BY CECILIA LENZEN
Financial assistance open for utility bills Qualified residents can receive financial assistance for utility bills through Dec. 29. The big picture The state is providing financial assistance through the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program and the Low-Income Home Emergency Assistance Program. Via a partnership between Dallas Water Utilities, Dallas County and the state, some customers may receive up to the total amount due to reconnect their service, avoid disconnection, or to pay a bill. To qualify, homeowners and renters must: • Be at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines • Have at least one occupant be a citizen or qualified immigrant
STAAR results The Texas Education Agency released spring 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness scores for grades 3-8 in August. Here’s the percentage of Dallas ISD students in grades five and eight approaching grade level in 2022-2023.
5th grade
8th grade
100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0
2023 2022
2023 2022
Reading
Math
Reading
Math
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Dallas ISD STAAR scores increasing gradually Dallas ISD students’ scores on the newly redesigned 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness showed year-over-year improvement in most subjects, but still lag behind the state average, according to the Texas Education Agency.
The breakdown DISD fifth grade math students surpassed the state average by one point, with 80% approaching grade level. The lowest performing math grade, seventh, saw only 40% of students approaching grade level, compared to 61% across the state. DISD scores for reading and science in grades five and eight improved slightly or stayed about the same. Reading increased the most in grade six, up eight percentage points from 61% in 2022 to 69%, but were still below the 75% state average.
“Celebrate the power of community and make a lasting impact at Network’s Food Pantry Fork-Off— where flavors unite, hearts connect, and lives are transformed!”
— Monica and Glenn Scott, Honorary Co-Chairs
SAT, OCT 21 (7 - 10 PM) with V.I.P. reception at 6 PM Network’s Food Pantry Fork-Off features a unique dining experience that goes beyond the traditional sit-down dinner! Join us for tastings from over 15 local restaurants, dancing, live and silent auctions, exciting activities and more-all to benefit Network’s Programs for our neighbors in need!
LIVE AUCTION SNEAK PEEK
• Two suite tickets for Phoenix Open 16th hole Greatest Party on the Green and two nights lodging in Scottsdale, AZ • Private dinner for six prepared by Chef Phillip Halff
• 5 night stay in Cabo, Mexico
• Two floor tickets and a VIP wine tasting for Andrea Bocelli concert
TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE AT WWW.THENETWORK.ORG/FORK-OFF
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LAKE HIGHLANDS - LAKEWOOD EDITION
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