Special Dyad partnerships connect students to a community that cares

HISD students at NES and NES-A campuses are benefiting from special partnerships with community members who teach their Dyad courses. Recently, volunteers from Home Depot's Team Depot and Nike Community Ambassadors visited Atherton Elementary and Key Middle School to support Dyad classes and enhance the students' learning experiences.

At Atherton Elementary, Home Depot donated supplies, plants, and soil to the Dyad gardening class, which has a rooftop garden. The goal was to maximize the garden's potential and provide the students with hands-on learning opportunities. Aiesha Odutayo, the NES Dyad Director, emphasized the importance of these partnerships in connecting students to the local community and teaching them about building relationships and partnerships for future success.

David Johnson, the gardening Dyad teacher at Atherton, expressed gratitude for the support from Home Depot. The donated supplies, including soil and tools, have made a significant impact on the students' ability to grow their own food. Johnson highlighted the educational aspect of the project, stating, "We focus on educating the kids on what's going on around them in terms of us being in a food desert and inform them how to grow their own food and why that's so important."

Meanwhile, at Key Middle School, Nike Community Ambassadors led a field day for the Dyad class. The volunteers organized various games and activities, including tug-of-war and sports, to get the students outside and moving. Tarren Scott, a coach at the Pasadena Nike clearance store and Nike Community Ambassador, expressed his enthusiasm for being able to make a positive impact on the community. Scott emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, "Being able to be out here and be involved with the kids and getting them involved with sports is what matters most to us."

These special Dyad partnerships not only provide students with unique learning experiences but also foster a sense of community and connection. By collaborating with local businesses and organizations, HISD students gain exposure to real-world scenarios and develop essential skills for their future endeavors.

To learn more about Dyad specialty classes and how HISD students are connecting with their communities, visit the Dyad website or watch the video provided.