DeSoto ISD has planned a fall semester full of parental engagement opportunities at the district level – and each campus has many more activities at the school. These are varied to meet every parents’ needs and comfort level – from small casual settings with coffee and just the Superintendent, to a large half day conference for parents to choose sessions from over 20 different topics.
“I encourage you to select 3-5 and put them in your calendar now to attend,” stated Dr. David Harris, Superintendent of Schools. “We need our parents to be involved! In addition to attending events, we need parents, and community members, to serve. Join the campus PTA and serve your school, but also the district has various committees that need parental representation at all grade levels. When we call out for volunteers – step up and serve on a district committee. We see study after study that shows while a quality teacher may be most impactful variable in the classroom, parental involvement and expectations are a close second to a student excelling in school.”
Parents are also encouraged to plug in online. Digital communication tools expand every year including the ever valuable Parent Portal for student’s grades, assignments, absences and more. Secondary students will receive report cards online this year, so parents are urged to make sure their account is active and they are checking their student’s progress at least once a week.
Also, follow DeSoto ISD on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, bookmark the website and sign up for the Eagle News e-newsletter to be in the know about upcoming events and activities. These formats allow DeSoto ISD to share information and also receive feedback from parents and the community about how we are doing – serving student’s educational needs, reports of customer service, and commentary in general are always welcome!
ENGAGEMENT RECAP:
- Attend district and campus events and activities
- Join PTA
- Serve on a committee
- Follow digital communications
FALL PARENT ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES:
1. College and Career Fair
Wednesday, September 16, 6-8 p.m. @ DeSoto High School
2. Foster Parent Rally to connect families to resources for success
Sat., Sept. 19, 6 p.m. @ DeSoto High School
3. Parent & Community Volunteers Training for School Safety
Wed., Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m. @ McCowan MS
4. Coffee & Conversations - casual events with Supt. David Harris
Sept. 15, 7:30 a.m. @ Cockrell Hill ES
Sept. 29, 7:30 a.m. @ McCowan MS
Oct. 13, 7:30 a.m. @ Frank Moates ES
Oct. 27, 7:30 a.m. @ Amber Terrace ECA
Dec. 8, 7:30 a.m. @ Woodridge ES
5. Parent Power Hours - three (3) parent classes to give parents the power to help their children succeed
Sept. 17, 7 a.m. @ Cockrell Hill ES - 2-Way Communications
Oct. 29, 7 a.m. @ East MS - Bullying Behaviors
Nov. 4, 6 p.m. @ Ruby Young ES - Parents are Tutors 2
6. 1st Tuesday DeSoto ISD Town Hall - 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 6 @ DeSoto High School
Nov. 3 @ McCowan MS
Dec. 1 @ Northside ES
7. Positive Parenting Workshop Series
30 participants PreK/ES, Eng. & Span. @ Moates ES
Starts October 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18; Dec. 3 Graduation
Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m.; space limited - sign up online
8. Family Academy - early bird sign up online for drawings
Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to noon @ DeSoto High School
Free breakfast, over 20 sessions to choose from, prizes