DeSoto ISD Announces Nov. 11 Magnet and Innovation Fair & Family Academy

    DESOTO, TX, November 02, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- DeSoto Independent School District is announcing an exciting and groundbreaking opportunity to explore district programs and engage in workshops and interactive informational sessions aimed at helping families better engage in the educational process that supports scholars' success.

"We are so excited about the opportunity to offer a one-stop-shopping experience for families interested in exploring educational opportunities that support students' goals and dreams," said Debbye LaShun Garner, Program, DeSoto ISD Magnets and Innovative Programs. "In DeSoto ISD, there is a program for every student, for every interest, for every ability and academic level. We aim to create individualized educational experiences for students and families to equip students for the next phase of their lives whether that be college or career."

The DeSoto ISD Family Academy and Magnet and Innovation Showcase will take place from 8:00am to 12:45 pm, Sat. Nov. 11 at the DeSoto High School Academy Cafeteria located at 600 Eagle Drive. Families can register to attend the event starting Tues., Oct. 3 at www.desotoisd.org.

Magnet and Innovation Fair:

The annual DeSoto ISD Magnet and Innovation Showcase features vendor-style opportunities for current and prospective families and students. Attendees get to engage with innovative, available programs that are highly rigorous and academically competitive. The programs feature opportunities to explore arts, music and tech, plus foreign languages like Spanish and Mandarin.

"We are committed to creating viable experiences for students to learn and grow through hands-on, project-based learning opportunities," said Dr. David Harris, DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools. "The annual Family Academy and Magnet and Innovation Showcase is an excellent program that affords families and students the opportunity to engage with DeSoto ISD while gaining valuable information that can inform family decisions around planning student educational experiences."

There will be performances and demonstrations that highlight the unique experiences in STEM and STEAM, Arts, Career and Technical Education and other advanced academic programs such as International Baccalaureate, a globally focused, highly-rigorous academic program.

For elementary students, DeSoto ISD's magnet programs provide students with career and academic disciplinary exposure in kindergarten through second grade. The explorable program allows students to select a magnet focus by grade three and commit to an academic track by grade four and five, a pre-requisite to House Bill 5, which asks students to select a graduation plan.

Regarding secondary educational opportunities and features, DeSoto ISD offers the middle school iSTEAM3D program. The iSTEAM3D academies focus on creativity, innovation, and design that uses a unique instructional setting called Project Based Learning. The iSTEAM3D academies prepare students with a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the 21st Century.

DeSoto High School offers opportunities in career and technical education through programs like veterinary science, agriculture, auto mechanics, cosmetology, culinary arts and more. The high school features innovative and tech-rich courses with opportunities for honors and advanced placement courses.

The free collegiate academy for high school students allows students to obtain college credit while still in high school and graduate with a high school diploma and an associate's degree.

Families can register to attend the event starting Tues., Oct. 3 at www.desotoisd.org.

Family Academy:

The event, "It's a Family Affair: Where Engagement and Innovation Meet," is a program that offers a 24-course roster of sessions for families and students around the topic of family engagement.

"This is an event in which we hope families will dive in and ask questions about how to get involved in the student educational experience through the carefully selected interactive programs and informational sessions," Monet Reed, Director of DeSoto ISD Family and Community Engagement said of the event. "In DeSoto ISD, we want to equip families with the information and tools they need to successfully steer and support student academic interests."

This year's family academy will feature keynote speaker Dr. Nathaniel Hearne. Hearne has served as an educational administrator, public speaker, motivator, mentor, life coach and certified CoreClarity Facilitator. As an assistant principal, Hearne's dropout prevention program was recognized by the "Texas School Business" magazine as the best prevention program in Texas in 2010. For references of Hearne's work, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?=KBUawl4bUM.

About DeSoto Independent School District:
DeSoto ISD is a public independent school district serving more than 9,800 students and 1,200 employees. The district is comprised of 13 campuses serving students from early childhood through graduation. A District of Innovation, DeSoto ISD's mission statement is preparing students academically and socially to be problem solvers and productive citizens. The district's 2020 Strategic Plan focuses on individualized learning, quality teachers, equal access and relationships in an effort to provide a holistic and well-rounded educational experience to students and families in DeSoto, Glenn Heights, and Ovilla.

For more information about DeSoto ISD, visit www.desotoisd.org.

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