DeSoto ISD Back-to-School Fair Prepares Families, Community for Upcoming School Year

DeSoto ISD Back-to-School Fair Prepares Families, Community for Upcoming School Year
Posted on 08/08/2017
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DeSoto Independent School District hosted families on Sat., Aug. 5 at DeSoto High School to distribute more than 2,000 free backpacks and school supplies to students and families in DeSoto ISD.


"It is always great to see our families have the opportunity to gain the much needed resources to help prepare students for school,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Harris. “As educators, it's important that we collaborate with our community to ensure that we are doing everything we can to eliminate barriers to education while also welcoming families back to school for a new school year, communicating that we are not only ready to receive students, but ready to meet students' needs so that they can be the best scholars possible."


Members of the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees including Tiffany Clark, Karen Daniel, Donald Gant, Aubrey C. Hooper, and Sandre Moncriffe; area officials including Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price; and other city and governmental representatives from City of DeSoto, Glenn Heights and Ovilla were on hand to support families as they prepare for the start of school which is scheduled to kick off on Mon., Aug. 21.


Board Vice President, Karen Daniel, Place 3, said the DeSoto ISD Back-to-School Fair is “a testament to the bold vision and leadership we have here in our schools and community, but more importantly, a testament to what our students deserve.”


This year’s event helped 2,000 pre-registered DeSoto ISD students prepare for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year with backpacks and school supplies thanks, in part, to a generous donation from DeSoto native and DeSoto High School alum Von Miller, named the 2015 Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player.


Area students and families were able to take advantage of free immunizations from Dallas County Health and Human Services. In addition, health screenings by local agencies, community services, and social service resources were available to families in attendance.


The DeSoto ISD Back-to-School Fair also included live entertainment, games, prizes and information regarding district programs including reduced rate STEM-based pre-k programs for three-year old students through a district  partnership with area childcare providers, before- and after-care programs for four-year-old pre-k students at Amber Terrace Design and Discovery Early Childhood Academy, the ACE after school program which provides tutoring and after school educational enrichment for K-8 students, magnet and  International Baccalaureate programs, and Career and Technical Educational opportunities which afforded DeSoto ISD students more than 500 professional certifications last year.


“The opportunity to serve students and families through the DeSoto ISD Back-to-School Fair is one we take great pride in,” said Associate Superintendent Dr. Gabrielle Lemonier. “The collaboration and planning necessary to provide these resources to families to ensure that students start the school year prepared with some foundational items that can support their learning and classroom experiences is an effort that is focused on creating the best possible outcomes for students in DeSoto ISD. We are excited about the opportunities we, as a district, are working to provide for our students.”


Families have the opportunity to begin the enrollment process online which is available at www.desotoisd.org/onlineenrollment. However, enrollment is not complete until a parent or legal guardian submits the following documents to the student’s campus starting Aug. 8 through Aug. 18:


  • Original copy of Birth Certificate
  • Immunization Records
  • Social Security Card
  • Report Card/Transcripts (If available);
  • Proof of Residency (Current water, gas, or electricity bill)
  • Driver's License