Fall Convocation (August) $30K
- Fall Convocation is the reunion of district staff after the summer in preparation for the beginning of the school year. During this event, the superintendent’s keynote message sets the tone and expectations to meet the designated goals and objectives. Funding is required for décor to transform a district building (frequently DeSoto High School) into an event space, lighting and sound for the special show, guest speakers or ceremony leaders, breakfast snacks and/or lunch for all staff and door prizes. Promotion would include an opening video presentation for the audience, logo on promotional materials, mention in newsletters/releases, photo/logo social media posts.
Back to School Fair (August) $25K
- The Back to School Fair is an opportunity for families to gather necessary supplies and/or student attire as well as numerous resources from community providers including Dallas County Health and Human Services. Funding is required to purchase school supply kits, backpacks, student attire, décor for the district venue, entertainment and food for patrons.
Superintendent’s Toy Drive (December)
- The Superintendent’s Toy Drive provides an opportunity for staff, families and community members to donate toys and coats to support the Christmas Candy Land event sponsored by district partner The Chocolate MINT Foundation. The MINT creates an event for children to play games, enjoy treats, take photos with Santa, culminating in the children shopping in a mock toy store. Registration for Candy Land is open to district students who have need as well as other needy community members in Southern Dallas County. Funding is required to purchase toys or actual toy donations are accepted.
Spring Convocation (January) $30K
- Spring Convocation is an opportunity for district staff to regroup after winter break, review the celebrations and challenges of the fall, and make plans to SOAR through the testing cycle and finish the school year strong! Funding is required for décor to transform a district building (frequently DeSoto High School) into an event space, lighting and sound for the special show, guest speakers or ceremony leaders, breakfast snacks and/or lunch for all staff and door prizes.
Top 25 graduates Celebration (May) $15K
- The Top 25 Graduating Seniors are celebrated in an event hosted by DHS alum welcoming the seniors into the alumni association. The students are allowed to invite their most influential teacher to join them in this celebration. Tickets are also sold to the general public who wish to join in the celebration. Funding is required to create an appropriate celebration venue (typically in a district facility), purchase the tickets for the students and their teacher guest, purchase trophy or certificate awards for the students and teachers
End of Year Celebration $30K featuring Teacher of the Year, Service Awards, Retiree recognition, and Hall of Honor (May)
- Each year, district campuses select their “Teacher of the Year” who will attend this year-end event to find out who will become the district Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year going forward to compete for Region 10, State and National Teacher of the Year. In addition, the district recognizes employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or more years of service, employees planning to retire and those outstanding alumni or community members selected to the DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor. This evening event is typically a banquet with trophy award presentations. Funding is required for catering, décor (typically at a district facility), trophy or certificate awards, and printed programs.
Graduation (May)
- The ultimate goal of the district is to educate students to the point of graduation! We love to celebrate our classes with signs, banners, certificates and other regalia. Realistically, some students also require assistance with senior expenses including cap and gown rental or senior photos. Funding to assist in these areas is genuinely appreciated.
Summer School (June)
- Enrichment classes and camps are held each summer, many funded through state and local allotments. Sometimes there are unmet needs for these events, including transportation that can be a challenge for some parents. Funding to assist in this area, or to create additional camps, is always appreciated.