Ruby Young to Become STEAM Academy

Ruby Young to Become STEAM Academy
Posted on 07/01/2021
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DeSoto ISD Families, 

DeSoto ISD, like districts across the state whose plans for hybrid learning have been interrupted, regrets to inform you that the district is unable to move forward with the hybrid learning option for students in the 2021-22 school year. 

The District previously announced the introduction of a hybrid school to serve students in grades 3-8 starting in the fall. Following the regular session of the Texas Legislature on May 31 lawmakers did not approve legislation that would have expanded online learning in Texas and provided funding for virtual and hybrid learning students. As a result, school districts across the state have been forced to reevaluate planned offerings. The Texas Education Agency stated that it does not have the authority to grant a waiver for next school year.

As a result, the district's revisioning of Ruby Young as a hybrid learning option for families has been repurposed to establish  the Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy. RYPSA will provide students cross-curricular exposure to STEAM disciplines and leadership development programs with a focus on personalized learning. Additionally, students will have the ability to engage in passion-driven co-curricular activities via LAB,or Learning and Beyond days, at the campus during which students can explore arts, robotics, and engineering and horticultural opportunities alongside other fun and interactive educational opportunities.

The Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy is currently open for enrollment via www.DeSotoISD.org/Enrollment and will be led by Principal Noel Greenwood, who successfully led Burleson ISD’s STEAM Academy.

Noel Greenwood brings more than 12  years of educational experience to DeSoto ISD as a teacher and campus leader earmarked by innovative solutions to school improvement and successful student academic outcomes. Prior to joining DeSoto ISD, Greenwood served as an administrator in Burleson ISD, Garland ISD and McKinney ISD.

 

Greenwood had great success leading Burleson ISD’s STEAM Academy which served roughly 1,000 students and will be supported by an administrative team which includes Assistant Principal Elizabeth Bostic, Counselor Brittany Torres and Blended Learning Strategist and Instructional Coach Raisha Allen at DeSoto ISD’s Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy.

 

Parents will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Greenwood from 6 to 8 pm on July 15 for a parent meet and greet at the campus located at 707 Young Boulevard in DeSoto.

 

Families are also invited to attend the campus’ Eagle Mixer set to take place on Aug 12---an opportunity for families to receive school supply kits, visit their child’s campus, meet teachers and administrators, and obtain other valuable information families may need for a successful school year.

Thank you for your continued support. DeSoto ISD looks forward to welcoming all students back to in-person learning for the first day of school on August 16. In the meantime, enjoy the summer break!

For families who may have questions or who require additional support, please refer to the helpful emails offered below: