Wildcat Growl
December 11, 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,
This is the last full week of the semester. On Wednesday, December 14th, we will be on the Collaborative Team Time Delayed Schedule, with the first period beginning at 8:20 AM.
Final Exams will take place on Thursday and Friday of this week, and Monday and Tuesday of next week. The Final Exam schedule can be viewed on our website. DHS and the Main Office will be closed Wednesday, December 21st, through Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023. Classes resume on Thursday, January 5th, 2023.
We want to thank the following teachers for volunteering their time last week assisting with Cocoa and Cram - our afterschool study tables focused on Final Exam preparation. Thank you: Abby Adams, Jessica Pennybacker, Laura Sixta, Sharon Dailey, Mike Murphy, Marianne Huff, Sue Smith, Mike Runyan, Kaitlin Britt, Autumn Burks, Abbey Heller, Andrew Pinnell, Ryan Robie, Jacob Penner, and Shemika Henagan. We also want to thank Cat Monroe, Abby Huggins, Joe Kordalski, Drew Proctor, and Ben Stamey for planning and running the event!
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, 2023.
Seniors and Senior Parents: This is an exciting time. Students have what will become a very short spring semester left before graduation on May 20, 2023. Seniors should focus on the goal of a strong finish to their high school experience. Attendance is especially important.
Several Seniors have applied for a ‘Shortened Day’ during the spring semester. Those students are reminded of a few key points:
1) During the school day (7:50 am - 2:55 pm), you must enter and exit the building through the attendance office doors,
2) If you do not have Seminar – you will need to sign in through the attendance office to meet with a teacher, and
3) Having a shortened schedule is contingent on you having regular attendance and passing all of your courses.
Thanks, and have a great week!
Sam Ruff
Principal, DHS
Wednesday, December 14th Collaborative Team Time Late Start
Kansas Teacher of the Year
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
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.