News Reader

As May continues, the nation reflects and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) month.

Throughout May, communities across the country are celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage.

The month of May Celebrates the rich cultural diversity and contributions of these communities to the nation’s tapestry.

Officially recognized by Congress in 1992, it provides an opportunity to honor the generations of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and continue to shape its future.

From the achievements of historical trailblazers like Ellison Onizuka, the first Asian American astronaut, to the cultural impact of performers like Yo-Yo Ma and Mindy Kaling, and the influence of today’s K-Pop culture stars such as Stray Kids and New Jeans.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander individuals can be seen across various fields, including arts, science, literature, and public service.

While celebrations may vary from community to community, the overarching theme is one of unity and pride in heritage.

Festivities often include cultural performances, educational events, art exhibitions, and culinary showcases highlighting the diverse cuisines of the region.

In addition to celebrating cultural heritage, this month serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges and issues faced by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

From advocating for social justice to combating discrimination and stereotypes, individuals and organizations use this opportunity to foster understanding and promote inclusivity.

As Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month unfold, the DeSoto Tribune honors the past, celebrates the present, and embraces the diversity of the AANHPI community across the state.

The post Celebrating the rich cultures AANHPI Heritage Month appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

During the State of the District, DeSoto ISD provided an update and outlook to the future of the district.

The post 2024 State of the District | Security Outlook for DeSoto ISD appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

In light of Thursday’s incident at DeSoto High School, DeSoto ISD has announced that the district is transitioning to clear backpacks for the remainder of the 24-25 academic year.

“The decision to implement clear backpacks is another layer of safety in district schools,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers.

Another security measure the district has implemented is that uniforms were made mandatory for scholars this year.

The measure was created in order for security personnel and staff to quickly distinguish students from visitors on campus.

“Clear backpacks, like uniforms, help us identify a concern quickly and are a deterrent to certain behaviors curbing concerns before a larger concern develops,” said DeSoto ISD Chief of Maintenance and Operations James Thomas.

Additionally, the district reinstated the policy that prohibits the use of backpacks before extended breaks and during the final two weeks of school, effective Monday, May 13, 2024.

The district will still allow small Ziploc sandwiches or pencil bags for sanitary care and or personal hygiene items. 

Heightened security measures at secondary campuses, with a particular focus on DeSoto High School (DHS) are also being implemented.

Students at DHS will undergo enhanced security protocols during transitions, including metal detector screenings and backpack searches upon arrival.

The district’s head of security emphasized the intensification of backpack inspections, with security personnel now conducting more thorough examinations of backpack contents.

The district announced the measures after a non-district student was able to get into DHS with a concealed weapon.

The alleged incident occurred on school property during an altercation with another student that was broken up by security personnel and school administrators.

“Seeing what has been happening in schools across the country served as the impetus for district leaders to come together to deliberate on this very important change on behalf of our scholars and staff members,” said Rogers.

For more information about the new security measures visit DeSotoISD.org.

The post DeSoto ISD Implements New School Safety Measures appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

The City of DeSoto unveiled a brand new water pump station Friday morning marking a significant milestone in updating its infrastructure.

The new $8.6 million Hampton Road Pumping Station provides approximately 30% of DeSoto’s water supply.

The new pumping station replaces the old structure that was constructed in 1972, which faithfully served the community for decades.

With the average lifespan of a pumping station ranging from 25 to 30 years, the replacement of the old pump station was long overdue.

“This is an amazing day, a great beautiful day and we’re so glad that the weather is cooperating for us to be here to unveil what will serve you and your children and your families and beyond for the next three decades,” said DeSoto Mayor Rachel L. Proctor.

“I’m so excited and proud to be cutting the ribbon for DeSoto’s $8.6 million pumping station,” said Proctor excitedly.

 “This was long overdue.”

The new pumping station is located at 120 W. Centre Park Boulevard in DeSoto near the city’s industrial park.

Engineering for the Hampton Road Pumping Station project began in May 2021 and was constructed by Garver LLC.

The DeSoto City Council authorized the construction in June 2022 and broke ground in August 2022.

The project was financed through a combination of bond proceeds and funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The new pumping station is a continuation of the city updating its aging infrastructure and shows a commitment to modernizing and enhancing its water distribution capabilities.

The new pump station represents a pivotal achievement outlined in the City’s 2021 Water Distribution Master Plan and marks the first major undertaking by the Public Utilities Department from that plan.

A video of the grand opening ceremony for the new pump station can be found on the City of DeSoto’s Facebook page.

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DeSoto High School was placed on lockdown Thursday after a non-district student brought a firearm on campus, according to the district.

Security personnel at the school were able to detain the suspect promptly because students were utilizing the “See Something, Say Something” initiative.

Campus security and administrators were able to find the concealed weapon as the suspect was allegedly fighting with another student.

“While district security personnel were able to quickly de-escalate a security matter and detain those involved, security personnel discovered a concealed weapon on the person of the non-district student involved,” an updated statement from DeSoto ISD read.

It is not yet clear how the suspect was able to bring the weapon into the school.

Already this year, there have been multiple shooting incidents at North Texas area schools that have left multiple people injured and at least one person deceased.

Dallas Independent School District’s Roosevelt High School was the subject of a shooting after two high school football players were injured in an apparent drive-by shooting.

The incident occurred while the students were riding home from practice with their coach.

Classes were canceled the following day “due to a credible threat.”

Wilmer Hutchins High School was placed on lockdown on April 12 after a 17-year-old suspect shot and injured another student after bringing a gun on campus.

District officials cited “human error” in how the firearm was able to be allowed on campus.

In Arlington at Bowie High School towards the end of April, police arrested 17-year-old Julian Howard and charged him with one count of murder in the death of 18-year-old Etavion Barnes.  

In response to the incident, the district is enhancing security measures for the remainder of the school year.

Increased Security

• No backpacks are allowed on campus for all secondary students starting May 13 through the end of the school year.
• Heightened security presence including increased rotation throughout the building
• DeSoto PD will increase patrol for dismissal.

Uniforms are a safety measure and help ID intruders

• All scholars are required to be in full uniform through the last day of school.
• Students who are not in uniform will be placed in a holding area and asked to contact a parent to bring a change of clothing.
• Students who are unable to obtain uniforms will be placed in ISS for the remainder of the school day

Student Work Release

• High school students on early work release will be asked to sign out of the main office entry at door one

Additional Staff and Volunteer Support

• Additional staff will push in at the high school during lunch and other times of high traffic to assist with monitoring.
• For parents and community members interested in supporting the close of a safe school year, please register to volunteer via the district’s Voly platform at Read more