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
Celebrating the DeSoto Difference!
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
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
We’re proud to have incredible campus leaders who show up every day for our students, families, and staff. Join us in showing appreciation for Stanley High School Principal Brian Anderson this National Principals Month!
“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
“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.
📊 ZEARN Snapshot | Oct 20–26
🌟 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
🌟 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
📊 Attendance Matters!
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
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
Make sure to check out our October issue of DeSoto Schools Digest! We have highlighted some great stories, spotlights, and accomplishments that are making #TheDeSotDifference!
https://desotoparishschoolsla.edurooms.com/engage/desoto-parish-schools/newsletters/desoto-schools-digest-vol-2-issue-3
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
What an inspiring day at the DeSoto Parish Schools College & Career Fair! 🚀 Our students had fantastic opportunities to explore their futures. Huge thanks to all our dedicated education and community partners for making this event a success and investing in the next generation! #TheDeSotoDifference #WinningTogether
Shout out to Mr. Tabor and Mrs. Lafollette for their commitment to early literacy! Each day, our DeSoto principals walk alongside students and teachers, supporting strong reading and math literacy for all.
#Positive&CaringCulture!
#HighPerformance!
This National Principals Month, we’re grateful for awesome leaders who leave an impact on our students and staff. Logansport High School Principal Dr. Joshua Sims received shoutouts from his assistant principals:
"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
"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
We are excited to share that our Fall DeSoto Resident Teacher Collaboration today was a great time of reflection and sharing. We are so happy to have our four residents this year and look forward to supporting, growing and learning with them. A huge shoutout to their mentor teachers for they work with them daily and to our guest presenters today for the collaboration. We appreciate you all!! #WinningTogether
This month, we’re highlighting our awesome principals for National Principals Month! Mansfield Middle School Principal Corey Hill received words of appreciation from MMS assistant principals:
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
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
DeSoto Parish has exceptional students spread throughout the district. Today, we all pause and recognize the 2025-2026 school-level representatives who will move forward to the district-level Student of the Year competition later this month. Congratulations everyone!
📊 Attendance Matters!
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
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
This National Principals Month, we’re excited to highlight our incredible campus leaders! Christopher Thomas is the principal at Mansfield High School, and received words of appreciation from assistant principals:
“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
“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
DeSoto Parish Schools was proudly represented at the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Louisiana BESE) meeting on Wednesday, October 15, where the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) and Louisiana BESE recognized two exceptional educators from our district!
🏆 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
🏆 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.
👻 Don't let the ACT scare you! 🎃 DeSoto Parish Schools is hosting an ACT Boot Camp to help you conquer the test!
Join us for a FREE ACT Boot Camp on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 399 Jenkins St, Mansfield, LA.
Sessions:
8am - 11am: Math & Science
12pm - 3pm: English & Reading
This boot camp is FREE for DeSoto Parish Students! (Students must bring their school issued student ID badge). Pizza lunch will be provided for those staying for both sessions.
Register now using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoVZIUVgAC8gepV-lkbdnpV0n5a8TOzugpiF5g6_x_4pu_fw/viewform?usp=dialog or by scanning the QR code.
For any questions, please contact Brandon Fontenot at brandon.fontenot@desotopsb.com.
ACT test prep doesn't have to be scary... sign up today!
Join us for a FREE ACT Boot Camp on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 399 Jenkins St, Mansfield, LA.
Sessions:
8am - 11am: Math & Science
12pm - 3pm: English & Reading
This boot camp is FREE for DeSoto Parish Students! (Students must bring their school issued student ID badge). Pizza lunch will be provided for those staying for both sessions.
Register now using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoVZIUVgAC8gepV-lkbdnpV0n5a8TOzugpiF5g6_x_4pu_fw/viewform?usp=dialog or by scanning the QR code.
For any questions, please contact Brandon Fontenot at brandon.fontenot@desotopsb.com.
ACT test prep doesn't have to be scary... sign up today!
It’s National Principals Month, and we’re celebrating our hardworking leaders! North DeSoto High School Principal Joseph Saverino received a shoutout from Assistant Principal Steven Turner: “Mr. Joseph Saverino leads with purpose and integrity. Nelson Mandela said, ‘It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front.’ At NDHS, his leadership places students and teachers at the heart of every decision.”
Thank you, Principal Saverino!
#TheDeSotoDifference
Thank you, Principal Saverino!
#TheDeSotoDifference
