DeSoto West Middle School Celebrates Scholars for Growth, Progress, and Positive Choices
At DeSoto West Middle School,
growth and progress are celebrated just as much as achievement. Recently,
Security Officer Angela Stanley, alongside teachers, counselors, and campus
leaders, honored a group of students who have demonstrated meaningful
improvement in behavior, academics, and personal development.
This recognition underscores DeSoto
ISD’s commitment to cultivating well-rounded scholars by affirming the
importance of resilience, determination, and positive choices. The selected
students were surprised during their lunch hour with small tokens of
encouragement and words of affirmation, reinforcing that progress — no matter
the pace — is a significant milestone in becoming the scholars DeSoto ISD
envisions.
Officer Stanley, who plays an active
role in student engagement and mentorship, emphasized that the recognition
extends beyond academics.
“We want our students to know that
their progress matters — every step forward is important,” Stanley said.
“When they make good choices, when they keep trying even after setbacks, that’s
the kind of growth we want to encourage.”
Teachers and staff highlighted how
celebrating positive decision-making, improved classroom habits, and stronger
peer relationships builds momentum and reinforces the idea that effort leads to
success.
Principal Dr. Brittany Strickland
shared how celebrations like these support long-term student success.
“Our goal is to shape scholars who are
prepared not just for the next grade level, but for life,” Strickland said.
“Recognizing improvement reminds our students that their hard work and positive
choices are noticed, valued, and supported.”
Engagement, Motivation,
and Whole-Child Development
Research shows that student engagement
and motivation directly impact achievement, self-esteem, and overall
well-being. When students feel supported and celebrated, they become more
invested in their own learning journey, which strengthens both academic performance
and personal growth.
DeSoto ISD is deeply committed to
developing the whole child — not only through academics, but also through
wellness and relationship-building. The district’s recent initiatives reflect
this vision:
- Zen Den spaces on every campus provide calming,
supportive environments for students.
- Character-based curriculum reinforces values such as
respect, responsibility, and resilience.
- Student Support Teams address social-emotional needs
from a wellness-first perspective, prioritizing guidance over discipline.
Executive Director of Student Support
Services Dr. Gene Morrow noted that these efforts establish a strong foundation
for student success.
“When we invest in the whole child, we
set the stage for deeper learning and greater achievement,” Dr. Morrow said.
“Wellness and relationships are the roots from which students grow into
scholars who can soar.”
Director of Student Services Metric
Manning added
that this recognition aligns with the district’s broader vision of preparing
students for excellence in all areas of life.
“Our work is about helping students
see their own potential,” Manning said. “By celebrating their growth,
we’re not only motivating them for today but inspiring them to keep striving
toward who they can become.”
Through intentional recognition of
progress, DeSoto West Middle School and DeSoto ISD continue to affirm that
building strong scholars begins with nurturing the whole child — creating the
foundation for both immediate success and lifelong achievement.
For more information about DeSoto
ISD’s programs, services and initiatives, please visit www.DeSotoisd.org.