Wildcat Growl
January 15, 2021
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,
The second semester begins Wednesday, January 20th with students returning to the hybrid schedule. We will follow the hybrid schedule until February 1st - the date our onsite students will return to being fully onsite. Both cohorts will start in-person on a Green Day/White Day rotation. The schedule through February 12th can be viewed on our website (here).
Course Selection for the 2021-2022 school year is open through students’ IPS Canvas course. Parents and students are encouraged to sit down together to review all the information available (Course Guide, Course Selection form, graduation requirements). Course selections should fit their post-secondary and personal interests. As shared above, counselors will be meeting with students to finalize the process.
The deadline for current 10th and 11th graders to submit their course selection forms in Canvas is Friday, January 22nd.
The deadline for freshmen to submit their Course Selection form is Friday, February 19th.
If you have any questions regarding course selection, please contact your student’s counselor.
This week in our Habits of Mind Video Series discusses reflection. Here’s a link to the video. A special thanks to Joe Kordalski for putting this video series together for our students.
Kind Regards,
Sam Ruff,
Principal
Habits of the Mind
DHS Families,
This week in our Habits of Mind Video Series, I discuss reflection. Here’s a link to the video. As we prepare to begin the second semester it’s a great time for our students to reflect on where they’ve been and where they would like to be going into the 3rd quarter. I highlight three ways to look at the act of reflection; using it as a means of developing constructive feedback, as an opportunity to push the “pause button” and change directions if needed, and last, putting your reflective thoughts into black and white as a way to further develop and process the information. Here is a link to teenlife.com that provides additional talking points that can further expand the conversation.
Thank you very much for all the hard work you’ve poured into your student’s semester. We look forward to building on the momentum of the year and continuing to find ways to connect with you and your student.
Take care,
Joe Kordalski, LMSW
Social Worker
PSAT Practice Session 2021
PSAT Practice Session 2021
Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Kaul
Two Morning Sessions of Preparation
for Sophomores and Juniors
Total Fee: $60 (includes workbook and both sessions)
Meeting from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in the DHS Union on
Saturday, January 16 and Saturday, January 23
Registration is due Wednesday, January 13th
Make checks payable to Phil Hamilton and pay at the first session.
Questions? Email Mr. Hamilton at prhamilton@usd232.org
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.
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.
Busing for In Person Learning
If students are coming back for In Person Learning and are not currently signed up for busing please contact First Student at (913)-422-8501.
American Legion of Kansas Boys State
Every year, the American Legion of Kansas offers an opportunity for students in Kansas. It is a week-long leadership opportunity where young men will:
- Distinguish you in the competition for college admissions and scholarships
- Expand leadership and problem-solving skills that will help you throughout life
- Give you a huge head start in your senior government class
- Introduce you to some of the smartest, most motivated high school students in Kansas
- Establish lifelong friendships
- Who – Male Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors in the top half of their class;
What – The American Legion Boys’ State of Kansas;
When – Sunday, June 6 through Saturday, June 12, 2021;
Where – Kansas State University in Manhattan;
Why – For Democracy to work, we must learn how to work together;
How – Apply at American Legion Boys' State of Kansas ... (ksbstate.org)
If you are interested in this program and need a sponsor to help pay for the cost, please contact Mrs. Johns at cjohns@usd232.org.
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?
Scholars Bowl Season Starting Strong
Varsity Scholars’ Bowl Team Earns Third Place at Blue Valley North
The Varsity Scholars’ Bowl team competed remotely at the Blue Valley North Scholars’ Bowl tournament on Jan. 12, finishing in 3rd place. The team had a record of 7-2, only losing to 6A Lawrence Free State once in pool play and then again in the semifinals.
The team performed well, scoring a total of 510 points over 9 rounds played. Although the tournament featured abnormal and particularly challenging questions, each player scored at least once. The team was composed of seniors Luke LeBar, Kyle Smith, Anika Schroder, and juniors Ryan Barber, Mason Laney, and Sara Murphy.
Scholars’ Bowl Hosts Successful JV Tournament
On Monday, January 11, the Scholars’ Bowl program welcomed 17 teams from across Kansas to their virtual JV tournament. The tournament consisted of 7 pool-play rounds and 3 finals rounds, which ended with Washburn Rural being crowned the champion.
This tournament was a huge success, mainly due to a plethora of support from across the district and the alumni network. 10 district employees, 9 former students, and 29 current students all pitched in and worked various jobs throughout the night.
Varsity Scholars’ Bowl Claims First Place at Leavenworth
The Scholars’ Bowl program continues to have success across the board, most recently claiming first place at the Leavenworth Varsity Tournament on Jan. 7. The team went 8-1, only losing to 6A Olathe Northwest by 5 points during a tie-breaker. The team won a 3-way-tie in order to win the number one seed going into semifinals. After beating Lawrence Free State 55-40, the team advanced to the finals and beat Saint James 55-45 in a tie-breaker question.
The team averaged 65.56 points per round, with each team member answering at least 5 questions. The team was composed of seniors Abi Yarbrough, Kyle Smith, Luke LeBar, Connor McCall, and Anika Schroder, and junior Sara Murphy.
Over the next couple of weeks, the team will be participating in many more tournaments, with the goal of advancing to the state tournament. We will be hoping to successfully defend our UKC championship at the conference tournament on Jan. 26.
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.
Varsity
Good Luck at State!
Varsity
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.