Wildcat Growl
December19, 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
Wildcat Students and Families,
Congratulations to Bryson Kendall and Mathys Moore for being selected to the All-State Choir! Additionally, ECKMEA Honor Choir Selections include: Mathys Moore, Alex Bonilla, Bryson Kendall, Annie Winter, Elizabeth Ashley, Brayden Wadehra, and Mallory Charcut. Great job, Wildcats!
Members of the 2020 De Soto Wildcat Football team earned several All-State Selections on top of their United Kansas Conference selections. Details can be reviewed on the WildcatNation website (here).
Congrats to Mr. Ben Stamey for being named USD232 Educational Foundation Making a Difference award winner for November. This recognition is given monthly throughout the school year to an individual who is "truly making a difference in the lives of young people". More information about the award and how to nominate USD232 staff can be viewed here.
During the months of January, February, and March students will complete the process of course selection for the 2021-2022 school year. Information will be shared via the grade level IPS courses. Students and parents are encouraged to complete the process of course selection together.
In order to prepare for course selection, the entire Freshmen Class had an important IPS activity taking place last week. Ask your student to show you their Xello profile and results of the ‘Matchmaker’ activity.
As a result of the change in the district calendar, semester 1 will end on January 15, 2021 - two weeks after we return from Winter Break, January 5th. This may allow students needed time over break and when we return to complete important assignments before the end of the semester.
Beginning January 5th, we will be offering a video series called “Habits of Mind” to our students. Each Monday, your student will receive an email with a link to a 3 - 5 minute video highlighting a topic surrounding mindfulness. On the following Friday, you will receive information via the DHS Growl with a link to the video in addition to talking points and/or resources. Topics will include but not be limited to resiliency, reflection/insight, self-discovery, coping and decision fatigue. We hope this series will be helpful to our students and families during this time of COVID-19.
Click here to view the video introduction from Mr. Joe Kordalski (DHS Social Worker): https://youtu.be/BLn2b5IyxFQ
Kind Regards,
Sam Ruff
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
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.
Making A Difference
Congratulations Ben Stamey who was honored with the USD 232 Making A Difference Award for the month of November. The school district and the USD 232 Education Foundation present this award cooperatively with the program being sponsored by Great American Bank in De Soto.
The Making A Difference Award was created to celebrate and honor the exceptional teachers and staff in USD 232. This is given monthly throughout the school year to an individual who is “truly making a difference in the lives of young people”.
Ben Stamey joined USD 232 in 2016 as teacher at De Soto High School and offers instruction in a number of career and technical education classes including computer graphics, marketing and marketing applications, sports and entertainment marketing and webpage design. Ben received his Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and his Master’s degree from Rockhurst University.
Congrats Mr. Stamey!
Nominations are currently accepted for the Making a Difference Award for the month of December. Nominations are due December 31, 2020 Anyone in USD 232 (staff, parents, students, etc.) can nominate any USD 232 employee. All teachers, support staff, custodians, administrators, secretaries, counselors, food service workers are eligible to receive this award. (Previous Making a Difference Winners ineligible)
All-State Choir
Congrats to Bryson Kendall and Mathys Moore for making the All-State Choir! This is Bryson's 3rd year to be selected and the first year for Mathys.
Congratulations to DeSoto High School Art Student, Julie Steeb
Julie received the Best in Show Award for her drawing, " A Story for Every Wrinkle " at the Tim Murphy 24th Annual High School Visual Arts Competition in Merriam KS last week. Over 462 entries were entered, representing 18 High Schools in the Kansas City area. The exhibit is free and open to the public Dec. 3–Jan. 2, 2020 at the Merriam Community Center 6040 Slater St. Merriam, KS 66202.
HOURS: M-TH 5 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday 5 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
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.
K-State Extends Priority date for Scholarships:
It's not too late to complete your K-State application and be considered for one of K-State's many scholarship opportunities. They are extending their priority date for general university scholarship and award consideration to January 5th.
K-State offers more than $46 million in four-year renewable and one-time awards each year. Students can apply today to become the next Wildcat and receive full scholarship consideration and get access to sign up for housing, as the portal is about to open!
If you would like to attend one of the workshops during a Saturday session, please see below:
- Application Workshop – they can join us from their computer, and we will walk them through the application. We will also waive the $40 application fee just for attending.
- Q&A with Current Students - students will share why they chose K-State and what their college experience has been like during COVID.
KCKCC What to Expect Wednesdays:
Join KCKCC on Wednesday nights at 6 P.M. on the KCKCC Admissions Facebook page for a Live interactive event, "What to Expect Wednesdays"! Join our Admission Coordinators as they dive into topics like the enrollment process, college terms and how to get involved. The Coordinators will answer questions from parents and students as they come in live! This is a great way for students and parents to get started on their transition into the collegiate experience!
Dropping off forms or items for your student?
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.
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.