DESOTO, Texas — With three weeks left in the current school year, the DeSoto Independent School District is announcing new safety measures for students and staff.
The school district said in a news release that a security guard detained a non-district student for bringing a concealed weapon onto the DeSoto High School campus Thursday. The intruder was let inside the building at an "unauthorized entry," the district said.
"Thank you to our students who observed the concern and reported it to the staff for quick and immediate resolution. As a result, all students remained safe," the district said.
The district said parents were notified about the incident via text message and email.
The school district published a notice announcing students in grades 6 – 12 will not be allowed to carry backpacks on school campuses beginning Monday, May 13. In addition, there will be an increased security presence throughout campuses, and DeSoto police will increase its patrol for dismissal.
The district said it's also enacting the following:
Clear backpacks required in 2024-24 school year
The district said students grades 6-12 will be required to use clear backpacks.
“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 DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers. “The decision to implement clear backpacks is another layer of safety in district schools.”
The clear backpack policy adds to security measures implemented recently, which include a uniform-based dress code that was started at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. DeSoto ISD's uniform policy calls for a solid color polo-style shirt or button-down shirts and solid color uniform bottoms.
DeSoto ISD said it will continue its use of uniforms for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
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 online here.
The last day of school for students is May 30.