Wildcat Growl
August 14, 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
Wildcats and Families,
This week will begin the 2022-2023 school year at De Soto High School. We are excited to get started and are looking forward to a great year. This week's "Principal's Message" portion of the newsletter is packed with important information. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Schedule Change Requests: Student schedules are now available to view online in Skyward. Please note that students' schedules will not be finalized in Skyward until the end of the day on August 16th for 9th graders and the end of the day on August 17th for 10th-12th graders.
Students who would like to request a schedule change will have to fill out the Schedule Change Request Form, which will be available in Student Services on Monday, August 22nd. A list of open/available courses will be published outside Student Services on that day.
Attendance Office: In order to improve the safety and security of our building, an Attendance Office was added to the north student entrance (door #21). This creates a secure student entrance/exit to DHS, where students will be able to enter/exit the building closer to the student parking lot from a door that is monitored by our attendance secretary and school resource officer during the school day (7:50 am-2:55 pm). We ask that all students use this exit/entrance during the school day. Our visitors will continue to use the Main Entrance on the south side of the building.
Traffic Pattern: The DHS traffic patterns before the school day and at dismissal are posted on our website. With beginning drivers, busses, and students walking from the lot into the building, we can't stress enough the need for a reduction of speed and awareness while in our parking lot. If you drop off and/or pick your student up from DHS, we ask that you pull as far forward along the curb as possible before stopping your vehicle. Thank you.
School Meals: School meals for the 2022-2023 school year will revert back to standard pricing. Meals for all students will no longer be free because federal waivers were not extended. Only students/families who qualify financially will be eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals for the 2022-2023 school year. Families may complete an Application for Free or Reduced Price School Meals online at skyward.usd232.org or by completing a paper copy. If a family has already received communication that their child(ren) qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, a Consent for Disclosure/Waiver must be completed in order to receive a reduction in school fees or transportation.
Bullying and Online Harassment: While we plan to continue to allow students to use their mobile devices during passing periods and lunch, we would also ask that parents have a conversation with their students about appropriate use. Taking pictures or videos of other students without their consent and then sharing those pictures/videos or posting them online can be a form of social harassment or bullying, and will be handled as such. Please refer to the information posted on the district website regarding bullying and harassment. Thank you for helping us address this issue with our students.
Come Join our Team: DHS is looking for positive caring adults interested in making a difference in the lives of our students working as a paraprofessional. This important role follows the school schedule (calendar/times) and would be perfect for a recent retiree or someone with school-age children. Interested? Check out our district website for more information.
Cat Booster Club: The Cat Booster Club works to support all of our students at DHS. They provide teacher grants for classroom needs, support Gradfest, assist school activities in fundraising, organize Teacher Appreciation Week, and fund scholarships to graduating seniors. They are able to do all of this by selling spirit wear and donating their time in the concession stands. We are so appreciative of them. The membership drive for this year is currently underway, with multiple levels to choose from. Check out their website - here.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Monday, August 15th is the first day for fall activities, with many try-outs and practices taking place at various times around campus. We encourage students to contact the coach for specific information about getting involved. Good Luck, Wildcats!
Wednesday, August 17th is Wildcat Kickoff, our 9th-graders' first 1/2 day (7:50 am - 11:07 am).
Thursday, August 18th is the first full day of school for all students (7:50 am - 2:55 pm). We will host a Senior Class meeting in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) during seminar.
Friday, August 19th will be our first all-school assembly during seminar. We will be on the assembly bell schedule.
Thursday, August 25th is Parent Information Night. We look forward to hosting all of our families and hope you will be able to attend.
Friday, August 26th will see a return of Fall Fest. Events will begin at 5:00 pm. We hope to see you there!
Thanks, and have a great week.
Sam Ruff
Principal
De Soto High School
Note from 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
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.