Teachers, parents join students to kickstart the school year
Classrooms are buzzing once again as 140,000 students in the Dallas Independent School District returned to open arms and high expectations for the first day of school.
Across Preston Hollow campuses, classmates greeted old and new friends as teachers and staff welcomed them back, kicking off the 2025-2026 academic year on Aug. 12.
Students in red, gray, and black polos found their homeroom grade by uniform color at Benjamin Franklin International Exploratory Academy. Displays of the school’s core beliefs — kindness, high expectations, and ownership — set the tone for the year.
Even many of the area’s high school students showed enthusiasm for the beginning of school.
“I’m excited about seeing all my friends again,” said W.T. White High School student Cynthia Aguirre.
Neighborhood Spotlight
Preston Hollow
Socializing will have to be done in person this year as all public schools in Texas — including those in Dallas ISD — must comply with House Bill 1481, a new state law that prohibits students from using personal communication devices during the school day.
This means that students will not be allowed to use or display devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, AirPods, laptops, or smart glasses at any time during the instructional day. Dallas ISD representatives said they will begin enforcing this law on the first day of school to support consistency and readiness across campuses.
“HB 1481 is about ensuring that students are focused, present, and safe during school hours,” said Tiffany Huitt-Powell, chief of schools for Dallas ISD. “We are committed to helping families, students, and staff understand the law and how it will be implemented in our schools.”
Several Preston Hollow area Dallas ISD schools have rolled out new enrichment programs and expanded after-school clubs for the new school year.
At Pershing Elementary, extracurricular activities for the 2025-2026 academic year include the Elementary Honor Society, UIL teams, orchestra, art, robotics, drama, and chess club.
With a continued focus on student well-being, physical activity, and environmental awareness, programs such as Gooch Elementary’s outdoor STEAM classroom have integrated outside activities and sustainability projects directly into the core curriculum through campus additions, including garden beds and picnic tables.
While area teachers have spent the last few weeks participating in professional development workshops, decorating classrooms, and preparing lesson plans, parents, too, have played an active role in the return to school. Family engagement nights, orientation sessions, and meet-the-teacher opportunities took place in the weeks leading up to the first day.
For parents like Sean Allen, whose daughter attends Withers Elementary School, the return to school is a time to reset goals.
“We’ve had a great summer, but I think we’re all ready for structure again,” he said. “The teachers and parents here are amazing, and we feel very fortunate to be part of this great community.”
