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.
DeSoto Parish Schools
Superintendent's Message
Dear Families and Community,
As we wrap up October, it's been great to see our schools and communities come alive with the sights and sounds of fall. This season, from football games under Friday night lights to school fairs and festivities, celebrates the small-town traditions that make DeSoto Parish feel like home. That close-knit, connected vibe is at the heart of who we are, and it's one of my favorite core values of our school system.
While we all enjoy these fall activities and having fun, our students' safety and well-being remain our top priority. This past week, during National Safe Schools Week, we highlighted some of the great work we've been focused on updating and enhancing safety measures across all campuses. We're all committed to ensuring that our schools are safe spaces for learning and growing. Thank you for giving us the resources to provide state-of-the-art facilities and innovative technology that help to provide a safer, more secure learning environment for our students.
Because of your commitment to our schools, our theme for this year, #BetterTogether, is not just a meaningless mantra but a standard here in DeSoto Parish. It takes ALL of us pulling together in the same direction to ensure our system continues to thrive. So, whether volunteering at school events, cheering from the stands, or simply supporting our students, your involvement strengthens our schools and makes DeSoto Parish such a great place to live and learn.
Thank you for being part of The DeSoto Difference!
For Students’ Sake
Clay Corley
Superintendent
We Want to Know
Do you feel informed about safety and security measures in our schools?
This month's quick poll is all about safety and security! Please take a minute or two to share your thoughts and questions on this important topic.
Securing Our Schools Together
How DeSoto Parish Schools and Sheriff’s Office Show a Commitment to Student and Staff Safety
By: Peyton Dufour, Coordinator of Communications, Family & Community Engagement
In DeSoto Parish, safety is more than just a priority; it is the foundation of every decision made by both the DeSoto Parish School System and the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office. These public services have formed a steadfast partnership dedicated to ensuring that every school is a safe, secure, and supportive environment for students, staff, and the community.
Superintendent Clay Corley emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in education, highlighting the unique collaboration with local law enforcement as a cornerstone of the district's commitment to excellence.
"It brings great peace of mind knowing we have such a strong partnership with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office,” said Corley. “In my travels and conversations with superintendents and district staff across the state and nation, I’ve come to realize that the level of collaboration and trust we have here is truly unique. This partnership is deeply embedded in our commitment to high performance and excellence, and it strengthens the foundation of everything we do, every single day."
Ongoing Training and Education
Both the school system and the Sheriff's Office engage in continuous professional development so that all staff, from school leaders to teachers and support personnel, are prepared to respond effectively in any emergency. This includes joint training sessions with emergency and medical response teams which is crucial collaboration in preparing for situations where every second counts.
DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jayson Richardson emphasizes the importance of adapting to evolving safety practices in schools.
"Every year, we stay up to date on the latest trends in school safety and adjust our training accordingly,” said Richardson.“How we train today is different from previous years, as we continually refine what works well and improve where needed to ensure effective tactics are in place. Our deputies spend significant time in our schools, conducting walkthroughs and preparing for crisis scenarios.”
School Resources Officers Serve as the Connection Point
At the heart of this collaboration are the School Resource Officers (SROs), whose roles extend far beyond providing security. These officers are carefully selected and trained by the Sheriff's Office to become integral members of each school's community. Their presence on campus is more than just a visual reminder of safety as they are involved in the daily life of the school continually building meaningful relationships with students. This hands-on, compassionate approach allows them to maintain a vigilant eye on the school’s security while fostering a positive, caring culture. By getting to know the students and the unique dynamics of each school, SROs serve as role models who show students that they are cared for and protected by adults who are truly invested in their well-being.
NDHS School Resource Officer, Cpl. Larry McCloskey, highlights the significance of these relationships.
"Being present in the school every day allows me to connect with students on a deeper level, “said McCloskey. “It's not just about enforcing rules or keeping the campus secure, it's about building trust and showing the kids that we genuinely care about them. When they feel valued, they are more likely to approach us with their concerns, and that helps us prevent issues before they escalate."
Connecting with the Community in Times of Crisis
Communication is another cornerstone of this partnership. DeSoto Parish Schools and the Sheriff's Office work closely together and have systems to ensure timely, targeted, direct and meaningful communication in the case of any emergency.
The district’s layered safety protocols are designed to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of the community. With strategic planning, state-of-the-art technology, and a deep commitment to collaboration, DeSoto Parish Schools have created an environment where safety measures are more than just policies—they are part of the fabric of each school’s culture.
This collective effort underscores the district’s unwavering dedication to maintaining a positive and caring culture where students can thrive. By fostering a close partnership with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office, the district shows that when it comes to protecting students, excellence and high performance are always at the forefront. Together, they continue to create an environment where safety is the cornerstone of student success.
Watch Our Safe Schools Week Video Series
Part I - Partnership
Part II - School Security
Part III - Emergency and Medical Response
Part IV - Communication
Part V - Leftover Thoughts
Communicating in a Crisis
DeSoto Parish Schools has implemented a wide variety of systems to ensure that our schools and facilities are safe, secure and supportive environments for all of our students, staff and community members. Our district and school teams are trained to respond to any incident that may arise, and we are dedicated to providing timely, targeted, direct and meaningful communication in the case of an emergency.
When facing a crisis situation, DeSoto Parish Schools will:
Respond to the crisis first
Communicate information to the appropriate parties in a timely manner
Provide follow up communication as appropriate
Download the new resource on what to expect from the district in a crisis and how you can help!
District Happenings
At the October 4 board meeting, the DeSoto Parish School Board unanimously approved a capital improvement project to enhance the athletic facilities at Mansfield High School. This initiative reflects upgrades that will cover baseball, softball, and football facilities.
Great News
National Principals Month
October is National Principals Month! What a great time to celebrate and recognize our Principals for their passionate service to others through exceptional leadership and their remarkable impact on the students, staff, and community they serve.
Highlighting the many responsibilities of a Principal requires a comprehensive look into the many hats they wear that will ensure student success. By defining a set of core values and charting a course known as a school mission, Principals guide academic programs, support teachers, and ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all students. They balance staff development, student discipline, community engagement, and operational management responsibilities. In addition, Principals demonstrate visionary leadership, empathy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to equity, all while positively influencing student achievement, teacher morale, and overall school success.
Each year, DeSoto selects one Principal to participate in the Louisiana Principal of the Year competition. The Louisiana Department of Education has crowned a state winner from DeSoto Parish for the past three years. This year, we proudly recognize Ms. Anesha Ross from Mansfield High School as the 2024-2025 DeSoto Parish Principal of the Year.
3-8 ELA and Math Assessment Update
The Louisiana Department of Education has reduced time spent on 3-8 ELA and Math assessments by 20%.
Depending upon the grade level, students will test approximately 40 - 75 minutes less in ELA and 30 to 40 minutes less in Math.
Although testing time has been reduced, the tests maintain the integrity of previous years and the achievement levels remain the same.
Upcoming ACT Opportunity
Registration for the Dec. 14 ACT closes Nov. 8.
If your child is a Junior or Senior, please check with their school counselor to see if they qualify for a voucher to cover the registration fee.
Bully Prevention Month & Red Ribbon Week
As October unfolds, our school district is proud to observe both Bully Prevention Month and Red Ribbon Week, two crucial initiatives that emphasize the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for our students
Lunch and Learn Series: Empowering Students Against Bullying
Throughout the month, our dedicated Wellness Team has been hosting informative Lunch and Learn sessions aimed at raising awareness about bullying. These sessions are designed to educate students, staff, and parents on effective strategies to prevent bullying and promote kindness within our schools. The final session, scheduled for October 29, 2024, will focus on the critical topic of Cyberbullying, featuring a presentation from the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office. We encourage all families to attend and engage in these important conversations about online safety and respect.
Bully Prevention & Red Ribbon Caravan
On October 24th, we held a successful Bully Prevention & Red Ribbon Caravan in Mansfield, LA, bringing together community partners and leaders to support our efforts in creating a bully-free and drug-free community. Participants decorated their vehicles with powerful slogans against bullying and drug use, transforming the caravan into a vibrant display of unity and commitment. This event highlighted the collaborative spirit of our district and the dedication of our community to standing against bullying and substance abuse.
Yard Signs for a Unified Stand
In addition to our educational efforts, the Wellness Team is distributing yard signs to families and local businesses. By placing these signs in your yards or storefronts, you are publicly standing with the school district in our mission to make our schools and community a safe haven, free from bullying and drugs. These visual symbols of support can help spark important conversations and inspire others to join our cause.
If you would like to receive a yard sign, please contact Worlita Jackson at 318-270-6425 or email her at worlita.jackson@desotopsb.com.
Community Engagement: Join Us in Making a Difference
Community involvement is vital to the success of our initiatives. We invite parents, guardians, and local organizations to join us in our efforts by attending events, volunteering, or sharing resources. Whether you can lend a hand at our Lunch and Learn sessions, help distribute yard signs, or participate in discussions about bullying and drug prevention, your contributions make a significant impact.Additionally, we encourage families to engage in discussions at home about the importance of kindness, respect, and making healthy choices. Sharing stories or experiences can help children feel supported and understood, reinforcing the values we promote in our schools. Together, we can create an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered. Let’s continue to work hand in hand to ensure that our schools are places of positivity and respect. Thank you for your ongoing support in making our community a better place for all. For more information on upcoming events and resources, please visit our district website or contact the Wellness Team at 318-270-6425. Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other in these important initiatives!
Special Education Advisory Panel
The DeSoto SEAP functions to provide advice and feedback on special education topics and goals at the district level, as well as toward the development and implementation of educational programs, all that include and prioritize the needs of students with disabilities. They help to promote strong communication, collaboration, and trust among a student’s educational team - the student, parents, service providers, and school/district administrators.
We are thrilled to announce the candidates that have been selected to serve on our new Special Education Advisory Panel, and the role they serve in within our community:
Hannah Parker - District Employee (Designated Chairperson)
Catherine Hardaway - District Employee
Casey Kelly - Parent
Robin Stambaugh - Parent
Katie Salley - Parent
Christina Harn - Parent
Catherine Terrell - Parent
Zandra Ashley - Advocate/Community Stakeholder
Felicia Ross - Community Stakeholder
Each of these individuals have experiences to share and a passion for improving outcomes for students with disabilities. We look forward to seeing how their work continues to provide positive impacts to our students with disabilities and our community!
DeSoto Parish Schools selected to participate in partnership with LA Department of Education
We are excited to announce that DeSoto Parish Schools has been selected alongside 10 other school districts to partner with the state department in refining and implementing the instructional best practices identified in the Special Education Playbook.
DeSoto Parish was selected in part for our ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and initial implementation of the Special Education Playbook.
This will provide an opportunity to continue the commitment of improving outcomes for students with disabilities as we work alongside other selected districts to analyze data and refine practices in consultation with the state department.
Special Olympics: November 12, 2024
Mark your calendars! The 2024 Special Olympics will be held at Logansport High School on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 with opening ceremonies beginning at 9:30.
We invite all to join us on this day to cheer on our student athletes!
Dates to Remember
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.
Transportation Resources or call us at (318) 872-2798
Download the DeSoto Parish Mobile App
(318) 872-1198
(318) 872-2836
www.desotopsb.com
399 Jenkins Street
Mansfield, LA 71052