Why Blow Up One Dallas High School When You Can Blow Up All Texas High Schools:

Texas Commissioner of Education Robert Scott has given the green light on Option A, Amended. He even went so far as to praise DISD for their proactive innovation and hoped that other schools will look to DISD for inspiration. Read the article here Failing Texas Schools Face Dwindling Options. While outside managers seem to be holding TX schools at arms length...they seem to be flocking to help Los Angeles schools. Watt's Locke High School Is Getting Whipped Into Shape.

So what's really wrong with education in Texas?

Spruce, Meet Your New Principal:

Last week DISD made the official announcement, Dr. Lucy Hakemack will be the new principal at Spruce.
Just About everyone at Spruce already knew this.
Dr. Hakemack was the principal at Early College High School...sources say she plans on removing all sports from Spruce (not that there would be much sports with 10, 11, and most 12 graders gone), and maybe even extracurricular activities, and focus solely on academics.
My question is...why punish incoming 9th graders by taking away sports and activities when they have shown progress coming out of Comstock?

Here are a few articles on Dr. Hakemack...
Dallas ISD Blog on the Dallas Morning News
DISD official announcement
TX High School Project Spotlight: Early College at Mt. View

Are You Better Off At Madison Than At Spruce:

A civil rights group and parents filed a lawsuit against DISD alleging discrimination against African Americans and lower income students.

Madison High School, where the Board of Trustees has voted to send Spruce 10th and 11th graders is listed as a example of a campus that DISD has neglected. The suit cites declining enrollment due to "dilapidated facilities, inadequate equipment and libraries, and fewer educational opportunities, such as advanced classes, internships, or special programs."

See the original complaint filed July 14, 2008 here.

Get Your Kicks In The Grove:

The Spruce Student Council will be blocking walking every day in the evening to collect signatures for a petition we will be sending to DISD as part of our plan to overturn the Board decision to relocate 10th and 11th grade.

Our goal is to get as many signatures as possible!

If you want to help please e-mail us and our Stu. Co. President Angelica Perez will get in contact with you! savespruce@gmail.com

Calling All Timberwolves:

H. Grady Spruce High School located in the Pleasant Grove area of Dallas, TX is fighting for its survival. We are trying to save it and need as much help as possible. We have set up this blog so people can share their views and experiences as students, educators, or friends, and keep you updated on our fight to save our school.

As it stands DISD has chosen an option that will only allow incoming freshman and seniors to stay at Spruce while sending sophomores and juniors to other schools across town. This plan is not realistic on many different accounts which is why we are trying so desperately to keep Spruce open to all its students.

If you do not know what is going on at Spruce please visit us and open your eyes to the truth that DISD has forgotten about us and never gave us the chance to succeed.