DeSoto ISD Expands Scholar-Focused Character and Wellness Programs to Support Whole-Child Development
As part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing the whole
child, DeSoto Independent School District continues to implement
innovative programs designed to support the academic, emotional, and personal
growth of its scholars. Central to these efforts is the Character Counts
curriculum, a cornerstone of the district’s broader initiative to redesign
student experiences with a focus on character, personal development, and
positive school culture.
The Character Counts framework provides students with
engaging lessons, discussions, and activities to explore what it means to live
with integrity, treat others with kindness and fairness, and contribute
positively to their school community. These pillars serve as the guiding values
for a positive and inclusive campus environment.
The Character Counts framework is built on six core
ethical values, known as the Six Pillars of Character: Respect,
Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Caring, Citizenship, and Fairness. Each
six-week period of the school year focuses on one pillar, offering students
lessons, discussions, and interactive activities that teach integrity,
kindness, fairness, and responsible citizenship. By intentionally sequencing
the pillars, the district provides a cohesive, developmentally appropriate
experience that reinforces these essential values across all campuses.
“Character Counts is one of several programs designed to
strengthen our scholar-focused initiatives,” said Metric Manning, DeSoto ISD
Director of Student and Staff Support Services. “We are redesigning the
student experience to emphasize ethical behavior, positive relationships, and
engagement beyond the classroom, ensuring that every child has opportunities to
grow as both a learner and a person.”
To support implementation of these programs, campus
administrative assistants will receive Way To Go Journals, Early Childhood
Kits, and other materials. Each campus’ Student Support Teams (SSTs) will
distribute the materials to teachers along with additional resources like
pacing guides, and documents to create consistency across each student’s
character development journey..
“Character Counts is more than a program—it’s a way to
strengthen our school culture and ensure every student understands the value of
ethical behavior and positive relationships,” said Manning. “By
highlighting a pillar each month and providing interactive lessons and
resources, we help students internalize these important values and apply them
in their daily lives.”
Holistic Support and Community Engagement
Chief Academic Officer Stephanie McCloud added,
“Supporting students’ mental health is not a side effort—it’s an academic
strategy. From restorative spaces to individualized support, we are meeting
scholars where they are so they can show up as their best selves every day.”
Additional wellness initiatives include yoga, meditation,
creative expression activities, and guided relaxation during high-stress
periods, providing students with strategies to manage stress and build healthy
habits. Programs such as the Stronger Connections Program, LIT
Mentoring, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and access to certified
counselors and mental health professionals complement these efforts.
“Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing
learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and
emotionally,” said Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers. “Wellness is not a
luxury—it’s essential to student achievement.”
DeSoto ISD encourages families and community members to
engage with these initiatives, attend campus wellness events, and foster open
conversations at home. By combining character education with mental health
supports, the district is creating a comprehensive, scholar-centered
approach to personal growth and success.