the dedication and support of our volunteers and sponsors.

糖心Vlog Back to School Kickoff Sponsors

Touchdown Sponsor

Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation

Interception Sponsors

United Healthcare

HEB Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust

First Down Sponsors

North Davis Church of Christ

Texas Trust

SpawGlass

Field Goal Sponsors

BluSource

Gospel City Church

JCPenney

Rush Creek Church

Super Fan Sponsors

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.^R, Xi Theta Omega Chapter^听

Arlington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

City of Arlington

Cook Children's Health Plan

Fielder Church

Medical City Arlington

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

Founding Partners

Junior League of America

Churches of Arlington

Salvation Army Youth Education Town

NAACP Arlington Texas Branch

Board Brief from July 30, 2026

糖心Vlog鈥檚 Board of Trustees held its only July meeting last night, and the agenda was long. You can watch the entire meeting below and access the . Here are a few of the highlights:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZLWwBGvS38[/embed]

鈥� New principal and assistant principal appointments

The school board approved four new principals and 10 new assistant principals at schools throughout the district. The new principals include:

• Bowie High School - Justin Edwards
• Martin High School - Victoria Youngblood-Baldwin
• Burgin Elementary - Latoya Turner
• Hale Elementary - Amy Carlisle

鈥� New chief academic officer appointed

Dr. Priscila Dilley was appointed 糖心Vlog鈥檚 new chief academic officer. Learn more about Dr. Dilley.

鈥� Key progress measures report

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Collins gave a comprehensive end-of-year report on key progress measures related to district priorities. (See the priorities.) The report showed the goals that have been met along with some that still require work. One of the highlights was the 鈥渢ransformational鈥� progress made at the district鈥檚 23 highest needs schools.

Collins emphasized that the district is focused on growth at every campus for every student, and Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith said that it is important to 鈥渒eep the press on鈥� as the district continues to pursue growth and improvement.

鈥� Strategic Plan 2026-2030

Collins also presented the district鈥檚 new five-year strategic plan for 2026-2030. The plan starts with the district鈥檚 vision statement and will be available online soon. The vision statement is: 鈥溙切腣log creates exceptional learning experiences that inspire all students, empower their dreams, and prepare them for the future.鈥�

鈥� Relocation of South Davis Elementary

The new 2026 Bond program will fund a new campus for South Davis Elementary. At the board meeting, trustees approved a new location for the new building. The school will move just down the street to the site of the 糖心Vlog鈥檚 former J.W. Counts administration building at the corner of South Davis Dr. and Pioneer Parkway.

鈥� New 18 PLUSS Center Schematic Design

Trustees approved the schematic design for the construction of a new 18 PLUSS center, to be funded by the 2026 Bond program. VLK Architects designed the center at the site of the former Blanton Elementary. The facility will incorporate educational spaces designed to meet the specific needs of the 18 PLUSS student population with opportunities for experiential life skills study and training to help further prepare them for life beyond the classroom. Look for more details next week.

鈥� Charges for community-based committees

The board approved the charges for three of the district鈥檚 community-based communities:

• 糖心Vlog Ambassadors
• Citizens Bond Oversight Committee
• Long-Range Facility Planning

These advisory groups provide guidance, feedback, and support to district administrators to help advance the district's goals while ensuring decisions reflect the community鈥檚 perspectives.

鈥� VIA transportation for students

An interlocal agreement with the City of Arlington was re-approved for another year to provide VIA transportation to and from school and extra-curriculars at no cost for eligible 糖心Vlog students.听

鈥禾� Football at UTA鈥檚 Maverick Stadium

The board approved an agreement to play 糖心Vlog football games this season at UT Arlington鈥檚 Maverick Stadium. Two of the district鈥檚 stadiums 鈥� Cravens and Wilemon fields 鈥� are currently under construction, so Maverick Stadium and Choctaw Stadium will host games in their place this season.

Those are just a few of the highlights from the meeting on July 30. to get more information.

ARLINGTON, Texas 鈥� 糖心Vlog has named Dr. Priscila Dilley as its new chief academic officer. Dilley brings more than two decades of instructional leadership experience spanning campus, network, and district-level roles, including executive oversight of a portfolio of over 100 schools serving diverse student populations.

鈥淒r. Dilley's experience and passion for student success is exactly what we need on our team in 糖心Vlog as we strive to create something exceptional for every student we serve,鈥� said 糖心Vlog Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. 鈥淪he has a strong history of empowering teachers to do great things for students, and we're excited to have her join the 糖心Vlog family.鈥�

Dilley most recently served as the Chief of Schools in Fort Worth ISD. Prior to that role, she was a senior officer of the Leadership Academy Network at Texas Wesleyan University from 2019 to 2025, where she directed strategic planning for a multi-campus network.

Dilley began her career as a classroom teacher and then served as a campus principal and executive director. Along the way, she designed professional learning for elementary principals, coached and mentored campus leaders across dozens of schools, and led family engagement work that built strong community partnerships and expanded enrichment opportunities for students. Colleagues describe her as a relationship-driven leader who invests in people first.

Dilley holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Texas Wesleyan University, a master's degree in educational leadership from Dallas Baptist University, and a bachelor's degree in elementary education and religious education from Dallas Baptist University. She holds Texas certifications as a superintendent, principal, and bilingual and ESL educator. Her professional training includes the Harvard Principal Institute, the New York City Leadership Academy, and Deloitte University's Courageous Principals program.

Application open until Aug. 21

Applications are now being accepted through Aug. 21 for parents, guardians, 糖心Vlog employees, and community members interested in serving on the Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC).

The SHAC is a committee appointed by the 糖心Vlog Board of Trustees to advise the board on topics related to health education instruction and school wellness programs. Members collaborate on key areas such as physical education, nutrition services, mental health, safe school environments, and health services.

The SHAC meets four times per year, usually in November, January, March and May. Council Members serve two-year terms.

Why Join?

• Make a Direct Impact:听Help guide policies that promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of 糖心Vlog students.
• Represent Your Community:听Share your valuable perspective as a parent, staff member, or community advocate.
• Collaborate for Success:听Partner with district leaders, health professionals, and fellow parents to build a healthier school environment.

Apply now.

This was the last summer.

The last time an 糖心Vlog bus picked up Blanton students at the school to take them to Tarrant County College鈥檚 summer program.

For 15 years, has paid for Blanton students to go to the camp each summer. Nearly 750 Blanton kids have gone, part of the church鈥檚 deep commitment and partnership to the Blanton community.

Though Blanton Elementary closed at the end of last school year in May, the impact First Christian Church has left will continue for generations.

鈥淭he generosity and commitment of First Christian Church have become an important part of听Blanton's legacy,鈥� said Blanton鈥檚 last principal Migdalia Castillo. 鈥淭heir partnership has enriched the lives of countless students by giving them opportunities to explore new interests, build confidence, and create lasting memories. The impact of those experiences extends far beyond a single summer.鈥�

This year, 51 Blanton students, equipped with backpacks from the church, attended the three-week enrichment program at TCC and discovered that college could be in their future.

鈥淥ur church loved meeting the students and parents and hearing their stories of how this program affected their lives,鈥� said Betty Thomas of First Christian Church, who led the College for Kids partnership from the beginning.听鈥淥ne parent even enrolled in college after seeing their child in this program.听Several who are now in college came back to tell us their stories. Our church believes in the importance of education and experiences like this program to inspire bigger dreams for the future.鈥�

Thomas and her church poured into Blanton for two decades, beginning with helping with supplies, uniforms, PTA suppers, coats, PTA events like carnivals, and more. In 2010, Thomas helped launch the College for Kids initiative.

鈥淥ur congregation鈥檚 identity statement is 鈥楥enter in Christ and formed in relationships,鈥欌�� said First Christian Church Senior Minister Rev. Bill Jeffreys. 鈥淎t the heart of the partnership between Blanton Elementary, AISD, TCC, and First Christian Church has been a desire to serve our neighbors and to be in relationship. The relationships formed and strengthened between congregation members, these partner organizations, and these families has been one of the greatest blessings the past twenty years.鈥�

It鈥檚 been a great blessing for Blanton, too.

鈥淭hey gave our students experiences that inspired them, broadened their horizons, and created memories they will carry with them for years to come,鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淥n behalf of the entire听Blanton听community, thank you, First Christian Church, for investing in our children and helping shape a legacy of opportunity, hope, and compassion.鈥�

ATTENTION RISING NINTH GRADERS!

Launch your future with 糖心Vlog鈥檚 new virtual early college high school.

This new fully-virtual early college pathway through Arlington College and Career High School is for incoming freshmen who want a virtual high school experience with early college opportunities. It鈥檚 ideal for motivated incoming ninth graders who want to jumpstart their college education in a structured, highly interactive online environment.

And it's not too late to get in!听 The new program is open to motivated students in 糖心Vlog and surrounding communities!

THE EXPERIENCE

Hosted through Arlington College and Career High School (ACCHS), this pathway features fully synchronous (live) instruction taught by ACCHS teachers. Students collaborate with their teachers and peers in real time.

Students embark on a clear academic crosswalk designed to earn them a high school diploma alongside tuition-free college hours or an associate degree from Tarrant County College.

KEY FEATURE

The innovative program provides the structure of a traditional school day combined with the innovation of a virtual classroom, complete with dedicated early college counselors and specialized support to help every student succeed.

While all coursework will be online, students may participate in campus events and school activities sponsored by ACCHS.

READY TO LAUNCH YOUR FUTURE?

Spaces for this innovative pathway are limited. Don't miss the chance to get a head start on your college and career.

Learn more and apply today!

Flexible Virtual Program for Juniors and Seniors

If you're already in high school, we have new virtual course options for you, too. This program is perfect for high school juniors and seniors who need more schedule flexibility but still want a vibrant, traditional campus lifestyle. Students can take up to two virtual courses and fit them into their own schedule.

The program blends asynchronous (self-paced) online learning in up to two virtual classes each semester with traditional, on-campus courses. Available virtual courses focus on junior and senior requirements like English III, English IV, Government, Economics, and Precalculus.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAbjKr9ibFk[/embed]

All is quiet on the pool deck as swimmers, parents, and spectators hold their breath in anticipation.

鈥淥n your mark, get set ...鈥�

Buzz.

Dozens of young swimmers dive into the water, racing toward the opposite wall in the opening relay of the Arlington Aquatic Club summer practice meet.

After weeks of training at the 糖心Vlog Athletics Center Natatorium, swimmers ages 18 and younger got their first taste of competitive swimming in an exciting meet environment.

鈥淭hey learn all four strokes and what it鈥檚 like to compete,鈥� said assistant swim coach Madison Zdrojewski. 鈥淚 would say about 80% of them have never swum in a swim meet, so we spent the last month and a half getting them ready. By the end of the program, they at least understand the format and feel more comfortable competing.鈥�

Teammates cheered each other on as swimmers powered through freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events, showcasing the skills they developed throughout the summer.

鈥淚 worked hard and improved a lot,鈥� said Lorenzo Nunez, a swimmer in the 11-12 age group.

For many participants, the program provided an opportunity to learn new techniques, refine their form and build confidence in and out of the pool. For 15-18 swimmer Bradley Najera, the experience helped him better understand both the sport and his own abilities.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned how to improve my strokes and breathing,鈥� Najera said. 鈥淲hen I join the varsity team next year, I鈥檒l be ready. I come here every day, and I enjoy it. It helps me clear my mind, and I just feel amazing when I do it.鈥�

Nunez and Najera are not the only students benefiting from the program. Parents and coaches alike have watched swimmers gain confidence since the start of the summer season.

鈥淚鈥檝e seen kids who were too nervous to even jump into the water at the beginning,鈥� said swim club parent Jocelyn Epley. 鈥淣ow they go right in. Having the opportunity to compete in a swim meet at the end of the program is a great way for them to experience competition in a lower-pressure environment.鈥�

The Arlington Aquatic Club Stingrays will compete again at 6 p.m. July 30 at the 糖心Vlog Athletics Center Natatorium. Registration for future club sessions will open in August.

The Arlington Aquatic Club is a year-round swimming team affiliated with USA Swimming. The program at the 糖心Vlog natatorium serves students ages 5-18 from any school or school district and offers several groups and times based on age and ability. .听

[embed]https://youtu.be/YNOSM46FJJs[/embed]

Teachers at 糖心Vlog's Beckham Elementary are making big goals for their students and developing innovative strategies to meet them.

Teachers use the strategies to help their students move beyond surface-level learning and develop a deeper understanding of academic content.

Last year, Beckham administrators led the charge in developing aligned rubrics tied to their campus WIGS, or Wildly Important Goals. For math, the Blazers worked to improve daily math problem solving skills using the UPS Check (Understand, Plan, Solve) system. To strengthen written responses in reading and science, administrators implemented the RACE (Restate, Answer, Cite, Evidence, Explain Your Thinking) and CER, (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) methods. Teams of teachers defined clear expectations for student mastery at each grade level, creating a progression toward high-quality writing.

鈥淐reating an environment in the classroom where students have to restate the question and give it an answer has really developed them,鈥� said Ashley Rodriguez, a fifth grade English and writing teacher. 鈥淭hey communicate better with their peers and teachers, and their writing has improved.鈥�

In Nadeen Fattal鈥檚 fifth grade science and math classes, students use an 鈥淚 do, you do, we do鈥� approach that encourages them to develop answers independently, with a peer, and then with the entire class.

鈥淪ometimes their peers can give them advice that I would not have thought of, and it prompts their communication with each other,鈥� Fattal said. 鈥淭hey are also typing every day, which is helping them since testing is all online.鈥�

Both Fattal and Rodriguez鈥檚 mastery of the rubric contributed to a significant reduction in students scoring zero on written responses, with the ELAR (English Language Arts and Reading) benchmark decreasing from 50% to 9% and the science benchmark decreasing from 50% to 16%

With communication being a vital part of any career, teachers at Beckham are encouraged by the impact of the RACE method, which is giving students the tools they need to succeed beyond the classroom. Two additional teachers at Beckham have demonstrated full mastery of the rubric, sixth grade math teacher Aarion Williams and fourth grade math teacher Hayley Cook.

In math classrooms, teachers have adopted the UPS Check system, which prompts students to understand, plan, solve, and check their work.

鈥淲e have a 鈥榩roblem of the day,鈥� which is a released that applies to whatever we are currently learning,鈥� Williams said.

She explained that at first, students were required to use UPS Check, and once they demonstrated a deep understanding, they were given the choice to continue using the model.

鈥淚 believe in giving students a choice,鈥� Williams said. 鈥淚 love the intrinsic motivation they show. It started with me encouraging them, and now it has become natural.鈥�

With educators like Williams demonstrating 94% student growth with 85% passing, and Cook鈥檚 fourth grade math classes achieving a 91% pass rate on the most recent benchmark, teachers at Beckham are proud of what their students have accomplished.

鈥淚 think boosting their morale with praise and showing them their growth really gets them excited,鈥� Cook said. 鈥淥nce they had that 鈥榓h-ha鈥� moment, they continued to grow into better problem solvers in math and in life.鈥�

Watch videos on each teacher's methods:

The future is quantum!

糖心Vlog high school students spent part of their summer at Martin High School tackling concepts that are shaping the future of science and technology! The is a initiative and partnership with 糖心Vlog and the . The camp gives students the opportunity to learn quantum concepts that will impact their future.

The camp began in 2020 and has become a highly-anticipated summer learning opportunity for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students explored advanced quantum physics concepts through hands-on learning, collaborative work, and problem-solving.听

鈥淲atching students explore and grow during the quantum physics camp is always exciting,鈥� said Robin Griffith-Yates, STEM Academy administrator at Martin High School. 鈥淭he way the teachers work with the students and help build their confidence surrounding quantum topics is amazing.鈥澨�

The camp is designed to engage students with new ideas early to build a foundation that can make future learning more meaningful. The camp activities are connected directly to concepts students will encounter in future chemistry, physics, engineering, and technology classes.

鈥淟earning about quantum physics exposes students to careers they might not have otherwise considered and helps them develop critical thinking skills they can apply beyond the classroom,鈥� said Amanda Benson, science teacher and camp instructor. 鈥淭his camp is important because it gives kids the opportunity to get curious about current science.鈥�

https://youtu.be/2EvgbyCmZag

More than three decades after they were buried, eight time capsules from Carter Junior High School resurfaced, bringing memories, 听reflection, and a little piece of 1993 back to life.

The discovery began when former Carter student Patrick Carson alerted 糖心Vlog officials to the capsules' existence after learning about the school's impending demolition. The old Carter building is in the process of being torn down after it was replaced by the new Rodriguez Junior High a few miles away.

With the help of 糖心Vlog Assistant Superintendent of Facility Services Kelly Horn and Construction Project Manager Rod Sanches, Carson helped lead the construction team to the location where the capsules had been buried more than 30 years ago.

The capsules were filled with memories from students who attended Carter in 1993. As part of an assignment created by teachers Ms. Thurston, Ms. Cadden, and Mr. Hopp, seventh grade students were asked to reflect on their experiences at Carter, share where they hoped to be later in life, and include items that represented popular culture in 1993.

For Carson, opening the capsule was like revisiting his 12-year-old self.

鈥淚 liked everything we did 鈥� movies, parties and more,鈥� Carson said as he skimmed the letter he wrote as a seventh grader. 鈥淭he teachers were great. They really pushed us to be better than we were, and they always supported us.鈥�

Finding the capsules prompted Carson to reflect on the educators who helped shape his future and the continued support he has found in their friendship.

Carson was pleasantly surprised to find that Ms. Thurston had written a short reflection about each student. In Carson's entry, she wrote, 鈥淧atrick will use his leadership and maturity skills to reach his goals and finish college.鈥�

Another teacher who left a lasting impression was Ms. Cadden, whom Carson described as a mother figure throughout his childhood. Her influence extended well beyond the classroom and later helped him launch his first business.

鈥淢s. Cadden was always there for me,鈥� Carson recalled. 鈥淪he made a tremendous impact on my life.鈥�

Sorting through the musings of his classmates and re-reading his own letter brought Carson another moment of reflection. In the letter, he shared a goal of becoming a straight-A student when he reached high school.

Looking back now, he can proudly say he achieved that goal and went on to accomplish another. Carson now owns , a telecommunications company that helps businesses in the community thrive.

鈥淔inding those capsules meant those people got a chance to talk to their younger selves from 33 years ago,鈥� Sanches said. 鈥淔rom the top down, everyone was respectful of these memories, and I鈥檓 glad I was able to be part of this experience.鈥�

糖心Vlog is pleased to announce LaToya Turner as the new principal at Burgin Elementary School.

Turner is not new to Burgin. She has served as the assistant principal at Burgin since 2020, where she has built strong relationships with students, families, and staff while leading data-driven systems to support best practices and align campus initiatives with district goals.

In addition to her work at Burgin, Turner served as principal of the Morton, Burgin, and Amos Summer Learning program, where she led curriculum implementation, teacher growth, and school safety initiatives. Earlier in her career, she served as a testing coordinator, Gifted and Talented specialist, and principal intern. While in the classroom, she was named Teacher of the Year in 2014 in Grand Prairie ISD.

Turner holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, also from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

"She is familiar to our students and staff, and I am confident she will be able to build on those relationships," said 糖心Vlog Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. Please join me in congratulating and welcoming LaToya Turner into her new role as principal of Burgin Elementary."

AOL offers two programs

糖心Vlog Online Learning has arrived, and it might be the perfect option for your student.

AOL offers FREE flexible, high-quality virtual learning options, with two pathways for high school students:

1)听 听 听 听 Flexible virtual courses for juniors and seniors

2)听 听 听 听 Virtual Early College High School for incoming freshmen

Flexible Virtual Program for Juniors and Seniors

This program is perfect for high school juniors and seniors who need more schedule flexibility but still want a vibrant, traditional campus lifestyle. Students can take up to two virtual courses and fit them into their own schedule.

The program blends asynchronous (self-paced) online learning in up to two virtual classes each semester with traditional, on-campus courses. Available virtual courses focus on junior and senior requirements like English III, English IV, Government, Economics, and Precalculus.

Virtual Early College Pathway

This new fully-virtual early college pathway through Arlington College and Career High School is for incoming freshmen who want a 100% virtual high school experience with early college opportunities. It鈥檚 ideal for motivated incoming ninth graders ready to jumpstart their college education in a structured, highly-interactive online environment.

The innovative program provides the structure of a traditional school day combined with the innovation of a virtual classroom, complete with dedicated early college counselors and specialized support to help every student succeed.

While all coursework will be online, students may participate in campus events and school activities sponsored by ACCHS.

糖心Vlog's Back to School Kickoff on Aug 1 at AT&T Stadium is less than four weeks away. So, now is the time to sign up!听

Why sign up?

Your student can get a FREE new backpack plus:

• Free age-appropriate school supplies
• Dental and health screenings
• Haircuts provided by students from the听Career + Technical Center
• Vendors with information on after-school care and other community resources

Sign up for a free backpack now听here.

Families will also enjoy resources from vendors like:

• ACH Child & Family Services
• Arlington Public Library
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America
• Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, Inc.
• And many more!

A special thanks to the Gene and Jerry Jones Arlington Youth Foundation and all of our other sponsors for rallying behind our phenomenal students to help them succeed.

THIS EVENT IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE REGISTERED IN AN ARLINGTON ISD SCHOOL.

The AT&T Stadium bag policy will be enforced at the event.听.

Volunteer at the Kickoff

It takes more than 800 volunteers to make the Back to School Kickoff event run smoothly, and we still have lots of open spots. Please sign up to volunteer听.

鈥淲e鈥檝e helped nearly 100,000 families get ready for the school year, which is an amazing accomplishment that wouldn鈥檛 be possible without community volunteers and sponsor support,鈥� said Aaron Perales, 糖心Vlog executive director of engagement, equity, and access.听

School starts Aug. 12, so now is the time to apply for free and reduced-cost meals for your students.

Important Reminders:

• A new application is required every school year, even if your child received benefits last year.
• To avoid a gap in benefits, apply within 30 days of the school year鈥檚 start.
• Applications are accepted year-round. You can reapply anytime if your household situation changes.

Apply online听here, or in person at the 糖心Vlog food and nutrition services office, located at , Monday through听Friday, 7:30 a.m. 鈥� 4:30 p.m.

糖心Vlog鈥檚 food and nutrition services department is committed to helping families access the benefits they qualify for. Please feel free to call 682-867-7895 if you have any questions or need assistance.

糖心Vlog is pleased to announce Justin Edwards as the new principal of Bowie High School.

Edwards brings 16 years of experience in education in Fort Worth ISD and a strong track record of academic leadership and student success. Most recently, he served as the principal of Dunbar High School.

鈥淓dward鈥檚 passion for student achievement, focus on building strong relationships, and dedication to supporting both students and staff make him an excellent fit to build on the success of the Bowie Volunteers,鈥� said 糖心Vlog Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith.

Edwards started his career in education as a middle school math teacher, where he built a strong foundation in instructional practice and student engagement. He later moved into administration, first as an assistant principal at Southwest High School and then as the dean of instruction at the Young Men鈥檚 Leadership Academy, where he focused on instructional excellence and teacher development. Edwards then became the principal at Morningside Middle School in 2017 before moving on to Dunbar in 2021.

Edwards is a dynamic instructional leader with a proven track record leading instructional turnaround efforts, developing high-performing leadership teams, and implementing systems aligned to accountability and student achievement goals. He is experienced in Effective Schools Framework (ESF) and Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) implementation, data-driven instruction, operational leadership, and professional development within urban secondary schools.

Edwards will begin on Wednesday, July 1, and will soon reach out to staff, students, and families with opportunities to connect throughout the month of July. These meetings will give him a chance to get to know the Bowie High School community and learn more about the school.听

Please join us in welcoming Justin Edwards to Bowie High School.

The Summer Enrichment Program is opening doors for 糖心Vlog students!

Students from Sam Houston High School spent the past month improving their math readiness skills and working toward industry-recognized electronics certifications.

鈥淭his is a really hands-on program,鈥� said Selena Obara, sophomore at Sam Houston High School. 鈥淵ou get to meet a lot of people, you work with different people, but it's really good. You get a head start, and you just learn so much, it's fun.鈥�

This summer, 15 students passed the TSI math assessment, opening the pathway to enrolling in college-level math courses and advanced electronics courses this fall. The program is designed to inspire students in the field of electronics and engineering while blending academics with hands-on technical training.听

Nine students passed the , placing them among the youngest in Texas to do so. 糖心Vlog is the only district in Texas with 15- and 16-year-old students passing the SACA exam.听

鈥淭his certification will help me a lot in expanding my academic and career experience, and it'll even help me land a job,鈥� said Alex Skilsky, sophomore at Sam Houston High School.

The students who earned the certification are already being recruited by major companies, including , with starting salaries at $75,000 directly after high school graduation.

鈥淭hat really pushed me and motivated me to go into this career,鈥� said Ibrahim Odunlami, sophomore at Sam Houston High School. 鈥淚t helped widen my view on electronics and engineering, and this is going to help me in the future to build my career and get paid more.鈥澨�

Learn more about P-TECH at Sam Houston High School!

糖心Vlog is proud to announce two new campus principals for the 2026-2027 school year. Victoria Youngblood-Baldwin will lead Martin High School, and Amy Carlisle will lead Hale Elementary School.

Martin High School

Victoria Youngblood-Baldwin is coming home to 糖心Vlog. After nearly 20 years in education, including a successful run as principal of MacArthur High School in Irving ISD, she is returning to 糖心Vlog to lead Martin High School. At MacArthur, she drove improvements in student achievement, college and career readiness, and campus performance, with gains across multiple academic measures and expanded opportunities for students preparing for life after high school.

Youngblood-Baldwin graduated from Arlington High School and later served as assistant principal there from 2017 to 2024. She was named 糖心Vlog Assistant Principal of the Year for 2023-2024. She was known for her collaborative approach and her commitment to students, staff, and families.

"Victoria knows this community, and she knows what it takes to lead a campus well," said Superintendent Matt Smith, Ed.D. "We are glad to have her back in 糖心Vlog and excited about what she will bring to Martin High School."

Hale Elementary School

Amy Carlisle brings more than a decade of experience in education to Hale Elementary. Most recently, she served as principal of Alice Ponder Elementary in Mansfield ISD, where she led campus strategic planning, facilitated professional learning communities, and worked closely with teachers on delivery of instruction.

Before becoming a principal, Carlisle served as assistant principal at JL Boren Elementary in Mansfield ISD and as a district-level ELAR instructional coach for special education. She began her career as a special education teacher and has spent her career building expertise in supporting diverse learners and developing educators.

"Amy cares deeply about kids and about the teachers who serve them every day," said Smith. "She brings strong instructional knowledge and genuine warmth to everything she does. We are happy to welcome her to 糖心Vlog."

The Dallas Wings of Innovation STEM Camp returned for 糖心Vlog students this summer. The two-day camp 鈥� led by in partnership with the 鈥� focuses on expanding opportunities for girls in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students learn about STEM concepts through a mix of athletic training, coding workshops, and engineering challenges.

鈥淲hen girls are introduced to STEM early, they begin to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as the innovators, engineers, coders, and leaders who will shape the future,鈥� said CEO and founder of STEM It Up Sports, Dr. Tonjia Grimble. 鈥�Programs like Wings of Innovation provide the confidence, exposure, and hands-on experiences that transform curiosity into possibility and potential into purpose.鈥�

Students also had the opportunity to participate in a basketball clinic, where Dallas Wings trainers helped connect athletic performance to biomechanics. The clinic helped students understand how physics, force, and motion impact every move on the court.

Throughout the two days, students got to learn in a robotics coding workshop, a coding obstacle course, tech art programming, and a drone clinic where students piloted through search and rescue missions.

They had the opportunity to hear directly from female experts working in the field at the lunchtime STEM panels.

鈥淚 think it's going to help with our future because it gives us motivation to do whatever we need to do to be successful in life,鈥� said Martin High School freshman, Khloi Sloan. 鈥淚t's really cool. You get to meet new people, you can have new experiences, and you get to learn how to use computers and electronics.鈥�

Members of the joined the camp to cheer campers on and create a supportive environment where students felt confident to try new skills. Crew members said the experience was just as impactful for them. Seeing these students light up with excitement helped to remind them why this mission matters.

鈥淭his is girl power,鈥� said Dallas Wings Flight Crew member Mariah Martin. 鈥淚'm truly thankful that they want Flight Crew here, and that we get to showcase what we do and cheer them on when they get to explore.鈥澨�

As the camp wrapped up, the girls left energized and ready to take on even more STEM challenges across 糖心Vlog!

Culinary Students and Local Chefs Team Up for School Menus

Stuffed pork peppers, chicken teriyaki hoagie, and Korean fried chicken.

Does that sound like a school cafeteria lunch to you?

It is in 糖心Vlog. And not only is it on the menu 鈥� it was created by 糖心Vlog culinary students.

In fact, 糖心Vlog culinary students are putting lots of their own dishes on school cafeteria menus, and they鈥檙e giving you a chance to try some of them.

Join us for the third-annual A Taste of 糖心Vlog 鈥� July 23 from 5-7 p.m. at Seguin High School 鈥� and sample the amazing mouth-watering creations our high school culinary students have been cooking up. Plus, you鈥檒l get to sample food from our great community partners like and , both owned by 糖心Vlog grads.

Sign up for A Taste of 糖心Vlog听.

Here鈥檚 what鈥檚 on the tasing menu:

• Stuffed Pork Peppers (Bowie)听
• Sausage, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Croissant (Bowie)
• Grilled Chicken Chef Salad with Pita (Sam Houston)听
• Sweet Heat KPOP Chicken (Martin)听
• Chicken Teriyaki Hoagie (Martin)听
• Cheesy Buffalo Mac Wrap (Seguin)
• Korean Fried Chicken with Garlic Noodles (AHS)听
• Breakfast Quesadilla (AHS)听
• Sunrise Sausage Bowl (Lamar)听
• Al Pastor Pork Nachos (Saltillo)听
• Beef Kabob (Prince Lebanese)听
• Chicken Shawarma Wrap (Prince Lebanese)

The Taste event is part of a program 鈥� By Students 4 Students 鈥� that started several years ago when Bowie High School鈥檚 culinary students first put together a meal for the school menu. The program has blossomed since then, with community partners like听Prince Lebanese Grill听getting on board and putting Prince-inspired food in district cafeterias. Now, most 糖心Vlog high schools participate, and culinary students from across the district create menu items for their school cafeterias that they know their fellow students will love.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 a truly student-driven menu,鈥� said 糖心Vlog executive director of food and nutrition services David Lewis. 鈥淭his really is the full circle.鈥�

The By Students 4 Students program is a year-long process. It starts with taste-testing basic ingredients across elementary and junior high campuses, gathering data from hundreds of students to determine what makes the cut. From there, those ingredients are passed to the district鈥檚 high school culinary programs, where students are challenged to transform them into menu-ready meals while meeting strict USDA guidelines.

鈥淲e鈥檙e not just looking at taste,鈥� Lewis added. 鈥淲e鈥檙e determining how easy it is to replicate these dishes across 76 campuses and making sure everything meets USDA regulations.鈥�

Students showcased听their items for district staff last spring, and now the Taste of Arlington is the first chance for the public to get to sample the food.

Make your taste buds happy and听听for A Taste of 糖心Vlog.

A Taste of 糖心Vlog is free, but during the event, we will be accepting donations to support our mission of providing meals to all students, regardless of financial situation. Your generosity helps us nourish bodies and fuel futures. You can also donate now听.

糖心Vlog announced today that Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Steven Wurtz will be relocating from the DFW-area and transitioning from the district after 26 years of exceptional service in public education.听

Throughout his tenure in 糖心Vlog, Wurtz has progressively served in a variety of leadership roles, including Interim Superintendent following the retirement of Dr. Marcelo Cavazos in 2023. As the Chief Academic Officer, he led teaching and learning shaping curriculum design, post-secondary readiness, instructional coaching and professional learning systems that strengthened practice throughout the organization and advanced academic excellence.听

Dr. Wurtz was instrumental in the expansion of specialized learning opportunities across 糖心Vlog including Early College and P-Tech programs, Career and Technical Education, multilingual learning, STEM, Leadership, and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academies. His work reflects 糖心Vlog鈥檚 deep commitment to ensuring every student has access to rigorous and highly relevant learning experiences.听

"Steven has been an exceptional leader and trusted colleague whose commitment to 糖心Vlog has left a lasting impact," said Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. "For more than a decade, he has served our students, staff and community with integrity, professionalism and an unwavering focus on doing what is best for kids. While we will certainly miss his leadership, we are grateful for his many contributions and wish him and his family nothing but the very best in this next chapter."

Wurtz's last day with the district will be in July. 糖心Vlog will begin the process of identifying the district's next chief academic officer.

Summer break may have just kicked off, but we鈥檙e gearing up for another great school year in 糖心Vlog! The district has released the 2026 - 2027 school supply lists to help families get a head start.

The lists are organized by school and grade level, so you can check off each item with confidence.

View Your School鈥檚 Supplies List Here

Register now for the 糖心Vlog Back to School Kickoff

Speaking of school supplies, sign up now for a free backpack and more. Get ready for the new school year at 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Back to School Kickoff at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 1. Along with the free backpack, students can get:

• Free age-appropriate school supplies
• Dental and health screenings
• Haircuts provided by students from the Career + Technical Center
• Vendors with information on after-school care and other community resources

Sign up now for a free backpack and more.

We can鈥檛 wait to see you there!

Free meals all summer

糖心Vlog is offering free meals for ALL kids all summer long!听 Most locations offer breakfast AND lunch.

See the locations and times.

Sign up now to volunteer

There鈥檚 now just six weeks until the 12^th-annual 糖心Vlog Back to School Kickoff event at AT&T Stadium, and we need your help.

The event, Saturday, Aug. 1, is a chance for 10,000 糖心Vlog students to get free backpacks filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year.

So, where do you fit in?

You can volunteer! It takes more than 800 volunteers to make the event run smoothly, and we still have hundreds of open spots.

There are tons of volunteer options, too. You can help distribute backpacks, work at the resource fair, help distribute water, register students to pick up backpacks, or just be a floater. The options are endless, and so is the flexibility to help time-wise. There are shifts that start at 7 a.m. and others that don鈥檛 start until after 10 a.m.

鈥淭he volunteers at our event are crucial to its success,鈥� said Aaron Perales, the 糖心Vlog executive director of family and community engagement. 鈥淲e鈥檙e fortunate to see familiar faces and organizations helping, but it takes a lot of support.鈥�

To volunteer, please听听The deadline to sign up is July 31.听All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Sign up for a backpack

There鈥檚 also still time to register to receive a backpack. You can do that听here.

Board adopts 2026-2027 budget

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sgjrzxAwfs[/embed]

School is out, but there鈥檚 still a lot of school business to take care of. 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Board of Trustees meeting on June 16, 2026, is in the books, and here are a few of the highlights.听

The board held a public hearing at the meeting for the proposed school district tax rate. The total proposed tax rate for 2026-2027 will be $1.1029, which reflects the recent passage of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Bond Propositions A and B. The final tax rate will be set at the Sept. 10 regular meeting after the releases maximum compressed rates in August.

Speaking of 2026-2027, the new fiscal year begins July 1. At the last board meeting, the board approved the compensation plan for the new year, and on June 16, trustees approved the rest of the budget, including the General Fund, Debt Service Fund, Child Nutrition Fund, and Capital Projects Fund. The compensation plan includes the creation of a district health clinic that will allow staff enrolled in a district-subsidized health insurance plan to have access to some medical services without charge.

The board also received a Key Progress Measure Report on staff satisfaction, as part of the district鈥檚 ongoing efforts to improve culture. About 6,000 employees responded to the survey, with 79% of staff scoring their satisfaction at a 7 or higher on a 10-point scale, and 46% of staff rated their satisfaction at a 9 or 10. This marks another year in which staff satisfaction increased across the district.

At its last meeting, the board heard a report from the committee that studied whether sixth grade should remain in elementary schools (learn more about the committee). The committee recommended that sixth grade move to the junior high level. Tonight, district administration presented a formal proposal to make that transition, which the board approved. The board asked district administration to ensure that the transition occurs on a timeline that allows purposeful planning and a thoughtful execution of this big change.

Finally, the school board approved the 2026-2027 District Improvement Plan performance objectives. All of the objectives are tied to the district鈥檚 five priorities. Now that the objectives have been approved, the district will develop Campus Improvement Plans, establish academic performance targets, and recommend Key Progress Measures to monitor progress and outcomes.

Those are just a few of the highlights from the meeting. If you would like more details on any of these, or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, you can .

More than 1,100 students kicked off their summer vacation building robots, writing code, and discovering new passions at 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Camp Innovation. The district鈥檚 free, week-long technology camp is designed to inspire curiosity and confidence in learners from fourth through ninth grade. Now in its ninth year, the camp continues to grow in popularity with students and families across the district.

Camp Innovation is held over three weeks in June at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center, where students work collaboratively to solve challenges, create projects, and apply technical concepts in hands-on ways. The camp fosters creativity, critical thinking, and confidence while exposing students to future-focused fields in computer science, engineering, robotics, and digital design.

鈥淏eyond the technical content, Camp Innovation creates a positive and engaging environment where students develop friendships, practice teamwork, and discover new interests and talents,鈥� said Susan Anderson, 糖心Vlog technology integration specialist. 鈥淢any campers return year after year, demonstrating the lasting impact the program has on inspiring a love of learning and innovation.鈥�

From the moment students walk through the doors, the focus is on exploration. Students rotate through sessions where they are met with hands-on, real-world learning experiences that build both technical and interpersonal skills. Each activity is designed to help students think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate with their peers.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 cool to learn how to control a robot and see it progress,鈥� said Mackenzie Aylor, a student at Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language. 鈥淚 have gained a lot of knowledge from this place.鈥�

Camp Innovation is rooted in the district鈥檚 Technology Applications curriculum, giving students a meaningful head start in skills they鈥檒l carry through high school and beyond. When the week ends, students walk away inspired and ready to take on what comes next.

For more information about Camp Innovation, visit www.aisd.net/campinnovation.

Human trafficking is real in DFW

The World Cup has arrived in Arlington. While it鈥檚 bringing lots of excitement, it may also bring an increased risk for human trafficking.听

糖心Vlog is committed to the safety and well-being of every student, and that includes helping families stay informed about serious issues like human trafficking.

The district has launched a new webpage dedicated to human trafficking awareness, prevention, and resources for parents and families.

With major events like the World Cup bringing increased attention and visitors to the Arlington area, the risk of trafficking may be greater than ever in our community, and that means awareness is more important than ever. Human trafficking can happen in any community and often targets young people through manipulation, relationships, or online platforms. The new webpage provides:

• A clear explanation of what human trafficking is
• Warning signs families should watch for
• Guidance on how to talk to children about safety
• Local and national resources for help
• Steps to report suspected trafficking

糖心Vlog encourages all parents and caregivers to review the resources and have ongoing conversations with their children about safety, especially online safety and healthy relationships.

To learn more and access resources, visit the Shatter the Silence page on the 糖心Vlog website.

Ceremony honors students and teachers

Extra work?

That didn鈥檛 sound too good to Julio Favela at the beginning of the school year. The sixth grader at Goodman Elementary was about to start the Read 180 program at school.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want to do it 鈥� because I just didn鈥檛 want to do extra work,鈥� Julio said.

Fast forward to the end of the school year, and Julio has changed his tune. In fact, he excelled in Read 180 and was honored last month as one of the top Read 180 students in the entire country.

鈥淎mazing,鈥� he said about the award he received at last month鈥檚 Read 180 and Math 180 celebration. 鈥淚 would just focus on it. My teacher was really good.鈥�

The HMH听听and听听programs are designed to help students who are behind in reading or math make rapid gains. And the spotlight students who have overcome personal and academic challenges to make remarkable gains and educators who go above and beyond to deliver meaningful instruction, foster student achievement, and champion equity through intervention.

鈥淩ecognizing听Read听180听teachers and student winners is a way to showcase and celebrate their hard work, growth and perseverance 鈥� building confidence, inspiring a love of听reading and promoting a proud culture of literacy and learning in our school community,鈥� said Michelle Webb, an 糖心Vlog intervention specialist.

The 180 Awards recipients are nominated by fellow educators, coaches, intervention specialists, parents and school leaders from across the country.

Remarkable success is the standard

Remarkable success in the Read and Math 180 programs has become the standard in 糖心Vlog, where producing national 180 Award winners is an annual tradition. And this year, it wasn鈥檛 just Julio. Two other amazing students earned the national recognition for their achievement. Martina Jiminez Ramon, a Rankin Elementary third grader originally from Spain, was also awarded for her monumental progress through Read 180.

On the math side, Rodriguez Junior High seventh grader Brianna Mayen Garcia was one of only five Math 180 winners in the entire country and the only one in Texas.

鈥淛ust stay positive,鈥� said Brianna, who is known for always helping others in her class. 鈥淜eep going. Don鈥檛 give up.鈥�

Student growth is only possible with great teachers, and three of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 also received national recognition as top Read and Math 180 educators, including:

• Joanna Butcher, Read 180, Rankin Elementary
• Sandy Emerson, Read 180, Ousley Junior High
• Alicia Parr, Math 180, Ousley Junior High

Congratulations to these dedicated teachers and students!

Standing on a professional stage in front of a large crowd is a moment many young performers only dream about. But for three 糖心Vlog students, that dream has already come true.

Thanks to the , students Mason Engler of Martin High School, Ava Plumlee of Wood Elementary and Natalia Vega of Corey Academy stepped into the spotlight and performed for a live audience, gaining hands-on experience in a professional concert setting.

Designed to give young artists an introduction to the music industry, the program offers students the opportunity to experience the full performance process, from selection and preparation to performing on stage alongside established acts in similar genres. This year, the 2026 program expanded greatly due to its inaugural presenting sponsor, .

鈥淪tudents are selected via a submission process, with support from their music teachers, studios, and parents,鈥� said Letatia Teykl, executive director of . 鈥淥nce selected, we work with them just like we do with other artists, but in an educational way that gives them a first-time professional performance experience.鈥�

For the students, the experience was both exciting and unforgettable.

鈥淭his was definitely the biggest audience I鈥檝e ever performed in front of,鈥� said Engler, who describes his music as indie rock with influences from The Beatles. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one thing to perform online and see the number count rise, but playing in front of a crowd of people really changes the perspective.鈥�

Vega brought a Texas flair as she performed songs in Spanish from the Levitt stage. She felt both pride and surprise after performing multiple songs in front of a large audience.

鈥淚t felt pretty surprising because I hadn鈥檛 done that before,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 was very proud of myself, and the audience took it very well. They all clapped for me and were chanting, 鈥楽ing another one, sing another one!鈥欌��

Beyond the performance itself, the opportunity left a lasting impact. Vega said the experience showed why students should follow their dreams, as the journey can lead to unexpected opportunities.

鈥淚 would encourage other students to participate in programs like this because if you have any form of art or creative idea, the best thing you can do is put it into action,鈥� Engler said.

The students are not the only ones who found the experience rewarding. With support from the community and Levitt organizers, the program continues to inspire everyone involved.

鈥淭he young artists are amazing, talented, curious, ambitious, and most of all, brave,鈥� Teykl said. 鈥淚t takes a lot of courage to get up on stage and perform in front of a large crowd. But the best part comes afterward. They walk offstage glowing, confident, and ready to do it again.鈥�

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION SUPPORT

The first day of school may seem like a long way off, but Aug. 12 will be here before you know it. So, now is the time to get your student registered, and we want to help you get it done.

Throughout the summer, we鈥檙e offering in-person registration support at multiple locations in the community. See the schedule below or visit our online schedule to see the entire summer.听 听 听 听

• June 4, 9 a.m. 鈥� 3 p.m.:
• June 8-11, 8 a.m. 鈥� 4:30 p.m.
• June 11, 10 a.m. 鈥� 6 p.m.: East Library and Recreation Center
• June 15-18, 8 a.m. 鈥� 3:30 p.m.:
• June 18, 10 a.m. 鈥� 7 p.m.:
• June 22-25, 8 a.m. 鈥� 4:30 p.m.:
• June 25, 10 a.m. 鈥� 7 p.m.:
• June 29 鈥� July 2, 8 a.m. 鈥� 3:30 p.m.:
• July 2, 9 a.m. 鈥� 3 p.m.:
• July 6-9, 8 a.m. 鈥� 4:30 p.m.:
• July 9, 10 a.m. 鈥� 6 p.m.:

FULL SUMMER REGISTRATION SCHEDULE

You can also register online any time.

FREE MEALS ALL SUMMER

糖心Vlog is offering free meals for ALL kids all summer long!听 Most locations offer breakfast AND lunch.

See the locations and times.听

BACK TO SCHOOL KICKOFF

Get ready for the new school year at 糖心Vlog's Back to School Kickoff at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 1. Sign up now for a free backpack and school supplies plus:

• Free age-appropriate school supplies
• Dental and health screenings
• Haircuts provided by students from the听Career + Technical Center
• Vendors with information on after-school care and other community resources

Sign up now for a free backpack and more.

糖心Vlog to pilot TIA at 24 schools

糖心Vlog has officially been approved to become a (TIA) district. The state-funded program will give 糖心Vlog teachers the opportunity to earn a higher income while remaining in the classroom, making a difference in the lives of students.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about this because TIA will help us recognize and reward the exceptional work our teachers do every day,鈥� said 糖心Vlog Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. 鈥淚t will provide pathways for teachers to earn additional compensation while continuing to do what they love most, teaching students.鈥�

The TIA program, created by the Texas Legislature, recognizes effective teachers, supports higher compensation, and strengthens recruitment and retention, especially in schools that have the greatest needs. Once fully implemented, 糖心Vlog teachers in the program will be able to achieve certain designations that can lead to higher pay 鈥� up to $36,000 more.

糖心Vlog will pilot its TIA program at 24 schools. Full implementation at those schools will take the next two school years, and awarded teachers will receive their first payouts in July of 2028.

"Implementing TIA in 糖心Vlog has been a significant undertaking, and the work will continue as we move into the implementation phase," said Dolloress Johnson, Executive Director of Human Resources. "It is work worth doing because it allows us to recognize and reward the exceptional teaching already taking place in our classrooms while supporting our efforts to attract and retain outstanding teachers. Ultimately, the greatest benefit will be for the students we serve each day."

[embed]https://youtu.be/BRfAOQ5NB6M?si=xxn9-JXDw3mVtTrB[/embed]

Graduation this week was inspiring and exciting 鈥� and a reminder why we have our board meetings. The first 糖心Vlog Board of Trustees meeting of the summer was June 4, 2026, and here are a few of the highlights.

Jaime Esquivel, kicked off the meeting by leading everyone in the pledges of allegiance. Jaime is a rising junior at Sam Houston High School who is also the incoming president of the Student Leadership Advisory Board 鈥� or SLAB.

The board took a few minutes after the pledges to thank this year鈥檚 SLAB students. The students on the advisory board include representatives from the junior class at all eight of our high schools, and they represent student opinions and provide insight to the Board of Trustees and the 糖心Vlog community. The board expressed its gratitude for their impactful service this year.

The board then presented the Community Partner Award of Appreciation to the for their consistent partnership, generosity, and commitment to supporting our students, families, and schools. They鈥檙e involved more student initiatives than could fit in one Board Brief. Thank you, Rangers!

Next, the trustees congratulated the district鈥檚 principals and assistant principals of the year. They work so hard all year long and truly set the tone at their schools. They are so deserving of this recognition.

The honors didn鈥檛 end there. The trustees took a minute to thank Justin Chapa for his service as the board president. Justin has been on the board since 2017 and served as its president from 2024 until last week. Though Justin will not be the president, he will continue to serve as a trustee.

Once the board finally got down to business, they heard the annual report from the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. The CBOC is a group of community members appointed by the Board to provide findings and recommendations relating to the 2019 Bond program. The committee meets quarterly to assess bond progress and expenditures. At this meeting, they presented their recommendations for additional projects if there are any remaining funds at the conclusion of the 2019 Bond program.听

The board also heard from the district鈥檚 鈥渟ixth grade鈥� committee that started meeting in January. A team of varied stakeholders took on the task of discussing the ideal placement for sixth grade students 鈥� in elementary schools where they currently are, or in junior high schools with seventh and eighth grades. The committee considered student experience, academics, athletics, fine arts, and CTE, among other things.Tthe committee shared with trustees its conclusions, which you can see if you watch the recording of the full meeting.

Later, the board approved the compensation plan for district employees in 2026-2027.

Finally, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum that will allow our tenth graders in World History to visit the museum on a field trip. It鈥檚 a fantastic, interactive learning experience aligned to state standards and instructional goals in social studies, history, civics, and character education.听

Those are just a few of the highlights from tonight. If you would like more details on any of these, or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, please visit YouTube to watch the entire meeting.

糖心Vlog is already a leader in the Metroplex for competitive teacher and staff pay, and the new healthcare benefits make the district鈥檚 compensation plan stronger. The newly adopted plan for 2026-2027 also boosts support for special education classroom teachers by increasing the Special Education Specialized Programs stipend by $500, bringing the total stipend to $3,500.

Enhancements to Healthcare Benefits

• New Clinic Care 鈥� 糖心Vlog is planning to offer a third-party clinic network conveniently located within the district, anticipated to open in the spring of 2027. Employees enrolled in the 糖心Vlog medical plan will receive clinic services (primary, urgent care, telemedicine) at no cost. Employees not enrolled in the medical plan may also join the clinic network for a low monthly rate, and dependents may be added to the clinic network for an affordable cost.
• Healthcare Premium Contribution Increase 鈥� Employees who participate in the district鈥檚 wellness program currently receive a wellness credit of $51 on their health insurance premiums. Beginning in 2026鈥�2027, employees who achieve 鈥淧latinum Status鈥� in the wellness program will receive an additional district contribution of $28.25 per month, further reducing the cost of their medical premiums. The total premium incentive available through the wellness program will now be $79.25 per month.

For many years, the has been more than a community partner to 糖心Vlog. It has been a dedicated supporter of students, families, and opportunities that help young people thrive. As a founding supporter of the district鈥檚 Annual Back to School Kick-Off and a longtime advocate for education, the Junior League鈥檚 impact has been felt across the Arlington community for generations.

That spirit of service continued recently through a meaningful investment in Nichols Junior High. With a donation of more than $3,000, the Junior League of Arlington is helping support听Leave Your Legacy: Expanding Access, Achievement, and Opportunity 鈥� an initiative created to ensure students have access to the resources, experiences, and support they need to succeed.

The Leave Your Legacy initiative takes a whole-child approach through four key areas of impact: academic intervention and instructional support, a student care closet, field trip experiences, and student enrichment clubs. Together, these efforts help remove barriers to learning while creating opportunities for students to discover new interests, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

鈥淟eave Your Legacy is designed to ensure that every student has access to the resources, support, and opportunities necessary for success,鈥� said Nichols principal Catherine Claibourne. 鈥淏y addressing both academic gaps and barriers to learning while expanding enrichment opportunities, this grant will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our students and school community.鈥�

Although the , its legacy of service and generosity will continue to live on through the students, families, and schools it has supported over the years. 糖心Vlog is deeply grateful for the organization鈥檚 leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

District hosts in-person pre-K registration event

While the Class of 2026 is graduating this week, the Class of 2040 is peparing to get their educational journeys started!

That鈥檚 right, it鈥檚 almost time for the Class of 2040 and 2041 to start pre-K. That鈥檚 why 糖心Vlog鈥檚 pre-K team hosted an in-person registration event this weekend at the 糖心Vlog Athletics Center to help parents get their soon-to-be students signed up for pre-K 3 and pre-K 4. School starts in just a little over two months on Aug. 12.

鈥淲e want to make registration accessible to our families,鈥� said Dr. Elena Guerrero, 糖心Vlog director of curriculum and instruction for pre-K through second grade. 鈥淭his provides an opportunity on a weekend where they can take their time, get help, and get their kids registered.鈥�

But it鈥檚 not too late if you missed the registration event. Registration is always open online, and the district will host more in-person opportunities this summer. See the in-person registration schedule.

Guerrero also emphasized that her team is always happy to answer questions and provide support over the phone. Their number is (682) 867-9418, and their email is email prekquestions@arlingtonisd.org.

Guerrero and her team know how important pre-K is for brand-new students.

鈥淧re-K establishes the foundation of early learning,鈥� she said. It gives students an opportunity to have a routine and structure to be ready for kindergarten. It鈥檚 also an opportunity for parents to really begin to understand how our school system works and how impactful early literacy and early math concepts are.鈥�

The full-day pre-K 4 program in 糖心Vlog offers the structure that helps kids get ready for kindergarten, plus a whole lot me.

鈥淚t also provides lots of opportunities with our STEM programming, and it just gives students insight into other things that otherwise they would be missing if they were not enrolled in school yet,鈥� Guerrero said.

With a fun, play-based curriculum and caring, certified teachers, 糖心Vlog鈥檚 pre-K helps students build the firm foundation that will carry them through their educational journey all the way to their graduation in 2040 and 2041.

Learn more about 糖心Vlog鈥檚 pre-K programs.

Arlington readers can snag a splash of sixth鈥慻rade creativity with limited鈥慹dition Arlington150 bookmarks available at all seven Arlington Public Library branches now.

Each location features one of the winning designs created by 糖心Vlog听sixth graders as part of the听, held in celebration of the city鈥檚 150th anniversary.

The designs will be available at the following branches:

• East Library and Recreation Center, 1817 New York Ave.
  • Lauren Maqueda 鈥� Johns Elementary
• George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, 100 S. Center St.
  • Cecilia Tran 鈥� JB Little Elementary
• Northeast Branch Library, 1905 Brown Blvd.
  • Airiana Woods, Sherrod Elementary
• Ron Wright Lake Arlington Branch Library, 4000 W. Green Oaks Blvd.
  • Garrett Hosier, Little Elementary
• Southeast Branch Library, 900 S.E. Green Oaks Blvd.
  • Atziry Martinez, Berry Elementary
• Southwest Branch Library, 3311 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd.
  • Emilia Navarro, Remynse Elementary
• Woodland West Branch Library, 2837 W. Park Row Dr.
  • Ximena Aldana 鈥� Berry Elementary

The bookmark series is part of the yearlong Arlington150 celebration. Earlier this year, the City of Arlington partnered with the 糖心Vlog to challenge sixth鈥慻rade students to design bookmarks inspired by Arlington鈥檚 history, future, landmarks and neighborhoods.

A panel of judges, including Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and 糖心Vlog representatives, selected seven winners from entries submitted across the district. Designs were chosen for creativity, originality and how well they captured the spirit of the sesquicentennial. Students were recognized at the May 19, 2026, Arlington City Council meeting.

With support from the听, the winning bookmarks have been professionally reproduced for community-wide distribution. They will be available while supplies last. Along with the June 2 launch at all library branches, residents can also find a rotating selection of the seven bookmark designs at the Welcome Desk on the first floor of Arlington City Hall located at 101 W. Abram St. Bookmarks will also be included in backpacks distributed during 糖心Vlog鈥檚 annual Back to School Kickoff in August, sharing Arlington150 spirit with students and families across the city.

()

Seguin salutatorian Lee Kerk

It鈥檚 graduation season and we're celebrating the Class of 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 糖心Vlog high schools. Meet Seguin High School salutatorian Lee Kerk.

NAME: Lee Kerk
SCHOOL: Juan Seguin High School
COLLEGE:
INTENDED MAJOR: Public Health

鈱猈hat is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Get involved early and try different extracurricular activities because they can help you meet new people, build connections, and find things you genuinely enjoy. At the same time, do not overload yourself trying to do everything at once. Make sure to take care of yourself and get enough sleep every night because you will honestly be a lot happier and feel better overall.

鈱猈hat will you miss most about high school?

I will miss being able to see everyone I know every day. When I first started freshman year, I thought high school was going to feel slow, but now it feels crazy that it is already almost over. I鈥檒l miss the familiar faces in the hallways, being part of orchestra, volunteering with people I knew through Key Club, and going to club meetings with friends. Those everyday moments felt normal at the time, but looking back, they are what made high school meaningful.

鈱猈hat are you most excited about after graduation?

I am most excited to continue my journey and keep working hard to become the best version of myself. I鈥檓 excited to learn new things, and continue growing through dedication and hard work while working toward the goals I have for my future.

鈱猈ho inspires you the most and why?

My dad inspires me the most because he is one of the hardest-working people I know. Growing up, I saw how much effort and patience he put into supporting our family, even when things were not always easy. The way he keeps going and stays responsible makes me want to be like him. He has taught me that hard work is not just about one big moment, but about showing up every day and doing your best.

鈱猈hat鈥檚 your favorite high school memory?

One of my favorite memories was performing with my orchestra because it reminded me how much I had grown as a musician and how meaningful it was to be part of a group that worked hard together.

The Arlington High School FFA Wildlife Team wrapped up another competitive wildlife season with a trip to the State Wildlife Contest in Nacogdoches in April. But it also marked the final season for three Arlington High School seniors who have led the team to the state meet every year they have competed.

The trio is leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Seniors Spencer Doughty, Morgan Jones, and Zach Bastas achieved a rare level of consistency and excellence by reaching the state level every year, as they capitalized on the strength of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 agricultural science pathways and the opportunities available through career and technical education.

鈥淪tudents in Arlington FFA have endless opportunities to grow outside of the classroom,鈥� said Tanner Smith, Arlington High School FFA advisor. 鈥淭hey learn how to effectively public speak, how to answer questions about the topics they studied, and work together as a team to learn and present a script.鈥�

These hands-on experiences help students discover pathways they might not have realized were available to them, opening new doors to future careers.听

For Doughty, the wildlife contest led to a career path. He plans to attend Tarleton State University to study

鈥淏eing a first generation college student means a lot to me because I'm setting a new path for my family, and Arlington High School helped me get there through FFA and agriculture programs that helped me find my passion,鈥� Doughty said.

Jones and Bastas have both decided to attend Texas A&M University this fall. Morgan will study , and Bastas is going to major in finance.听

鈥淔FA has taught me many social and responsibility lessons that will help me excel in my future career, being able to talk confidently and know how to put my name out there,鈥� Bastas said.

Over the past few years, these students have had the opportunity to see every region of Texas while studying the wildlife across the state.听

鈥淚 am so proud of them and so lucky to have been able to spend countless hours coaching these three and traveling the state,鈥� Smith said.

The seniors said the encouragement from the campus agricultural science teachers and staff have been a driving force behind their team鈥檚 success.

鈥淢y FFA advisors have been the most supportive people in my high school career,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淚 am grateful for the clear and continuous guidance my teachers have offered me, giving me endless advice as I work to navigate this new chapter of my life.鈥�

As the three seniors move on, Arlington FFA will continue for the next generation.

鈥淎s coach Peach always says, 鈥楲eave a legacy,鈥欌�� Smith said. 鈥淭hese three have done just that 鈥� left their legacy here at AHS and for the future wildlife teams to come!鈥�

Kooken's 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Cecila Rodriguez loves reading. In fact, she read over 1,700 books with her parents this year!

The pre-K 3 student from Kooken Educational Center is one of seven at the school who have read 1,000 books this year 鈥� all before even reaching pre-K 4!

鈥淚t's an amazing accomplishment, and we're immensely proud of them!鈥� said Kooken鈥檚 librarian Mary Eldredge.

Reading at Kooken is a big deal. Pre-K 3 families at the school participate in a worldwide program called . Students can check out a book bag of ten library books (English or Spanish) form their library as often as they like to help reach that goal.

This year, parents checked out over 10,000 books, and seven students reached or are on the cusp of reaching the goal of 1,000 books.

听鈥淥ur teachers see a marked difference in student growth and assessments of those who participated in the program,鈥� Eldredge said.

The impact of reading at a young age lasts a lifetime. In fact, research shows that if a student reads or is read to for 20 minutes a day, they'll likely score in the top 10% on standardized tests ().

鈥淭hat amount of reading will change the trajectory of their academic future,鈥� Eldredge said. 鈥淏ut even more than that, they now have wonderful memories.鈥�

Memories made even better thanks to the , the women鈥檚 group from , and a private donor who surprised the seven students with a scooter for their reading achievement at Kooken鈥檚 awards ceremonies.

Pre-K registration event this Saturday, May 30

Pre-K 鈥� like reading 鈥� can change the trajectory of a child鈥檚 future. And now is the time to register your little one for 糖心Vlog鈥檚 best-in-class pre-K for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds. Registration is open online, or come to our fun Pre-K Registration Event this Saturday, May 30, to register in person. Come when you can from 9 a.m. 鈥� 3 p.m. at the 糖心Vlog Athletics Center ().

Is your little star ready for their first big adventure?

Join us for a fun, stress-free, drop-in Pre-K registration event on Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. 鈥� 3 p.m. at the 糖心Vlog Athletics Center ()!

This is a great chance to complete registration with help from our campus clerks, get your questions answered, and meet other families. We are happy to partner with you to help your child take their first steps into learning!

For Pre-K student registration, please bring the following required documents with you:

• Student鈥檚 birth certificate
• Student鈥檚 Social Security card (if available)
• Student鈥檚 immunization record
• Photo ID of parent/guardian (driver鈥檚 license, state or international ID, passport)听
• Proof of address (current gas, water, or electricity bill, or the lease/mortgage agreement in the name of the parent/guardian)听
• Proof of income

Can鈥檛 make it? No problem. Pre-K registration is open now online.

Come see us on May 30 and give your child the gift of a strong start. We can鈥檛 wait for your little star to join 糖心Vlog!

Sam Houston valedictorian Michael Okunrotifa

It鈥檚 graduation season and we're celebrating the Class of 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight 糖心Vlog high schools. Meet Sam Houston High School valedictorian Michael Okunrotifa.

NAME: Michael Okunrotifa
SCHOOL: Sam Houston High School
COLLEGE:
INTENDED MAJOR: Electrical Engineering

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F95wP7XnSXs[/embed]

Arlington Collegiate High School senior Giovanni Roman has earned one of the most prestigious scholarships in the nation: the . The award provides him with a full four鈥�year college education at the , including tuition, room and board, medical benefits, and travel expenses.听

The QuestBridge scholarship is a highly competitive national program that connects high鈥�achieving students from low鈥�income backgrounds with top colleges and universities across the country. For Roman, the opportunity represents more than financial support; it marks a pivotal milestone for both him and his family.听

鈥淚 saw the QuestBridge program and it covers four years for top schools,鈥� Roman said. 鈥淚 was really interested in that because it would be life changing, and it would really help out my family a lot with paying for my college.鈥�听

Roman first learned about QuestBridge as a junior while researching scholarships. Like many students, his original plan was to stay in Texas.听

鈥淥riginally I was kind of more committed to applying to TCU and UT Austin, more in鈥�state schools,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut I also was planning on applying to a couple of schools like Harvard or Stanford.鈥�听

Arlington Collegiate counselor Danielle Ely helped guide Giovanni through the QuestBridge application process by assisting with recommendations, transcripts, and essay support. Ely said Giovanni stood out early on.

鈥淗e鈥檚 a leader here on campus. He鈥檚 involved in several activities and very influential with his peers,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 a hard鈥�working student, has a great GPA, and steps out of the box to take initiative.鈥�听

Roman said the achievement carried special meaning for his family, and he is especially thankful for support from his mother during his journey to college.听

鈥淔our years ago, I wouldn鈥檛 have imagined I would have gotten a full ride scholarship to a really good school like Notre Dame,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 just an accomplishment for me, but also for my mother. She put in a lot of work, helping me and supporting me in my academic journey. I really feel like the work that we put in paid off.鈥�

Following his acceptance, Roman recently had the opportunity to visit Notre Dame, where he toured campus and explored student life. During his visit, Roman learned more about student organizations, academic programs, and volunteer opportunities and said he looks forward to getting involved in clubs and activities that align with his interests during his time at Notre Dame.听

ACHS principal Jeff Krieger said that Roman鈥檚 QuestBridge scholarship has already begun inspiring other students on campus.听

鈥淲hen others see somebody like them earn it, they believe it鈥檚 possible for them too,鈥� he said. 鈥淕iovanni is the first student at Arlington Collegiate High School to actually receive the QuestBridge scholarship, and when he walks that stage in a few months, we鈥檒l all know that we鈥檝e played a part in his success.鈥�听

Roman credits Arlington Collegiate鈥檚 close鈥�knit environment with听helping him reach this milestone.听

鈥淲e鈥檙e a smaller school, but everybody knows each other, and we all help each other out,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat really played a big role in everything I did here.鈥�听

As Roman prepares for his next chapter, he is eager to pursue research, internships, and community service opportunities, all of which play an important role in his goal of attending medical school. Roman hopes his journey encourages other students to take chances on themselves.听

鈥淒on鈥檛 be scared of applying for big scholarships or big colleges,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou never know what might happen. You鈥檙e more than just what鈥檚 on your application.鈥�听

See website for locations and times

糖心Vlog is connecting children 18 and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old with healthy, free summer meals. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition program administered in the Lone Star State by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). For the children who rely on school meals during the academic year, these meals offer a source of good nutrition when school is out for the long summer vacation.

鈥淥ur students need good nutrition year-round,鈥� said David Lewis, 糖心Vlog executive director of Food and Nutrition Services. 鈥淲ith nearly 78% of our students under-resourced, these healthy meals are vital to nourishing students during their summer vacation. This summer we are excited to announce that we are again partnering with Arlington city libraries and Arlington YMCAs to bring healthy meals alongside their enrichment programs.鈥�

See the list of meal sites and times, and check back throughout the summer for updates and changes to the sites and times. Please visit the website before traveling to one of our summer meal sites.

糖心Vlog is one of the nonprofit organizations partnering with TDA to serve meals across Texas. Families are encouraged to use these two tools to find a meal site anywhere in the state:

路 Call 2-1-1

路 Visit SummerFood.org for an interactive site locator map

Organizations partner with TDA to serve meals in areas where more than 50% of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Eligible sponsoring organizations include schools, faith-based groups, nonprofit summer camps, government agencies and other tax-exempt organizations. All meal sites must be sponsored by an organization that has a contract with TDA.

(Photo by Ronaldo Bola帽os - published in )

Yeah, school just got out. But next school year will be here before you know it! So, get a jumpstart and sign up for a free backpack and school supplies at 糖心Vlog's Back to School Kickoff.听

The annual Back to School Kickoff will be back at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 1. Your student can get a new free backpack plus:

• Free age-appropriate school supplies
• Dental and health screenings
• Haircuts provided by students from the听Career + Technical Center
• Vendors with information on after-school care and other community resources

Sign up for a free backpack now听here.

Families can also enjoy resources from vendors like:

• ACH Child & Family Services
• Arlington Public Library
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America
• Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, Inc.
• And many more!

鈥淲e鈥檝e helped nearly 100,000 families get ready for the school year, which is an amazing accomplishment that wouldn鈥檛 be possible without community volunteers and sponsor support,鈥� said Aaron Perales, 糖心Vlog executive director of engagement, equity, and access.听

A special thanks to the Gene and Jerry Jones Arlington Youth Foundation and听all of our other sponsors听for rallying behind our phenomenal students to help them succeed.

THIS EVENT IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE REGISTERED IN AN ARLINGTON ISD SCHOOL.

The AT&T Stadium bag policy will be enforced at the event.听.

Volunteer at the Kickoff

It takes more than 800 volunteers to make the Back to School Kickoff event run smoothly, and we still have lots of open spots. Please sign up to volunteer听.