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Families get into the holiday spirit at the Cole Winter Wonderland Craft & Community Fair (Clone)

On Saturday, Dec. 6, our DSST: Cole campus hosted their Cole Winter Wonderland Craft & Community Fair. They welcomed families from all over the area for a festive day packed with fun activities, including a hot chocolate bar, shopping from local vendors - including DSST families - and adorable family portraits.   

Where every student thrives: One DSST family's story

Meet Kathy, a first-generation American whose four sons all graduated from DSST.

Kathy Duda experienced the richness of an ethnically diverse school from a young age. As the daughter of Polish immigrants in Chicago, she attended Polish school on Saturdays, but spent weekdays at her neighborhood school with friends from Greek, Italian, and Jewish backgrounds, just to name a few.

Fast-forward to 2008. When her oldest son Nathaniel was in 5th grade and it was time to think about middle school, DSST: Montview MS had just opened in their Central Park neighborhood. 

Duda wanted her children to “have the same cultural enrichments I had,” and it was at DSST: Montview that she found exactly what she was looking for.

Reason for the season: DSST staff share recipes, traditions that bring them joy for the holidays

Continuing family traditions and customs during the holiday season is a powerful way to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. Whether it's decorating the tree together, sharing a special meal or telling stories passed down through generations, these rituals offer a sense of continuity and connection to the past. They provide comfort and stability, especially during times of change or stress, and help to cultivate a shared identity within the family.

Celebrating Our Native American community: A conversation with Crystal DeLeon from DSST: Green Valley Ranch

November is designated as Native American Heritage Month to honor the history, culture and contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. In this conversation, Senior Manager of Diversity and Belonging Mercedes Blea-Davis had the opportunity to speak with Crystal DeLeon, Special Education Teacher at DSST: Green Valley Ranch Middle School, to discuss her culture and the significance of being Indigenous in today's world.

Leading the charge for equity and inclusion: Embracing intersectional identities and challenging inequities

Personal essay by Salvador Ramirez (he, him, el), DSST Manager of Equity and Inclusion

Want to see a high school principal punch someone for a good cause? Then you'll want to see this.

Let’s get ready to rumble! 

DSST celebrates Black History Month 2023

Throughout the month of February, our campuses held various events celebrating Black History Month with the help of Black student leaders and special community guests.

Students and staff share why they are grateful for DSST

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on this year so far and say thank you to the entire DSST community. This year has not been without challenges, and your support has shown your deep commitment to our students and education.

National American Indian Heritage Month: November is about more than kicking off the holidays

November is often looked at as the season that leads us into the holiday season, however, it is much more than that. In 1990 a decision was made and proper recognition was given to those who have called this North American soil home for much longer than any other group of people. What is now "National American Indian Heritage Month" initially began as a single day (Nov. 28) before evolving into a week and then a full month of celebrating the beautiful indigenous people of the Americas.

Bald caps, dances, turkey and more! Take a look at some of the fall highlights from DSST: Montview Middle School

DSST: Montview Middle School has had a fun first Trimester. The students, staff and community have enjoyed a plethora of events. Here is a look at some of the highlights.