Student Activities is there for the extracurricular coaches

We’ve Got You Covered is more than the Student Activities theme for the 2024-2025 school year. For the department team members, it is a promise to support the more than 2,000 teachers who serve as academic coaches for the department’s 12 extracurricular programs.

The theme aligns with the department’s commitment to support the teachers completely, said Michelle Read, Student Activities coordinator. The support starts early in the year with training that allows coaches for the variety of extracurricular activities to get started.

“This year’s theme ensures that every coach feels empowered and equipped with tools and resources necessary for getting students to compete at the highest levels possible,” Read said. “Our team members guarantee that each coach can effectively guide their students to success and develop useful life skills.” 

The Student Activities team provides a diverse selection of activities for students by covering the costs associated with participation, including registration fees, study materials, travel, and student incentives, said Rochelle Hailey, Solar Preparatory School for Girls debate coach.  

“I have never worked with a department that focuses on every aspect of the student participating,” Hailey said. “They provided a workshop, food to eat, a shirt to wear, transportation to get to the tournament, and the support of the staff so we can be successful as a team.”

Embracing the theme, Student Activities takes a comprehensive approach to ensure that every student can participate in and benefit from programs ranging from cheer and debate to chess and esports. 

Leonidas Patterson, director of Student Activities, said the department supports the entire school community, striving to create an atmosphere where students find avenues to connect with their interests and passions. 

“Our dedicated teachers put in extra hours beyond the school day so that students get the opportunity to participate in the extracurriculars offered by Student Activities,” Patterson said. “Understanding the commitment and time associated with sponsoring one of the districtwide programs, the department promises to be a reliable resource for teachers.” 

The districtwide extracurriculars come with instructional materials, training, and a stipend to compensate teachers for their time and expertise coaching students throughout the year. 

Christina Martinez, Student Activities manager, said the department works with the teachers to ensure the students have a positive experience with extracurriculars.  

“The best part of being a sponsor for Student Activities is that you never have to do it alone,” she said. “You have a whole team of people ready to support you from the very start. The Student Activities Department is there to help you when you stumble and cheer you on along the way.” 

Natasha Mitchell, cheer coach at Sunset High School, said Student Activities not only promoted togetherness but they even went as far as to celebrate victories with students and coaches. 

“We were at the district UIL cheer competition waiting to hear the results of the day, and when our school name was announced, it was like magic,” Mitchell said. “You would have thought we had just won the national championship the way the students celebrated together. And to top it off, the cheer squad was amazed that the Student Activities team was there cheering them on and celebrating their success with them.”

For a complete list of extracurricular activities sponsored by Student Activities, visit www.dallasisd.org/studentactivities.