Our Story

The Deslandes Foundation was birthed from a desire to change the mindset paradigm of students, parents, and educators in the public school system. 

We have seen firsthand the breakdowns and disconnects that make it difficult for teachers to educate. Many variables create a distraction from academics in the classroom, including but not limited to; behavioral issues that are addressed with ineffective methods, negative influences from the child’s home & environment and a lack of partnership between educators and parents. 

As previous and current educators, we have witnessed the following scenarios firsthand:

· Students being physically violent with one another and towards school staff.

· Students using profanity and hatred language towards one another and school staff.

· Students bullying one another.

· Students exhibiting disruptive behaviors in school and on the school buses.

· Students damaging school property.

· Parents encouraging their kids to fight other kids at school.

· Parents making excuses for their child’s behavior.

· Lack of trust and partnership between parents and teachers.

In having discussions with students…we have discovered that many of them feel hopeless and have a very negative self-image and hold a lot of hatred in their hearts. They see the world in a broken glass theory where they internalize everything around them in a negative way. This makes them quick to give up and lash out in anger whenever they are faced with challenges and adversity.

The Deslandes Foundation wants to be a light of hope and a resource to help change this negative pattern and redirect the trajectory of students lives.  Through our initiatives, programs, and outreach efforts – we strive to change the current paradigm and encourage a greater level of partnership and collaboration so that students, parents, and teachers flow as a unified team. We also believe in positive reinforcement and that students & teachers should be rewarded for exhibiting levels of greatness. 

We firmly believe that EVERY student has the ability to be GREAT! We are dedicated to help them realize the greatness that is within them and provide a support system of love and encouragement to help them become the best versions of themselves.

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