DeSDeSoto ISD Leads the Way in Whole-Child Education, Hosting TEA and ESC Leaders to Highlight Innovative Scholar Support Programs
DeSoto Independent School District is setting a new standard
for whole-child education by intentionally integrating social-emotional
wellness, mental health supports, and character development. Through
initiatives such as the Stronger Connections Program, the implementation
of Zen Dens, and the districtwide Character Counts curriculum,
DeSoto ISD is creating an educational environment that supports students
socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers
added, “When we focus on the whole child, including mental health, wellness,
and character development, students can truly thrive. We are excited to share
the innovative work taking place in DeSoto ISD and continue building an
environment where every scholar is supported and empowered.”
Thanks to the Stronger Connections Grant, DeSoto ISD has
placed a Behavior Coordinator or Behavior Aide at each of our three grant
campuses: Cockrell Hill Elementary, DeSoto West Middle School, and DeSoto High
School.
Last school year, all three campuses saw a decrease in
office discipline referrals after adding this support. Their presence brings an
extra layer of help for administrators and teachers. Whether it’s checking in
with students or leading restorative conversations, they help students stay on
track and build stronger relationships on campus.
They also support campus efforts around Character Counts,
restorative discipline practices, and PBIS. Their work helps create a more
positive school environment where students and staff feel safe, respected, and
supported.
As a result of these efforts, the district will host a site
visit welcoming Student Supports Implementation leaders with the Texas
Education Agency (TEA), along with Region 10 Education Service Center leads.
The visit is designed to highlight the Stronger Connections Program and
the implementation of Zen Dens across campuses while engaging in meaningful
dialogue around student supports, school climate initiatives, and
sustainability planning.
The visit will:
- Showcase
Zen Den implementation and student/staff engagement
- Discuss
pre- and post-grant data trends associated with the School Climate
Grant (SCG)
- Share
wins, challenges, and strategies for sustaining program impact
- Debrief
and identify next steps for continued growth
The Stronger Connections Program provides targeted
interventions and supportive adult relationships to help students build
resilience and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Complementing
this initiative, Zen Dens offer student-centered wellness spaces for
meditation, sensory regulation, movement, and restorative practices—all aligned
with trauma-informed care and social-emotional learning goals.
“DeSoto ISD is proud to create programs that put the whole
child at the center of everything we do,” said Metric Manning, DeSoto ISD
Director of Student and Staff Support Services. “Our work is setting a new
trajectory for education, and the upcoming site visit allows us to share these
innovations and the real impact they are having on our scholars.”
The visit follows sessions held at Region 10 ESC,
where TEA and district leaders reviewed the progress and outcomes of the
Stronger Connections Grant. The November 6 visit emphasizes conversation and
storytelling over formal presentations, allowing guests to hear firsthand
how DeSoto ISD is fostering positive student experiences through innovative,
resilience-building programs.
“Our vision is to support scholars and staff more
intentionally and holistically, helping students grow socially, emotionally,
and intellectually,” said Dr. Gene Morrow, DeSoto ISD Executive Director of
Student and Staff Support Services. “This visit provides an opportunity to
share our story and reflect on the impact of programs that prioritize the whole
human development of every student.”