DeSoto ISD Board Honors PreKindergarten and Kindergarten Students with High Achievers Award
The DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees celebrated early learners’ high academic achievement during the June 2021 board meeting. The Board recognized Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students in the district who scored in the 99th percentile on their math and reading ISIP universal screener assessments. This means that these students ranked in the top 1% of students in their grade level across the nation on their math and reading scores for May 2021.
Earlier this year, the Board adopted a set of four goals and progress measures to guide and monitor student growth and achievement. Each month, the board and superintendent discuss goal progress monitoring as it relates to the board’s goals.
The goal progress measures covered in this meeting included a data review and conversations around Goal 2: Early Literacy and Goal 3: Early Numeracy.
For the first time, DeSoto ISD incorporated the student and staff High Achievers’ recognition ceremony to celebrate the progress milestones and parents brought their students to be a part of the celebration.
DeSoto ISD parent, Nakeitha Houston, was one of many parents truly excited about the recognition of their young students for this academic award.
“When I received the email inviting us to be recognized, I was like, ‘Oh, wow! I always knew that she was really advanced for her age.’ Once I explained this [recognition] to my daughter, she called her cousin to say that she is the smartest kid in the world!” said Houston. “It has been a great opportunity to have my child recognized for her accomplishments. I cannot wait to see what opportunities are to come in the future.”
DeSoto ISD parent Erica Broussard expressed her appreciation for the excellent work of the district to not only position the students for this level of academic achievement but to recognize them for it as well.
“We are grateful for the recognition. It is encouraging as parents to know that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing and are putting people in the right places to get the job done,” said Broussard. “We came from a private school and did not know where we wanted to place our students. We are excited about Katherine Johnson and DeSoto ISD. This is further proof for us to stay put and to see it through. This is evidence of the work that you guys are putting in.”
Amid a round of applause for her work this year, Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy Pre-Kindergarten teacher Brittany Knighten thanked the trustees for celebrating the success of the students and the work of the prekindergarten teachers.
“It is just a blessing to walk in and see your students and former students being recognized,” she said as she called them by name. “Let’s keep it going. It is not often that we recognize our four and five-year-olds.”
DeSoto ISD parent Tiffany Washington tearfully approached the podium to express appreciation. “I taught here [in DeSoto ISD] for a long time and I bring my child here every day. I am so happy to see the work that you are doing to place DeSoto ISD back on the map. I love this place and my child will continue to be here.”
Elated by the responses of the parent community, DeSoto ISD School Board President DeAndrea Fleming explained the joy of seeing students recognized during the meeting.
“We are excited as a Board to celebrate the success and work that our students are doing as it relates to our board goals. It is what moments are made of! We are thankful to you for being loyal and trusting the process.”
At the close of the remarks, DeSoto ISD parent Mr. Aaron Berry was overjoyed that his child was celebrated for his academic achievement.
“As a parent in the community, this makes me feel great to let my child know that you do not have to dribble a basketball or run a football, but that you can use your mind to be great.”
DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. DAndre J. Weaver shared his joy, “This is a very special moment. The parents here tonight represent a small microcosm of the students who have persevered and overcame some of the most difficult challenges and have done well. We are so proud to celebrate with you.”
As DeSoto ISD continues its journey to increase student achievement and growth and meet its board goals, it will continue to celebrate the success of its students and staff based on the stated progress measures.
Learn more about the district’s Board Goals, its vision and mission, and how to experience The DeSoto ISD Difference at www.desotoisd.org.