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
Join us as we celebrate our school principals and all they do for our students and staff! North DeSoto Middle School Assistant Principal Cora Saverino shared appreciation for Principal Lyndsey Rhoads: "Happy Principals Month to Mrs. Lyndsey Rhoads, Principal of North DeSoto Middle School. Mrs. Rhoads has 16 years of educational experience serving the Stonewall community. She has previously held Assistant Principal and Master Teacher positions at other North DeSoto campuses. This is her first year as principal of North DeSoto Middle School. The NDMS faculty and staff appreciate Mrs. Rhoads's special attention to goal-setting, motivation, and student achievement. She is a true example of our core values- learning, leadership, and service."
Thank you, Principal Rhoads!
#TheDeSotoDifference
Thank you, Principal Rhoads!
#TheDeSotoDifference
We love our principals! Join us this month in showing appreciation for our campus leaders for National Principals Month. Mansfield Elementary School Principal Amanda LaFollette received words of appreciation from Assistant Principal Brook Cassel: “Mrs. Lafollette is an incredible leader, and she is the driving force of our school. She is dedicated and has a clear vision for success. She leads with her whole heart and shows up everyday giving her all because she truly cares. Her passion for education shines through every single day, and we are beyond thankful that she is ours! She can’t hide her Wolverine Pride!”
Thank you, Principal LaFollette!
#TheDeSotoDifference
Thank you, Principal LaFollette!
#TheDeSotoDifference
All month long, we’re highlighting our hardworking principals for National Principals Month! Assistant Principal Lindsay Burford shared a shoutout for NDLE Principal Russell Tabor:
“Mr. Tabor is a kind and detail-oriented leader whose steady presence supports the daily operations of our school. His thoughtful approach contributes to the positive environment at North DeSoto Lower Elementary.”
Thank you, Principal Tabor!
#TheDeSotoDifference
“Mr. Tabor is a kind and detail-oriented leader whose steady presence supports the daily operations of our school. His thoughtful approach contributes to the positive environment at North DeSoto Lower Elementary.”
Thank you, Principal Tabor!
#TheDeSotoDifference
We want to wish all our staff, students, and families a happy and restful fall break. All DeSoto Parish schools and administrative offices will be closed the week of October 6-10, 2025. We look forward to seeing everyone return on Monday, October 13 to start off strong for our second grading period. #
🍂 Attendance Matters! 🍂
As we close out the first nine weeks, we’re celebrating the great work our students and families are doing to make attendance a priority across DeSoto Parish Schools. Every day in class counts toward student success—and you are showing up strong! 💪📚
🏆 September Attendance Challenge Winners:
✨ North DeSoto Middle School – Winner of the DeSoto Strong Cup with an impressive 97.92% average attendance!
✨ Mansfield Elementary – Winner of the You Matter School Award for outstanding effort in meeting attendance goals!
👏 Congratulations to our students, staff, and families for making attendance a team effort.
Wishing all of our DeSoto families a happy and safe fall break!
#AttendanceMatters #EveryDayCounts
⚡🍽️ Louisiana Tray of the Week 🍽️⚡
The Louisiana Fit Kids Tray of the Week Campaign shines a spotlight on the high-quality meals and incredible School Nutrition Professionals fueling student success across our state.
This week, North DeSoto High School submitted a menu that included:
🍗 WG Gold Creek Tenders
🥦 Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
🍍 Pineapple Tidbits
🥖 Butter Roll
🧃 Juice
🥛 Milk
On October 1, 2025, even a power outage couldn’t stop the dedicated staff at North DeSoto High School—and their peers across ND schools—from serving students with warm smiles and unwavering commitment. From prepping in low light to ensuring every child received a meal, their resilience and teamwork proved that while the lights may have been out, their energy never faded.
Thank you to our amazing School Nutrition teams for showing what true service looks like. You exemplify # TheDeSotoDifference!
#LouisianaTrayOfTheWeek #DeSotoServes #SchoolNutrition
The Louisiana Fit Kids Tray of the Week Campaign shines a spotlight on the high-quality meals and incredible School Nutrition Professionals fueling student success across our state.
This week, North DeSoto High School submitted a menu that included:
🍗 WG Gold Creek Tenders
🥦 Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
🍍 Pineapple Tidbits
🥖 Butter Roll
🧃 Juice
🥛 Milk
On October 1, 2025, even a power outage couldn’t stop the dedicated staff at North DeSoto High School—and their peers across ND schools—from serving students with warm smiles and unwavering commitment. From prepping in low light to ensuring every child received a meal, their resilience and teamwork proved that while the lights may have been out, their energy never faded.
Thank you to our amazing School Nutrition teams for showing what true service looks like. You exemplify # TheDeSotoDifference!
#LouisianaTrayOfTheWeek #DeSotoServes #SchoolNutrition
Big news, DeSoto! 🎉 We are proud to share that Mr. Brian Anderson has been named the 2025–2026 DeSoto Parish Schools Principal of the Year! 🏆 Congratulations! Stay tuned for the full announcement and story on our website. #TheDeSotoDifference
Shout out to our DeSoto Parish Schools for selecting students monthly who exemplify our Portrait of a Graduate competencies. This month, "Goal Oriented" was highlighted as students received public recognition for not only setting goals but consistently measuring their high performance progress. #LeadersOnAMisson!
#PortraitOfAGraduate!
#Thrive!
🌟 Celebrating Excellence in DeSoto! Parish Schools 🌟
At tonight's board meeting, we proudly recognized our October Employees of the Month:
👏 Support Staff of the Month – Lisa Doyal, NDUE
👏 Teacher of the Month – Kaitlyn Hillman Tilley, MES
👏 New Teacher of the Month – Callie Moore, NDLE
👏 Leader of the Month – Jessica Thompson, MHS
A special thank you to our community partners Aneca Federal Credit Union, MarketPlace Chevrolet Stonewall, and RBW Consulting for sponsoring and supporting this initiative. Your partnership helps us celebrate the incredible people making a difference in our schools every day.
#TheDeSotoDifference
Today we celebrate National Custodians Day! 🧹✨
Thank you to our incredible custodians across DeSoto Parish Schools who work tirelessly to keep our campuses clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff each day. We appreciate you!
#TheDeSotoDifference #NationalCustodiansDay
Thank you to our incredible custodians across DeSoto Parish Schools who work tirelessly to keep our campuses clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff each day. We appreciate you!
#TheDeSotoDifference #NationalCustodiansDay
October is National Principals Month! We’re grateful for our strong campus leaders who put our students first. Join us as we highlight them this month.
North DeSoto Upper Elementary Principal Casey Hamon had recognitions from assistant principals:
“Mrs. Hamon is an instructional leader who sets the bar high and makes sure our students and staff have what they need to succeed. You can always find her in the hallways with a smile, connecting with kids who adore her and staff who respect her.” - Assistant Principal Leah Darden
“Mrs. Hamon serves our campus daily with her whole heart and unwavering dedication. Her exceptional leadership empowers every student and staff member to achieve their personal best. She embodies our mission and vision daily, not just in her words, but in her tireless work to ensure academic excellence through a joyous and rewarding educational experience for all.” - Assistant Principal Stacie Theodos
Thank you, Principal Hamon!
#TheDeSotoDifference
North DeSoto Upper Elementary Principal Casey Hamon had recognitions from assistant principals:
“Mrs. Hamon is an instructional leader who sets the bar high and makes sure our students and staff have what they need to succeed. You can always find her in the hallways with a smile, connecting with kids who adore her and staff who respect her.” - Assistant Principal Leah Darden
“Mrs. Hamon serves our campus daily with her whole heart and unwavering dedication. Her exceptional leadership empowers every student and staff member to achieve their personal best. She embodies our mission and vision daily, not just in her words, but in her tireless work to ensure academic excellence through a joyous and rewarding educational experience for all.” - Assistant Principal Stacie Theodos
Thank you, Principal Hamon!
#TheDeSotoDifference
