September 8, 2020
#TogetherWeWill
DeSoto ISD aims to improve internal communications, keep staff in the know and up-to-date!
We want you to share events, information, updates and reminders by emailing us at staffnews@desotoisd.org. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Friday of each week!
"No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it." - Halford Luccock
Stay connected by visiting the DeSoto ISD Reconnect webpage, read updates via the district’s staff newsletter, and remain abreast of memos and topic-specific videos created for staff awareness.
Welcome Back, Dr. Weaver: DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees Reinstate Former Superintendent
During the Sunday, September 6, 2020, Special Called Meeting of the DeSoto ISD Board of unanimously to approve his reinstatement as district superintendent. The Board expressed its intent to move forward in partnership with Dr. Weaver with a unified focus on a successful launch of the district state- and nationally-recognized virtual instructional framework as the district starts school.
DeSoto ISD Welcomes Texas Education Agency Conservator
DeSoto ISD welcomes TEA-appointed A.J. Crabill, the agency’s former Deputy Commissioner for Governance as its conservator. The duty of a conservator is to assist in bringing all aspects of our organization back into alignment, including guiding the district preparations to rebuild a fund balance. The conservator also will provide guidance and support to the administrative body and the Board of Trustees. Welcome, Mr. Crabill.
2021 Recording Academy and Grammy Museum’s Music Educator Award Nominee: Pamela Dawson
Detroit is known for producing great music and amazing musicians and now we can add DeSoto High School Choral Director Pamela Dawson to that list. Like many others from the Motor City, Dawson is now a Grammy Award nominee. She’s been named as a finalist for the 2021 Recording Academy and Grammy Museum’s Music Educator Award.
Congratulations, Ms. Dawson! We are eagle-proud of you!
RECAP: Fall Convocation 2020 #FocusedOnYou
Our convocation the theme for this year was chosen intentionally to remind us to focus on our mental, physical, emotional, and intellectual health.
While we work hard to serve, when necessary we must recharge your batteries in whatever way works best for us. Ride a bike, do some yoga, take a walk, capture something beautiful in photography, make art, sing, dance, run whatever it is that you do to be your best you.
As an educator, you matter, this work matters, and a better, more aligned, and collaborative DeSoto ISD matters.
We’ve got an entire community counting on us to shift things in a healthier direction. Remember to engage with local vendors to maintain your health and wellness.
Physical, Mental, and Emotional Wellness
Work Out With Camp Gladiator
Re-Focus With Heyy Healers Wellness
Start Your Day With Positive Affirmations
Connect With EAP: Alliance Work Partners
The Employee Assistance Program is a service included as a resource in your employee benefits. The EAP offers valuable guidance and short-term counseling services on a variety of topics at no cost to you and your family. To speak with an EAP Intake Counselor, call toll-free 1-800-343-3822 or TDD 1-800-448-1823. You may also visit the EAP website www.awpnow.com, Select Access Your Benefits and Use Registration Code: AWP-DESOTO-2754.
Celebrating Our Staff Academic Achievements
Help us celebrate our DeSoto ISD eagles, who are so proud of our staff who continued their education this year!
Staff Highlight: Congratulations to Dominque Mundy, who received her Bachelor's degree in Educational Studies from WGU!
We Are Listening! - Share Your Employee V.O.I.C.E.
In DeSoto ISD, we value your presence and appreciate your daily contributions to the growth, improvement, and innovation of our school system. We want you to know that your voice matters.
Employee V.O.I.C.E. is an online way for you to share your thoughts and experiences within the school community.
Share Your First Day Photos...
Share the Best Part of Your Day!
Show Us Your Virtual Classroom
Share Your Key to Personal Success an Wellness
School Hours Reminder
While the recently revised and approved structure of 2020-2021 academic calendar meets the daily instructional minutes' requirement set forth by the Texas Education Agency, the DeSoto ISD has added 20 minutes to the school day to support deeper learning.
Early Childhood: 8 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Elementary: 8 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Middle School: 8:30 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.
High School: 7:30 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
School Day Scenarios: View the Day in the Life Videos
The Curriculum, Instruction Department Released Parents and Student Technology Information Guides
DeSoto ISD FREE Grab N’ Go Meals Start - September 8
Starting Tuesday, September 8, 2020, district students will be able to enjoy FREE nutritious meals through contactless Grab N’ Go meal distribution at several DeSoto ISD campuses. Both breakfast and lunch meals are FREE for all students until further notice.
FYI: Chartwells Grab N' Go Meal Site Promotion for Students
For the month of September, each time students pick up grab n' go meals from any distribution site, the student ID number is entered into a drawing for a chance to win a laptop. The winner will be randomly drawn Friday, October 2nd, 2020, and contacted by a Chartwells Team Member in the Child Nutrition Office.
U.S. Census Completion: There is still time to be counted!
The time to sign up has been extended until September 30, 2020. Census takers are scheduled to visit the nonresponding household between August 11 – September 30, 2020, to ask a few questions and will enter the answers on their secure Census Bureau smartphone.
DeSoto Library
The MINT Foundation Food Pantry is Still Open
Mondays - Wednesdays (10 AM to 1 PM)
The MINT Foundation
1604 Falcon Drive
DeSoto, TX 75115
Twitter:@themintcares
DC3 Launches Weekly Food Giveaway on Thursdays
Upcoming Election Information and Early Voting Schedule
Election Day Information
Election day is Tuesday, November 3.
Click the links below to view the early voting schedule and the DeISD election posting.
FREE MAMMOGRAMS sponsored by the Mammogram Poster Girls
Please see the upcoming dates for FREE MAMMOGRAMS
Appointments Required! Please see these upcoming dates and locales:
TWO-FER TUESDAY (get a mammogram, get a meal)
The Methodist Mobile Mammogram Unit (MMMU) will be parked at the following locations:
- October 6th — 4001 W. Wheatland Rd., Dallas TX 75237 (Meals provided by Soul 2 Soul)
- November 3rd — location (TBD)
2020 SHOP EAT DRINK PINK!
- October 1st – 408 W. 8th St., Dallas TX 75208
*To make an appointment for a free 3D mammogram:
Call 214.933.7200: *Press 2 (for Methodist Dallas Medical Center) *You must request a Mammogram Poster Girls GRANT mammogram on the Mobile Mammography Unit on the dates above.
American Red Cross Family Assistance Center
The American Red Cross has launched a Virtual Family Assistance Center (VFAC) to support families struggling with loss and grief due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Please visit www.redcross.org/vfac to access a support hub. People without internet access can call 833-492-0094 for help.
Dallas County COVID-19 Testing Locations
Dallas County Drive-Thru Testing Locations
Ellis Davis Field House - 9191 South Polk Street
(Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday to Saturday
(Hours: 7 am - 1 pm, Monday to Saturday)
Walk-Up Testing Locations
(Hours: 7 am - 3 pm, Monday to Saturday or until testing limits reach capacity (No appointment required)
Salvation Army/Pleasant Grove Corps Community Center - 8341 Elam Road, Dallas 75217
Goodwill Industries of Dallas, Inc. - 3020 N. Westmoreland Road, Dallas, 75212