Wildcat Growl
October 30, 2020
Future Ready Wildcats
De Soto High School staff and students endeavor to model the following core values:
INTEGRITY, INQUIRY, COMMUNICATION, PERSEVERANCE, and REFLECTION.
Principal's Message
Dear Wildcats and Families,
There are changes in next week’s schedule. It does not include a C-day. The schedule can be reviewed on our website (here).
Thank you to all the families who joined us virtually for Parent-Teacher Conferences. While we missed getting to invite you into the building, teachers have reported how great it was to get to collaborate with families on the success of our students. If you were unable to arrange a conference, feel free to reach out to your student’s teachers to set up a time to meet.
We also really appreciate our Booster Club for providing staff dinner on Wednesday and breakfast Thursday morning. This year has been a challenge for our Booster Club, who uses concessions to actively support both academic and extracurricular opportunities for all students. If you are interested in joining or supporting the Booster Club, information can be view on our website (here).
We’d like to recognize Coach Lindsay Hothan for being named United Kansas Conference (UKC) Volleyball Co-Coach of the Year. Coach Hothan led the Wildcats to a 4-1 conference record and 18-8 overall. Great job, Coach Hothan!
Teachers will be submitting quarter 1 grades next week, and report cards will be published on Wednesday, November 11th.
Kind Regards,
Sam Ruff,
Principal
Paraprofessional Substitutes needed!
USD 232 is in need of paraprofessional substitutes who are flexible and willing to substitute throughout the district on an as needed basis. Stay-at-home parents make great substitute paraprofessionals! The ideal candidate is caring, compassionate and dedicated to the students’ success by looking for ways to support the teacher and making a positive difference in the lives of our children. Becoming a para sub is a great way to support the district, our students and our teachers which is needed now more than ever.
To learn more about becoming a substitute paraprofessional for the district, please speak with your Principal or contact Human Resources at the USD 232 District Office. Ready to apply? Click here > Paraprofessional Substitutes for USD 232
Attendance Procedure and Tips
Please remember to call DHS, preferably before 10:00 am on the day of the absence if your student is absent. This also includes Optional Remote Students.
You can also call in a prearranged absence ahead of time. The 24-hour attendance voicemail
is 913-667-6259. We also ask that students missing school as a result of an appointment to verify the appointment by turning in an appointment note/slip. This helps us ensure the absence is excused rather than considered as a parent request. Students can turn the note into the school office when they return from the appointment or email the attendance secretary at mpartlowwilliams@usd232.org.
Dropping off forms or items for your student?
Face Mask Facts
Face masks are required to be properly worn by all individuals in K-12 schools by Kansas Executive Order 20-59.
Wearing a mask is an important tool to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This evidence-based approach is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.
In compliance with the state order, USD 232 requires the wearing of masks at all times, with few exceptions. Exemption requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and require medical verification. Requests can be made by contacting our nurse at 913-667-6250 or mfarverlightcap@usd232.org.
Pre-ACT Information
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Pre-ACT dates have CHANGED:
The date is based on your student’s cohort group:
· 9th & 10th-grade Optional Remote Students - Wednesday, Oct. 28th
· 10th-grade Wildcat Cohort (last names L-Z) - Monday, Nov. 2nd
· 9th-grade Wildcat Cohort (last names L-Z) - Tuesday, Nov. 3rd
· 10th-grade De Soto Cohort (last names A-K) - Wednesday, Nov. 4th
· 9th-grade De Soto Cohort (last names A-K) - Thursday, Nov. 5th
The test will begin at 7:50 am. There will not be make-up tests offered.
What is the PreACT? The PreACT simulates the ACT testing experience within a shorter test window on all four ACT test subjects: English, math, reading and science. Results predict future success on the ACT test, and provide both current achievement and projected future ACT test scores on the familiar 1-35 ACT score scale.
Students will test in a large-group format in the gym. They will be socially distanced and required to wear a mask.
What should my student(s) bring for the test? They should bring a couple of sharpened #2 pencils (no mechanical pencils, please), a calculator, water & a snack (if they’d like).
Please make sure your student gets a good night’s sleep and eats breakfast before coming to school to test.
If you have any questions about the test, please reach out to your student’s counselor.
College Fair
Upcoming College Fair:
The National Association of College Admission Counseling is hosting 3 upcoming virtual college fairs on November 8th. For more information please visit: www.virtualcollegefairs.org.
College Virtual Nights
KSU Careers in Event, Hotel & Restaurant Management Virtual Night:
KSU is hosting a virtual event for students interested in the event or hotel/restaurant management on Thursday, November 12th at 6 pm. In this event student will learn of dynamic opportunities in lodging, foodservice and event management, as well as learn from industry professionals about how their degree as led them to a degree they love. To register, go to: https://k-state.secure.force.com/events/#/list?category=Academic%20Interests
Pittsburg State University Virtual Honors Event:
Pittsburg State University is excited to announce their very first Virtual Honors Day to be held on Saturday, November 7th starting at 10:00 am. The event should last between 60-90 minutes depending on questions that may arise. They will be presenting a number of important topics including the application and selection process, the academic offerings and expectations of the program, the social offerings of the organization, as well as the many other benefits of being selected to this cohort of high achieving students. To register for the event, email Craig Fuchs, Director of the Honors College at cfuchs@pittstate.edu. The event will be hosted on Facebook Live.
FAFSA 2021-22 Application Opens Soon!
FAFSA 2021-22 Application Opens Soon!
Seniors who are attending a post-secondary institution next year need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This application will determine eligibility for grants and scholarships and many colleges and universities, but also provides loans as well. Students can begin filling out the 2021-22 application, starting October 1st. For more information, please visit: www.studentaid.gov.
JCCC has a helpful website on completing the FAFSA and offers assistance daily from 10 am – 3 pm via Zoom. Visit https://www.jccc.edu/admissions/financial-aid/ for more information.
The Johnson County library is offering an online step by step session to help students and parents with the FAFSA process. The next session available is October 28th from 6:30 to 8 pm. Students must register by visiting the following link: JCCC FAFSA Event.
District Recommendation for Students Returning from Quarantine or Isolation
If a student is gone from school due to a COVID-19 quarantine or isolation, the district is recommending that students disinfect their textbooks, library books and MacBook at home before coming back to school.
Thank you.
Boys Soccer
Good Luck
Cross Country
Securly App
Parents can have peace of mind in knowing your student’s search history and time on their device. See your student’s online activity in real-time and catch up with weekly email snapshots by signing up with the Securly app. Follow the link for more information and directions.