Wildcat Growl
October 9, 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,
Congratulations to members of our Wildcat Tennis team! They placed 2nd in the 5A Regional, qualifying 4 members for the KSHSAA 5A State Tennis Tournament. Congrats: Kylie Albright, Lily Endsley, Lauren Fandre, and Emma Hellerich, and way to go team!
The district is accepting nominations for the USD 232 Making a Difference Award. Complete a nomination form for any USD 232 staff member to recognize and celebrate our district's exceptional teachers and staff. Nominations are reviewed monthly.
Information about the Class of 2023 graduation ceremony can be viewed on our website (here). This year, the ceremony will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 20th.
The senior class met with a representative from Jostens on Monday, October 3rd. The representative presented information about ordering multiple packages including announcements, and the required cap and gown needed for the ceremony. The online order due date is Wednesday, October 12th.
The end of the first quarter of the school year is Thursday, October 20th. After teachers submit quarter 1 grades, they will be posted to Skyward on Tuesday, October 25th.
Just a reminder that we do not have school on Friday, October 21st, and Monday, October 24th.
Information about the various activities we have planned for FutureReady Day - on Wednesday, October 26th is included below. It will be necessary for students to return permission slips (DHS-planned college visits and service activities) in the coming weeks. The senior college visit/job shadow forms will be due Friday, October 28th.
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 have a great week!
Sam Ruff
Principal
De Soto High School
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.
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.
One-Chip Challenge
We all know the power of social media and the various 'challenges' that spread easily as a result. While that influence can be positive: to share, promote, or connect - it can also promote actions that are negative or unhealthy. One recent trend we've been dealing with at DHS is the one-chip challenge.
Parents, please discourage your students from engaging in this at school. This challenge has resulted in several students needing to be sent to the nurse's office. Attempting or promoting other students to engage in this 'challenge' while at school is disruptive and will be addressed. Thank you.
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!
School Meals
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!
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
Shawnee Mission College Clinic:
Wednesday, October 12th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Shawnee Mission Schools are hosting their annual college fair. The event will be at Shawnee Mission East High School. For more information and to see which colleges will be in attendance, please go to: https://shawneemissioncollegeclinic.com/.
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:
· Olathe | Garmin | Tuesday, Oct. 11
· Topeka | Evergy | Wednesday, Oct. 19
· Overland Park | Blue Valley CAPS | Thursday, Oct. 20
· 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.
College Representatives Visiting
A representative from the following Universities will be in Student Services during seminar if your student is interested in more information.
Date they are coming: College:
10/13/22 Missouri State
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
Step-by-Step through the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the federal application necessary to get free and low-cost money for college. Join Jason Anderson, CFA, CFP, of Gradmetrics, as he walks line-by-line through the FAFSA form, using it to explain the ins-and-outs of the college admissions and financial aid process.
· Tuesday, Oct 18th 6:30-8pm (at the Central Resource Library and online via Zoom)
Registration is required. Go to jocolibrary.org/events and check "Career and Finance" in the Event Type section.
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.