Greetings DeSoto ISD Community,
With the potential for wintry weather in the forecast, DeSoto Independent School District is closely monitoring conditions and encourages families and staff to review the district’s inclement weather procedures. District leadership is working in coordination with local weather officials,
neighboring school districts, and transportation and safety teams to make timely decisions that prioritize the safety of students and staff. If the Superintendent determines that school operations should be delayed or closed, DeSoto ISD will communicate updates through the district’s mass notification system, including phone calls, emails, and text messages. Information will also be shared with local media outlets and posted on the district website and official social media platforms. While the district will make every effort to communicate the resumption of operations following inclement weather, if no communication is issued by the district or reported through media outlets, all schools and offices will operate on their regular schedules.
Current Outlook
Based on preliminary data, district operations will continue as regularly scheduled through the end of the normal school and workday on Friday, January 23, 2026. All after-school events and activities will be canceled on the afternoon of Friday, January 23, 2026.
Students are directed to leave campus as soon as possible, and staff are asked to remain on site until
campuses are clear of scholars. Central staff will remain on duty until bus transportation has concluded. Weather accumulation is expected over the weekend. District officials will continue monitoring conditions to inform decisions regarding district operations for Monday, January 26, 2026.
City of DeSoto Community Updates
City entities and municipalities are preparing for anticipated inclement weather to support district families and residents. The City of DeSoto has activated its Cold Weather Plan and will open a 24-hour warming center at the DeSoto Recreation Center beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, continuing through Monday evening. The warming center will be open to DeSoto residents and surrounding Best Southwest community members, as space allows.
Additional response measures include activation of the City’s Emergency Operations Center, roadway preparation, and the cancellation of Parks, Recreation, and library events. These updates will be communicated by the City of DeSoto through its official platforms. Information related to operations in Glenn Heights will be shared as it becomes available.
Important Reminder
Updates regarding inclement weather will also be posted on the district’s social media platforms, and a pop-up alert will be displayed on the district website. To ensure you receive district notifications, please keep your contact information current. Parents and guardians are encouraged to update phone numbers and email addresses through the Parent Portal or by contacting their child’s campus directly.
Noted Calendaring and Scheduling Changes
Parent University
· Postponed (New date to be determined)
Arts
· DHS Choir performance at New Beginnings Church (January 25): Canceled
· DHS Color Guard Twirl Competition at Sunset High School (January 24): Rescheduled to January 31
· Katherine Johnson Band Parent Meeting (Monday, January 26): Rescheduled to Wednesday, January 28 at 6:00 p.m.
· All after-school fine arts rehearsals: Canceled from Friday, January 23 through Tuesday, January
27
Athletics
· DeSoto High School Football Champions Parade: Rescheduled to January 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
· District Swim Meet: Moved from Saturday, January 24 to Friday, January 23
· DHS Boys Soccer at Waxahachie: Moved to January 22 (from January 23)
· DHS Girls Soccer at Eagle Stadium: Thursday, January 22 at 5:30/7:00 p.m. (from January 23)
· West Middle School Girls Soccer: Wednesday, January 21 at 5:30/7:00 p.m. (from January 22)
· West Middle School Boys Soccer at Sandra Meadows Arena: Wednesday, January 21 at 5:30/6:30/7:30 p.m. (from January 22)
· DHS Basketball at DeSoto High School: Thursday, January 22 at 4:30/6:00/7:30 p.m. (from January 23)
· Middle School Basketball Tournament: Moved from Saturday, January 24 to Saturday, January 31
DeSoto ISD extends its gratitude to all stakeholders for your continued support and engagement in our school community. Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to [email protected] or by visiting DeSotoISD.org.
Respectfully,
DeSoto Independent School District