DeSoto ISD Announces Parent U @ DeSoto U Conference to Strengthen Family Engagement and Student Success
DeSoto Independent School District is proud to announce Parent U @ DeSoto U, a Parent University Conference designed to empower families, strengthen parent-school partnerships, and support student success at every level. Registration is now open, and the District is beginning promotion to encourage families to participate in this impactful learning experience.
The conference will take place Saturday, February 21, at the DeSoto High School Academy Cafeteria, located at 600 Eagles Drive, DeSoto, TX 75115.
Why Parent Engagement Matters
Research consistently shows that strong parent engagement is directly linked to improved student outcomes, including higher academic achievement, better attendance, increased motivation, and stronger social-emotional development. Parent U @ DeSoto U is intentionally designed to help families better understand how schools operate, how students learn, and how parents can confidently advocate for and support their children.
“Parent engagement is one of the most powerful tools we have to support student success,” said Kendal Harden, DeSoto ISD Parent and Community Engagement Specialist. “Parent University creates a space where families feel welcomed, informed, and empowered to partner with schools in meaningful ways that positively impact their children’s growth.”
Through workshops, keynote sessions, and connections with district resources, Parent U helps increase parent awareness, ensuring families have the information and tools they need to support learning at home and navigate their child’s educational journey.
Supporting the Whole Child
Parent U @ DeSoto U also aligns with DeSoto ISD’s commitment to supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally by equipping families with strategies that extend beyond the classroom.
“When families understand how to support students both academically and emotionally, we see stronger confidence, improved behavior, and better outcomes overall,” said Dr. Gene Morrow, Director of Student Support Services for DeSoto ISD. “Parent University strengthens that connection by providing families with practical guidance, shared language, and access to supports that help students thrive.”
Keynote Speaker: Robert Jackson
The conference will feature Robert Jackson as the keynote speaker, a nationally recognized speaker, award-winning author, and educator known for his powerful work with parents, students, and educators across the country.
Jackson has delivered hundreds of keynote addresses and workshops focused on parent engagement, student accountability, discipline, motivation, social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and building healthy relationships. He is the author of seven books, including the ASCD Gold Excel Award-winning Becoming the Educator They Need, and the creator of the nationally recognized No More Excuses curriculum used in K–12 schools and higher education institutions across the United States and Canada.
Jackson’s work aligns closely with the mission of Parent U @ DeSoto U—challenging parents to take an active, informed role in their child’s education while providing practical strategies to support academic success, personal responsibility, and resilience.
Empowering Families. Supporting Scholars.
Parent U @ DeSoto U offers families an opportunity to:
- Learn effective strategies to support student learning and behavior
- Increase awareness of academic expectations and student supports
- Strengthen communication and trust between families and schools
- Connect with district leaders, campus staff, and community resources
The conference reflects DeSoto ISD’s ongoing commitment to meaningful family engagement and shared responsibility for student success.
Registration Now Open
Families are encouraged to register in advance via the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOc2VqneGRTRcSonF38IvNqcMJLUvlo_dKbf8iQ9hWnf_nRQ/viewform.
DeSoto ISD looks forward to welcoming families to Parent U @ DeSoto U and appreciates the continued partnership and support of the community in making this event a success.