DeSoto ISD Back to School Guide
Summer is Here and Back to School Is Coming... Enroll Today
The 2026–2027 Academic Calendar Has Crossed the Finish Line
Because vacations don't plan themselves.
The academic calendar is officially set, giving you plenty of time to schedule family trips, mark important dates, and pretend you're not already counting down to Fall Break.
Pre-K and Early Elementary
Upper Elementary
Secondary
The new school year is right around the corner, and a little preparation now can make the first day a whole lot smoother.
Before heading back to campus, take a moment to review the district dress code and campus expectations. Following the dress code helps keep the focus where it belongs—on learning, growth, and student success.
And here's one item you won't want to forget: clear backpacks are required for students 6th - 12th grade this school year. It's a simple change that helps us strengthen campus safety and create a more secure environment for everyone.
Thanks for doing your part to help keep DeSoto ISD safe, welcoming, and ready for a great year.
Getting to school should be the easy part. If your scholar will ride the bus this year, a little preparation now can help ensure a smooth start on the first day of school.
Complete your transportation registration before July 31, 2026. Bus route information will be shared by email approximately one to two weeks before school begins, so be sure to check your inbox—and your spam or junk folder.
You can also access transportation and route information through the My Ride K-12 App.
As you prepare for the new school year, we’re making it easy to keep up with your scholar’s meals. View daily breakfast and lunch menus at www.fdmealplanner.com or through the FD Meal Planner app.
All DeSoto ISD cafeterias will remain cashless this school year. Every student will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each day. Additional meals, entrées, sides, and snacks may be purchased through your child’s meal account.
With MySchoolBucks, you can check balances, view purchase history, add funds online, and sign up for low-balance email alerts so you can stay on top of your scholar’s account all year long.
Texas law requires students to keep personal devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets—powered off and stored away during the school day.
Why? Fewer distractions mean more focus, stronger engagement, and more opportunities to learn.
Students can still bring devices to school—they just need to stay off and out of sight during the school day.
Campuses will use a progressive approach to support compliance, with consequences that may include parent notification, device restrictions, secured pouches, conferences, and additional disciplinary measures for repeat offenses.
What happens when a vape ends up on campus? More than you might think.
Recent changes to Texas law have raised the stakes for scholars found possessing, using, selling, or distributing vape products at school or school-sponsored events. From mandatory placement at the Kathy Goad Alternative Program to potential criminal consequences for THC-containing products, it's important for families to understand the risks and realities of vaping.
Criminal Consequences (According to DeSoto Police Department)
- If the violator is 17 years old or older, they will be taken into custody by police and transported to the DeSoto City Jail for processing.
- If the violator is between 14 and 16 years old, they will be detained and transported to the DeSoto Police Department Juvenile Holding Area for processing. Afterward, they will be released to a parent or legal guardian. If a parent or guardian cannot be notified, the juvenile will be transported to Henry Wade Juvenile Detention Center in Dallas.
- If the violator is between 10 and 13 years old, the juvenile will be detained in the school’s principal’s office pending notification and will be released or picked up by the parent or legal guardian. Charges will be filed for prosecution.
Texas law now requires public schools to display a framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. As a result, DeSoto ISD will be implementing this requirement across all campuses.
What won't change? Our commitment to every scholar.
The display is required by law and will not be used as part of religious instruction. DeSoto ISD remains committed to creating a welcoming environment that respects students and families of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds.
At the end of the day, our focus remains the same: helping scholars learn, grow, and succeed in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.