DeSoto ISD Recognize Staff Excellence

DeSoto ISD Celebrates District Personnel
Posted on 01/21/2025
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DeSoto Independent School District personnel returned to work to kick off the spring 2025 semester for staff development and were greeted with a surprise staff assembly on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 inside the DeSoto High School auditorium to recognize outstanding staff members for their hard work and dedication to upholding district messaging and values.. The district held a special awards ceremony as a launch to the staff-focused Triple-A Experience culture and climate initiative centered around the following:

 

Acceptance – Creating an inclusive environment where all staff feel valued and respected.

Affirmation – Reinforcing the strengths and successes of staff to build confidence and motivation and Appreciation – Recognizing and valuing the efforts and contributions of staff to foster a positive atmosphere.

Aspiration – Encouraging a forward-thinking culture focused on growth, innovation, and achieving shared goals.

 

The event celebrated outstanding staff members for their hard work and dedication to upholding district values while introducing new focal points in the district’s organizational culture by bringing together teachers, administrators, and support staff from across the district fostering camaraderie and recognition.  

 

I want to express my deep gratitude to each of you for your transformative work for our children,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers wrote in a post-event staff letter.

 

“As the super proud Superintendent, celebrating the individuals who make magic happen throughout our district daily brings me immense joy. Even if we didn't call your name during our first ever mid-year award ceremony, I appreciate everything you do for our school community.”

 

To launch the staff Triple-A Experience initiative, departmental leaders issued awards celebrating highly productive and resourceful staff members with the “Get Stuff Done” award and collaborative and supportive personnel with a team-oriented demeanor with the “Service Above Self’ recognition.

 

Campus leaders were given the opportunity to recognize staff in areas valuable to culture, climate and organizational success with the following awards:

 

Culture Creator: Personnel who create collaborative and inclusive spaces in the work setting, increasing positivity and productivity by bringing others together

Data Dominator (Teacher): Personnel who demonstrated great skill, aptitude and strategy regarding student data trends and academic performance

MVP Award: Personnel who demonstrate utilitarian value and overall improvement of work environment, duties and support of others

People Whisperer: Personnel who demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills to encourage buy-in, troubleshoot conflict and encourage collaboration and solutions to create safe, inclusive and supportive spaces

 

 

In her message to staff, Rodgers wrote, “As we begin the spring semester, let's keep in mind that:

·     It takes the collaborative effort of every person in our district to create the signature Triple-A experience for our students AND staff.

·     The Central Office is committed to providing excellent service so you can do the same for students and families.

·     By seeing each other's efforts, fostering respect and love, and nurturing authentic relationships, we can intentionally move the needle for our students and achieve our district goals.:

Rodgers went on to reiterate, “Our collective synergy can propel us forward as we continue to build on DeSoto ISD's rich legacy with a laser-sharp emphasis on soaring higher by:

·     Maximizing resources, time, and talent,

·     Sharing the many stories of excellence within our district, and

·     Being judicious and practical in our spending.”

 

Any shift in focus could jeopardize our ability to serve the children of DeSoto, and that's a risk we can't take. We've faced challenges, but as eagles do, we will rise and soar higher than ever before.”

 

District Awards

Teaching & Learning:

GSD - Get Stuff Done Award:

Tarsha Lunkin, Director of Professional Development

Sonja Batiste, District Data Strategist

 

Service Above Self Award:

Calvin Green, Director of College Driven Gear Up

Emmaletta Clark, District PEIMS Clerk

 

 

Communications:

GSD - Get Stuff Done Award:

Jacquinette Murphy

Service Above Self Award:

Yulonda Smith

Human Capital Management:

GSD - Get Stuff Done Award:

Nikki Braggs, Coordinator, Compensation and Position Control

Service Above Self Award:

Jennifer Martinez, Specialist, Records Management

 

Finance:

GSD - Get Stuff Done Award:

Ron Carter, Accounting Director

Service Above Self Award:

Andrea Hall, Executive Assistant

Student Support Services: Gene Morrow

GSD - Get Stuff Done Award:

Metric Manning, Restorative Discipline and Positive Behavior Coordinator

Service Above Self Award:

John Nobles, Positive Behavior Aide

Operations (Plant Services, Security):

GSD - Get Stuff Done Award:

Ernesto Yrlas, Maintenance Supervisor

Service Above Self Award:

Olen Riden, Security Officer

Technology:

GSD - Get Stuff Done Award:

Rolando Sustaita, Systems Engineer

Service Above Self Award:

Everette Ligon, System Support Specialist

Amber Terrace Early Childhood Learning Center Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Reginia Dean, Pre-K 4 Teacher

Data Dominator (Teacher): Natasha Neely, Pre-K 3 and 4 Montessori Teacher

MVP Award: Laurel Rome, Lead Custodian

People Whisperer: Christiana Crawford, PreK 4 Instructional Assistant

Woodridge Elementary Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Joi Duncan, Art Teacher

Data Dominator (Teacher): Elivia Taylor, 3rd Grade Math Teacher

MVP Award: Camille Hooper, Admin. Assistant

People Whisperer: Kamie Horton, Receptionist

Cockrell Hill Elementary Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Cynthia Garcia, Administrative Assistant

Data Dominator (Teacher): Maria Isabella Rodriguez, 2nd Grade Bi-lingual Teacher

MVP Award: LaMonica Jackson, Kindergarten Teacher

People Whisperer: Cheryl Brookins, Counselor

The Meadows Elementary Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Keely Stanley, Art Teacher

Data Dominator (Teacher): Aaron Jackson, 5th Grade Math Teacher

MVP Award: Danielle Moore, ISS Aide

People Whisperer: Malaika Gillespie, Counselor

Frank D. Moates Elementary Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Melissa Berrey, 4th Grade SLAR/ELAR Teacher

Data Dominator (Teacher): Michelle Kelly, 3rd Grade Self-Contained Teacher

MVP Award: Kevin Lubbe, PE

People Whisperer: Hortencia Benavides, Administrative Assistant

Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Sherry Thomas, SPED Aide

Data Dominator (Teacher): Shirlene Duncan, Teacher

MVP Award: Jasmine Handsome, AVID Site Coordinator

People Whisperer: Theresa Whitlock, Receptionist

Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Sabrina Mayberry, Kindergarten Teacher

Data Dominator (Teacher): LaKesha Jackson, ELAR 6th-8th Grade Teacher

MVP Award: Diana Koehler, Principal

People Whisperer: Harvey Wilburn, SRO

Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Twynette Anderson, Teacher

Data Dominator (Teacher): Erick Jemerson, Teacher

MVP Award: Taylor Pleasant, Teacher

People Whisperer: Talton Terry, SPED Teacher Aide

 

 

DeSoto West Middle School Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Wykennia Heiskell, 6th Grade Science / Team Lead

Data Dominator (Teacher): Shaun Johnson, 8th Grade Math/Algebra I / Team Lead

MVP Award: Dominique Mundy, 7th Grade Employability Skills / Team Lead

People Whisperer: Trina Richard, Inclusion Teacher / Team Lead

 

 

DeSoto High School Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Devonte Daniels, CTE Instructor

Culture Creator: Bettye Williams, Finance Clerk

Data Dominator (Teacher): Patrice Powell, CTE Instructor

Data Dominator (Teacher): Brian Beck-Smith, Math Instructor

MVP Award: Nikena Madison, CTE Instructor

MVP Award: Rene Sears, WINGS Instructor

People Whisperer: Attilah Ruffin, SPED Instructor

People Whisperer: Braxton Holeman, SPED Instructor

Collegiate Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Bouthenavy Nolen, Administrative Assistant

Data Dominator (Teacher): Keyondra Fox, Biology Teacher

MVP Award: Britanny Williams, Administrative Assistant

People Whisperer: Claudia Henderson, Attendance Clerk

DAEP Campus Awards:

Culture Creator: Monique Wyatt, Math Teacher

Data Dominator (Teacher): Renetia Coline, Elementary Teacher

MVP Award: Briana Williams, Counselor

People Whisperer: Lashanda Brown, Security

 

See Event Photos Here