Big things have happened in DeSoto Parish Schools over the past 10 years!
Since the last state-required millage renewal, our schools have seen impressive growth in and all areas and earned statewide recognition.
Voters in DeSoto Parish will head to the polls to consider renewing the current millages that fund district operations, including teacher salaries, operating expenses, and the day-to-day life of our schools. Election Day is Saturday, Nov. 15 and early voting begins on Saturday, Nov. 1.
Learn more about the renewals and how to vote: https://www.desotopsb.com/page/millage-renewal
🏈 Friday Night Lights Shine Bright in DeSoto! 🌟
For the first time in the modern era, all three DeSoto Parish football programs are ranked in the Top 10 of their respective division classifications — a true reflection of small-town tradition and high performance at its best! 💪
North DeSoto Griffins – Ranked #1 in Division II Non-Select, undefeated at 8–0 in regular season play.
Logansport Tigers – Ranked #6 in Division IV Non-Select with a 5–3 record.
Mansfield Wolverines – Ranked #8 in Division III Non-Select, standing strong at 6–2.
All three teams remain undefeated in district play, showcasing the hard work, discipline, and heart of our student-athletes and dedicated coaching staffs.
As we head into the final stretch of the regular season and look toward the playoffs, let’s continue to show our support and DeSoto pride!
#DeSotoStrong #WinningTogether #FridayNightLights #HighPerformance #SmallTownTraditions
All month long, we’ve highlighted our amazing campus leaders for National Principals Month. Join us in showing appreciation for Grace House Director Kristofor Kolniak, who received a shoutout from Assistant Principal Kevin Gardner: “Mr. Kolniak is a visionary leader with a servant's heart! His commitment to the students of Desoto Parish Schools Gracehouse is a testament to his selfless sacrifice to encourage students regardless of circumstances or challenges. He firmly believes that all students can achieve.”
Thank you, Mr. Kolniak!
#TheDeSotoDifference
DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce and celebrate our 2025-2026 District Teacher and Staff of the Year Winners! 🌟
These incredible educators and staff members are true difference makers — inspiring excellence, empowering students, and living out the DeSoto Difference every single day.
🏫 Elementary Teacher of the Year: Hillary Severin – North DeSoto Upper Elementary
📘 Middle School Teacher of the Year: Dixie Pierce – Stanley High School
🎓 High School Teacher of the Year: Grace Lewis – Mansfield High School
🍎 New Teacher of the Year: Artishaylyn Ford – Mansfield Elementary
💛 Support Staff of the Year: Abby LaCour – North DeSoto Middle School
Each of these honorees represents the heart of our mission — creating classrooms where students feel valued, challenged, and supported.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals for their dedication, passion, and impact on the lives of our students and communities! 💙💚❤️
#TheDeSotoDifference #TeacherOfTheYear #DifferenceMakers
“Coach Anderson is a good leader that keeps the best interest of children at forefront of every decision he makes.” - Assistant Principal Cleveland Craig
Thank you, Principal Anderson!
#TheDeSotoDifference
We’re Hiring!
DeSoto Parish Schools is seeking dedicated and passionate educators to join our team and make a difference in the lives of students each day. Current openings include:
📘 2nd Grade Special Education Inclusion Teacher – Mansfield Elementary School
🎓 High School Special Education Teacher – Stanley High School
✏️ Middle School English Teacher – Stanley High School
If you’re ready to inspire, lead, and grow with a district committed to student success, high standards, and a positive school culture — we’d love to have you on our team.
👉 Explore these opportunities and apply today at https://www.desotopsb.com/.../desoto.../page/joinourteam2 t
Be part of something extraordinary. Discover #TheDeSotoDifference and help us empower every student, every day.
🌟 School Level Shoutout!
All highlighted sites averaged 3+ on/above grade-level lessons this week!
👏 Mansfield Elementary – 3.7 lessons
👏 North DeSoto Lower Elementary – 3.2 lessons
👏 Logansport High School – 3.0 lessons
🙌 District-wide Grade Level Shoutouts!
These grade levels led the way with strong participation and achievement:
2nd Grade – 3.5 lessons | 97% student login
Kindergarten – 3.5 lessons | 97% student login
1st Grade – 3.3 lessons | 99% student login
3rd Grade – 3.1 lessons | 96% student login
Outstanding work across the district—students and teachers continue to show that effort adds up! 💪 #DeSotoDifference #ZEARN
DeSoto Parish Schools continues to shine — our district met a 96% attendance rate last week, once again meeting or exceeding our weekly goal! 🙌
As we begin the second nine weeks, we’re proud of the strong start our students, families, and staff have made. Consistent attendance is key to success, and your commitment keeps our momentum going strong! 💪
#AttendanceMatters #EveryDayCounts
https://desotoparishschoolsla.edurooms.com/engage/desoto-parish-schools/newsletters/desoto-schools-digest-vol-2-issue-3
We are thrilled to celebrate Memphis Brooks as the NDLE Portrait of a Graduate ! As a Team Collaborator, Memphis is a shining example of valuing relationships and working well with others! #TheDeSotoDifference
"Dr. Sims is a blessing to our campus. He loves our community, our faculty and staff, and our students. His positivity and love for learning is infectious." - Kelley McConathy, Assistant Principal
"Dr. Joshua Sims is a dedicated principal and the cornerstone of Logansport High School —leading with vision, unwavering commitment, and a deep passion for empowering both students and staff to reach their highest potential." - Patrick Lindsey, Assistant Principal
Thank you, Dr. Sims!
#TheDeSotoDifference
A great principal establishes a clear vision for academic success, fosters a culture of collaboration and high expectation, and actively supports staff and students to achieve their full potential. Mr. Hill truly embodies the definition of a great principal, whether he is greeting students in the morning at the car line, completing learning walks and leaving feedback for teachers, or having a heartfelt one on one with a parent, there is no doubt that he leads with purpose and compassion." - Ms. Kyana Rhinehart, Assistant Principal
"A visionary leader sees what others cannot yet see and inspires action to make that vision a reality. A visionary leader is also someone who: Has a clear, compelling vision of the future, inspires others to work toward that vision, leads with purpose, innovation, and long-term thinking, embraces change and encourages growth, and aligns people and resources around transformative goals. We are grateful that Mr. Hill embodies the true essence of a visionary leader; he guides MMS guides with clarity, purpose, and forward-thinking insight. " - Mrs. Shelia Coleman, Assistant Principal
#TheDeSotoDifference
For the week of October 13-17, our students showed up to school! District-wide, our students matched our goal of 95% attendance!
Did you know? Consistent attendance is one of the single most important factors for a student's entire educational career! Students who attend school regularly (missing less than 10% of school days) are significantly more likely to be reading proficiently by the end of 3rd grade and, later, more likely to graduate from high school.
👏 Thank you to our students, families, and staff for making attendance a top priority. Together, we are building strong foundations
#AttendanceMatters #TheDeSotoDifference
“Coach Thomas’ leadership at Mansfield High School has been a steady and positive force for both students and staff. He leads with integrity, consistency, and a strong commitment to building relationships. His ability to motivate others while keeping high expectations has created a culture of accountability and support that truly makes a difference on our campus.” - Assistant Principal Stephen Burch
“Coach Thomas is the ‘Van Gogh’ of practicing accountability and demonstrating respect. His consistent presence in the classrooms, hallways, and showing up for the faculty and staff empowers others to model what they see. He has the secret sauce for collaboration and the recipe for shared leadership. We are appreciative of his ability to build culture and change the trajectory of community involvement at Mansfield High School.” - Assistant Principal Natashia Ogunyemi
Thank you, Principal Thomas!
#TheDeSotoDifference
🏆 Anesha Ross, 2026 Louisiana Principal of the Year Finalist, and
🌟 Charday Wilson, 2024 Milken Educator Award Winner,
were each honored for their remarkable leadership, dedication, and impact on students and staff across our schools.
Their recognition on the state level is a testament to the incredible talent, passion, and commitment to excellence that define DeSoto Parish Schools. We couldn’t be prouder of these exceptional educators who continue to inspire and lead the way in Louisiana education. #TheDeSotoDifference
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that DeSoto Parish Schools was formally recognized by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education ( Louisiana BESE) at their meeting on October 14!
Superintendent Corley proudly accepted the recognition for our district being one of the top-performing districts in the state for both growth and overall performance on the Math LEAP Assessments for the 2024-2025 school year. ( pictured with (far left), Jamie Hebert, Executive Director of Numeracy and (far right) Dr. Jenna Chiasson, Deputy Superintendent- Louisiana Department of Education)
This achievement is a clear reflection of our core value of a commitment to high performance. It underscores the incredible hard work, of our phenomenal students and the tireless efforts of our amazing teachers! Your commitment to excellence is what makes DeSoto Parish Schools shine.
