The Dallas Academy community came together in vibrant style on Saturday, November 9th, for the annual DAwg Run, which featured a burst of color as participants in the one-mile race were showered with bright, colorful powder. Josh Maki claimed the top spot as the overall winner, with Adrian Gongora and Baylen Gongora following in second and third place. Every runner left with medals, t-shirts, and big smiles—and even our furry friends got in on the action, with one lucky dog winning prizes in the pet costume contest.

"The DAwg Run continues to be one of my favorite events of the year, and this year was extra special with our biggest turnout yet!" said Jodie Green, 6th grade parent who helped to organize the DAwg Run this year.  We're so proud to see so many people show up to build community and support our school."  

The day was filled with family-friendly activities, including a Chili Cook-Off featuring 14 teams. The RedZone Heat, hosted by the Strickler family, earned the "Best Theme" award; Chili Dawgs, hosted by the Lipper family, won the "People's Choice" award; and Netflix and Chili, hosted by the Linz-Thorn family, took home the "Best Tasting" prize.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and participants, the event raised over $23,000, all of which will benefit Dallas Academy students through tuition assistance and academic improvements.  Guests also enjoyed a cake walk, face painting, slime-making, and a petting zoo, made possible by the support of local businesses.  

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, CW Custom Flooring, as well as all our sponsors and volunteers, whose contributions helped make this year’s DAwg Run a tremendous success. We are grateful for the continued support of our community!

Dallas Academy has announced Amy Bernstein as the new Principal of Dallas Academy. Ms. Bernstein is a passionate educator of 19 years and has dedicated much of her career to supporting children with learning differences. Her experience includes classroom teaching and providing dyslexia therapy in the Richardson Independent School District. Most recently, she started the RISD Dyslexia Therapist Training Center and was their lead dyslexia therapist working in a leadership role through teacher training and coaching in the Take Flight and MTA curriculum, program development, and strategic planning. She also led campus training, created and delivered professional development to teachers, provided principals with reading intervention strategies, and lectured and led practicums for reading intervention.

Ms. Bernstein’s education background includes a Master of Education with a specialization in reading and writing from Southern Methodist University and a B.A. in psychology. Ms. Bernstein is a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Qualified Instructor, providing instruction and training in structured literacy programs to reading specialists. She is a compassionate leader, skilled communicator, and fierce advocate for children who learn differently. "I am excited to collaborate with teachers and parents to foster an environment that puts students' needs first, creates a culture of inclusivity, and ensures all students can be successful in their academic journey, " said Ms. Bernstein.

Ms. Bernstein will begin her role as the new Principal at the end of July and will complete our leadership team and oversee the school's academic program. Her role will include assuring the alignment and continuity of educational instruction, special programs, school policies and procedures, and fostering the rich school culture that is the hallmark of Dallas Academy.

Dallas Academy School, nestled in the heart of White Rock Lake, will soon have a new addition to campus. Life-long friends of Head of School, Elizabeth Murski from the Jesuit and Ursuline Class of 1983 have gifted $250,000 towards the creation of a new sensory playground at Dallas Academy in East Dallas. The playground will feature a shade structure, new ground covering, and all new playground equipment, including a special sensory wall for students to enjoy. 

"We are thrilled about the new state-of the art playground and looking forward to having a new fun area where our students can run around and play,” said Elizabeth Murski. "Thanks to the fundraising efforts by high school friends, our students will soon have a safe, shaded and engaging outdoor space to explore.”  

In addition to the playground upgrades, Dallas Academy will be hosting a naming contest for students and staff to participate in. The winning name will be proudly displayed at the entrance of the playground for all to see. 

Construction on the playground is expected to begin during the summer months and is planned to be completed in time for the fall school year. The new sensory playground will provide a valuable resource for students to engage in active play and sensory exploration. 

Founded in 1965, Dallas Academy is the oldest school in Texas to work exclusively with students with learning differences and offers a structured, multisensory program for students to achieve success both in and out of the classroom. Every student on campus is known by all teachers, making it easy for students to be encouraged, praised, and guided toward achieving their goals. 

For more information on the new sensory playground at Dallas Academy, please contact Lisa Loera, Director of Community Relations.