Desoto independent school district

DeSoto Independent School District (ISD) scholars took top honors at the recent Best Southwest Partnerships (BSW) STEM Fest event which brought together students, educators, and community partners for an exciting day of competition and learning from southern sector school communities and surrounding areas. The event featured a variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities and offered prizes totaling $6,500 to recognize student achievement and district participation. 

Scholars from DeSoto ISD placed in top spots in several categories garnering prize money that accompanied those competition category titles. 

The prize breakdown included $1,000 for first place in the drone competition, $5,000 for the All-Around District award, and $500 for the superintendent’s participation in the Just Dance competition.  

The funds will be used to celebrate the students involved and to purchase new STEM equipment for next year’s programs, including the district’s drone academy, robotics, graphic design, and esports teams. 

“Participating in last year's competition provided students with their first exposure to a STEM event, offering valuable insight into what to expect,” said Raisha Allen, K-12 science/STEM instructional design leader. “This year, the district was better prepared, having learned from its initial experience. The event was an important milestone in the district's journey toward becoming a fully integrated STEM district.” 

DeSoto ISD currently offers a drone program at Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy which will transition to Woodridge next academic year, with a newly established robotics team at Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy, supported by the district's gifted and talented (GT) specialist Chejuana Martin. At the high school level, students have the opportunity to participate in graphic design and esports programs. 

This year’s success was due in part to the district’s partnership with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) which leaders explained has been instrumental in expanding student exposure to STEM education. With PLTW implemented across the district’s K-8 campuses, students are gaining a deeper understanding of STEM disciplines and are being prepared for future careers in these fields. 

DeSoto ISD is committed to ensuring that every student has access to quality STEM education that prepares them for the careers of tomorrow.  

The BSW Partnership STEM Fest event is a prime example of how the district is working to integrate STEM learning across all grade levels, from pre-K through 12th grade. 

“Through ongoing collaboration with PLTW and Texas Instruments (TI), DeSoto ISD is focused on equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the growing fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools. 

For more information on DeSoto ISD’s STEM programs and upcoming events, visit the district website or contact the district's STEM coordinator.