Wildcat Growl
October 23, 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,
Reminder - there is no school on Monday, October 24th.
The De Soto Wildcats Varsity Football team claimed the 2022 United Kansas Conference Championship on Friday, October 21st. The Wildcats completed their United Kansas Conference schedule with an undefeated record of 7-0. Congratulations and good luck, Wildcats!
DHS hosted the KSHSAA 5A Cross Country Regional at Lexington Lake Park on Saturday, October 22nd. The Girls XC team placed 3rd and qualified their entire team for the KSHSAA State meet next weekend. Team members include Addison Gillespie, Brooke Bundt, Sophie Landrum, Kat Meyer, Hope Marriott, Abby Sheerin, and Isabelle Butler. The Boys XC team placed 4th as a team, with several Individuals qualifying for the state meet, including Joshua Fullmer and Vance Krudwig. Congratulations!
The Kansas Bandmasters Association held the Open Class Marching Championships at Memorial Stadium on the campus of Kansas University on Saturday, October 22nd. The DHS Wildcat Marching Band qualified for the finals, placing 12th of all bands participating. Way to go, Marching Band!
The Kansas Scholastic Press Association holds competitions for writing, design, and photography. For August/September, Madison Glaser placed second in the portrait division and Maria Nino-Elliott placed third! Their portraits are below. Great job, Madison and Maria!
Several important events are coming up:
- October 25th - Soccer Regionals: The first game of the KSHSAA 5A East Regional #1 has DHS hosting Piper High School at 6:00 pm. Good luck, Wildcats!
- October 26th - Future Ready Day: 9th and 10th graders will take the Pre-ACT, 11th graders will visit postsecondary institutions (permission slip deadline is Tuesday, October 25th), and our seniors are either taking the ASVAB, attending a college visit on their own, participating in a job shadow, participating in a senior service activity or will be assigned to a study hall.
- October 27th - Class Awards: 60+ students will participate in the Quarter 1 CLASS Award Recognition Ceremony to be held during seminar, at 10:50 am in the De Soto High School Performing Arts Center.
- October 28th - Home Football: The Wildcats will host the Bears from Turner High School in the first round of the KSHSAA 5A playoffs on October 28th at 7:00 pm.
- October 29th - Trunk or Treat: SAFE and the DHS Leadership class are organizing a Trunk or Treat from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm in the DHS parking lot. The flyer is below.
- October 30th - Trivia Night: the DHS Drama program is holding a Trivia Night fundraiser. Information about how to sign up is below. The doors open at 5:30 pm.
- October 31st - Halloween Spirit Week: The spirit dress-up days are listed on the flyer below.
- November 9th - Delayed Start Day: Students will begin school two (2) hours later than normal. Students will need to be at school for their first block class at 9:50 a.m.
- November 11th - Veterans Day Assembly: the DHS Leadership class is planning an all-school assembly to honor our Veterans. All Veterans are invited to join us. Please review the flyer below.
At the October 3rd meeting, the Board of Education approved Collaborative Team Time, which provides a common time each week for teams of teachers to meet. As a result, a slight adjustment to our schedule will take place each Wednesday beginning November 30, 2022. Students will need to be at school for their first block class at 8:20 am.
Unlike Delayed Start days, the building will open and bus transportation will take place at the normal time. Breakfast will be served in the commons, and students will be expected to remain in the commons or union from 7:30 am to 8:15 am to prepare for the academic day by studying or completing assignments. Students attending specialized programs at Eudora, KCKCCTech, and JCCC will need to continue to follow the schedule of their specific program.
Thanks, and Go Wildcats!
Sam Ruff
Principal, DHS
catPRIDE
This week several members of the DHS Club, catPRIDE attended the 16th Annual Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) hosted by Johnson Co. Mental Health. During YLS, youth and adult leaders worked to enhance their leadership and advocacy skills. Clubs were challenged to go through a discovery process to identify areas of need and create action plans to create awareness and education around substance use healthy behaviors within their schools and communities. Keep your eye on future school wide events to support these efforts, including Wellness Week and our annual 5th Quarter following a home basketball game.
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.
Please remember to call DHS, before 10:00 am on the day of an absence if your student is absent. 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 due to a physician/medical/dental appointment verify the appointment by turning in an appointment note/slip from the healthcare provider. This helps us ensure the absence is excused rather than considered a parent request. Students can turn the note in to the attendance office when they return from the appointment.
KSPA - 2nd Place: Madison Glaser's Portrait
KSPA - 3rd Place: Maria Nino-Elliot's Portrait
Future Ready Day: October 26th
Future Ready Day is scheduled for October 26th. On this day, students participate in a variety of activities assisting them in planning for their future.
On October 26th, all 9th/10th-grade students are scheduled to take the Pre-ACT. This important assessment simulates the ACT test experience, predicts ACT test scores, and offers insight to students toward post-secondary readiness.
Additionally, 11th-grade students will participate in a school-supervised college visit. Students will have an opportunity to select from a list of colleges. Thanks to a USD232 Education Foundation grant, all transportation will be provided by DHS. In the coming weeks, Juniors will be sent a survey asking them to rank their preference from the list of schools.
On the same day, our 12th-grade students will be able to select from several activities including:
- Senior Service Day - community service projects.
- Taking the ASVAB - a test provided by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success. This option may also include a field trip to the Armory to meet with and listen to presentations given by US Armed Services personnel.
- individually/self-planned college visits*, or
- job shadow*.
We are sending each Senior a survey this week to self-select which activity they are choosing. (*college visits and job shadows require the completion of a form found in Student Services)
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.
Halloween Trivia Night Fundraiser
The Drama program is hosting a Halloween Trivia Night to fundraise for our fall musical! Please see the flyer and QR code for more information. Tons of prizes and a Silent Auction! We'd love to see tables of adults, families, students...rounds will include Sports, Movies, Music, Disney, Halloween and Stranger Things!
Breakfast with Belle Fundraiser
The Drama program is hosting a Breakfast with Belle to fundraise for our fall musical, Beauty and the Beast. Please see the flyer and QR code for more information. There will be an all you can eat pancake buffet and an opportunity to take pictures in our castle with Belle and your other favorite characters!
School Meals
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
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:
· Lee’s Summit, Missouri | Summit Technology Academy | Thursday, Nov. 3
· 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.