Wildcat Growl
November 27, 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,
DHS would like to thank our community for providing Thanksgiving pies for our staff. Over 100 pies were delivered to the office by students and parents last week. We are incredibly appreciative of your support. Thank you!
Many of our winter sports begin their 2022-2023 competitive season this week. Good luck, Wildcats!
Beginning this Wednesday, November 30th, and taking place each Wednesday for the rest of the school year, De Soto High School will be on an adjusted schedule called - Collaborative Team Time (CTT).
The first class of the day will begin at 8:20 am. Students arriving between 7:30 am and 8:15 am will need to enter the building through the front main entrance or through the attendance office entrance. They will be directed to a study hall environment in the Commons or Union.
From 8:15 am to 8:20 am the exterior doors that are typically open for student drivers will be unlocked.
Teachers will be engaged in professional collaboration during this time. This schedule only impacts the high schools and does not impact students using bus transportation to school. Bus riders are expected to enter the building on arrival and cannot leave school unless called out by a parent or guardian.
Cocoa & Cram returns to DHS next week. Check out the information below.
Our student service team has been busy organizing and planning for course selection for the 2023-2024 school year. Information will be provided for students and parents before Winter Break – with current Junior students beginning the course selection process when we return from Winter Break in January.
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 (not before).
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
De Soto High School students are invited to A Night With K-State Engineering!
The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is hosting events for high school and community college students. Representatives will lead an interactive presentation for students and their guests to learn more about engineering. We would love for your students to join us at one of the following events:
· YouTube Live | Tuesday, Nov. 29
Learn more about engineering degrees, scholarships, career opportunities and industry partners.
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.