During the COVID-19 global health pandemic, schools and communities shifted engagement to a virtual space out of concern for community health and wellness. Two years later, vaccines are in widespread use, cases have decreased and communities are moving back into public spaces to engage in person once again.
Given preparations underway for a new and exciting academic year following the positive momentum of a new superintendent who has hit the ground running, the introduction of an increased compensation package for staff, and improved student progress on recent preliminary STAAR data, DeSoto ISD has much to celebrate and the District is excited to share it with stakeholders in the DeSoto and Glenn Heights communities.
“As a district, we want our students, families, and community members to get to know us all over again,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers. “It’s important that our community sees and engages with us on a regular basis and in-person, to know that we are not an institution but a community. As we prepare for a new academic year, I want to use the summer season to get to know our community and for them to get to know me and to talk about the positive changes they will see in our school community.”
The DeSoto ISD will kick off the summer engagement series titled, “Rock the Block,” in conjunction with the City of DeSoto at the city’s Fourth of July event to be held at Grimes Park from 6-10p on Monday, July 4.
The District will have several tents on-site at the KidZone where children can participate in arts and STEM activities and families can obtain information about the district including early childhood and K-12 enrollment and receive onsite enrollment access and assistance.
The district will host the second event in the series at the former East Middle School located at 601 E. Belt Line Road in DeSoto on July 23, 2022, from 6-8 pm. Families will enjoy student-focused games and other interactive activities, free food and snacks, and other features.
The July 23rd event will also include access to district info and enrollment assistance.
The third installment of the district’s summer engagement series will take place from 9a to 2p at the City of Glenn Heights’ Back-to-School Bash to be held on July 30 at Heritage Park.
The last and final installment of the summer engagement series will take place from 9a to Noon at the District’s Back-to-School Fair set to take place on August 13, 2022, at DeSoto High School.
“As a school district, we want our community to know we are present and active partners in providing what residents and families of DeSoto and Glenn Heights need,” said Rodgers. “As we are out in the community at these events, we will be listening and engaging with families and students. We want them to know we are here, that we care, and we are excited for a new opportunity to rebuild the district’s relationship with each and every person and family in our community and what better way to accomplish that than to get outdoors and have some fun.”
Rock the Block Summer Engagement Series
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July 4 from 6-10p | Grimes Park | City of DeSoto Fourth of July Celebration
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July 23 from 6-8p | East Middle School | DeSoto ISD Rock the Block Signature Event
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July 30 from 9a-Noon | Heritage Park | City of Glenn Heights’ Back-to-School Bash
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August 13 from 9a-Noon | DeSoto High School | DeSoto ISD Back-to-School Fair