Dragon's Digest

Welcome Back, Dragons!

DeSoto Students and Families,

We are so excited to welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year! We hope that you had a wonderful summer and are ready to return for an amazing year of learning and fun. We are so proud to announce that DeSoto has once again earned an "A" letter grade from the State of Florida. This success would not be possible without the hard work of our students and staff, and the support of our families and community. Thank you for being a part of the DeSoto Family!

Respectfully,

Emily Tirelli (Principal) and Lindsay Allen (Assistant Principal)

Back to School Bash

Thursday, August 7th, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Our Back to School Bash and Meet the Teacher Night will be held on August 7th, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. This will be an opportunity for students to meet their teacher, visit their classroom, and learn more about the fun year ahead. Parents will learn about transportation options and be able to register their children for our after-school program, Boys and Girls Club, while on campus.

Once you meet your teacher, be sure to join us for our Back to School Bash on the covered court. The Bash will have free backpacks and supplies, donuts and snow cones, and lots of fun. There will also be free haircuts and free manicures for all students!

Focus is the new system used by schools for enrollment, scheduling, attendance, transcripts, final grade reporting, and certain other student information. Parents will be able to view report cards, attendance, class schedules, course history, test history, and some student information as appropriate through the Focus app. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play today!

School Uniforms

Students may wear solid red, blue, or white shirts with denim, khaki or navy bottoms. On Fridays, we invite all students to wear their "House Shirt" that they will receive during the first few weeks of school.

Don't be late! School begins at 7:40 a.m. each day, but students may begin arriving at 7:10. We encourage all students who eat breakfast at school to arrive no later than 7:15 a.m. so that they have enough time to eat and be ready for learning in their classroom at 7:40. Breakfast and lunch are free for all students.

Arrival and Dismissal

On the first day of school, your child will receive a colored band that will be placed on their backpack. The color indicates how your child should be dismissed. Please do not remove the band from the backpack. It helps us keep your child safe.

Bus Riders:

Please be sure that you receive your child’s bus stop information before school starts. Please contact the front office if you have any questions.

Walkers:

K-5: Front Gate on Corrine Street closest to the parking lot OR Back Gate on Clark Street
PK: Front Gate on Corrine Street

Car Riders:

K-5: Front Gate on Corrine Street closest to the parking lot. Please remain in your car. Staff and Safety Patrols will open doors for your child to exit the vehicle.
PK: Front Gate on Corrine Street

Students may NOT be dropped off by car on Clark Street

All Pre-K students (VPK and Head Start) must be signed in and signed out by a parent or guardian each day.