DeSoto Parish Schools -

It's Back to School Time! 🎒 After a wonderful Christmas break filled with family, fun, and maybe a little too much sugar, it's time to get back to the books! 📚 Wishing all the students a happy and successful return to school. Let's make 2025 the best year yet! ✨

At the January 8 board meeting, members of the DeSoto Parish School Board elected new leadership for 2025. Please join us in welcoming: ➡️ Ronnie Morris, Sr. – Vice President ➡️ Donnie Dufour – President ➡️ Alice Thomas – Chair of the Finance Committee We look forward to their leadership in guiding DeSoto Parish Schools to even greater success! #TheDeSotoDifference

🎉 We are thrilled to celebrate Whitley Chadwick, our DeSoto Parish Elementary Student of The Year, who has been named by the Louisiana Department of Education as a 5th grade 2025 Regional Honoree for the Louisiana Student of the Year program! 🌟 Whitley exemplifies excellence in leadership, academic performance, citizenship, and service to her school and community. Her dedication and accomplishments make us incredibly proud. The Students of the Year program recognizes outstanding students across Louisiana, and Whitley’s selection as a regional honoree is a testament to her hard work and character. Finalists will be announced later this year, and the overall honorees for each grade level will be named at an awards ceremony. https://ow.ly/in8P50UByH8 Join us in congratulating Whitley on this incredible achievement! 👏 #DeSotoProud #StudentOfTheYear

Attention high school students preparing for the ACT! Are you trying to raise your ACT score? Do you want more money for college? Are you tired of scoring the same score time and time again? DeSoto Parish will be hosting an ACT Bootcamp on January 18, 2025,at the DeSoto Parish School Board building. This event is free for all DeSoto Parish students. More dates are listed on the flyer below. Students attending must bring their Student ID. There will be a free pizza lunch for students who sign up to attend both morning and afternoon sessions! To sign up, please complete the form using the QR on the flyer below.

This January, during National School Board Recognition Month, DeSoto Parish Schools proudly recognizes Dr. Neil Henderson for his exceptional service and dedication as the representative for District 2. Dr. Henderson's commitment to our schools and students is evident in his tireless efforts to advocate for our mission in DeSoto Parish Schools. We appreciate his efforts as board President this past year to ensure that every student has the resources and support they need to succeed. Thank you, Dr. Henderson, for your commitment, leadership, and positive influence on our schools and community. #TheDeSotoDifference #SchoolBoardRecognitionMonth

🌟January is National School Board Recognition Month, and DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to honor Mr. Dudley Glenn for his steadfast commitment and service as the representative for District 1. Mr. Glenn’s dedication to the students, families, and educators in our community has made a profound impact. He has played a vital role in advancing our mission and culture that fosters success for all. Thank you for making #TheDeSotoDifference in our schools and communities! #SchoolBoardRecognitionMonth

DeSoto Parish Schools wishes everyone a happy and healthy new year! #DeSotoStrong

🎄Merry Christmas from our DeSoto Parish Schools family to yours. 🎄

The latest issue of DeSoto Schools Digest is live now! Check it out for some highlights from our schools, some holiday cheer, and more. Have a great break! https://desotoparishschoolsla.edurooms.com/engage/desoto-parish-schools/newsletters/desoto-digest-vol-1-issue-4

🎄 Superintendent Message: Christmas Blessings from DeSoto Parish Schools 🎄 As we close out the semester and prepare to celebrate the Christmas season, I want to take a moment to thank our incredible families and community for the ongoing support you give to our schools. The Christmas Story reminds us of the joy and hope that come from giving, serving, and coming together as a community. Your partnership with us in shaping the lives of our students reflects that same spirit, and I am so grateful for the role you play in their success. This holiday season, I wish you rest, peace, and joy. May your home be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends. Thank you for being such an important part of #TheDeSotoDifference. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! With gratitude, Clay J. Corley Superintendent

🎄✨ Happy Holidays from DeSoto Parish Schools! ✨🎄 As we wrap up the year, we want to wish all of our families a safe, joyful, and relaxing holiday break. Thank you for making 2024 such a memorable year filled with growth, learning, and success! A reminder: Staff will report tomorrow, December 20th, and return on January 6, 2025. Students last day, is today, December 19th and will return to school on January 8, 2025. All school campuses and administrative offices will be closed from December 23 through January 6. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, refreshed and ready for a fantastic start to 2025. From our DeSoto Parish Schools family to yours, happy holidays! 🎁

Cade Brumley, Superintendent of the LDOE, visited LHS where he spoke with kindergarten students in Mrs. Julia Johnson's class after they completed the LDOE Universal Literacy Screener. Mrs. Johnson explained that Dr. Brumley had been her principal in school!! #TheDesotoDifference

Check out the latest episode of DeSoto Community Connections featuring Superintendent Clay Corley and Director of Student Learning Bridget Flanders discussing the 2023-24 state performance data. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_a2_vh5G6I

🎄✨ The final week of the fall semester is here! Let’s finish strong and keep up the great work in class! Your presence makes a difference as we wrap up before the Christmas break! 🎒📚 #AttendanceMatters #EverydayCounts #DeSotoParishSchools #FinishStrong #ChristmasBreakIsNear

Our hearts are heavy as we continue to mourn the passing of Mr. Heith Parker, a beloved leader, friend, and integral member of the DeSoto Parish Schools family. To honor his legacy and his profound impact on our community, a scholarship fund is being established in his name to support students in pursuing their dreams. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Heith Parker Scholarship Fund. Deposits can be made in person or by mail at all Community Bank of Louisiana locations. Checks should be made payable to either Mrs. Barbara Parker with "Heith Parker Benefit" in the memo line or directly to Heith Parker Benefit. We invite you to join us in celebrating Mr. Parker's life on Monday, December 16th, at 3:00 pm. at Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until the time of service. Your contributions and prayers mean so much during this time, helping to ensure Mr. Parker’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.

DeSoto Parish Schools mourns the loss of a remarkable leader, mentor, and friend, Mr. Heith Parker, our beloved Director of Facilities and Operations. His decades of service to our school system and dedication and service to our students and staff will forever be cherished. Mr. Parker began his journey with DeSoto Parish Schools in 1998-1999 as an Adult Education teacher and coach at North DeSoto High School, where he contributed to the football and baseball programs. His passion for education and mentorship was evident as he transitioned to teaching Physical Education at North DeSoto Elementary and Middle School from 1999 to 2007 while continuing his role as a football coach. In 2007, Mr. Parker's commitment to excellence led him to serve as Assistant Principal at North DeSoto Elementary (Grades 3-5), where he spent six impactful years fostering a culture of learning and leadership. In 2013, he was elevated to a district-level role as Supervisor of Maintenance, later becoming Director of Facilities and Operations. Over the last decade, his expertise and vision ensured our schools' safety, efficiency, and growth, leaving a legacy of excellence in every project he led. A proud graduate of Stanley High School, Mr. Parker pursued higher education earning a Bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University Shreveport and a Master's in Supervision and Administration from Northwestern State University. His academic and professional achievements reflected his commitment to lifelong learning and leadership. Beyond his professional contributions, Mr. Parker was a devoted husband to his wife, Barbara, a loving father to Stephanie and Madison, and a proud grandfather to Beckett, who brought him immense joy. Mr. Parker's legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and dedication. He was a cornerstone of DeSoto Parish Schools, touching countless lives and leaving an indelible mark on our community. While his presence will be deeply missed, the values he embodied and the impact he made will continue to make a difference in DeSoto Parish Schools. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Parker family and ask our DeSoto Parish Schools family to join us in remembering and honoring Mr. Heith Parker's extraordinary life and service.

Congratulations to Mrs. Lauren Emerson on being elected as the NAAE Region II Vice President last week at the NAAE National Convention. The opportunities and duties that come with this position will only benefit her students in her classroom and out. She is #TheDeSotoDifference!

Last night, our Logansport High School Tigers gave it their all in the semifinal matchup. While the game didn’t end in our favor, it was a well-fought battle that highlighted this team's incredible talent and heart. To our players, coaches, and supporters, thank you for an unforgettable season. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication represent the small-town traditions that we are so proud of! Congratulations on a great season, Tigers! We can’t wait to see you back in action in 2025. 🐅🏈 #DeSotoStrong.

🎄✨ The halls of the District Office are filled with festive spirit, creativity, and a touch of friendly competition! This year’s Holiday Door Decorating Contest brought out the best in our teams, with incredible displays of teamwork and holiday cheer. 🎅🎁 Student Learning takes home the 2nd place prize with their Polar Express theme and our Special Services Department wowed with their impressive light display for the top prize. Tis the season to spread holiday cheer! #TheDeSotoDifference

We were proud to present our December Employees of the Month at our board meeting last night! LaTonya Sandifer, Wilquetta Ross, and Lauren Davlin thank you for making #TheDeSotoDifference for our students and communities!