DeSoto Serves to make a difference in the lives of our students by instilling a sense of community and responsibility, providing a positive and collaborative culture, and promoting excellence through innovative educational experiences and service to others.

Superintendent's Message

🎄 Christmas Blessings from DeSoto Parish Schools 🎄

As we close out the semester and prepare to celebrate the Christmas season, I want to take a moment to thank our incredible families and community for the ongoing support you give to our schools.

The Christmas Story reminds us of the joy and hope that come from giving, serving, and coming together as a community. Your partnership with us in shaping the lives of our students reflects that same spirit, and I am so grateful for the role you play in their success.

This holiday season, I wish you rest, peace, and joy. May your home be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends.

Thank you for being such an important part of #TheDeSotoDifference. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

With gratitude,

Clay J. Corley

Superintendent

Remembering Heith Parker

DeSoto Parish Schools mourns the loss of a remarkable leader, mentor, and friend, Mr. Heith Parker, our beloved Director of Facilities and Operations. His decades of service to our school system and dedication and service to our students and staff will forever be cherished.

Mr. Parker began his journey with DeSoto Parish Schools in 1998-1999 as an Adult Education teacher and coach at North DeSoto High School, where he contributed to the football and baseball programs. His passion for education and mentorship was evident as he transitioned to teaching Physical Education at North DeSoto Elementary and Middle School from 1999 to 2007 while continuing his role as a football coach.

In 2007, Mr. Parker's commitment to excellence led him to serve as Assistant Principal at North DeSoto Elementary (Grades 3-5), where he spent six impactful years fostering a culture of learning and leadership. In 2013, he was elevated to a district-level role as Supervisor of Maintenance, later becoming Director of Facilities and Operations. Over the last decade, his expertise and vision ensured our schools' safety, efficiency, and growth, leaving a legacy of excellence in every project he led.

A proud graduate of Stanley High School, Mr. Parker pursued higher education earning a Bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University Shreveport and a Master's in Supervision and Administration from Northwestern State University. His academic and professional achievements reflected his commitment to lifelong learning and leadership.

Beyond his professional contributions, Mr. Parker was a devoted husband to his wife, Barbara, a loving father to Stephanie and Madison, and a proud grandfather to Beckett, who brought him immense joy.

Mr. Parker's legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and dedication. He was a cornerstone of DeSoto Parish Schools, touching countless lives and leaving an indelible mark on our community. While his presence will be deeply missed, the values he embodied and the impact he made will continue to make a difference in DeSoto Parish Schools.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Parker family and ask our DeSoto Parish Schools family to join us in remembering and honoring Mr. Heith Parker's extraordinary life and service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Heith Parker Scholarship Fund. Deposits can be made in person or by mail at all Community Bank of Louisiana locations. Checks should be made payable to either Mrs. Barbara Parker with "Heith Parker Benefit" in the memo line or directly to Heith Parker Benefit.

Your contributions and prayers mean so much during this time, helping to ensure Mr. Parker’s legacy continues to inspire future generations. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Parker family and ask our DeSoto Parish Schools family to join us in remembering and honoring Mr. Heith Parker's extraordinary life and service.

Great News

Logansport High School Master Teacher Surprised With $25,000 Milken Educator Award

DeSoto Parish Schools is thrilled to recognize Charday Wilson, Math and Science Master Teacher at Logansport High School, as the recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award! This incredible honor, which includes a $25,000 cash prize, highlights her outstanding contributions to education and her unwavering dedication to student success.

Ms. Wilson’s innovative teaching and commitment to excellence truly embody #TheDeSotoDifference. We are so proud of her achievements and the lasting impact she is making in classrooms and beyond.

Read about Ms. Wilson's story here: desotopsb.com/article/1909652

Building Strong Readers:

DeSoto Parish Highlights K-3 Literacy Growth

In the recently released K-3 Fall Reading Report by the Louisiana Department of Education, DeSoto Parish Schools demonstrated exceptional performance and growth. The report, based on results from the DIBELS Literacy Screener administered at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, highlights significant achievements by DeSoto’s youngest learners.

DeSoto Parish’s kindergarten and first-grade students ranked second in the state for literacy proficiency, showcasing the district’s commitment to building strong foundational reading skills. Additionally, second-grade students ranked ninth in the state for performing above grade level. These outstanding rankings underscore the district’s dedication to early literacy excellence.

Second and third grades also demonstrated significant progress, with both grades showing significant increases in proficiency from fall 2023 to fall 2024. Notably, third-grade students achieved a 2-percentage-point growth from the fall 2024 to the winter 2024 screening window, reflecting the district’s sustained focus on literacy advancement.

Willa Smith, DeSoto Parish Schools’ Supervisor of Student Learning, attributed these successes to a collaborative effort, stating, “This amount of growth is a testament to the hard work teachers, students, and families do to guarantee our students are reading on grade level by the end of the year.”

The results of the K-3 Fall Reading Report align with DeSoto Parish Schools’ strategic priorities to ensure every student achieves reading proficiency. By investing in evidence-based literacy instruction, professional development for teachers, and strong partnerships with families, the district continues to make significant strides in academic achievement.

New Teacher Experience

There are many paths by which educators travel to become a new teacher. In DeSoto Parish, we are happy to welcome and support all. Today, hear from Ms. Jenna Mullican in Part 2 of our 4 Part Series as she shares her journey as a college student in her teacher residency under the mentorship of Ms. Heather Holbert-Fort. As you listen to her story, enjoy the sights and energy of her 2nd grade classroom.

District Happenings

DeSoto Community Connections Podcast Episode 4: State Performance Rankings

The next episode of the DeSoto Community Connections Podcast is live! Superintendent Clay Corley and Director of Student Learning Bridget Flanders discuss the 2023-24 state performance data and celebrate all of the hard work that led to DeSoto Parish Schools ranking second in the state of Louisiana!

Decking the Halls at DeSoto Parish Schools

The holidays are here and staff and students have been getting festive with theme days, concerts, assemblies, parties, and lots of fun and educational activities!

Check out what our schools have been up to:

Logansport

At Logansport High School, the 2nd and 3rd grade students joined the PreK and Kindergarten students to decorate cookies. They had a blast! Students in PK-5 also put everyone in the Christmas spirit with their rendition of the Jingle Bell Jukebox - The Flip Side. Thank you Mrs. Morvan and all of your crew for putting together another fabulous production!

Mansfield

Mansfield Elementary Students celebrated with a pajama party and a Polar Express movie night and did a wonderful job in their Christmas program at school and at Mansfield Nursing Center. Students and Staff at Mansfield Middle School got into the Christmas spirit week, while Mansfield High School celebrated 4 days of Christmas throughout the month

North DeSoto

Students at North DeSoto Lower Elementary and North DeSoto Upper Elementary participated in a variety of fun activities and had their schools decked out for the holidays. Middle school students also created awesome Christmas designs and showed off their festive looks and helped the High School students create something extra special!

Stanley

While we were sad to see the Christmas Program cancelled, but students still got into the spirit this month. elementary students celebrated meeting their mid-year goal for completing lessons on the digital math platform, Zearn with a Glow Party! Homecoming week also featured some fun with a highlight being Teachers vs. Students Dress Day. They also hosted a literacy night for Elementary students and high school volunteers dressed as beloved book characters and engaged elementary students by reading stories to them! The SHS Fishing Team also spread Christmas cheer by delivering socks to the local nursing home

Resources For Holiday Break

How Families Can Support Literacy at Home

DeSoto Parish Schools recognize the vital role families play in fostering literacy skills and building strong readers. Parents and guardians are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s literacy journey by creating a reading-friendly environment at home and engaging in activities that promote language development.

To assist families in supporting literacy, The Louisiana Department of Education provides resources that include tips for reading aloud, building vocabulary, and incorporating literacy into daily routines.

Get a comprehensive guide to promoting family literacy from Louisiana Believes.

DeSoto Parish Schools remain committed to fostering a love of reading and ensuring every child has the skills necessary to succeed. These results highlight the district’s dedication to providing high-quality education and preparing students for bright futures.

From the Special Services Department: Holiday Tips and Tricks for Parents of Children with Disabilities

Navigating the holidays with children who have special needs can present unique challenges, but with a bit of planning, flexibility, and creativity, you can create joyful and meaningful experiences. By prioritizing your child’s comfort, flexibility, and focusing on their strengths, you can help make the holidays a positive experience for the whole family. Here are some tips and tricks to help make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone:

1. Establish a Clear Routine

Keep familiar routines: Children with special needs often thrive on predictability. Try to maintain their regular schedule for meals, naps, and bedtime, as much as possible, even during the holidays.
Visual schedules: Use visual schedules or social stories to help your child understand the flow of events. This could include pictures or symbols for activities like gift opening, family gatherings, and meals.

2. Prepare for Overstimulating Environments

Quiet time and space: Holidays can be loud, busy, and full of new sensory experiences. Create a designated "quiet space" where your child can retreat to if they get overwhelmed. Stock it with comforting toys, headphones, or calming visuals.
Sensory-friendly decorations: If your child is sensitive to lights, sounds, or smells, choose decorations that are less stimulating. Soft lighting, minimal flashing lights, and natural scents can be more soothing.

3. Be Flexible with Traditions

Adapt holiday traditions: While it's important to celebrate, don't feel pressured to follow traditions that might not work well for your child. For example, instead of a large family gathering, consider a smaller, quieter one.
Start small: If the idea of participating in big holiday events feels daunting, try a scaled-down version—such as a smaller gift exchange or a short visit to a holiday gathering.

4. Manage Expectations

Set realistic expectations: Understand that not every holiday moment will go perfectly. Your child might not respond to activities in the way you expect, and that’s okay. Be ready to adjust your plans and be patient.
Involve your child at their pace: Let your child take part in holiday preparations or activities when they feel ready. They may need breaks or time to adjust, but allowing them to engage in their own way fosters inclusion and enjoyment.

5. Prepare for Travel or Family Visits

Travel preparations: If you're traveling for the holidays, plan ahead for potential challenges. Bring familiar comfort items (blanket, stuffed animal, sensory toys) to help with transitions.
Consider accommodations: If staying at someone else's house, talk to the host about your child's needs. You may need to ask for a quiet area, extra time for breaks, or changes in meal routines to accommodate them.

6. Focus on What Brings Joy

Highlight sensory-friendly activities: Think about holiday activities that appeal to your child's specific interests and sensory needs. This could include activities like baking cookies together, decorating simple crafts, or enjoying a holiday movie.
Incorporate special interests: If your child has a favorite character, color, or theme, incorporate that into the holiday festivities to make the experience more meaningful for them.

7. Communicate and Set Boundaries

Communicate your child’s needs: If you're attending a gathering or event, it’s helpful to let family or friends know about your child's special needs in advance. This can help manage expectations and reduce potential stress.
Set boundaries with others: Politely but firmly explain your child's specific needs, whether it's the need for more space, quieter activities, or fewer guests. Setting boundaries early helps reduce misunderstandings.

8. Practice Patience and Flexibility

Be ready to adjust: Flexibility is key, as plans may not unfold the way you expect. If something is overwhelming for your child, allow yourself the flexibility to change plans in real-time.
Practice patience: The holiday season can be overwhelming for parents of children with special needs as well. Take deep breaths, recognize the challenges, and give yourself grace.

9. Celebrate Your Child’s Progress

Focus on their growth: Celebrate milestones, whether big or small, during the holidays. This could be a new skill they’ve learned, a moment of progress, or just enjoying the experience in their unique way.

10. Seek Support When Needed

Reach out for help: If the holidays are feeling particularly challenging, it’s okay to seek help from support networks. This could include respite care, online groups for parents of children with special needs, or local resources for special needs families.

Dates to Remember

Dec. 20 - Staff Work Day - 2nd Grading Period Ends
Dec. 23 - Jan. 3 - Christmas Break
Jan. 6-7 - Staff Professional Development (no student attendance)
Jan. 8 - Students Return for Spring Semester
Jan 20 - MLK Holiday

Important Resources

We have compiled a list of resources to help you throughout the school year! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to fill out the "Ask a Question" form on our website.