DeSoto ISD Launches “Days for J’s & A’s for J’s” Initiative to Celebrate Attendance and Academic Excellence Through Student Recognition
The DeSoto Independent School District is proud to announce
a new districtwide student recognition initiative designed to reinforce two of
the district’s most important priorities—strong attendance and high academic
achievement.
The “Days for J’s & A’s for J’s” initiative,
launched under the direction of Interim Superintendent Brent S. Mitchell, is
rooted in the district’s commitment to celebrating excellence and incentivizing
the behaviors that lead to student success. Through this program, scholars who
demonstrate outstanding dedication to attendance and academics will be
recognized in meaningful and memorable ways, including the award of a pair of
Air Jordans for selected honorees.
This inaugural recognition cycle focuses on attendance
excellence, highlighting students who achieved 100 percent attendance for
the academic year across all campuses.
“This initiative reflects our belief that when we celebrate
what we value, we inspire continued excellence,” said Aijon Lair, DeSoro ISD
Truancy lead. “Attendance and academic achievement are foundational to student
success, and we are proud to recognize scholars who are leading by example.”
The first round of recognition is made possible through
DeSoto High School Head Football Coach Mathis’ extension of his partnership
with Nike, resulting in a generous donation of shoes to support student
celebration and recognition efforts.
The initiative will expand in the upcoming school year to
include alternating six-week recognition cycles focused on:
- Days
for J’s (Attendance Recognition)
- A’s
for J’s (Academic Honor Roll Recognition)
This work aligns directly with the district’s upcoming
theme:
“DeSoto Driven: Focused on Progress.
Committed to Excellence.”
Inaugural Attendance Scholars by Campus
The following students have been selected for their
exemplary 100 percent attendance achievement:
- Amber
Terrace Elementary: Kennedy Brunk
- Cockrell
Hill Elementary: Zion Ohiembor
- Frank
D. Moates Elementary: La’Shaun Motley
- Meadows
Elementary: Serenity McDowell-Briggs
- Woodridge
Fine Arts: Louna Caldwell-Jones
- Katherine
Johnson Technology Magnet Academy: Clarke Brown
- West
Middle School: Maurice Williams
- McCowan
Middle School: Cori’Ana Williams
- DeSoto
High School: Nyla Williams
DeSoto Independent School District extends its
congratulations to these scholars and their families for their commitment,
consistency, and excellence. Their achievement reflects the district’s broader
mission of cultivating high expectations, strong habits, and lifelong success.
Mitchell expressed appreciation for campus teams and
families whose daily support continues to make student success possible. The
“Days for J’s & A’s for J’s” initiative represents an exciting step forward
in celebrating the behaviors that drive achievement across DeSoto ISD.