Hands-On Learning in Action!
Our new Law and Public Safety program at Hernando High School is off to an incredible start! Year 1 students recently participated in a crime scene investigation lab, putting their critical thinking and teamwork skills to the test.
Through hands-on experiences like this, students gain valuable insight into the fields of law enforcement, forensics, and public safety, building a strong foundation for future careers that serve and protect our communities.
A big thank-you to our CTE instructor, Angela Fletcher, for bringing real-world learning to life at Hernando High!
#WorkforceDevelopment #LawAndPublicSafety #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady
Our new Law and Public Safety program at Hernando High School is off to an incredible start! Year 1 students recently participated in a crime scene investigation lab, putting their critical thinking and teamwork skills to the test.
Through hands-on experiences like this, students gain valuable insight into the fields of law enforcement, forensics, and public safety, building a strong foundation for future careers that serve and protect our communities.
A big thank-you to our CTE instructor, Angela Fletcher, for bringing real-world learning to life at Hernando High!
#WorkforceDevelopment #LawAndPublicSafety #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady
CTE Alumni Spotlight
We’re proud to highlight one of our outstanding Career & Technical Education alumni who continues to make a difference beyond the classroom!
Our CTE programs prepare students with the hands-on skills, knowledge, and work ethic to succeed in today’s workforce , and this graduate is a shining example of that success.
See AJ's flyer below for the full story.
We’re proud to highlight one of our outstanding Career & Technical Education alumni who continues to make a difference beyond the classroom!
Our CTE programs prepare students with the hands-on skills, knowledge, and work ethic to succeed in today’s workforce , and this graduate is a shining example of that success.
See AJ's flyer below for the full story.
CTE Middle School Tours: Connecting Students to Future Courses and Careers
DeSoto County Schools is gearing up for an exciting series of middle school tours of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These visits give eighth-grade students a firsthand look at the diverse opportunities available to them in high school and beyond.
Throughout the fall, students from across the district will step into our CTE classrooms to explore programs that align with their interests, talents, and future career goals. Each tour provides an up-close look at programs such as Health Sciences, Engineering, Digital Media, Culinary Arts, and more—helping students make real-world connections between classroom learning and career possibilities.
These experiences are a vital part of helping students make informed decisions about their upcoming high school course selections. By engaging with instructors, participating in demonstrations, and seeing hands-on learning in action, students begin connecting their passions with potential career pathways.
Our goal is to bridge the gap between middle school curiosity and high school opportunity, ensuring every student understands how CTE programs build a strong foundation for success in both college and the workforce.
For more information about CTE upcoming tours, please contact each CTE campus.
DeSoto County Schools is gearing up for an exciting series of middle school tours of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These visits give eighth-grade students a firsthand look at the diverse opportunities available to them in high school and beyond.
Throughout the fall, students from across the district will step into our CTE classrooms to explore programs that align with their interests, talents, and future career goals. Each tour provides an up-close look at programs such as Health Sciences, Engineering, Digital Media, Culinary Arts, and more—helping students make real-world connections between classroom learning and career possibilities.
These experiences are a vital part of helping students make informed decisions about their upcoming high school course selections. By engaging with instructors, participating in demonstrations, and seeing hands-on learning in action, students begin connecting their passions with potential career pathways.
Our goal is to bridge the gap between middle school curiosity and high school opportunity, ensuring every student understands how CTE programs build a strong foundation for success in both college and the workforce.
For more information about CTE upcoming tours, please contact each CTE campus.
🎥 Spotlight on Career Exploration | Hernando High School
Hernando High School senior Alyssa Rhea recently toured FOX13 News to explore her passion for broadcasting and production. Having completed courses in Broadcast Journalism, Digital Media Design, and Digital Media Technology I, Alyssa continues to build on her skills and experiences that align with her future career goals.
The behind-the-scenes tour provided an informative and inspiring look into the fast-paced world of television production, confirming Alyssa’s commitment to pursuing a career in this dynamic field.
A special thank-you to FOX13 News and Lindsay Krosnes, Community Affairs Manager, for welcoming our student and supporting the next generation as they explore opportunities beyond the classroom.
The DeSoto County Workforce Development Program remains focused on connecting education to real-world experiences, helping students like Alyssa turn classroom learning into career success.
Career pathways come alive through Work-Based Learning! Each week, we highlight a student applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Learn more about this week’s featured student below!
Career pathways come alive through Work-Based Learning! Each week, we highlight a student applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Learn more about this week’s featured student below!
📣 Calling All High School Juniors in the Northcentral service area!
Northcentral Electric Cooperative is now accepting applications for the 2026 Cooperative Youth Leaders Program!
This statewide leadership initiative gives students the chance to:
✅ Learn how electric cooperatives power our communities
✅ Grow their leadership and communication skills
✅ Experience democracy firsthand at the state and national levels — including an all-expense-paid Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.
Program Dates:
Cooperative University – January 15, 2026 (Olive Branch)
Cooperative Leaders Workshop – February 25–27, 2026 (Jackson)
Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. – June 13–19, 2026
Application Deadline: November 9, 2025
Students must submit an online application and a short video introduction.
All expenses are fully covered by Northcentral Electric Cooperative.
Don’t miss this opportunity to represent DeSoto County and Mississippi on a national stage!
🔗 Apply: https://form.jotform.com/252446890789071
Contact Dee Russum for questions: 662.932.3451 or drussum@northcentralelectric.com
Northcentral Electric Cooperative is now accepting applications for the 2026 Cooperative Youth Leaders Program!
This statewide leadership initiative gives students the chance to:
✅ Learn how electric cooperatives power our communities
✅ Grow their leadership and communication skills
✅ Experience democracy firsthand at the state and national levels — including an all-expense-paid Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.
Program Dates:
Cooperative University – January 15, 2026 (Olive Branch)
Cooperative Leaders Workshop – February 25–27, 2026 (Jackson)
Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. – June 13–19, 2026
Application Deadline: November 9, 2025
Students must submit an online application and a short video introduction.
All expenses are fully covered by Northcentral Electric Cooperative.
Don’t miss this opportunity to represent DeSoto County and Mississippi on a national stage!
🔗 Apply: https://form.jotform.com/252446890789071
Contact Dee Russum for questions: 662.932.3451 or drussum@northcentralelectric.com
Work-Based Learning Student Spotlight!
Each week, we’re highlighting outstanding students gaining real-world experience through DeSoto County Schools’ Work-Based Learning program. Meet this week’s featured student below!
Each week, we’re highlighting outstanding students gaining real-world experience through DeSoto County Schools’ Work-Based Learning program. Meet this week’s featured student below!
🍰 Calling All Cake Lovers! 🍰
The CTC-West Culinary Arts Program invites you to our Cake Swap Event — Saturday, November 15, in the CTC-W Culinary Area!
What’s a Cake Swap? It’s simple — it’s a celebration of all things cake! Come taste a variety of homemade creations or bring your own masterpiece to share.
Tickets Options:
Bring a cake — $5
Just eat cake — $20
CTC students entering a cake = FREE
(Required for ages 3 and up. Tickets sold at the door are cash only.)
🍰 Everyone gets to sample at least five cakes — probably more!
📥 Cakes accepted 1:00–1:45 PM. No late entries, please.
📅 Cake registration closes Nov. 14.
Register your cake: forms.office.com/r/SLPd9wsEdY
🎟 Purchase tickets: eventbrite.com/e/cake-swap-ctc-w-registration
All proceeds support CTC-W’s Culinary Arts Program. Help us spread the word — and come celebrate cake with us!
The CTC-West Culinary Arts Program invites you to our Cake Swap Event — Saturday, November 15, in the CTC-W Culinary Area!
What’s a Cake Swap? It’s simple — it’s a celebration of all things cake! Come taste a variety of homemade creations or bring your own masterpiece to share.
Tickets Options:
Bring a cake — $5
Just eat cake — $20
CTC students entering a cake = FREE
(Required for ages 3 and up. Tickets sold at the door are cash only.)
🍰 Everyone gets to sample at least five cakes — probably more!
📥 Cakes accepted 1:00–1:45 PM. No late entries, please.
📅 Cake registration closes Nov. 14.
Register your cake: forms.office.com/r/SLPd9wsEdY
🎟 Purchase tickets: eventbrite.com/e/cake-swap-ctc-w-registration
All proceeds support CTC-W’s Culinary Arts Program. Help us spread the word — and come celebrate cake with us!
Service in action!
Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Park’s DECA students at DeSoto Central High School spent their morning assembling craft bags that will be distributed to special education classes across the school. Each bag includes supplies for students to create holiday ornaments!
As part of DECA’s mission to give back to the community, this hands-on project allowed students to make a meaningful impact while learning the value of service and leadership.
Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Park’s DECA students at DeSoto Central High School spent their morning assembling craft bags that will be distributed to special education classes across the school. Each bag includes supplies for students to create holiday ornaments!
As part of DECA’s mission to give back to the community, this hands-on project allowed students to make a meaningful impact while learning the value of service and leadership.
Connecting Classrooms to Careers!
Our Work-Based Learning teachers recently spent the day touring Career & Technical Education programs at Northwest Mississippi Community College. This visit provided valuable insight into postsecondary opportunities available to our students and strengthened our district’s partnership with Northwest.
From healthcare and advanced manufacturing to automotive and information technology, teachers explored programs that align directly with today’s high-demand industries. These connections help ensure our students are career-ready and equipped for success beyond high school.
A special thank you to the Northwest team for hosting and showcasing how CTE pathways continue from high school to college and into the workforce!
#CareerReady #WorkBasedLearning #CTEWorks #EducationToEmployment
Our Work-Based Learning teachers recently spent the day touring Career & Technical Education programs at Northwest Mississippi Community College. This visit provided valuable insight into postsecondary opportunities available to our students and strengthened our district’s partnership with Northwest.
From healthcare and advanced manufacturing to automotive and information technology, teachers explored programs that align directly with today’s high-demand industries. These connections help ensure our students are career-ready and equipped for success beyond high school.
A special thank you to the Northwest team for hosting and showcasing how CTE pathways continue from high school to college and into the workforce!
#CareerReady #WorkBasedLearning #CTEWorks #EducationToEmployment
CTC East is proud to announce our official partnership with Toys for Tots!
Our Logistics & Supply Chain program is putting classroom learning into action by coordinating the collection and distribution of new, unwrapped toys for children this Christmas season. A Toys for Tots drop box has been placed in Student Services, and starting today, all student organizations across campus will support this charitable effort.
This initiative is more than just giving back — it’s real-world logistics training in action. From inventory management to supply chain coordination, students are applying the same skills they’ll use in the workforce to ensure every donated toy gets into the hands of a child who needs it most.
Let’s come together as a campus to spread holiday cheer while showcasing the practical power of workforce skills in action.
#WorkforceReady #LogisticsInAction #ToysForTots #StudentsGivingBack
Our Logistics & Supply Chain program is putting classroom learning into action by coordinating the collection and distribution of new, unwrapped toys for children this Christmas season. A Toys for Tots drop box has been placed in Student Services, and starting today, all student organizations across campus will support this charitable effort.
This initiative is more than just giving back — it’s real-world logistics training in action. From inventory management to supply chain coordination, students are applying the same skills they’ll use in the workforce to ensure every donated toy gets into the hands of a child who needs it most.
Let’s come together as a campus to spread holiday cheer while showcasing the practical power of workforce skills in action.
#WorkforceReady #LogisticsInAction #ToysForTots #StudentsGivingBack
Northwest Community College (NWCC) is partnering with DeSoto County Schools to offer a Workforce Short-Term Training Course for high school seniors. This program is designed to provide hands-on technical skills and workforce readiness training in areas such as:
Shop Skills: Safety, Math & Measurements, Tools, Drawings/Prints
Forklift Operation & OSHA Standards
Truck-Related & Workplace Topics
Welding: Safety and Hands-On Skills
Final Evaluation Session
Interested seniors may contact their Career Coach or Work Based Learning teacher for information and registration. Deadline to register is October 20. 2025.
Shop Skills: Safety, Math & Measurements, Tools, Drawings/Prints
Forklift Operation & OSHA Standards
Truck-Related & Workplace Topics
Welding: Safety and Hands-On Skills
Final Evaluation Session
Interested seniors may contact their Career Coach or Work Based Learning teacher for information and registration. Deadline to register is October 20. 2025.
DeSoto County Schools is committed to preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Our Work-Based Learning program allows students to gain real-world experience, develop essential job skills, and explore career pathways.
This week, we’re featuring one of our exceptional WBL students who is making an impact in the workplace while preparing for their future.
Take a look at the flyer and picture below to learn more about their journey!
#WBLSpotlight #WorkforceReady #StudentAchievement #CareerReady
This week, we’re featuring one of our exceptional WBL students who is making an impact in the workplace while preparing for their future.
Take a look at the flyer and picture below to learn more about their journey!
#WBLSpotlight #WorkforceReady #StudentAchievement #CareerReady
Our Career Coaches bring career exploration to life every week. Discover this week’s featured connection in the flyer below!
Our senior Work-Based Learning students had the opportunity to tour Northwest Community College last week during the CHHS NWCC Tour, organized by Career Coach Nici Hill. Students explored CTE programs, learned about campus life, and gained valuable insight into next steps after graduation.
Experiences like these help our students connect classroom learning to future college and career opportunities!
#WorkforceDevelopment #WBL #NWCC #CTE #FutureReady
Experiences like these help our students connect classroom learning to future college and career opportunities!
#WorkforceDevelopment #WBL #NWCC #CTE #FutureReady
Work-Based Learning Student Spotlight
Our Work-Based Learning program gives students the opportunity to bridge the gap between school and career by gaining hands-on experience in the workforce.
Each week, we shine a light on one student who is excelling on the job, demonstrating professionalism, and making strides toward their career goals.
Meet this week’s spotlight student in the flyer and photo below—and see how they are turning learning into doing!
#WorkforceReady #WBL #StudentSuccess #CareerReady
Our Work-Based Learning program gives students the opportunity to bridge the gap between school and career by gaining hands-on experience in the workforce.
Each week, we shine a light on one student who is excelling on the job, demonstrating professionalism, and making strides toward their career goals.
Meet this week’s spotlight student in the flyer and photo below—and see how they are turning learning into doing!
#WorkforceReady #WBL #StudentSuccess #CareerReady
From the classroom to the career field—our Career Coaches open doors for students each week. See this week’s opportunity in the flyer below!
Hernando High School students recently attended a special luncheon featuring a guest speaker from Baptist Health Sciences University. While spotlighting the nursing profession, the speaker also shared that Baptist offers 15 different majors with opportunities to earn associate, bachelor’s, and even doctoral degrees.
Students left the event both inspired and informed about the wide range of career paths available in healthcare, gaining valuable insight into their future possibilities.
Students left the event both inspired and informed about the wide range of career paths available in healthcare, gaining valuable insight into their future possibilities.
Bridging the Gap: 10th Grade Career Expo
DeSoto County Schools & DeSoto Economic Development Council are proud to partner in hosting Bridging the Gap – the 10th Grade Career Expo. This immersive, two-day event gives our 10th grade students hands-on experience with local industries, career pathways, and training programs. It’s an opportunity for students to explore what’s out there — beyond the classroom — and to begin shaping their future.
When: October 29-30, 2025
Where: Landers Center, Southaven, MS
Students will get exposure to sectors including:
• Distribution & Supply Chain Logistics
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Engineering
• And many more hands-on career paths and employer showcases.
https://desotocounty.com/bridging-the-gap/career-expo
#DCSBridgingTheGap #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerReady
DeSoto County Schools & DeSoto Economic Development Council are proud to partner in hosting Bridging the Gap – the 10th Grade Career Expo. This immersive, two-day event gives our 10th grade students hands-on experience with local industries, career pathways, and training programs. It’s an opportunity for students to explore what’s out there — beyond the classroom — and to begin shaping their future.
When: October 29-30, 2025
Where: Landers Center, Southaven, MS
Students will get exposure to sectors including:
• Distribution & Supply Chain Logistics
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Engineering
• And many more hands-on career paths and employer showcases.
https://desotocounty.com/bridging-the-gap/career-expo
#DCSBridgingTheGap #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerReady
