Image Credit: DeSoto ISD Official logo
DeSoto, Texas — DeSoto High School junior Nyla Jennings has simple goals: to go to college, graduate, and enjoy life.
As a member of the Lady Eagles Basketball team, Jennings is no stranger to adversity, especially as her school and others across North Texas grapple with student losses and the threat of violence. “I just want to have fun and enjoy life because you never know when it can be taken from you,” said Jennings.
Key Facts:
- Recent Violence Impacting North Texas Schools: A student from Dallas ISD was shot and killed over the weekend, heightening concerns about safety.
- School Lockdowns: DeSoto ISD, among other districts, implemented lockdowns last week in response to online threats, increasing security at schools.
- DeSoto ISD Superintendent’s Commitment: Dr. Usamah Rodgers emphasized the importance of creating socially, emotionally, and physically safe environments for students.
- Conflict Management Proposal: The DeSoto Pastors Coalition is drafting a proposal to mandate conflict management education in public schools across Texas.
Last week, DeSoto ISD went on lockdown after threats circulated online, prompting heightened security measures across the district. Jennings, who was in class during the lockdown, expressed gratitude for her teacher, who made her feel safe despite the tense situation.
The DeSoto Pastors Coalition, working alongside DeSoto ISD, is calling for more measures to ensure students' well-being and safety both on and off school grounds.
Pastor Marcus King, Chair of the DeSoto Pastors Coalition, highlighted the concerning conflict management students are exposed to at home.
The coalition is urging the Texas Educational Agency to pass legislation mandating conflict management education in public schools. Additionally, the coalition seeks to develop an intervention program to help students navigate conflict more effectively.
The DeSoto Pastors Coalition also announced plans to adopt local schools, partnering with athletics teams to promote safety through commercials and prayer sessions.
These steps are being implemented ahead of DeSoto ISD's homecoming week, which will see new safety protocols, including requiring students to show ID badges and restricting access to certain areas of the stadium.
As DeSoto ISD and the DeSoto Pastors Coalition work to enhance safety measures and conflict resolution education, students like Nyla Jennings continue to aim for their goals in an environment that prioritizes their physical and emotional well-being.
By fostering safer communities, the district hopes to prevent further tragedies and allow students to thrive academically and personally.