Wildcat Growl
December 4, 2022
Our Vision:
De Soto High School ensures all students learn at a high level and have a positive sense of belonging, developing each student to be ready for their future.
Principal's Message
Wildcat Family,
We've had a great first semester. Our student and staff successes are a continual reminder that goals can be achieved through attention to detail and persistent effort.
The academic term is quickly coming to an end. As of Monday, December 5th, each class will meet only 6 more times this semester. Many of our courses are finishing up content for the term and preparing for final exams. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of finishing up the semester strong.
Regular attendance at school can have a significant impact on student success. Additionally, we have academic support for students. This includes traveling to teachers during seminars (with 7 opportunities before final exams), Breakfast Club, and Cocoa & Cram.
Cocoa & Cram is this week! Information is included below. We look forward to seeing students attend both Cocoa & Cram this week and Breakfast Club over the next several weeks.
Congratulations to Anna D'Andrea and Sam Torline. Both are being recognized as our Wildcats of the Month for December. Anna and Sam are involved in a variety of activities and we appreciate their positive contribution to DHS!
We also want to congratulate Jane Stanton and Ben Stamey. Both are being recognized as the staff Wildcats of the Month for December. Jane serves DHS as our Attendance Secretary, and Ben serves as a Business Teacher and Coach. We are lucky to have both as members of the staff at DHS. Congrats!
The nomination period for Kansas Teacher of the Year is open. We encourage you to nominate any teacher whom you consider an outstanding and effective educator and whom you or your child has had as a teacher. This person must have completed 5 years of teaching with at least 2 of them having been in USD 232. If there is a USD 232 educator whom you believe to be outstanding and deserving of special recognition, please fill out the nomination form at www.usd232.org/ktoy. The nomination deadline is 4:00 PM on January 13, 2021.
During the months of January, February, and March students will complete the process of course selection for the 2023-2024 school year. Directions and information will be shared on our website. Students and parents will review the course guide and select courses through Skyward - with students then meeting individually with their academic counselor to discuss how their course selections fit into their Individual Plans of Study (IPS).
Semester final exams are scheduled to begin Thursday, December 15th, and end Tuesday, December 20th. Winter Break begins on December 21st. If students have to leave town prior to or during finals week, they will need to work with the teacher to make up the final within two weeks of their return.
Thanks, and have a great week!
Sam Ruff
Principal, DHS
Attendance Information
We want to share some important information and reminders for parents. During the summer, we added a new Attendance Office to the north student entrance (door #21). This new student-only entrance/exit will be where students should be dropped off or picked up during the school day (7:50 am - 2:55 pm). Visitors will continue to use the Main Entrance on the south side of the building.
School Meals
Homework Request Information
When your student is absent from school, please encourage your student to reach out to teachers requesting assignments missed due to the absence. Certainly, parents can also reach out to teachers, but part of becoming a self-directed independent learner is communication, being organized, and advocating for yourself. If your student is experiencing a longer-term absence (a week or more), our counselors are available to assist in this process.
Need to contact the Counselors?
DHS Counselors and Social Worker
Crissy Johns (A-G): CJohns@usd232.org
Abbey Heller (H-N): aheller@usd232.org
Kaitlin Britt (O-Z): KBritt@usd232.org
Joe Kordalski (Social Worker): Rkordalski@usd232.org
Garmin Informational Night for High School Seniors
Garmin will be hosting an in-person informational session for a high school work study program on Tuesday, December 6pm from 4-6pm at Garmin’s Olathe Support Center. This is a fantastic opportunity for high school seniors to attend and to learn more about their options at Garmin, see the facility, and consider Garmin as an option even before they graduate! We are specifically looking for students who are interested in joining the workforce upon graduation.
View the invitation for the event: Garmin Product Support High School Event
Link to register for the Informational Session: https://bit.ly/3DYcyB3
High School Work Study Program Application: https://bit.ly/3WT4Y3b
Kansas ScholarShop
In partnership with Sallie Mae, Kansas State Treasurer’s office has launched the Kansas ScholarShop initiative. ScholarShop aims to restore hope and excitement for students seeking educational and career advancement after high school. With access to 6 million scholarships worth up to $30 billion; students can search and find scholarships, grants and awards tailored specifically to their deepest passions. For more information visit: https://kansascash.ks.gov/scholarshop.html
Cat Booster Club
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.