BP

Cityscape Schools is excited to highlight Buckner Preparatory’s F.L.A.G. (Fly Lower And Gather) Club, which instills pride and respect for the United States flag. The club does this through an extensive education program for students. Students rush after school to find their teacher, Inez Marroquin, ready to teach them the importance of folding their country’s flag correctly while never letting it touch the ground. After answering questions and eating a light snack, students try out the experience for themselves.  They chose a partner, unfold the flag, and memorize each fold to tightly secure it.  “I like the discussions we have in the club meeting environment as it can range from the history of the U.S. flag as a symbol of our country to the events behind its display and the country itself,” says Marroquin. The founder and current president of the program, Jim Rodriguez, first visited the school in 2023 and gave a presentation to the students. Rodriguez told students about his veteran background in the Air Force. Marroquin said Rodriguez’s experience inspired him to pass on the love and history of the country along with passion for the national flag. Now, the club has 25 students participating in the program, and Marroquin emphasized the importance of students having access to the club. “Extracurricular clubs which allow the students to learn and have fun keep their interest in school as a place of wonder and learning,” he added. “It gives them an opportunity to enjoy themselves in a place usually seen only as a place to work.” For many students, joining F.L.A.G. has been a turning point – not only in how they see themselves, but in how they see…

Buckner Preparatory partnered up with Pleasant Oaks Recreation Center, part of the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department, to offer an opportunity for our students to engage in sports, such as soccer and basketball.  The Dallas Park and Recreation Department offers these youth sports scholarships to ensure that the students can participate in this program without bearing the financial burden of a registration fee.  Thanks to this partnership, Pleasant Oaks Recreation Center offered 10 scholarships to students and also provided uniforms for game days. Buckner Preparatory was able to help toward half of the registration fee of several students.  “I look forward in continuing to work with the students and staff from Buckner Prep and invite other cityscape campuses to create a youth sports partnership with us,” said Mr. Ebelardo Faz, Recreation Supervisor.  Teams are separated depending on the age of the students. So far this school year, Buckner Preparatory has had teams in U4, U6, U8, U10 and U12 for outdoor soccer;  U6 U8 and U12 for indoor soccer, and U12 for basketball . Being involved in sports has had a positive impact on the students and this impact is reflecting on their academic grades and change in attitude. “Being a part of something motivates students to stay on track and follow behavioral expectations,” said Ms. Lira, Assistant Principal at Buckner Preparatory. “Overall, students show that they’re proud to belong to something.  “Our students are so happy that they belong to something outside of class, the other day we had jersey day and our team players chose to wear their game jerseys instead of professional jerseys,” said Ms. Dominga Lira, BP Vice Principal. “I see the faces of…