DeSoto ISD - Soaring Forward - Fall 2023

DHS Choir Director Pamela Dawson Wins Grammy Award

Board of Trustees

Parents, Community, and DeISD Staff:

Thank you so much for soaring with us! We have the unique opportunity to do something great here in DeSoto ISD to SOAR FORWARD.

This upcoming school year will be one of great significance for DeSoto ISD. We will come to discover that if we dare to innovate and step beyond our traditional approach to education, this year will be one like no other. This year, we must challenge ourselves to provide extraordinary possibilities for every student we serve.

Soaring Forward for us in this upcoming academic year includes:

z Improving student achievement and working towards the fulfillment of the district’s Board Goals

z Attracting, recruiting and retaining quality teachers, leaders, and partners

z Engaging parents, families, and community stakeholders in the educational experience

z Creating a culture of collaboration, trust, and accountability

Our families’ decisions to educate their children in DeSoto ISD is one not taken lightly. We value our families’ choice to be a part of the Eagle family and are committed to ensuring that our students and families understand the wide range of quality educational options available to them via the Triple-A Experience.

As we know, academic and intellectual development is optimized through specialized and extra- and co-curricular learning, which is why we continue to grow and support our K-12 offerings which have been enhanced through the reintroduction of choice programs in DeSoto ISD.

In DeSoto ISD, we prioritize students’ needs and are committed to providing first-class academic opportunities to our families in both DeSoto and Glenn Heights.

The DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees understands the work ahead of us and the expectation that we have from our community to guide positive growth and progress this year. We want parents and students to choose DeSoto ISD, to feel confident in our services as a viable educational option in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and to know we are hard at work ensuring the best possible outcome for every student and family we serve.

Let’s get ready for the best school year yet as we prepare to Soar Forward!

With Scholars In Mind, Chasiti McKissic, President, DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees

McKissic President, Place 2

Vice President, Place 5

Traci McNairy Secretary, Place 7 Watson-Banks TASA/TASB Alternate, Place 1

Karen Lacy Place 3 James Durham Place 4 Dr. DeAndrea Fleming TASA/TASB Delegate, Place 6

DeSoto ISD Trustees and the district superintendent honor Valedictorian Patrick Williams, Jr., and Salutatorian Anay Landeros

SUPERINTENDENT GREETINGS FROM THE

Dear Parents and Students:

Thank you for choosing the DeSoto Independent School District! I am extremely excited about the year ahead for our school community. We have worked incredibly hard over the past school year to ensure we are positioned to SOAR FORWARD in DeSoto ISD.

We streamlined focal points to more clearly align with the district’s board goals and are working hard to support the success of committed, quality teachers in every classroom for the upcoming school year. We understand that success is more than a test score or an accountability rating; it is our ability to grow and develop the students we serve. Our ultimate measure of success emerges in how we serve the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally — a nod to the DeSoto ISD vision and mission which guide us into a successful future.

As we strive to Soar Forward, we aim to personify these statements in our daily work in this very special school community. This is what truly makes DeSoto ISD so incredibly unique — that we, as leaders, teachers, parents, and community members, are as committed to growing and improving as we ask our scholars to be by building on our foundations and strengths to become the best version of ourselves that we can be each and every day.

This year, parent involvement will be essential to student success. That is why we are working to encourage continued parent engagement opportunities at both the district and campus levels, ensuring DeSoto ISD parents have the information and access they need to support student success and achievement.

We will continue to expand and diversify college- and career-focused educational options designed to propel students toward their full potential. As we embark on a new and exciting school year, we aim to make DeSoto ISD a shining light in southern Dallas County.

DeSoto ISD looks forward to working collaboratively with our families and stakeholders to support student achievement through the Triple-A Experience. Let’s show the world what it means to Soar Forward!

Super Proud Superintendent, Usamah Rodgers, Ed.D, DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools

Your

“Our ultimate measure of success emerges in how we serve the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.”

Dr. Usamah Rodgers, DeISD Superintendent

VISION

The Vision of DeSoto ISD is to inspire curiosity and consciousness, develop character, build courage and nurture compassion.

MISSION

The Mission of DeSoto ISD is to ensure students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest levels.

VALUES

• Every Student

• Relentless Equity

• Unconditional Belonging

• Collective Excellence

• Courageous Learning

• Community Greatness

ABOUT DESOTO ISD

Located 15 miles south of downtown Dallas, DeSoto ISD enjoys community support of academics, arts, and athletics to serves students from early childhood through graduation. The District’s 2021 Be The Future Strategic Plan focuses on equity, access, and excellence in an effort to provide a holistic and well-rounded education experience to students and families in DeSoto, Glenn Heights, and Ovilla.

DESOTO ISD SCHOOLS

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Amber Terrace Design and Discovery Center | PK 3&4

224 Amber Lane | DeSoto, TX 75115

*Opening Fall 2023

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Cockrell Hill Elementary School | K-2

425 S. Cockrell Hill Rd. DeSoto, TX 75115

Phone: 972-230-1692

Frank Moates Elementary School | 3-5

1500 Heritage Blvd.

Glenn Heights, TX 75154

Phone: 972-230-2881

The Meadows Elementary School | 3-5

1016 The Meadows Pkwy.

DeSoto, TX 75115

Phone: 972-224-0960

Woodridge Elementary School | K-3

1001 Woodridge Dr. DeSoto, TX 75115

Phone: 972-223-3800

y African American 74.4%

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School | 6-8

1500 Majestic Meadows Dr., Glenn Heights, TX 75154

Phone: 972-274-8090

DeSoto West Middle School | 6-8

800 N. Westmoreland Rd., DeSoto, TX 75115

Phone: 972-230-1820

SPECIALIZED CAMPUSES

Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy | K-8

1200 Academy Way, DeSoto, TX 75115

Phone: 972- 274-8026

Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy | K-8

707 Young Blvd., DeSoto, TX 75115

Phone: 972-223-6505

HIGH SCHOOL

DeSoto High School | 9-12

600 Eagle Dr., DeSoto, TX 75115

Phone: 972-230-0726

K-12 SCHOOLS

Alternative Education Program 204 E. Belt Line Rd., DeSoto, TX 75115

Phone: 972-223-2242

Students by Demographic DeSoto ISD by the

y Hispanic 20.9%

y White 1.9%

y American Indian 0.2%

y Two or More Races 2.3%

y 81 % Economically Disadvantaged

y Diverse and multicultural student body representing more than 35 countries and 20 languages

Numbers

y 6,300 Scholars

y 800 Employees

y 10 Campuses

y 23 Square Miles

Students by Program

y 604 Bilingual/ESL Education

y 2,593 Career and Technical Education

y 618 Gifted and Talented Education

y 832 Special Education

Data-Driven Success in

DeSoto ISD

DeSoto ISD is a public independent school district serving more than 6,300 students and 800 employees. The district comprises 10 campuses serving students from early childhood through graduation. DeSoto ISD’s mission is to ensure students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest levels.

The District’s 2021 Be The Future Strategic Plan focuses on equity,

DeSoto ISD Goals

The DeSoto ISD Trustees established the district’s educational goals to guide the design and progress of student achievement.

Goal 1: College, Career, and Military Readiness

The percentage of high school students who graduate college, career, and military-ready will increase from 36% (May 2019) to 62% by May 2025.

Goal 2: Early Literacy

The percentage of students at the Meets level on the thirdgrade STAAR reading exam increases from 25% (May 2019) to 65% in May 2025.

Goal 3: Early Numeracy

The percentage of students at the Meets level on the thirdgrade STAAR math exam increases from 31% (May 2019) to 53% by May 2025.

Goal 4: Individualized Growth

The percentage of students in elementary and middle school who meet their individual growth goals in both math and reading on NWEA MAP will increase from 22% (in February 2020) to 50% by May 2025.

access, and excellence in an effort to provide a holistic and well-rounded educational experience to students and families in DeSoto, Glenn Heights, and Ovilla.

With the support of the DeSoto ISD Trustees, staff, and community who actively take part in providing high-quality educational experiences to DeSoto ISD scholars, the district is poised to continue to soar above and beyond towards excellence.

Community Engagement Get Involved in Student Experiences

As DeSoto ISD plans for the future, the district has some emerging opportunities for members of the community to engage with its local public school system and have a direct impact on students’ educations.

Areas of Opportunity

z Career and Technical Education Programmatic Partnerships with area businesses and industry partners

z Volunteer and service projects for area businesses, non-profits, churches, and other such entities

Volunteer Link

While the district is focused on getting core educational experiences at a top-tier level for students and families, it is also establishing a means by which to address students’ peripheral needs essential to their growth, development, and exposure to experiences they may not otherwise receive.

z Donation of goods, services, or financial contributions to support programs, initiatives, and student experiences

z Tutoring, mentorship, or reading programs to support district scholars

Supply Lists Back to School ‘23

PRE-KINDERGARTEN

2- Boxes (24-count) Crayola Crayons

1- Pack (24-count) of #2 Pencils

1- Pack Colored Pencils

1- Pack of Jumbo Pencils

2- Plastic Pocket Folders w/ Brads (Green, Yellow)

2- Packs (50-count) Manila Paper, 12x18

2- Packs (50-count) Construction Paper, 12x18

1- Pair Round-Tip Scissors

2- Bottles (12 oz.) Hand Sanitizer

1- Large Box of Facial Tissue

1- Box of Ziploc Bags (1-Gallon, 1-Quart)

1- Pack of Anti-Bacterial Wipes

1- Box Crayola Washable Markers

1- Sleep Mat

1- Set of Headphones

KINDERGARTEN

2- Packs (24-count) of #2 Pencils

1- Box of (24-count) Crayola Crayons

1- Pencil Box

3- Plastic Pocket Folders w/ Brads (Red, Blue, Yellow)

1- Pack of (50-count) Manila Paper, 12x18

1- Pack of (50-count) Construction paper, 12x18

1- Pair Round-Tip Fiskar Scissors

1- Bottle (12 oz.) Hand Sanitizer

2- Large Boxes of Facial Tissue

2- Boxes Ziploc Bags (1-Gallon, 1-Quart)

3- Primary Composition Notebooks

1- Set of Headphones (no earbuds)

1- Pack of Anti-Bacterial Wipes

FIRST GRADE

2- Boxes (24-count) Crayola Crayons

2- Packs (24-count) of #2 Pencils

1- Nylon Zippered Pencil Bag

2- Plastic Pocket Folders w/ Brads (Red, Blue, Yellow)

2- Packs (50-count) Manila Paper (12x18, 8x11)

2- Packs (50-count) Construction paper (12x18, 8x11)

1- Pair Round-Tip Fiskar Scissors

1- Bottle (12 oz.) Hand Sanitizer

1- Large Box of Facial Tissue

FIRST GRADE - Continued

1- Box of Ziploc Bags (1-Gallon, 1-Quart)

2- 70-Page, Wide-Rule Composition Notebooks

1- Sets of headphones (no earbuds)

1- Pack (200-count) Wide-Rule Notebook Paper

2- Packs of Pencil-Top Erasers

SECOND GRADE

2- Boxes (24-count) Crayola Crayons

2- Packs (24-count) of #2 Pencils

1- Nylon Zippered Pencil Bag

2- Plastic Pocket Folders w/ Brads

1- Pack of (50-count) Manila Paper, 12x18

1- Pack of (50-count) Construction Paper, 12x18

1- Pair Round-Tip Fiskar Scissors

1- Bottle (12 oz.) Hand Sanitizer

1- Large Box Facial Tissue

1- Box of Ziploc Bags (1-Gallon, 1-Quart)

2- 70-page, Wide-Rule Composition Notebooks

1- Set of Headphones (no Earbuds)

2- Packs (200-count) Wide-Rule Notebook Paper

1- 2 Pack Pink Erasers

1- 2-inch, 3-Ring Binder

THIRD GRADE

1- Box of (24-count) Crayola Crayons

2- Packs of (24-count) of #2 Pencils

2- Plastic Pocket Folders w/ brads

1- Pack of (50-count) Manila Paper, 12x18

1- Pack of (50-count) Construction Paper, 12x18

1- Pair Pointed-Tip Fiskar Scissors

2- Large Elmer Glue Sticks

1- Bottle (12 oz) Hand Sanitizer

1- Large Box Facial Tissue

2- Boxes Ziploc Bags (1-Gallon, 1-Quart)

1- Set of Headphones or Earbuds

1- Pack (200-count) Wide-Rule Notebook Paper

1- 2-Pack Pink Erasers

1- 2-Inch, 3-Ring Binder

4- Composition Notebooks

1- Pack of Crayola Markers

1- Box (24-count) Crayola Crayons

2- Packs of (24-count) of #2 Pencils

1- Nylon Zippered Pencil Bag

2- Plastic Pocket Folders w/ Brads

1- Pack of (50-count)Manila Paper, 12x18

1- Pack of (50-count)Construction Paper, 12x18

1- Pair Pointed-Tip Fiskar Scissors

2- Large Elmer Glue Sticks

1- Bottle of (12 oz.) Hand Sanitizer

2- Large Boxes Facial Tissue

1- Box of Ziploc Bags (Gallon)

1- Set of Headphones or Earbuds

2- Packs (200-count) Wide-Rule Notebook Paper

1- Pack of Pink Erasers

1- 2-inch, 3-Ring Binder

1- Pack Colored Pencils

1- Ruler

4- Composition Notebooks

1- Pack of Crayola Markers

FIFTH GRADE

2- Packs (24-count) of #2 Pencils

1- Nylon Zippered Pencil Bag

4- Plastic Pocket Folders w/ Brads (assorted)

1- Pack (50-count) Manila Paper, 12x18

1- Pair Pointed-Tip Fiskar Scissors

1- Bottle (12 oz.) Hand Sanitizer

1- Large Box Facial Tissue

1- Box Ziploc Bags (Gallon)

1- Set of Headphones or Earbuds

2- Packs of 200-Count, Wide Rule Notebook Paper

1- 2-Count Pack of Pink Erasers

1- 2-Inch, 3-Ring Binder

1- Pack Colored Pencils

1- Pack of Index cards

2- Composition Notebooks

1- Pack of Crayola Markers

1- Pack of Crayola Crayons

SECONDARY SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST

The supplies are ones that students will use in all classes. They must have these on a daily basis.

• Pack of 25 #2 Pencils or Mechanical Pencils

• Pack of 24 Colored pencils

• Pack of 8 - Broad Tip Markers

• Ballpoint Pens (variety of colors — blue, black, or red — for note taking) Notebooks or loose-leaf notebook paper, wide-ruled

• 2 Pack Glue Sticks

• Scissors

Organizational Helpers

• Highlighters in a variety of colors - 3 pack

• Flash Drive 8 GB (optional)

• 2 Boxes Facial Tissue

• 1 Bottle Hand Sanitizer Dry Erase Markers

ENGLISH

1- Plastic Pocket Folder with Brads

1- Subject Spiral Notebook

1- 2-inch, 3- Ring Binder w/Dividers

100 Index Cards

READING

1- Plastic Pocket Folder with Brads

1- Subject Spiral Notebook

1- Composition Notebook

100 Index Cards

MATH

1- Plastic Pocket Folder with Brads

1- 1-Subject Spiral Notebook

1- 2-Inch, 3-Ring Binder

1- Composition Notebook

SCIENCE

1- Plastic Pocket Folder with Brads

1- Wide-Ruled Composition

Notebook

HISTORY

1- Plastic Pocket Folder with Brads

1 1-Subject Spiral Notebook

1- 2-Inch, 3-Ring Binder

1- Composition Notebook

ELECTIVES

2- 3-Subject Spiral Notebooks

P.E.

GIRLS: Shorts, Gray T-Shirt, Running Shoes

BOYS: Shorts, White T-Shirt, Running Shoes

Best in Music Education

DeSoto ISD is proud to have been recognized by the NAMM Foundation as a “Best Community for Music Education.”

“While DeSoto has received this distinction in the past, my goal was to recapture that recognition since we did not receive it in 2022,” said DeSoto ISD Director of Bands Delton Brown.

“I am so pleased and happy to announce that DeSoto ISD has rightfully received the award, another item that may be utilized when speaking of DeSoto’s Triple-A Experience.”

DeSoto ISD was awarded this honor six consecutive years prior to 2022.

Founded in 2006, The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation represents the generosity and philanthropy of the music products industry. Now in its 24th year, the 2023 Best Communities for Music Education program recognizes the outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders and their support for music education as part of a well-rounded education for all children.

“We are deeply committed to connecting students to each strand of the Triple-A Experience in DeSoto ISD,” said Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers.

“With K-12 bands, choirs, dance, theatre, and art at schools across the district, students have a wide range of art exposure and experiences in DeSoto ISD. This award is a nod to the quality and caliber of our programs and what families and scholars have access to right here in DeSoto.”

2023 School Safety Updates

James Thomas, DeSoto ISD’s Chief of Maintenance and Operations, is proactive in ensuring a safe learning environment.

“My primary focus has always been ensuring children feel safe when they come to school,” he said. Since joining DeISD in March 2022, Thomas began regular training for district security staff and school resource officers.

“I always want the best for the communities that I serve,” Thomas said. “Minor adjustments went a long way in building the confidence of district security staff. It’s important they know the magnitude of how their presence optimizes students’ learning experiences. When students feel physically safe, they are empowered to feel safe as they learn and interact with their peers.”

Backpacks

DeSoto ISD will allow students to wear backpacks. However, before major breaks

and holidays, the district will ask students to not carry backpacks as an additional security measure.

Body Cameras

DeSoto ISD security guards and school resource officers will be required to wear body cameras any time they are interacting with students and staff. The devices can be remotely activated for supervisory monitoring and training purposes.

House Bill 3

HB3 requires schools to have one armed staff member per campus. Security guards and school resource officers will be trained and armed to meet the requirements.

Panic Alert Button

The 2023 legislative session requires schools to have a panic button in every classroom as an emergency notification

tool. The district is reviewing a number of options to address this requirement, including the provision of ID badges that feature a panic button and will be worn as a lanyard.

Uniform-Based Dress Code

DeSoto ISD will enact a uniform-based dress code for the 2023-24 year which consists of a solid-color polo-style shirt or button-down shirts and solid-color uniform bottoms. Uniforms allow for quick and easy identification of intruders and supports the district’s overall safety and security efforts.

School Community Voices

Chris Buchanan | Kindergarten Cockrell Hill Elementary

“DeSoto stands out for its strong focus on family, support, and unity. It offers a welcoming, hands-on environment where everyone works together towards a shared goal. Passionate individuals are eager to assist newcomers and returning members alike. Returning to DeSoto feels like coming home, filled with excitement to connect with new scholars and former colleagues from Ruby Young. DeSoto’s dedication to children is exceptional, seeking teachers who genuinely care and cater to academic, social, and emotional needs. Their holistic approach to learning sets DeSoto apart.”

April Wright | 2nd Grade

Katherine Johnson TMA

“DeSoto ISD excels in integrating technology and innovation into its curriculum while balancing traditional teaching methods. The campus-specific curriculum at KJTMA, centered around space and aeronautics, excites me for my engaged 2nd-grade students’ growth. DeSoto’s uniqueness lies in its holistic approach, valuing social, emotional, and cultural aspects alongside academics. They foster well-rounded individuals, preparing them to be successful students and contributing members of the community.”

Rianne Ordoñez | Pre-K4 Bilingual Cockrell Hill Elementary

“DeSoto ISD isn’t afraid to change the system in order to make incredible improvements. I’m excited to bring the same energy from previous years, but this time being even more prepared and ready to teach. What makes DeSoto special is our staff. What continues to keep us strong is everybody supports each other. Teachers helping teachers, principals helping teachers, it’s the whole system that keeps us together and keeps us going.”

Chibuikem A. | 6th Grade | Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy

“I'm going to the 6th grade! I'll be getting new classes, so I'm really excited that I'll be able to learn history, science, and all of the fun subjects in detail. This is the first year I'll have multiple teachers and classes in one day.”

Elijah E. | 11th Grade DeSoto High School

“I'm really excited to meet my new teachers. Hopefully I can find some new teachers that I really like. I hope I meet new people that can really help inside and outside of school. When you have connections, that really helps in life.”

Elijah W. | 3rd Grade The Meadows Elementary School

“I’m excited about going to The Meadows Elementary. I will get to learn more stuff with my new teachers and see my old friends again and make some new ones. My favorite subject is math, and I want to learn new math tricks.”

Help Your Scholar Succeed Regular School Attendance

Classroom attendance is tied to classroom success. When students are absent, they miss opportunities to learn, build friendships, and develop skills and attitudes needed to become good citizens. DeSoto ISD aims to encourage better more consistent student attendance patterns.

Tips for Good Attendance:

• Get your child to school on time

every day and remain at school the entire instructional day

• Give your child enough time to get ready each morning

• Monitor your child’s attendance through Parent Portal

• Work with your health-care providers to schedule regular doctor’s visits after school hours or during staff development days or district holidays

• Plan family vacations on days when school’s not in session

• Follow proper guidelines for reporting excused absences in a timely manner

How to report an absence?

Simply call your child’s school on the morning of the absence:

Early Childhood

Amber Terrace | 972.223.8757

Elementary Schools

Cockrell Hill | 972.230.1692

The Meadows | 972.224.0960

Frank Moates | 972.230.2881

Woodridge | 972.223.3800

Alternative Schools

DeSoto AEP | 972.223.2242

Middle Schools

Curtistene S. McCowan | 972.274.8090

DeSoto West | 972.230.1820

Specialized Campuses

Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy | 972.274.8026

Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy | 972.223.6505

High School

DeSoto High School | 972.230.0726

Attendance Policies

Research shows that students who attend school regularly achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. The relationship between attendance and achievement may appear early in a child’s school career.

A missed school day is a lost opportunity for students to learn. In addition to instruction, class attendance provides collaborative opportunities for students to problem solve and create. Open dialog and discussion about a class topic could result in a new workshop or field trip for the students to expand their vision and reach. In addition, students are afforded the opportunity to hone critical skills in communication and conflict resolution with classroom interaction. Learning to work and grow together is vital in higher education, military, and any career field.

Parents and students are strongly encouraged to prioritize attendance at all times. Every effort should be employed to make off campus appointments on student holidays to avoid absences. The district will take official attendance every day at 10 am and 2 pm when applicable.

Legally, the Texas Education Code section 25.092 requires that a student in grades kindergarten through grade 12 be in attendance for at least 90 percent of the days a class is offered in order to receive credit for the class or a final grade. The Texas Association of School Boards published a listing of frequently asked questions about the 2022 attendance laws on their web page.

The DeSoto ISD student handbook outlines attendance requirements and exemptions in Section Two: Other Important Information for Parents and Students. This student handbook is available on the district website under the STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES department page in the documents folder.

Policies on Attendance

Parents and students should carefully review the attendance requirements and monitor their recorded attendance to avoid end of the year concerns about course credit and added expenses related to course recovery.

Texas Association of School Boards FAQs

DeSoto ISD’s Attendance Requirements

DeSoto ISD’s Board

DeSoto ISD board attendance policies can be found on the district website.

DeSoto ISD Expands Academic Offerings

Academic choice enhances students’ excitement and engagement in their educational experiences, curriculum, and future interests. Creativity is an essential skill for scholars, and the experience of academic choice allows more meaningful learning via specialized programs designed to enhance and develop scholars’ skills, abilities, and interests.

With this in mind, DeSoto ISD is excited to announce special choice programming for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Choice Programs

DeSoto ISD will reintroduce EIGHT choice programs for the 2023-24 academic year. This will provide clear and robust educational choices for families in DeSoto and Glenn Heights.

The programs will offer a range of specializations across a wide variety of academic disciplines for K-12 scholars in the district.

Current and prospective DeSoto ISD families and scholars can visit DeSotoISD. org/CHOICE to learn more about these unique and special programs. The programs are as follows:

Amber Terrace Early Childhood Discovery & Design Academy

Amber Terrace Early Childhood

Discovery & Design Academy is for PK3 and PK4 scholars. This early childhood education program is designed to build a strong learning foundation rooted in literacy and numeracy with opportunities for arts, project-based learning, and STEM.

Woodridge Classical Arts and Humanities Academy

Woodridge Classical Arts and Humanities Academy is accepting applications from rising K-2nd graders who seek an arts- and humanitiesfocused elementary curriculum. Students will study and engage in the visual and performing arts, such as foundational drawing, painting, sculpture, dance, music, and theater, as well as study English/language arts, history, and cultural studies.

Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School Fine Arts Academy

CMMS Fine Arts Academy is for rising 6th grade scholars interested in the arts, who desire a multi-disciplinary arts experience rooted in art history, visual arts, and performing arts. At the CMMS Fine Arts Academy, scholars will have the opportunity to explore a range of arts along with the core academic curriculum to provide a well-rounded and holistic experience.

West Middle School Male Leadership Academy

WMS Male Leadership Academy is for 6th grade boys and is located on the DeSoto West Middle School campus. The school-within-a-school model will create a focused learning environment for adolescent male scholars, built on the concepts of personal pride, belongingness, brotherhood, and camaraderie. Iron sharpens iron, and the scholars in the WMS Male Leadership Academy will be positioned to soar.

Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy (KJTMA)

Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy is accepting applications from academically-inclined, K-7th grade scholars who are interested in STEM, specifically in aerospace and aviation. This setting honors the legacy of the school’s namesake and her brave pursuit of math-engineered space aviation during a time that required courage and an audacious spirit. These scholars will soar using project-based learning.

Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy

Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy is accepting applications for K-7th grade scholars interested in environmental science, horticulture, and agriculture. The Academy is supported by university and community partnerships. Imagine a world where students embark on learning adventures in nature, where science and tech come to life to sustain the world around them.

Early College High School

Early College High School is for 9th-12th grade scholars seeking opportunities in an academically accelerated, collegeaccess setting via a partnership with Dallas College-Cedar Valley campus. This program, which accepts applications for rising 9th grade scholars each year, provides high school students the opportunity to pursue college credit and obtain an associate degree at no cost.

K-5 Neighborhood Schools

In addition to these choice programs, DeSoto ISD is excited to continue to offer excellent experiences at each of the district’s neighborhood schools.

Neighborhood schools reflect the character, investment, partnership, and needs of the neighborhoods in which they reside. These schools are built on the premise of community and engagement, creating a space that feels like home where students and families find belonging and inclusion within the campus community.

• Frank Moates Elementary

• Cockrell Hill Elementary

• The Meadows Elementary

To learn more about DeSoto ISD choice and neighborhood schools, visit DeSotoISD.org/choice.

Triple-A ExperiencePoints of Pride

DeSoto ISD is continuing to clarify and define the Triple-A Experience for its school community and scholars. The Triple-A Experience gives credence to the district’s holistic and well-rounded approach to educating scholars through academics, arts, and athletics. It is an opportunity to more deeply engage students and their families in the educational offerings available in DeSoto.

ACADEMICS

z DeSoto ISD is transforming the entire educational experience for students and parents, from full pre-kindergarten through post-graduation. DeISD is focused on creating a system that responds to the interests and gifts of every student, while also creating learning experiences that reflect professional industries in a modern world.

z Academically, DeSoto ISD continues to take significant steps forward towards excellence. Our TEA Academic accountability rating has increased each year for the last three years. DeSoto ISD is now

one of the higher-rated school systems in the Best Southwest.

z Every elementary student in DeSoto ISD attends an A- or B-Rated school, according to TEA, and we are working to ensure improvement at every school. Each school is developing great programs and learning experiences for scholars and their families rooted in the DeSoto ISD Triple A Experience.

z DeSoto ISD has strong hands-on, project-based learning for K-12 scholars, including cross-curricular STEM education, immersive dual language programs, early childhood programs, and increasing student and staff access to technology and tech-based curriculum and learning resources.

z DeSoto ISD has one of the Metroplex’s largest offerings in career and technical education. We prepare students for careers with certifications and licensing.

z We also prepare for college readiness with programs like Early College,

which provides students an opportunity to earn an associate degree or up to 60 college credit hours — free access to college courses including books and transportation.

z The last three graduating classes in DeSoto ISD earned roughly $15M in scholarships, which speaks to how we prepare scholars for higher education.

z The District reintroduced choice programs that will grow and expand to advance as we move into the future.

ARTS

z DeSoto ISD offers a K-12 artsimmersive curriculum for students interested in an arts-focused academic experience.

z DeSoto ISD has been named one of the best communities for arts education seven times by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

z Arts scholars travel and compete nationally and internationally in a multitude of fine arts disciplines.

z Choral scholars are training under highly decorated instructors including choir director Pamela Dawson, who was awarded the 2023 Grammy Award for Excellence in Music Education.

z DeSoto ISD band programs are headed by a nationally recognized director, Delton Brown. They are a launch pad for students’ ability to pursue music at the collegiate level.

z DeSoto ISD dance programs, under the direction of Regina Tucker (who performed professionally as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and collegiately at Prairie View A&M University) continue to shine on stage, winning a 2023 state championship title before going on to nationals.

z DeSoto ISD theatre programs offer full-scale productions of classical and contemporary pieces designed to give students front-of-house, center-stage, and back-of-house experiences.

ATHLETICS

z DeSoto ISD is challenging and preparing its scholars both on and off the court or field.

z The district has won more than 20 state championships, including last year’s football title, back-to-back girls basketball state titles, a boys basketball state title, and multiple titles in girls track.

z DeSoto High School football captured the program’s second state title in 2023.

z DeSoto High School boys basketball made its fourth trip to the state tournament in 2023.

z DeSoto High School girls basketball advanced to state for the third consecutive year in 2023.

z DeSoto ISD has a regular cadence of scholar-athletes transitioning to college athletics at major colleges and universities, with some competing professionally at the national or international level.

DESOTO ISD

Now enrolling Prek3 through 12th-grade scholars for the 2023-2024 academic year. Choice applications are still open at DeSotoISD.org/Choice.

PK-12 CHOICE ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES

PREPARING TODAY'S SCHOLARS FOR TOMORROW'S CAREERS

TRIPLE - A EXPERIENCE

ACADEMICS

2022 TEA Accountability Rating: B. DeSoto ISD scholars have access to quality PK3 through collegiate academic experiences Within the district, students have access to viable core and co-curricular academic experiences

ARTS

DeSoto ISD Fine Arts offers a competitive and expansive creative experience for students in visual and performing arts including competitive dance and band programs and an internationally-traveled and highly-decorated choir led by a two-time Grammy award-nominated instructor.

ATHLETICS

DeSoto ISD Athletics is home to powerhouse football, basketball and track programs as well as competitive volleyball, tennis, baseball and soccer programs Eagles’ Athletics programs boast 20+ state championships including the 2022 football, 2021 and 2022 Girls basketball and 2021 girls track state championships

z Von Miller, a DeSoto High School alumnus football standout who played in the NFL and was awarded the Super Bowl 50 MVP trophy, had his high school jersey retired at Eagle Stadium before fans. He regularly returns home to give back to the community through Von Miller Day. His annual Von’s Vision Project provides free eye exams and glasses to DeSoto ISD scholars, and he makes other contributions and donations to both the City of DeSoto and the DeSoto ISD.

z DeSoto High School Girls’ Basketball Coach Andrea Robinson and former DHS Boys Head Basketball Coach Richard

Bacon each exceeded the 700-career win mark in recent seasons. Head Football Coach Claude Mathis passed 150 wins.

z Former DeSoto High School Boys

Basketball Coach Richard Bacon was named to the McDonald’s All-American games coaching staff during the 2023 festivities, and Coach Bacon led his team to victory on a national stage in Houston. The McDonalds All-American games are an event in which some of the NBA’s biggest and brightest stars transition from high school hoops to college basketball’s crème de la crème of top-tier programs.

SOARING FORWARD

In Dr. Usamah Rodgers’ first year as superintendent of DeSoto ISD, the district highlighted successes in all three strands of the DeSoto ISD Triple-A Experience — academics, arts, and athletics. The district increased compensation for teachers by $6,500 per step and received the highest state academic achievement rating in recent years. Our high school recognized the district’s first-ever GRAMMY-award winning educator, and we won a state championship in football.

As the district prepares for the second year under her leadership, Rodgers is focused on raising the bar and soaring forward.

“We laid a solid foundation to set in motion a synergy of continual progress and improvement,” Rodgers said. “What will set us apart as we embark on a

new academic year is our focus on data and alignment.

“As we go forward, DeSoto ISD will evolve dramatically as paced by milestones and progress measures designed down to the detail through project-based plans on specific initiatives and goals.”

Rodgers is clear that the core of the Triple-A Experience is rooted in ACADEMICS — that every scholar will have the tools, resources, and support to realize their full potential and close gaps to perform at or above grade level. With this in mind, the emphasis is on how the district supports and trains teachers and instructional staff to support academic rigor and success.

Chief Academic Officer Stephanie McCloud said, “As a former teacher and campus administrator, I understand

the challenges our educators face in meeting the expectations of our district’s academic achievement goals, while also simultaneously working to meet the needs of our students.

“This is why the Teaching and Learning team is working collaboratively at every level to ensure curricular and instructional alignment and consistency, which will allow us to assess student performance, improving our ability to review student data and provide responsive instruction.”

Guided by an intent to dismantle barriers to organizational and student achievement, the plan for student achievement has specific goals and initiatives geared towards:

z Culturally-relevant curriculum and curricular resources

z Early childhood education

“What will set us apart as we embark on a new academic year is our focus on data and alignment.”

Dr. Usamah Rodgers, DeISD Superintendent

z Equity and access

z Social-emotional learning

z Choice academic programming

z Industry-based and partnered career and technical education

z Mastery-focused personalized learning

“Like the goals set forth by the Board of Trustees, our goals for achievement are bold and ambitious,” McCloud said. “The children of DeSoto ISD cannot wait. They deserve our best. The collective work that has gone into revamping Teaching and Learning, the hundreds of hours of training, dialogue and feedback, have fueled our aspirations to revise our approaches to effectively serve children and families in our community.

“This is an opportunity to shape learners and future leaders over the course of a child’s educational journey and on into his or her career. This is huge, and I’m so deeply moved by the impact it will have.”

“The children of DeSoto ISD cannot wait. They deserve our best.”

Stephanie McCloud, Chief Academic Officer

DeSoto ISD Elementary Teachers of the Year

To inspire curiosity and consciousness, develop character, build courage, and nurture compassion is the vision of DeSoto ISD for every child.

It is through the daily excellence exuded by the district teachers that this vision is primarily realized.

Teachers work tirelessly each day to mold students and enable them to learn and grow at their highest levels. Campuses have the arduous task of selecting one outstanding teacher to represent their campus as Teacher of the Year.

This peer selection process recognizes their high performance, leadership, innovation, and engagement within their school community.

These campus teachers are subsequently invited to participate in the application process for the DeSoto ISD District Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year.

Then, the district convenes a committee to review the submitted applications to determine the top two teachers for the year. The two recipients were announced this year at the Cadence of Celebration End of the Year staff recognition event.

Below are the 2022-23 Teachers of the Year.

PAMELA MCCOY (Special Education) Cockrell Hill Elementary

Ms. McCoy is a veteran educa tional professional with over 33 years of experience. She has served for six years in DeSoto ISD and currently serves elementary students in the special education department with content mastery and social-emotional skill development.

Her love for teaching stems from her passion and ability to help students develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become the leaders of this community and the world. She appreciates the daily opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.

FELECIA WHITFIELD (3rd-5th Grade Art Teacher) Frank Moates Elementary

Ms. Whitfield has 19 years of educational experience and has been a DeSoto Eagle for seven years. When it comes to teaching, she expressed that art education is her passion and most enjoy the student’s excitement when they are introduced to something new in the art world such as new techniques or real-life experiences.

Ms. Whitfield comes from a long legacy of educators. She is most inspired by her father’s legacy, who served as a high school principal and demonstrated high integrity when dealing with students and their parents, and worked to do what was best for the school community.

CARLESHA WEST (6th Grade, ELAR) Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy

Ms. West has a decade of educational experience and has been employed with DeSoto ISD for the last five years. She enjoys seeing the growth of her students throughout the school year. She aims to provide her students with a personalized learning experience that is challenging, leans into their strengths, and builds their confidence.

Reflecting on this selection as campus teacher of the year, she shared, “ It has changed my mindset and made me a more confident teacher. I strive every day to show my students what hard work and perseverance looks like and now I can also show them the reward.”

Elementary School District Teacher of the Year

JAMESIA RICHARDSON (K-5 Physical Education) Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy

Ms. Richardson is a nine-year educator who has been employed with DeSoto ISD for five years. Teaching is rewarding to her when she sees the progress of her students as they learn new skills or master a difficult concept. “Seeing their eyes light up after grasping a new piece of knowledge is beyond price,” said Richardson. Her inspiration to teach stems from her passion and love of learning and her desire to make a positive impact on the life of a child. Richardson’s goal for her students is to help to command their confidence so they can take strategic risks on themselves and skillfully collaborate with others.

KIMBERLY PIPPINS (4th Grade Special Education) The Meadows Elementary

Ms. Pippins has five years of experience in education and has been employed as a DeSoto Eagle for four years. She gains joy from seeing her students grow and excitement about learning. As a teacher, her goal is to identify and activate student strengths while building on existing skills and knowledge and ensuring that they are well-prepared for the future.

SAMANTHA BRADLEY WILLIAMS (Pre-K4) Woodridge Elementary

Ms. Bradley-Williams is a 19-year educator who has been employed in DeSoto ISD for the last four years. As one who works with the youngest learners, she loves to see the students progressing and striving for excellence. She gains inspiration from her own children. Through each lesson and activity, she aims to ensure that they are relevant, exciting, and engaging while helping to foster a love for learning.

Elementary Teachers of the Year at the End-of-the-Year Celebration with National University Sponsor (Left) and District Leaders Chief Academic Officer

Secondary Teachers of the Year at the End-of-the-YearCelebration with National University Sponsor (Left) and District Leader Chief Academic Officer Stephanie

Continue to the next page for the Secondary Teachers of the Year

Stephanie McCloud and Deputy Chief Academic Officer Dr. R. Hobbs-Jones

McCloud (right)

DeSoto ISD Secondary Teachers of the Year

GAYLA DAVIDSON (7th Grade Science) DeSoto West Middle School

Ms. Davidson has eleven years of educational experience and has been employed in DeSoto ISD for the last four years. As a teacher, she enjoys students making the connection between the content to their everyday lives. Her inspiration is the realization that she is impacting future generations and creating the best global citizens she can. She has a creative teaching style that allows self-expression to learn course content and has noticed how students rise to the challenge once they know that you care about them and how important they are to the learning environment. Ms. Davidson teaches from the heart and is excited that her colleagues selected her as the best of the best this school year.

AMY JUSTICE (Secondary Science) District Alternative Educational Program (DAEP)

Ms. Justice has 30 years experience in education and brings an energetic fire to her students daily. Her greatest desire is that every student discovers they have unlimited greatness within themselves, that they are VICTORS and not victims, and has the ability to overcome any and all obstacles in life.

In addition to ensuring academic achievement, Justice believes that it is her calling to impact young men and women to positively impact the world. She uses data and student feedback to inform her instructional approach to ensure that students are academically growing and able to reach their highest potential.

Secondary School District Teacher of the Year

BRIAN

BECK-SMITH (AP Calculus

Honors

Precalculus)

DeSoto High School

A 15-year educator who has been with DeSoto ISD for 11 years, Mr. Beck-Smith was inspired to teach during his time as a college tutor. In his classroom, he is consistently noted for empowering students with knowledge and skills that can help them be successful in their future endeavors. He ensures that all students can achieve their highest potential by assessing where his students are academically to properly differentiate instruction.

LA’MIA STROMILE (6th-8th Grade Dance) Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School

Ms. Stromile has seven years of educational experience and has been employed with DeSoto ISD for five years. As a middle school teacher, Stromile is overjoyed to see her students grow and mature throughout the year. She aims to help them ensure they reach their highest potential by leading by example, inspiring their curiosity and holding them accountable, encouraging them to be the best version of themselves daily and to keep striving for excellence.

Bilingual-ESL Education Association of the Metroplex

Bilingual Teacher of the Year

DeSoto ISD is proud to announce Cockrell Hill Elementary Dual Language teacher Eva Acosta has been named the 2023 Bilingual Teacher of the Year by the Bilingual-ESL Education Association of the Metroplex, also referred to as BEAM.

“We are deeply proud of the accomplishments of Mrs. Acosta,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers. “Her commitment to serving our students and building a bridge towards a successful future by laying a strong foundation for learning through dual language education is a unique opportunity that provides a huge advantage to our scholars.”

Acosta, a 20-year veteran teacher who has spent 18 of those years in DeSoto ISD, was awarded the honor at the organization’s 39th symposium in April in Dallas. The award is extended to teachers nominated by their campus principal and district bilingual team.

“Bilingual/DLI teacher Eva Acosta is an outstanding educator who brings experience, resilience, and heart to the classroom. Ms. Acosta has taught for 18 years in DeSoto ISD and her commitment to moving Emergent Bilingual students is unwavering,” said Dr. Helena Castañón-Vargas, DeSoto ISD Director for Emergent Bilinguals and Languages Other Than English.

“I am grateful for the service Ms. Acosta brings to our District. I am proud of her recognition both as the District's EB Director and BEAM President.”

Regarding Acosta’s 18 years of teaching in DeSoto ISD, she said, “DeSoto is a wonderful place to be. We are a team of educators who are truly passionate about what we do.”

When asked what she loved about teaching in the district Acosta said, “I love the community here. You really feel like you belong.”

Acosta credits her success as a teacher to the relationship and collaboration of her student’s parents.

Getting parents on board with helping their students surpass expectations was Acosta’s attribution to her impact on student success.

As an emergent bilingual teacher, Acosta said people should know, “We set the bar high for our students

academically as well as develop their social and emotional maturity.” Acosta added that knowing two languages makes students more competitive as they go on to pursue future opportunities in the workforce.

“At the heart of every successful bilingual program are caring and dedicated teachers who believe in the value of native language instruction to help language minority students excel academically,” according to the BEAM Teacher of the Year web page.

“These are women and men who approach the teaching and learning process with a remarkable sense of responsibility and are guided in their actions by a deep-seated conviction that every student is important, that education matters, and that one teacher can make a difference. These are indeed extraordinary educators whose daily work in the classroom is performed con orgullo y excelencia.”

Pre-K Campus Reopens to Give Early Learners a Solid Foundation

D id you know early childhood learning has long-term and wide-ranging benefits for young scholars by creating a solid foundation for future success — in the classroom and in life?

Access to early childhood education supports healthy development of a student’s social, emotional, and intellectual needs. It provides building blocks for educational achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship, lifelong health, strong communities, and successful parenting of the next generation.

Children who have access to early childhood education are less likely to repeat a grade level. They are better academically prepared for class. They are more likely to graduate from high school, go to college, and earn higher wages in their careers. They are better positioned to lead and advance as adults.

The research is clear, and that’s why DeSoto ISD is working hard to ensure that every child in the DeSoto and Glenn Heights communities has access to early childhood education in the district.

Currently, all the district’s Pre-K students are consistently soaring above the growth trends in the core subjects of math (92% above) and reading (85% above) based on recent assessments.

DeSoto ReOpens Its Pre-Kindergarten Campus

DeSoto ISD is strongly committed to ensuring our young scholars have an immersive environment conducive to preparing them for school. Therefore, the district is reopening its highly regarded pre-kindergarten campus, the Amber Terrace Discovery and Design Early Childhood Learning Center at 224 Amber Lane.

“Our Board has set goals for every scholar in DeSoto ISD that pertain to the student’s academic progress and experiences in the district,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools. “When we look at trustees’ goals for early literacy and early numeracy, we, as administrators, understand the call to action to ensure that our youngest learners have access to high-quality, full-day instruction that will give them the foundation and advantage that they need and deserve for present and future success.”

Campus Features and Experiences

From colorful, rich text walls, to activity stations complete with mini-libraries and buckets of manipulatives and lessons, the Pre-K campus is set up to engage DeSoto ISD’s early learners

socially and academically. Our highly qualified staff uses a planned, purposeful play approach for their classes.

Montessori Classes

DeSoto ISD will continue to offer PreK-3 and PreK-4 Montessori classes, which give students and parents a personalized, student-led learning experience.

Montessori classes unveil the power of learning through play in education. Learning through play is essential, and it can help young children be ready for school, encourage their imagination, and help them with literacy and numeracy skills. Role-play games can help your child make sense of the world, as well as aid in their emotional and physical development. Outdoor play and nature encourages your child to learn about the world around them and develop their sensory skills.

DeSoto ISD Pre-Kindergarten teacher Natasha Neely embraces and believes in this approach to learning and has experience as an instructor in this environment.

“I wholeheartedly believe that children become lifelong learners through self-governed explorations of high-interest materials, hands-on engagement, and ample opportunities to cultivate their intrinsic need to learn,” Ms. Neely said. “I ensure that the learning environment is aesthetically pleasing and filled with numerous ways for children to explore concept skills in a self-corrective manner.”

Motor Sensory Labs and Adaptive Learning Spaces

In addition to the traditional early childhood learning spaces, the Amber Terrace campus will also have motor sensory labs and adaptive learning spaces. These stimulate a child’s sensory systems, support students who need to develop learning readiness skills, and enhances their ability to maneuver and function in their environment. This leads them to perform better in tasks such as handwriting, sitting still, paying attention, speaking, and behavior. The campus will also have learning spaces for nesting and special education classes to help address the needs of all of its early childhood learners.

Ready to Experience Pre-K in DeSoto ISD?

The district’s Pre-Kindergarten campus, Amber Terrace Discovery & Design Early Childhood Academy is located at 224 Amber Lane in DeSoto. The district also participates in the Head Start Program.

Please complete an enrollment application at DeSotoISD.org/ departments/early_childhood_education

To complete the enrollment process for Early Childhood in DeSoto ISD, please bring the following items:

• Scholar’s birth certificate

• Scholar’s immunization record

• Scholar’s social security card

• Household utility bill, mortgage, or lease document confirming residence

Parent/guardian’s driver’s license or identification card

• Proof of income

Position your 3- or 4-year-old for long-term, life-long success and secure your child’s seat in a DeSoto ISD Early Childhood program.

For questions regarding choice applications, general enrollment, or selective enrollment in DeSoto ISD, visit DeSotoISD.org/ enrollment or call 972.223.6666.

CELEBRATING LITERACY WITH

DR. OPAL LEE, GRANDMOTHER OF JUNETEENTH

In observance of Read Across America Day in the spring, DeSoto ISD held an African American Read-In with “the grandmother of Juneteenth,” Dr. Opal Lee. All second-grade students in the district came to the DeSoto High School auditorium to kick off the district’s month-long student reading challenge.

During the mid-morning event, the audience of about 300 second graders viewed a brief historical account of Juneteenth and saw the remarkable journey of Dr. Lee to ensure that June 19 became a Federal Holiday. Then they listened to her read her book, Juneteenth: A Children’s Story.

Following the book’s presentation, students applauded Dr. Lee’s work and asked questions about her mission. Each student received a copy of her book, courtesy of a donation from the community-based organization, Friends of DeSoto.

A brief conversation with the historical icon instantly clarified her purpose for spending time with our DeSoto ISD young scholars.

“Reading is just so essential!” Dr. Lee said. “I just want to tell everyone to learn to read. If you can not read, you can not get anywhere, interact with others, or teach your children.”

She said, “You should start reading when you learn to walk.”

In addition to reading, Dr. Lee also admonished the students not to give up.

“Persistence. Stick-to-itiveness. Anything you decide is worthwhile for you, your family, or your community — do not let anything stop you,” she said.

”There will be roadblocks. It may take a long time, but stick to it! It took me 40 years to get Juneteenth to become a holiday. But stick to it.”

In DeSoto ISD, there is a strong focus on literacy in the early childhood curriculum, and district trustees have established board goals that keenly focus on increasing early learning student outcomes.

With this in mind, DeSoto ISD launched the Spring 2023 Reading Challenge for every second grader. The students were to read daily and log their hours for an entire month. To encourage participation, the two second-grade students with the highest number of reading hours were awarded a new bike, which were donated by district partners Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Friends of DeSoto, and others. Kappa Alpha Psi also secured approximately 1,000 books from half-price books for students to add to their libraries.

DeSoto ISD Chief Academic Officer Stephanie McCloud, who coordinated the event, was pleased with the outcome.

“Dr. Lee brings so much wealth and knowledge. It is so exciting to have her in DeSoto ISD,” she said. “Reading is so important. Everything that we do involves reading. When you are walking down the hallway, you have to be able to read the bulletin board. When looking at directions for your GPS, you have to read those directions. Reading is fundamental.”

Like the students and Chief McCloud, DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers was excited and inspired by Dr. Lee’s visit.

“You should start reading when you learn to walk.”

Dr. Opal Lee

“Dr. Lee speaks about the difference that one person can make, and the opportunity to have her come and kick off this challenge was inspiring,” Rodgers said. “Reading is foundational to success. Readers are leaders, and reading is life! So, being able to read and read well is foundational for success. We have a goal in literacy and were glad to have our second-grade readers kick off the reading challenge on Read Across America Day and that we were able to do it in a big way.”

Community Engagement

Literacy Enhancement Opportunity:

For the 23-24 School Year, DeSoto ISD is launching a Community of Readers to spend time with our students building literacy capacity. Check for an opportunity to help an Eagle soar forward in the DeSoto ISD Volunteer Platform at DeSotoISD. voly.org.

Literacy Challenge Winners photographed with DeISD Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers

WRITER’S PROGRAM Young Inspired

On June 8, students from DeSoto ISD’s Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy held a book signing event at UNT Dallas. The participating students showcased books they had authored, many with incredibly detailed book covers. The room was full of proud family members and encouraging friends. Supporters purchased their favorite books on the spot for the child to autograph.

This Young Inspired Writer’s Program began in 2019 when Sharmetra Lewis, a 3rd grade teacher at KJTMA, had an idea. “This was a vision given to me to start a writer’s program,” she said. “I didn’t know how to do it, but I knew the end-all. So I just worked through the process on faith, and on faith, I was able to bring in an entire community and create something successful.”

The program officially launched in September 2022. Students began writing their stories with the end goal of becoming published authors before the end of the 2023 school year. Lewis was excited to announce 18 students started the program, and all 18 successfully became published authors.

“There was an open-door policy for students who were interested in the program,” Ms. Lewis said. “All we ask is that they understand the task and dedicate themselves to the year-long process.”

The self-published authors include scholars from KJTMA’s 3rd through 8th grades.

Among the published books is Morgan’s Marvelous Memories, authored by Morgan R. Johnson, a 3rd grader. When asked about her book, Johnson said, “My book has 5 different stories and are about my memories from when I was 6 years old. The stories are part fiction and part non-fiction,” Morgan said. “They are from my imagination during the coronavirus pandemic when many places were closed and my grandmother encouraged me and my sister to be creative.”

Karson McKnight, also a 3rd grader, wrote The Boy with Luck. Karson says his book is about a young boy who believes he is unlucky, but he learns he’s really blessed and must remain positive despite the circumstances. “My spiritual beliefs,” Karson said of the inspiration behind his book. “People go through challenges in life and think they are unlucky, but we really are all blessed.”

Elijah DuBois, a 4th grader, authored How I Mastered Apex Predator. Elijah says, “My book is about a boy who has to overcome getting bullied at school and trying to master a game at home while grounded. He challenges himself to see if he can be victorious at school and in the game.” Elijah’s story stems from people getting bullied at school. “I wanted to inspire them to not be defeated and to overcome bullying.”

8th grader Peyton Mackey wrote Together. “My book is about four friends who meet when a human spaceship crashes on a magical planet called Crystal,” Peyton said. “Together, they

navigate their new merged world while combatting the discrimination they face for being different.” Mackey spoke of her inspiration, “I was inspired by activists who fought for social change and I wanted to do the same; this is my way of conveying that.”

Students’ families, current staff, and even retired teachers assisted in plot development, sentence structure, and illustrations

Once the books were finalized, they sent the files to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for printing. Printing of the actual books took less than two days.

Although some student’s future careers involve professions outside of writing, this writing program allows DeSoto ISD scholars to add “published author” to their resumes to outshine competitors.

When she grows up, Morgan wishes to be a chef, a rich and famous actress, AND a Kindergarten teacher.

Karson kept his options open by saying, “I would like to be an entrepreneur.”

As an elementary student, Elijah’s future could lead anywhere. “Right now, I want to be an author and pastor.” But he quickly added, “I might change my mind later!”

Mackey contemplates her future going in several possible directions, “I want to be a performing artist and author. However, I want to try art like painting, singing, and theater as careers.” Mackey isn’t locking herself down to one field. “I’d also like to study computer science. I’ve even thought about becoming a chemist, or theoretical physicist. I have time to figure it out.”

DeSoto ISD congratulates all 18 scholars for becoming published authors! The writing program is open to all DeSoto ISD KJTMA students who want to participate.

RECAP FROM THE BOOK SIGNING EVENT

ALL 18 PUBLISHED BOOKS

3RD GRADE

Madison’s Big Move, by Skylar Day

The Boy with Luck, by Karson McKnight

Morgan’s Marvelous Memories, by Morgan R. Johnson

Not My Day, by Michelle Gore

4TH GRADE

Me Too, by Aiyanna Garrett

Kayla the Color Changing Girl, by Kaysen Jones

Yearbook, by Beauti Carroll-Jackson

Dear Diary, by Jasmine Burleson

Out of this World, by Kaden Meeks

My Uncle is a Vampire, by Jeremiah Scott

How I Mastered Apex Predator, by Elijah Dubois

5TH GRADE

Moving In, by Cassandra Piggatt

The Haunted Playground, by Kimberly Booker

It’s a Struggle, by Kayrin Scott

What Did I Do to Deserve This, by Triniti Spellman

Dear Diary, by Racheal Dawotola

6TH GRADE

Players Class, by Kyla Charles

8TH GRADE

Together, by Peyton Mackey

And the GoesGrammy to...

If you first don’t succeed, then you must try again, goes the popular adage. DHS Choral Director Ms. Pamela Dawson did just that! Today, DeSoto ISD and many across the nation are celebrating with her.

Teacher. Mom. Grandmother. Musician. Vocalist. She is everything everyone needs her to be.

But now, she is also known as something else — a Grammy award winner.

Nominated for the second time in three years, Ms. Dawson received the 2023 Grammy Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum.

This award recognizes current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the music education field and demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in schools. Each year, one recipient is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their remarkable impact on student’s lives.

For the Detroit, Mich., native, this accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and mentorship she’s provided to countless DeSoto ISD students over the years.

“I believe that the Grammy Foundation did a thorough research of what we’ve provided as far as qualifications to be a finalist,” said Dawson about her nomination submission this go-around. “What I spoke about —what I pour into my kids, especially this year dealing with mental health — was a deciding factor in me getting this award. I am so honored that the GRAMMY Museum and the Recording Academy found me worthy of this honor.”

During her 16-year tenure, Ms. Dawson has built the DeSoto High School choir program into a national powerhouse, having traveled and won numerous competitions across the world.

Highlights include performing in Carnegie Hall and the Southwestern American Choral Directors Association (SWACDA) national honor choir. Locally, her choirs have been a regular feature for the Dallas Black Dance Theater’s Dance Africa event for many years.

Even several former students are in high-level music programs and performing in venues such as Broadway theaters.

All in all, what does she hope her students can take away from her winning this award?

It is not about her.

“What I think my students really realize now is that what I’ve been doing has always been for them and not about me.”

Dawson’s Grammy award represents excellence and dedication in music and arts education — a staple in the DeSoto ISD’s Triple-A experience centered on providing holistic and well-rounded K12 education experiences founded on multi-faceted and multi-layered academics, arts and athletics programs.

DeSoto ISD is one of the top-rated school systems in the Dallas/Fort Worth area according to recent Texas Education Agency accountability ratings. The district’s last three graduating classes have obtained roughly $15M in college scholarships on average — the result of expansive Career and Technical Education, STEM, and early childhood education programs rooted in developing literacy and numeracy skills in young learners.

DHS Choral Director Pamela Dawson

Voted the best community for music education more than six years in a row by the Music Educators Association, DeSoto ISD arts scholars compete and perform at the state, national and international levels annually and have experience ranging from fine arts including sketch and sculpture to choir, dance, band, and theater.

Athletically, the district maintains highperforming sports programs that produce a consistent cadence of scholars advancing to compete at the collegiate and professional levels. Across district history, DeSoto has earned more than 20 state titles, including the 2022 football title, the 2021 and 2022 girls basketball titles, and a host of titles in girls track.

“DeSoto ISD is proud to acknowledge the work of Ms. Pam Dawson in her attainment of this recent achievement,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers. “Her commitment to excellence and positive impact on students’ lives is demonstrative of what makes this such an amazing school community—the embodiment of the DeSoto difference.”

Ms. Pamela Dawson, DHS Choral Director, won the 2023 Grammy Music Educator of the Year Award and was honored in LA during Grammy week and home by the DeSoto Board of Trustees

Eagle Football Tickets

SEASON TICKETS

Buy season tickets online at: desotosports.rankonesport.com/ Website/Main/CustomPage? customPageId=8622

REGULAR TICKET INFORMATION

Pre-Sale — $4 – Student, general admission

$6 – Adult, general admission

$12 – Reserved Seating

At the gate — $8 - General Admission

Online Ticketing Website

STATE CHAMPS

The UIL-6A Division II State Football Championship returned to the 7-5-1-1-5 last season, with the Eagles pulling out a convincing 42-17 victory over Vandegrift at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

In addition to the title win, two players received post-game honors for contributions. Running back Deondrae Riden, Jr., was named Offensive Player of the Game, and defensive lineman Jason Douglas was named Defensive Player of the Game.

This win capped off a 14-2 campaign, earning the program its second state title, the first for Athletic Director/Head Coach Claude Mathis.

Also, 21 seniors signed a letter of intent to play at college, including six at the NCAA Division 1 level. In the classroom, 25 Eagles garnered Texas Academic AllState Team recognition honors.

Looking ahead to 2023, the DeSoto Eagles will once again be ranked at the top of the list as one of the best teams in the state and nationally.

2023 DESOTO EAGLES SCHEDULE

Girls Basketball Atop Rankings

The DeSoto High School Lady Eagles basketball program, led by seventh-year Head Coach Andrea Robinson, turned in another stellar season for the 7-5-1-1-5.

DeSoto finished with a 28-6 overall record, including a 12-2 mark in district play to become District 11-6A, Region II-6A champions. Also, freshman Amari Byles, freshman Rieyan DeSouze and

junior Mariya Vincent were named to the UIL Girls All-State Team.

The postseason featured the Lady Eagles making their third consecutive trip of the program’s five total appearances to the state championship game.

Freshman guard Amayah Garcia, who poured in a game-high 14 points in the championship game against San Antonio Clark, garnered all-tournament honors.

Looking ahead, the team’s coaching staff and core nucleus are set to return for the upcoming season and are slated to sit atop state and national rankings.

Coach Wright Tips Off New Era in Eagles Hoops

The DeSoto High School boys basketball team wrapped up its 2022-23 campaign with a 30-9 record that included a 10-4 mark in district to win the District 11-6A, Region II-6A.

Making its sixth state playoff appearance in program history, DeSoto pulled out six victories on its way to making the UIL Final Four at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Also, two-sport star Jaxson Davis, who will be heading to Mississippi Valley State on a football scholarship in the fall, garnered UIL All-State Team honors.

Legendary Head Coach Richard Bacon’s third season with the Green & Gold included eclipsing the 700-career win mark. Not only that, Bacon and his staff got the opportunity of a lifetime to coach the West Team in the McDonald’s All-American game in Houston. As it turned out, that would be Coach Bacon’s last time manning the sidelines, as he announced his retirement shortly thereafter.

In June, the DeSoto Broad of Trustees approved the appointment of Rob Wright as the program’s new head coach.

Wright has served as an educator in the DeSoto ISD for the past ten years and has a positive, professional, and productive relationship with the district’s school community. Mr. Wright brings a wealth of experience and connectedness given his long-serving coaching career and college coach ing experience.

He tallied a 217-54 record in eight years over two different stints with Dallas Carter High School. His time with the Cowboys included a state run ner-up finish in 1995 and a state semi-final appearance in 2005.

Wright’s coaching career also includes stops at the University of Texas, George Washington University, and TCU. DeSoto ISD is confident that Mr. Wright will

continue to perform well as an upstanding educator and now coach and looks forward to watching him build upon the strong foundation of the DeSoto High School boys’ basketball program laid by his predecessors Bacon and Chris Dyer for a successful future.

DeSoto ISD Ticket Information

FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES

Lady Eagles Volleyball Schedule 2023

Tickets go on sale at 8 am the day of the game, with the exception of varsity football. Varsity football tickets go on sale at 8 am Monday, the week of the game.

2023-24 DeSoto Eagles Cross Country Schedule

Mustang Invitational

Complex, Waxahachie, TX 9/29 Daniel Maberry Invitational Mansfield Complex, Mansfield, TX 10/13 District 11-6A Cross-Country Meet

Lynn Creek Park, Grand Prairie, TX 10/23-24 Regional Cross-Country Meet (TBA) 11/3-4 State Cross-Country Meet (TBA)

Breonna Looney

Grad Embodies the Triple-A Experience

The Triple-A experience of Academics, Arts, and Athletics is the foundation for the present and future of the DeSoto Independent School District.

Recent high school graduate Breonna Looney fully embodies it.

“Graduating with my fellow classmates, who I have grown and developed with, is an honor because we’ve improved,” said Breonna, who graduated with over a 4.0 grade point average and lettered as a track & field athlete all four years. “DeSoto ISD outlined the standard, and they did nothing but help us get closer to that.”

Since the age of five, she has excelled through the DeSoto ISD system in every way possible.

Breonna knew at a young age that she wanted to major in law.

Luckily, DeSoto High School’s Criminal Justice extra-curricular program was

exactly what she needed, and she joined within the first days of her freshman year.

“I really just want to motivate, uplift and change my community. The criminal justice program has done nothing but help prepare me for college and down the road for law school.”

Speaking of college, Breonna will be staying within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and attend the University of Dallas on full academic scholarship. Not only that, but she will also compete on the track & field team, which she has always had a passion for.

“My passion for track is to not only to benefit me, to run good times and to succeed, but I also do it to motivate young girls to never give up on what you want to achieve in life.”

Academics? Check.

Athletics? Check.

Arts?

To her surprise, the DeSoto High School’s arts program, under the direction of Mrs. Jo Nava, provided a great opportunity for Breonna.

“I looked into it as me needing an extra credit to walk the stage and graduate,” Breonna said.

“Mrs. Nava set the standard and motivated me to work for that. With her help, I’m able to draw one-point perspective projects and kente cloths, and I was able to perform in this year’s Black History program.”

So, how was Breonna able to excel in academics, arts, and athletics?

Persistence and determination.

“When I wake up in the morning, I want to be better than what I was yesterday,” she said. “It’s one percent better every single day. I’m just grateful for DeSoto.”

“When I wake up in the morning, I want to be better than what I was yesterday.”

2023 HALL OF HONOR

During the 2023 Cadence of Celebration at DHS four new members were inducted into the DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor.

Established during the 2011-12 year, DeSoto ISD launched the Hall of Honor to recognize two categories of honorees – the DeSoto High School Alumni Hall of Fame and the DeSoto ISD Distinguished Service Award.

COREY BORNER

The Hall of Honor recognizes and celebrates those who paved the road for student success and those students who have taken flight!

The criteria include special achievements and honors in the individual’s career, community service or contributions to society plus service to education and DeSoto ISD.

DHS CLASS OF 2011

2023 Alumni Hall of Fame

• Digital Influencer for North Texas area awarded by K-104 Radio Local Love Awards for two straight years (2017-2018)

• Graduated Cedar Valley College, Associate Degree in the Arts

• Graduated UNT Dallas with a degree in Communication/Tech

• Reached 102K followers from across the nation on Instagram with his encouraging testimony (and still building)

• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at UNT-Dallas

• Influencer, encouraging people to FIND A WAY, sharing logoed wristband with D L Hughley, Ice Cube, Terrell Owens, Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, Ellis Hobbs, Floyd Mayweather, Donte Whitner, Mack Brown, Errol Spence, Darren Woodson, Wade Philips, Bob Stoops, Deion Sanders, and Tim Brown, to name a few

• Awarded Fresh Start Foundation’s Community Influencer

• Volunteers at Vacation Bible School at Pilgrim Rest Baptist

• Reads to students and speaks at multiple schools

• Completed DeSoto Citizen Police Academy

• Pre-game speaker for two teams, plus University of Texas when at the Cotton Bowl, and the XFL Arlington Renegades.

The permanent display for the Service Award is located in the atrium of the academy wing. The Alumni Award permanent display is located at the Eagle Drive entrance to DeSoto High School.

For 2023, the district inducted one Distinguished Service Award recipient and three recipients for the Alumni Hall of Fame.

DR. CARLY STRASSER

DHS CLASS OF 1997

2023 Alumni Hall of Fame

• Ranked 3rd in DHS graduating class; National Honor Society

• Editor of the award-winning school newspaper the EAGLE EYE during her junior and senior years

• Served on the yearbook staff for three years

• Played snare drum in the State-recognized EAGLE BAND

• Research Data Specialist at the California Digital Library

• Director of Alliances and Strategy for the FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER in Seattle, Washington. This center is the preeminent leader in cancer and infectious disease research – and now clinical cancer care. Their vision is to eliminate cancer and other diseases that cause human suffering and death.

• BA in Marine Science from the University of San Diego (Outstanding Scholarship for Marine Science Dept. in 2001)

• PHD focus in Biological Oceanography from MIT/WHOI National Defense Science and Engineering-Graduate Fellowship (2002-2006)

• National Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipient

• USD Associated Students Research Grant (1999); USD Trustee Scholarship Recipient (1997-2001)

TIFFANY JONES

DHS CLASS OF 1989

2023 Alumni Hall of Fame

At DHS — 1987-88 Basketball first team All-District; 1989 DeSoto High School SOAR Award; 1988 and 1989 National Honor Society; 1989 All District Choir; 1989 Basketball AllDistrict 11-AAAAA, also Defensive Player of the Year; 1989 First team Academic All-State; 1989 Selected to play in Good Grades Games; 1989 Texas Girls Basketball Coaches Association First Team All-state, played in the All- State Game

• BA from Oklahoma Baptist University; Master’s in education administration from Lamar University

• Secondary Principal & Common Core Certificates 2015

• 2006-2008 Model United Nations event sponsored by the Oklahoma City Memorial

• 2006-2018 Sponsored child in “Compassion International”

• Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration; wrote grant and traveled with the CCOSA to Washington D.C. to meet with senators and representatives to advocate for legislation supporting public education nationwide

• 2014 State Champion 6A Girls Basketball with record 28-0

• 2015 State Champion 6A Girls Basketball 2016 State Semifinals 6A Girls Basketball

• 2018 State runner-up 6A Girls track-assistant coach. 2018 State runner-up 6A Boys track-lay coach

DR. LEVETTA LEVELS 2023 Distinguished Service Award

• Assistant Superintendent as well as Interim Superintendent in DeSoto ISD

• Developed the selective enrollment process

• Developed the inaugural dress code policy for the district

• Assisted in the implementation of the iSTEAM, Male Leadership, Medical Magnet, and Fine Arts Magnet programs at the elementary and middle school levels

• Coordinated the district wide implementation of the Positive Behavior Supports System

• Led turnaround campuses

• Development of the ReJuv program aimed at addressing the needs of the overaged middle school population

• Dallas NAACP’s Juanita Craft Award for Education, the highest distinction from the Dallas NAACP

• PTA Lifetime Achievement Award

Who’s Who in Black Dallas

• National Council of Negro Women Community Service Award

• South Dallas Professional and Business Woman’s Trailblazer Award

• University of North Texas Alumni Recognition

• Skyline High School Distinguished Alumni Recognition

Celebrating an Eagle Love Story

Crystal Bunch and Josh Martin first met while students at DeSoto High School. He was a cheerleader, she was in the band. Both graduated and went on with life, until a chance meeting at a northern DFW venue where he worked and she frequented.

“One day when she paid her bill with a credit card, he looked up her name on Facebook,” recalls Crystal’s daughter Emma. “That night he friended her on Facebook, and they noticed they knew a lot of the same DeSoto people, and they started talking, and the rest is history!”

Crystal wanted a special venue for her bridal photo shoot – the DeSoto Eagle Stadium football field! “We still bleed green and gold. It would be such a fun surprise for him if I could make it happen!

So, on a sunny February afternoon, Crystal in her beautiful bridal gown positioned on the 50-yard line at DeSoto Eagle Stadium, created memorable photos for her future husband!

On March 5, at a chapel in McKinney, the two became one and began their flight into the future. “The photo was a HUGE hit and turned out beautifully.”

DHS Class of 2023 Academic Signing Day

Before a crowd of families, friends, and peers, DeSoto High School Class of 2023 seniors not only celebrated and declared their postsecondary learning intentions, but also announced their receipt of fullride scholarships to attend the program of their choice.

The gym was decorated with higher education paraphernalia including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the U.S. military to mark the locations across the country chosen by this year’s senior class.

DHS Class of 2023 senior Serenity Jackson was enthusiastic about her opportunity to participate in this year’s DHS Academic Signing Day.

“It feels amazing to be here today, and I am so excited to start my journey at LSU,” said Jackson, who is a dancer, an academic scholar, and a student in the DHS Early College program. “All of this has definitely prepared me to go to LSU.

Academic Signing Day Seniors

Anay Landeros

Alexa Botello

Ashley Day

Betty Pierce

Owens

Jeremiah Lucero

Patrick Williams Jr.

Serenity Jackson

Skyler Ferguson

The mission of DeSoto ISD is to ensure that all students, without exception, can achieve their highest levels. Postsecondary readiness, which encompasses college, career, and military readiness,

Christian University

about the experience and preparation she received in DeSoto ISD.

“I feel that I accomplished a lot. It was some small sacrifices, but you have to think big,” said Walzer, who is interested in becoming a lawyer. “I chose the Navy because it will best help me prepare for

She also spoke to the constant exposure DeSoto High School provided to help her learn about various postsecondary

opportunities and feels this helped her to truly pave the way to her future.

“They helped to reach out to recruiters and connect me with people that I could talk to help me figure out what I wanted to do. DeSoto also helped me to grow and understand the changes ahead for me.”

DHS senior Caleb Owens is one of the Top 10 students in the DHS class of 2023 and a member of the state championship-winning DeSoto Eagles football team. He will soon be learning on “The Hill,” at Prairie View A&M University.

“I’m so glad that PV offered me this scholarship. It is a huge blessing and lifted a large burden off of my shoulders,” said Owens, who also spoke to lessons and skills gained while in DeSoto ISD.

“Being a student-athlete at DeSoto High School, I want to hone my time management and prioritization skills so that I can take them with me to college and know when to socialize and when to get some studying. DeSoto also helped to learn to be autonomous along the way. I am ready to Fly High at PV!“

Like other students, DHS Salutatorian Anay Landeros sat with her family, proud of the journey that she has taken and the future that is before her as she leaves DeSoto preparing to attend Southern Methodist University.

“I am a first-generation college student, so to be able to share this experience with my family means so much to me,” said Anay Landeros.

The DHS Academic Signing Day is one of the events that celebrate the academic success of our seniors and their post-secondary plans. Decision Day is the larger event, where all graduating seniors publicly share their acceptance to a college, university, the military, or the workforce.

Director of Advanced Academics Robin Johnson Ford helps plan for this annual celebration and encourages others to see the great opportunities firsthand as a district student or family.

“If you want to excel and soar, you better come on to DeSoto ISD. We have green wings and gold wings, either way, you are going to fly because being in DeSoto ISD is EVERYTHING!”

Class of 2023 seniors who participated in the DHS Academic Signing Day event at the Chris Dyer Gym in May.

Congratulations Class of 2023

TOP 10 SCHOLARS

Patrick Williams, Jr., Valedictorian

#1

D HS Top Scholar and Valedictorian Patrick Williams, Jr. plans to attend Florida A&M University and major in Biomedical Engineering with aims to become a biomedical engineer and physician. Patrick shared that he loves to try new things. “I used to have a secret YouTube channel where I posted gameplay. I once coded and modded different games. I even made beats and rap songs at some point. Most recently, I have been making flyers and logos for different organizations.”

Alexa Botello

Caleb Owens

#3

DHS Top Scholar Alexa Botello plans to attend Southern Methodist University and major in Psychology with aims to become a clinical psychologist. Alexa shared “I’m a pretty good artist. I took advanced art classes all throughout middle school, and a few of my works have been displayed in the DeSoto Civic Center before. I travelled to Spain last year on a school field trip.”

#4

DHS Top Scholar Caleb Owens plans to attend Prairie View A&M University and major in Biology Pre-Med with aims to become an anesthesiologist. Caleb shared, “I am an huge Marvel movie and Japanese anime fan. Some of my favorite movies include Avengers: Infinity War and Dr. Strange: Multiverse of Madness Some of my favorite animes include Dragon Ball Z, and Cowboy Bebop. I have traveled out of state and the country multiple times. I have snowboard in Denver, Colorado, took pictures in front of the gates at Area 51, hiked in the Redwood Forest in California, and vacationed at a resort in Cancun.”

DESOTO HIGH Class of ‘23 Top Scholars

Anay Landeros, Salutatorian

#2 DHS Top Scholar and Salutatorian Anay Landeros plans to attend Southern Methodist University and major in Software Engineering/ Pre-Law with aims to become a software engineer. Anay shared “I enjoy reading and have read over 100 books. I hope to write a book one day, although I’m not sure what of yet. Another interesting thing about me is that I love helping people and participating in school events, such as the Back-toSchool Fair and Campus Clean-Up activities. I like knowing I’m doing something productive with my time, especially if it’s helping my community.”

#5

DHS Top Scholar Erin Bell plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business and major in Management Information Systems with aims to become a lead IT project manager. Erin shared that something unique about herself is that “I am resilient. No matter what I am going through, I will always manage to push through and make the best out of it. Even if I am going through things, no one will ever see me give up. Another unique thing about me is that I am always eager to learn new facts. I enjoy learning facts about animals, the supernatural, or listening to conspiracy theories.”

Royce Texada #6

DHS Top Scholar Royce Texada plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and major in Computer Science with aims to become a principal architect. Royce shared, “I love reading articles and books about various topics, and I enjoy learning players’ stats and percentages in different sports.”

Class of ‘23 Top Scholars

Brandon Fisher II

#7

DHS Top Scholar Brandon Fisher II plans to attend the University of North Texas and major in Computer Engineering with aims to become a software engineer. Brandon shared “I have had to battle my condition on the autism spectrum and have conquered it by being the best I could be.”

Frolian Macias

#9 DHS Top Scholar

Froilan Macias plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Biomedical Sciences with aims to become a dentist. Froilan shared “I have a rabbit. Her name is Pecan, and she is very rude.”

Nia Nash

#8

DHS Top Scholar Nia Nash plans to attend University of Texas at Austin and major in Arts and Entertainment Technologies with aims to become an animation artist. Nia shared she knew she wanted to be an artist since the 2nd grade. “I drew a picture that was featured in an art show for the district, and I have been making art ever since then.”

Justus Bibles

#10 DHS Top Scholar

Justus Bibles plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Kinesiology with aims to become an athletic trainer. Justus shared “I draw in my free time, and I’m into Greek and Egyptian mythology.”

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