Destination ImagiNation
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What is DI?
Destination ImagiNation (DI) is an extracurricular program sponsored by the
school district for students interested in art, performing arts, creative writing,
science, and technology. It is a fun activity that builds teamwork, creativity
and planning skills.
How does it work?
Kids work in small teams for 4 to 5 months on a project, called a DI challenge,
which involves designing and building, acting, painting, writing scripts, poetry
and songs, and crafting costumes and props. Each team has a team manager to
facilitate, motivate and inspire, yet the team members do all the work, from
concept to actual production. Teams present their unique solution to a panel
of DI appraisers at tournament competition. The winners in each category advance
to a Texas tournament and winners there qualify for global competition.
Do the younger kids compete with the older kids?
No. They are divided into levels determined by grade. Kids in K-2 make up the
primary, non-competitive teams. They have one challenge and present their solution
at tournament for an evaluation. They are not scored and their participation
ends at this point.
Kids in grades 3-12 make up the competitive teams and are assigned to one of three levels: elementary, middle, and secondary. There are 2 components to the competition: the Instant Challenge, which emphasizes improvisational skills and the ability to “think on your feet,” and the Team Challenge. Team members choose from 5 challenges to prepare for the Team Challenge. They compete with other teams in their level who are performing the same challenge.
What is the cost to parents?
The cost for participation is funded by the district. Each challenge has a maximum
cost for all items included in the end product. For example, many challenges
cap the total cost at $100.00 for all materials used in scenery, costumes, props,
and structures. This cost is funded by the families participating, but may consist
of garage sale prices attached to used items on hand. Any supplies used in making
scenery, props, etc., but not included in the final product, are not counted
in the cost.
Who manages the teams and where do they meet?
The teams are managed by a parent volunteer. LISD provides training at no cost
to the parents. Most teams meet at the home of one of the team members; however,
other arrangements are sometimes made to meet at the school, a church or other
public facility such as a library.
When does it start?
Teams begin forming in September of each school year. Our
kick-off event, DI Awareness Night 2007, was held in September. This
was a great opportunity for both children and parents to learn all about DI
and meet other creative,
innovative children
and teenagers.
When is the tournament?
The Regional Tournament will be on March 8, 2008 at RL Turner High School in Carrollton.
It sounds great! How do I sign up?
You can contact the office of your child’s school, your local PTA, or
you can contact the LISD DI Facilitator, Robin Napier, at 469-713-5997,
or at napierr@lisd.net. Teams start forming
in September.
Other DI Links:
http://www.destinationimagination.org
National Website
http://www.txcpso.org State Website
