DeSoto Independent School District is launching 100 Hand Claps: A DeSoto Driven First-Day Welcome Initiative, a districtwide volunteer effort designed to give every scholar an enthusiastic and encouraging start to the 2026-27 school year.
The initiative will bring together 100 volunteers across all nine DeSoto ISD campuses to welcome scholars on the first day of school. Volunteers will greet students with smiles, waves, encouraging words and applause as they arrive on campus. The goal is to ensure every scholar begins the school year feeling seen, valued and supported by the DeSoto ISD community. The initiative, presented by parent and family engagement specialist Kendal Harden, also supports the district’s commitment to strengthening community partnerships, increasing volunteer engagement and promoting a culture of belonging and school pride.
Parents, grandparents, alumni, district employees, PTA members, business partners, faith-based organizations, community leaders and DeSoto ISD board members are invited to participate. Volunteers must register through VOLY and select their preferred campus. Each campus will have a separate volunteer opportunity available through the platform.
To participate, volunteers must complete all required registration and background check procedures before the event. On the first day of school, volunteers should arrive 30 minutes before the campus start time, present a valid government-issued photo ID and complete the campus check-in process.
Campus staff will provide instructions and assign participants to designated greeting areas. Volunteers are encouraged to wear DeSoto ISD spirit wear, business casual attire or apparel representing their organization or company. During student arrival, volunteers will clap, wave, offer words of encouragement and wish scholars a successful first day. All participants must remain in approved areas and follow district safety, visitor and student privacy procedures.
The 100 Hand Claps initiative reflects the district’s DeSoto Driven commitment to creating welcoming learning environments and building meaningful connections among schools, families and community partners.
Through this new first-day tradition, DeSoto ISD is bringing the Eagle community together to demonstrate its collective commitment to student success and ensure every scholar begins the year ready to learn, grow and soar.
Volunteer registration: https://desotoisd.voly.org/opportunity/view.html?id=118847