DeSoto ISD Celebrates School Nurse Day, Honoring the Frontline Champions of Student Health and Wellness
In celebration of National School Nurse Day, DeSoto Independent School District proudly recognizes the essential contributions of school nurses who play a vital role in fostering safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for scholars and staff across the district.
Observed annually on the Wednesday of National Nurses Week, School Nurse Day acknowledges the unwavering dedication of school nurses who provide critical health services, emotional support, and preventative care that allow students to thrive academically and personally.
“Our school nurses are true heroes,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, Superintendent of Schools. “They are a consistent source of care, comfort, and calm for our scholars and staff. Whether responding to emergencies, managing chronic conditions, or offering emotional support, our nurses are essential to our whole-child approach.”
DeSoto ISD’s school nurses are deeply embedded in daily campus life and are instrumental in:
Administering both daily and emergency medical care
Managing chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and severe allergies
Promoting mental and emotional wellness among students
Leading health education and disease prevention initiatives
Collaborating with families, school staff, and healthcare providers
Providing a safe, trusted space for students during times of need
This work is supported and guided by Dr. Lastassia Williams, Director of School Nurses for DeSoto ISD, who leads the district’s health services team with a vision of equity, compassion, and student-centered care.
“Our nurses go far beyond the role of caregiver—they are educators, advocates, and trusted adults who help students navigate both physical and emotional challenges,” said Dr. Lastassia Williams. “We create safe spaces in our clinics where scholars know they are seen, heard, and cared for. It's about more than treatment—it's about connection.”
DeSoto ISD’s commitment to whole-child development includes a strong focus on physical, emotional, and mental wellness, and school nurses are a cornerstone of that work. By building trust and responding with empathy, nurses help students return to class healthier, more focused, and ready to learn.
“Our nurses don’t just treat symptoms—they support students as individuals,” added Stephanie McCloud, Chief Academic Officer for DeSoto ISD. “Their impact is felt far beyond the nurse’s office. They are part of the foundation of our culture of care.”
This School Nurse Day, campuses across the district are honoring school nurses through student-made cards, appreciation events, and campus-wide acknowledgments. DeSoto ISD extends its deepest gratitude to these frontline professionals for their compassion, resilience, and daily service to the school community.