DeSoto ISD Celebrates Record PTA Growth, Expands Parent Engagement Through New Fatherhood and Mentorship Initiatives
DeSoto Independent School District proudly celebrates a
landmark year in family and community engagement, highlighted by the record
growth of its Parent Teacher Association (PTA) programs, the introduction
of a districtwide fatherhood engagement initiative, and continued
innovation in supporting family partnerships across campuses.
During the October 27, 2025, DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees
meeting, DeSoto ISD PTA Council President Shelonda Weaver recognized
each campus PTA president and membership chair and proudly shared that eight
of the district’s nine campuses now operate fully functional PTA programs.
Over the past two years, DeSoto ISD has seen incredible
momentum in PTA engagement and membership across its campuses. District-wide
PTA membership has more than doubled, growing from 413 members in 2023–24 to
898 members in 2024–25 — a remarkable 117% increase — with numbers for the
2025–26 school year still climbing!
Several campuses have shown outstanding growth, including
Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy (123 → 273) and Woodridge
Elementary (38 → 255). In addition, Amber Terrace Early Childhood and The
Meadows Elementary launched brand-new PTAs this year, expanding opportunities
for families to get involved and have a voice in their child’s education.
“This is what growth and collaboration look like,” said PTA
Council President Shelonda Weaver. “Our PTA leaders, teachers, and parents
are redefining engagement in DeSoto ISD. Together, we’re proving that when we
invest in relationships, we invest in the success of every student.”
DeSoto ISD PTAs have earned several statewide honors,
including the Head Start Award, Early Bird Award, and Be
Golden PTA Award, with Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy
earning the prestigious Golden Apple Award for achieving 100 percent
staff PTA membership. Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy is
expected to follow as the next Golden Apple recipient. Both recognitions are in
advance of a coming districtwide push to encourage full staff participation in
the PTA through confirmation of online enrollment. The staff-focused campaign
will kick off in November.
Four campuses — DeSoto High School, Katherine Johnson
Technology Magnet Academy, Woodridge Elementary, and Curtistene S. McCowan
Middle School — earned Good Standing recognition, demonstrating their full
compliance with all Texas PTA requirements and a strong commitment to
excellence in family engagement.
DeSoto ISD PTAs also earned a series of Texas PTA Membership
Awards for their dedication to recruiting and retaining members:
- Head
Start Award – 75% of last year’s membership achieved by August 31
- Early
Bird Award – 100% of last year’s membership achieved by September 30
- Golden
Apple Award – 100% of campus staff joined by December 19
- MARS
(Membership and Recognition System) Award – for achieving key
milestones
- Student
Membership Award – for engaging at least 50 student members
Community Membership Award – recognizing PTAs that engaged families and
community members beyond the school
Amber Terrace Early Childhood, Katherine Johnson Technology
Magnet Academy, Woodridge Elementary, and West Middle School earned both Head
Start and Early Bird Awards for their early membership success.
Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy went above and
beyond, earning the Golden Apple, MARS, Student, and Community Membership
Awards, showcasing an outstanding model of parent, staff, and community
collaboration.
“Our PTAs represent the heart of our schools,” said Dr.
Gene Morrow, Executive Director of Student and Staff Support Services.
“Their success reflects the commitment of our district to build a culture of
collaboration, service, and engagement that uplifts every family in our
community.”
As DeSoto ISD continues to build Eagle pride, our PTAs are
leading the way — strengthening partnerships, celebrating growth, and creating
spaces where every family feels connected and empowered to make a difference.
Get involved today!
Join your campus PTA and help keep our Eagle spirit
soaring.
Visit www.joinpta.org or connect with your
school’s front office to learn how you can become part of your campus PTA
community.
Engaging Fathers and Father Figures: The Launch of All
Pro Dad
In alignment with its mission to strengthen families and
support students through positive role modeling, DeSoto ISD is proud to
introduce the All Pro Dad program, a national initiative designed to
connect fathers and father figures with their children’s educational
journeys through mentorship, service, and school-based engagement.
The DeSoto ISD All
Pro Dad program will officially launch on October 30, 2025, with
an event inviting fathers and mentors from across the district to participate
in activities centered on leadership, presence, and encouragement for
young men.
The following visual will be shared in upcoming board and
community presentations, highlighting the district’s increasing focus on male
mentorship and father engagement:
“We’re intentional about ensuring that all parents —
mothers, fathers, and caregivers — feel seen and supported,” said Kendal
Harden, Parent and Community Engagement Specialist. “Our All Pro Dad
program is about building relationships and empowering men to show up, engage,
and lead in ways that change lives.”
Board Trustee Cynthia Watson-Banks praised the team’s
dedication to family engagement and education: “What we’re seeing in DeSoto ISD
is transformation through connection. These efforts by our PTA Council,
district leaders, and parent engagement team are building bridges between
families and schools that strengthen trust, access, and shared purpose. It’s a
powerful example of partnership in action.”
Next Steps: Parent University and Legislative Literacy
In addition to PTA growth and fatherhood programming, PTAs
across the district are educating parents about new state legislation
impacting students and families — including updates to cell phone use
policies, vaping regulations, and safety protocols.
The district is also preparing to launch Parent
University, a comprehensive learning series designed to equip families
with tools to navigate school systems, support learning at home, and understand
educational policy.
“Parent University is an extension of our belief that
informed parents are empowered partners,” said Harden. “When families have the
knowledge and confidence to engage, students win.”
Parents interested in participating in Parent University,
joining a campus PTA, or learning more about the All Pro Dad
program may contact Kendal Harden, DeSoto ISD Parent and Community
Engagement Specialist, at [email protected] or (972)
223-6666.