Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Who is eligible for the Jim Davidson Scholarship?
A:Graduating seniors who show evidence of ability and merit in the field of scholastic journalism. The recipient must be a veteran of the Gloria Shields All-American Publications Workshop and must plan to continue in the field of journalism at a college or university. A major in journalism is not required.
Q:When is curfew each night?
A:11:00 p.m. Students are to be in their room with the door closed at this time.
Q:Is transportation provided?
A:The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to many shops and restaurants located within a five mile radius of the hotel. Dallas County Schools will only be providing transportation to Six Flags, or other workshop-related field trips.
Q:When should I arrive on the first day?
A:Registration opens at 12:00 p.m., and the opening session begins at 4:00 p.m. You should arrive early enough to check in to your room and get settled before the opening session.
Q:What types of activities have been planned?
A:Classes will take up the larger part of the day, but several activities have been planned throughout the week:
Monday evening: Mock Press Conference with special guest
Tuesday evening: Auction followed by Dance Party Bash
Wednesday evening: Students’ Night Out – field trips to Six Flags over Texas
The Galleria Mall is just minutes away from the hotel and a free shuttle service is provided to many shops and restaurants located within five miles of the hotel.
Q:What are Dallas Dollars, and how do I get them?
A:Dallas Dollars are rewarded to students who show exemplary performance in classes and can be used to purchase items at the Tuesday evening auction.
Q:What is an artist session, and how do I register?
A:These are 30-minute sessions with a professional graphic designer. Each school can register for one yearbook session and/or one newspaper session. It is the adviser’s responsibility to register for artist sessions prior to the workshop, and payment must be made before the session is scheduled.
Q:How do I know which level of class to register for?
A:There are different class levels for Photography, Yearbook and Newspaper.
Beginning: Perfect for a first year staffer or a student in need of a refresher course. This is a great way to cover the basics of your area of interest.
Intermediate: Second or third-year staffers are able to improve their skills and gain new knowledge.
Advanced: Seniors and staffers in leadership positions are on the advanced level. Students must have vast knowledge and ability in their subject.
The course descriptions found here can also be helpful in determining which course best fits your capabilities.
Q:What do I do if I want to switch classes?
A:Your adviser has the ability to log in to the workshop registration website to change your class selection.
Q:How do I reserve my hotel room?
A:Follow this link to the Dallas Marriott Quorum reservation webpage: http://marriott.com/dalqc?groupCode=gsxgsxa&app=resvlink.
Please make sure to set the correct dates, July 6 – 10. You may also reserve your room by phone: 1.800.228.9290, make sure to request the Gloria Shields Workshop rate.
Q:When is the deadline to reserve a hotel room?
A:June 16.
Q:How much do the hotel rooms cost?
A:Each room is priced at $87.00 per night
Q:Are meals provided?
A:No. You will be responsible for all of your meals for the week. There is a restaurant inside the hotel, as well as many surrounding eateries. There are over 170 restaurants within a four mile radius of the hotel. (http://addisontexas.net/where_to_eat/addison_restaurants/)
Q:Is internet access included in room price?
A:No. Internet access is priced at $9.95 per room, per day. Free wireless internet access is available in all meeting rooms and in the lobby. Wired Internet access in the guest rooms is $9.95 a day. Wireless internet is available in the lobby for $9.95 a day. Wired and Wireless internet are available in the meeting rooms- additional costs will apply.
Q:When should I arrive on the first day?
A:Registration opens at 12:00 p.m., and the opening session begins at 4:00 p.m. You should arrive early enough to check in to your room and get settled before the opening session. Check in time begins at 3:00PM
Q:How can I contact the hotel?
A:The direct phone line for the hotel is 972.661.2800, the reservation line is 1.800.228.9290. You may also visit the hotel website at: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dalqc-dallas-addison-marriott-quorum-by-the-galleria/
Q:Will there be security guards on-site?
A:Yes, the hotel provides around-the-clock security.
Q:How much does each class cost?
A:Each class costs $100.
Q:Where do I mail my payments, and when are they due?
A:You can make checks payable to Dallas County Schools, and mail to:
Dallas County Schools
Attn: Gloria Shields Workshop
612 North Zang Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75208
In order to guarantee your spot in a class, Dallas County Schools must have either a $20 deposit for each attendee or payment in full.
Q:Will I get a refund if I am not able to attend?
A:You will receive an $80 refund if you are unable to attend (there is a non-refundable $20 deposit).
Q:What payment options do I have?
A:You may pay online with PayPal, personal or school check or school purchase order.
Q:When is my artist session payment due?
A:Payment is due with your registration payment. No artist sessions will take place without payment in full (the cost is $50).
If you will be using PayPal, please note the following:
Processing Fees are 2.9% of the total amount plus 30 cents per transaction.
Please see Examples below.
If student is paying deposit the processing costs are $20 * .029 + .30 = 0.88
If student is paying for Class, processing costs are $100 * .029 + .30 = 3.20
If adviser is paying for 2 student classes, processing costs are $200 * .029 + .30 = 6.10