DeSoto ISD Announces Spring Break Schedule, Early Release Day, Safety Expectations, and Instructional Calendar Update
DeSoto Independent School District is sharing important scheduling and safety information as campuses prepare for Spring Break, March 16–20, 2026. In advance of the holiday, Friday, March 13, 2026, will be an Early Release Day for all campuses.
As part of the district’s ongoing commitment to student safety, DeSoto ISD will continue its No-Backpack Policy for students in grades 6–12 during the week of March 9–13, 2026. During this period, only small clutch-style or personal-item bags will be permitted.
Early Release Day – Student Expectations
On early release days, students are expected to:
- Arrive on time and follow their regular transportation schedules.
- Refrain from bringing backpacks; only small clutch-style bags are permitted.
- Follow the district dress code, unless otherwise directed.
- Confirm participation expectations with extracurricular program leaders.
Parent Reminders
Families are encouraged to plan ahead for early dismissal:
- Attendance will be taken as usual; absences outside district policy will be recorded as unexcused.
- Parents should arrange prompt student pick-up, as after-school programs will not operate on early release days.
- Families should confirm adjusted schedules directly with daycare providers and transportation services.
- Breakfast will follow normal procedures, and lunch will be provided to all students prior to dismissal.
- District buses will operate on regular morning routes and adjusted afternoon routes aligned to early release times.
- Parents of students involved in athletics, fine arts, or extracurricular programs should confirm schedule adjustments with program coordinators.
Staff Expectations
All campus and instructional staff are expected to:
- Ensure accurate and timely attendance before dismissal.
- Prepare instructional activities that do not require backpacks, Chromebooks, or district devices.
- Maintain heightened supervision to support safe and orderly dismissal.
- Conduct end-of-day facility checks and report any concerns in accordance with campus safety protocols.
Early Release Times — Friday, March 13, 2026
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Campus
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Early Release Time
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DeSoto High School
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11:30 a.m.
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DeSoto High School – Freshman Campus
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11:30 a.m.
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DeSoto Alternative Education Program
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12:00 p.m.
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Amber Terrace Early Childhood Center
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12:00 p.m.
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Cockrell Hill Elementary
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12:15 p.m.
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Woodridge Elementary
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12:15 p.m.
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The Meadows Elementary
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12:15 p.m.
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Frank Moates Elementary
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12:15 p.m.
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Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
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12:45 p.m.
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Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy
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12:45 p.m.
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DeSoto West Middle School
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12:45 p.m.
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Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School
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12:45 p.m.
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Instructional Calendar Update – April 6, 2026
Following Spring Break, families are also reminded that Monday, April 6, 2026, has been designated as an instructional make-up day to account for instructional time missed on January 28, 2026, due to winter weather conditions.
This designation ensures that DeSoto ISD meets the Texas Education Agency (TEA) requirement of 75,600 instructional minutes for the 2025–2026 school year. No action is required from families for this scheduled make-up day.
Key Details:
- Make-up Date: April 6, 2026
- Reason: To cover instructional time missed on January 28 due to winter weather
- Updates: The district will continue to monitor conditions and communicate promptly if additional calendar adjustments are needed
Looking Ahead
DeSoto ISD encourages families to plan accordingly for the adjusted schedule and to reinforce safety expectations with students. The district appreciates the continued partnership of families and staff in ensuring safe, orderly, and well-supervised dismissal prior to Spring Break and a smooth return following the holiday.