DeSoto County Schools

  SUPERINTENDENT'S LETTER--2012 Winter Session      

Dear Students and Parents:

   DeSoto County School District (DCS) is the largest and fastest growing school district in Mississippi. Our 3,500 teachers, counselors, administrators, and employees work hard to meet tough academic goals, train educators on the best practices, and provide special programs for students who need them.  We have 40 schools and approximately 32,000 students.

  We are focusing on making the best in resources and training available to our staff to assist them in their teaching. We are committed to knowing the needs of our students so we can take them from where they are in their learning and assist in moving them to where they need to be to graduate and become successful life-long learners and citizens.   Graduation ceremonies are set to begin May 22^nd, and will go through May 29^th.   Please look at our website for specific dates and times. 

   Students learn when they feel safe.  I often remind our teachers and staff that safety is our number one priority.  We have a Crisis Management Plan to deal with pressing problems and preventative measures. Academics are our second priority; and extra-curricular activities are third.

   Keeping up with technology is a daunting task, but a key element of a 21^st century classroom.  In the past five years, a concerted effort has been made by the district to add interactive white boards to creatively connect with students.  Through grants, PTO efforts, and fund-raising efforts, DeSoto County School District has 1,200 interactive white boards in use in the district.  We believe that creativity is the key to unlocking every child’s genius, and that media-rich learning is the key to greater creativity.

   All of our eight high schools are on block scheduling.  This decision was research-based.  The eight semester sequence allows more advanced students the opportunity to complete higher level courses and to earn college credits through dual enrollment and to offer remediation to students who are experiencing difficulties. 

   We want the best educational opportunities and the best facilities possible for the students of DeSoto County School District.  With our standards-based curriculum, common assessments to ensure consistency across our school district and intense professional development opportunities, I feel our teachers and students are poised and ready to face the challenges ahead.

   One of the biggest factors in the overall success of our students and our district will always be our ability to work in partnership with our parents and the community.  We hope you feel welcome in our schools and that you will take advantage of opportunities to become involved, to learn more about your school district and to be a part of the many things that are taking place.

Sincerely,

Milton Kuykendall, Superintendent

Milton Kuykendall appeared on "Superintendent's Week" on Channel 5 TV station.

Supt. Milton Kuykendall, past president of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents (MASS), welcomes the new president, Dr. Phil Burchfield of Clinton Public Schools.

DeSoto County Schools Supt. Milton Kuykendall was awarded the Jack McCauley Award at the Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner meeting.  The award is given in memory of the Chamber’s founder.  Kuykendall was recognized for contributing to the growth and betterment of Olive Branch and the area.  From left, OB Chamber members Wendell Davis and OB Chamber Director Vickie DuPree congratulate Kuykendall.

DeSoto County School Superintendent Milton Kuykendall, right, was inducted into the Mississippi,Coaches Hall of Fame.  On hand for the occasion were, from left, Malcolm Kuykendall, superintendent of Tishomingo County Schools, and Richard Williams, former Mississippi State basketball coach.