BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR PREPS DESOTO ISD STUDENTS, PARENTS FOR FALL RETURN
By Joshua Johnson
Special to Dallas Post Tribune
From Staff Reports
DESOTO—DeSoto ISD hosted families and communities to DeSoto High School on Sat., Aug. 5 at DeSoto High School to distribute more than 2,000 free backpacks and school supplies to families in DeSoto ISD.
“It is always great to see our families have the opportunity to gain the much needed resources to help prepare students for school,” said DeSoto Superintendent Dr. David Harris. “As educators, it’s important that we collaborate with our community to ensure that we are doing everything we can eliminate barriers to education while also welcoming families back to school for a new school year, communicating that we are not only ready to receive students but ready to meet students’ needs so that they can the best scholars possible.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Harris joined School Board President Carl Sherman Jr. and other members of the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees including Tiffany Clark, Karen Daniel, Donald Gant, Kathy Goad, Aubrey C. Hooper, Sandre Moncriffe, and area officials including Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and other city and governmental representatives from City of DeSoto, Glenn Heights and Ovilla to support families as they prepare for the start of school which is scheduled to kick off on Mon., Aug. 21.
This year’s event helped 2,000 pre-registered DeSoto ISD students prepare for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year with backpacks and school supplies thanks in part to a generous donation from DeSoto alum and 2015 Super Bowl MVP Von Miller.
“ The opportunity to serve students and families through the DeSoto ISD Back-to-School Fair is one we take great pride in. The collaboration and planning necessary to provide these resources to families to ensure that students start the school year prepared with some foundational items that can support their learning and classroom experiences is an effort that is focused on creating the best possible outcomes for students in DeSoto ISD. We are excited about the opportunities we as a district are working to provide for our students and we are excited about the start of the school year,” said Associate Superintendent Dr. Gabrielle Lemonier.
Area students and families were able to take advantage of free immunizations from Dallas County Health and Human Services. In addition, health screenings by local agencies, community services, and social service resources were available to families in attendance.
The DeSoto ISD Back-to-School Fair also included live entertainment, games, prizes and information regarding district programs including reduced rate STEM-based pre-k programs for three-year old students through partnerships with area childcare providers, before- and after-care programs for pre-k4 students at Amber Terrace Design and Discovery Early Childhood Academy, the after school ACE program which provides tutoring and after school educational enrichment for K-8 students, magnand International Baccalaureate programs, and Career and Technical Educational opportunities which afforded DeSoto ISD students more than 500 professional certifications last year.
Families will have the opportunity to register for the upcoming school year starting Aug. 8 through Aug.18 following completion of the online enrollment process available at www.desotoisd.org/onlinenerollment.
“We are ecstatic about what’s happening here in the City of DeSoto and DeSoto ISD. The DeSoto ISD Back-to-School Fair is a testament to the bold vision and leadership we have here in our schools and community. More importantly, a testament to what our students deserve,” said Board Vice President, Karen Daniel.
DeSoto ISD is public independent school district serving more than 9,800 students and 1,200 employees. The district is comprised of 12 campuses serving students from early childhood through graduation. A District of Innovation, DeSoto ISD’s mission statement is preparing students academically and socially to be problem solvers and productive citizens.
The district’s 2020 Strategic Plan focuses on individualized learning, quality teachers, equal access and relationships in an effort to provide a holistic and well-rounded educational experience to students and families in DeSoto, Glenn Heights, and Ovilla.
