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In recognition of excellence and exemplary work in the classroom, the DeSoto Independent School District has recognized multiple educators as the 2024 Campus Teachers of the Year.

Their unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to student achievement have earned them well-deserved recognition within the educational community.

From the Early Childhood level to High School, these exceptional teachers exemplify the highest standards of teaching excellence at their respective campuses.

Their passion for education shines through in their daily efforts, leaving an indelible mark on the DeSoto ISD community.

As they bask in the glow of this prestigious recognition, these educators are reminded that their tireless efforts do not go unnoticed.

They are not just educators; they are architects of the future, shaping the minds and hearts of tomorrow’s leaders.

As these teachers earn the district’s overall Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year honors, these educators carry with them the admiration and respect of their peers and students alike.

Their continued success serves as a testament to their outstanding contributions to the field of education.

The 2024 Campus Teachers of the Year names and schools are listed as follows:

Early Childhood:

• Tiffany Moline, Amber Terrace Early Childhood Learning Center

Elementary:

• Janice Washington, Cockrell Hill Elementary School
• Irene Chaney-Babino, The Meadows Elementary School
• Lauren Stewart, Frank D. Moates Elementary School
• Monay Freeman, Woodridge Fine Arts Elementary

Specialized Learning (K-8):

• Lakesha Jackson, Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
• Shandreneka Perkins, Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy

Middle School:

• Ashley Simpson, DeSoto West Middle School
• Mary Moore, Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School

High School:

• Nikena Madison, DeSoto High School

General (K-12):

• Brent Taylor, DeSoto Alternative Education Program

The post DeSoto ISD Announces 2024 Campus Teachers of the Year appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

DeSoto residents will no longer have to travel to Cedar Hill or Dallas to buy their favorite chicken sandwich meal as Chick-fil-A is set to open a brand new location in the city.

Chick-fil-A DeSoto will be the 149th Chick-fil-A franchise location in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

The newest location for the popular chicken restaurant is located at 616 W. Belt Line Road in DeSoto.

The restaurant is open for dine-in, carry-out, and delivery from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 

The new Chick-fil-A will also feature Mobile Thru, a fully dedicated drive-thru lane where guests can pick up orders placed ahead of time on the Chick-fil-A App.

The addition of Chick-fil-A in DeSoto will help bolster the local economy by bringing approximately 100 jobs to the community.    

The restaurant is locally owned and operated by James Pruitt who will be responsible for all day-to-day activities of the business. 

“I am excited to bring Chick-fil-A to DeSoto, where our commitment goes beyond serving delicious food; it’s about fostering a tight-knit culture of growth and development for our Team Members,” Pruitt expressed.

In celebration, Chick-fil-A DeSoto will recognize 100 local heroes making an impact in the DeSoto area and provide them with free Chick-fil-A entrées for a year.

Marking its newest location in DeSoto, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has donated $25,000 to Feeding America to support local hunger relief efforts of North Texas Food Bank.

The Restaurant will also participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, an initiative that redirects surplus food from the restaurant to local soup kitchens, shelters, food banks and nonprofits in need. 

“Alongside my wife, Azucena, who will lead talent development, we are dedicated to not only creating great experiences for our Guests but also nurturing the potential within each member of our team. Together, we look forward to making a positive impact in DeSoto,” said Pruitt.

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The DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees installed new member Eboni Mitchell, Place 6, and incumbent board member Traci McNairy, Place 7, during the Monday, May 13, 2024, special called board meeting.

Dallas County Justice of the Peace (Precinct 1 – Place 1) Thomas G. Jones hosted the swearing-in ceremony for the installation.

Eboni Mitchell, Place 6

Eboni Mitchell is originally from South Central Los Angeles, California where she graduated from George Washington Preparatory High School before attending San Jose State University where she received her Bachelor of Business Management.

With nearly 25 years of public service experience, Mitchell has expertise and knowledge in strategic planning, project management, business analysis, procurement and contract management, finance, and information technology (IT) operations.

In addition to her time in public service, Mitchell has also worked in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait supporting military efforts as part of LOGCAP III, Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Mitchell has been a resident of Glenn Heights for 20 years and has two children: Caleb, who will be graduating from Parish Episcopal School in May 2024 and continuing his education at Purdue University and Bryson, a current freshman at DeSoto Early College High School.

Mitchell is committed to fiscal responsibility by approving a budget that is in the best interest of DeSoto ISD scholars, transparency and accountability, and ensuring that all students, teachers and staff have a safe and supportive school environment.

Traci McNairy, Place 7

DeSoto ISD Trustee Traci McNairy has been involved in education for

The month of May continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and eradicating the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues.

From patients to providers, families, and society at large, the impact of mental illness and addiction is profound and far-reaching.

Hospitals and health systems are pivotal in advancing conversations around mental health care.

They are forging partnerships to address behavioral health issues through innovative approaches, such as integrating physical and behavioral health services.

Implementing the modifications in emergency departments and inpatient and outpatient wards enhances the overall value of healthcare, leading to improved patient outcomes, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) advocates for the embodiment of behavioral and physical health, supporting organizations working in behavioral health care.

The facility’s structural foundation between partnerships and programs ensures access to the full continuum of behavioral health care.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers vital support, serving as a lifeline for individuals in distress.

 The hotline is a 24/7, free, and confidential resource that provides prevention and crisis intervention services, equipping individuals with the necessary tools to navigate mental health challenges.

As a collective society holds the power to prevent suicide and promote mental wellness.

By embracing Mental Health Awareness Month and utilizing resources like the 988 Lifeline, operators can foster a culture of compassion, support, and resilience, ensuring that no one faces mental health challenges alone.

For more information, visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline website: 988lifeline.org.

The post Welcoming Mental Health Awareness Month | May appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

For the first time in several years, the DeSoto Independent School District proudly announces Principal Angela Robinson of Frank D. Moates Elementary as 2024 Principal of the Year.

The recognition marks a significant milestone for the district, highlighting the vital role of principals in shaping school and student achievement.

Robinson, who became principal of Moates Elementary in 2021, brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to education.

Prior to her tenure at Moates, she served as principal at Cockrell Hill Elementary and held various administrative roles in the Lancaster Independent School District.

Described as a strategic planner and curriculum innovator, Robinson’s dedication to improving educational systems has been evident throughout her career.

“When thinking about leading with influence, I always lead with the data first to create purpose,” said Robinson who also noted stakeholder engagement as a key focus in her leadership.

“By being inclusive of every group, we create a plan that is a win-win for everyone.”

Robinson’s specialized expertise in elementary and bilingual education has been instrumental in serving the diverse needs of Moates’ students, teachers, and families.

“The most important thing we do to achieve our goals is to meet with each individual scholar and have them set their own goals,” said Robinson.

“Students track and update their data after each major assessment and are able to communicate their goals, graph progress made, and determine additional action steps or support they will need to take in order to meet their goals, creating personal advocacy and ownership of their progress.”

Robinson boasts an impressive list of accolades including being recognized as the Alta Mesa Learning Center Teacher of the Year, a Phi Delta Kappa Curriculum Auditor, and a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

“Principal Robinson is a shining example of what it means to lead with students in mind,” said DeSoto ISD Executive Director of School Leadership Dr. Rashida Hobbs-Jones.

“Her high expectations and deep investment in the success of her students and staff make a world of difference in their experiences at Moates.

 “In that campus, Robinson has created a strong sense of community and collaboration designed to help staff, scholars, and their families soar.”

The post Angela Robinson Named DeSoto ISD 2024 Principal of the Year appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.