DeSoto ISD is grateful to the DFW area chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., who donated 35,000 masks to DeSoto ISD, precluding a large district expense to provide this necessary supply of personal protective equipment.
Kappa Alpha Psi, a college based public service fraternity, was founded in 1911 on the campus of Indiana University and over its century plus of existence has grown into an international service organization with over 125,000 members.
The mission of Kappa Alpha Psi is “to encourage honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor; to promote the spiritual, social, intellectual and moral welfare of its members; to assist the aims and purposes of colleges and universities; to inspire service in the public's interest.”
Making the donation on behalf of the various metroplex chapters, Sheldon Smith, Polemark of the Denton/Lewisville Alumni chapter stated “We strive to make sure our community remains safe, and by allowing us to present these masks to you, we achieve that endeavor.”
“We want to make sure we are fulfilling one of our objectives which is service in the public interest,” continued Darin Daniels, Polemark of the Dallas Alumni Chapter. “By donating these masks, we want to make sure the students in DeSoto ISD are successful and that they have what they need to be successful during the school year.”
DeSoto High School Principal Jasen Campbell, who is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, said “We are very thankful of the gift from the chapters here in the metroplex. This means service in our public interest to ensure we keep our students safe and we can go ahead and educate our students for the 2022-2023 school year.”
As the fall season begins, typically signaling the beginning of flu season, along with the continued outbreaks of COVID, many staff and students have shown a preference of wearing masks. District policy states that masks may become mandated if COVID ratings in Dallas County reach certain milestones, so the district was contemplating the purchase of an inventory of masks.
“This significant contribution helps us to reallocate funding for these supplies,” DeSoto ISD Superintendent Usamah Rodgers said. “We appreciate the support in helping us to create a safe and orderly learning environment for our students as we work to achieve our goals and strive for excellence!”
DeSoto ISD is grateful for the support of this outstanding community organization.