Wildcat Growl
May 21, 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
Wildcats and Families,
The Class of 2021 graduation ceremony will be held in the Main Gymnasium of De Soto High School tomorrow, May 22nd at 11:00 AM. The event will be live-streamed from the district YouTube channel. In-person attendance requires a ticket. Seniors and senior families were sent information about gaining access to tickets this afternoon. We are excited to host our families in our building on this special day.
We are excited to share with you that Jim Bonar and Justin Hoffman were nominated for the Making a Difference Award for the month of April! The nomination window is open for May! Please consider nominating ANY USD 232 staff member that has made a difference in the life of your student. Ø Making a Difference Nomination Form
The final exams for underclassmen are next week The schedule is below.
- Tuesday, 5/25 (White) Periods 2 & 4
- Wednesday, 5/26 (Green) Periods 2 & 4
- *Thursday, 5/27 (White) Periods 1 & 3
- *Friday, 5/28 (Green) Periods 1 & 3
- * Half-Days - student dismissal is at 11:07AM.
Our summer office hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM beginning June 1 through June 10. The offices will reopen on July 26th.
Online Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year is now available through Skyward.
Kind Regards,
Sam Ruff
Principal
Habits of Mind
DHS Families,
For all the parents, grandparents and caregivers who supported their Senior to end of this year, awesome work! In the coming days I want to encourage them and for you to be in the moment and acknowledge the time, energy and commitment to finishing their high school careers. Too often are we thinking about the next place to be, call to make, email to send… being in the moment and emotionally present for these important events allow us to give all of our self and capture the importance of their accomplishments.
For all the underclass parents, grandparents and caregivers… you are one step closer and can helpfully take a deep breath to prep for what’s next.
In the week’s video I offer a couple tips to support a successful finals week. Sticking to the basics of good preparation/studying, eating right, sleeping and positive self-talk can help support a foundation for success.
I wish everyone a safe and healthy summer break. We look forward to serving you in the week to come and beyond.
Joe Kordalski, LMSW
Take care,
Joe Kordalski, LMSW
Congratulations Philip Kaul for being chosen as the DHS Building Rep for Kansas Teacher of the Year!
Congratulations Robert Kordalski on receiving the Teacher of Excellence Award!
Boys Varsity Golf Places 4th at Regionals
Richards places 2nd at FFA State Competition
Notes from the Nurse
VACCINATIONS
The State of Kansas requires incoming 11th graders to have one Meningococcal vaccine on or after their 16th birthday.
- Your shot record might say MCV, MCV4, MCV40, MCV4P, Menveo or Menactra or just meningococcal. All of these meet the requirement.
If your student has already had these vaccinations, please email Anne Lightcap, BSN, RN the shot record (mfarverlightcap@usd232.org). If you have already submitted a shot record containing this vaccine, you do not need to send it again. How can you check? From your desktop (it will NOT work on your phone), go to Skyward, then choose:
Health Info (tab on the left side) Display Options Show Vaccinations
SPORTS PHYSICALS
Sports physicals completed on or after May 1, 2021 are valid for the 2021-2022 school year. If your student is going to participate in a sport next year, you must have a current physical on file. The physical form is attached to this email and may also be found at:
http://www.kshsaa.org/Public/PDF/FORM-PPE.pdf
If you already have a completed sports physical, your student may bring it to the main office or email it to me at mfarverlightcap@usd232.org
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Anne Lightcap BSN, RN
De Soto High School Nurse
fax-913-667-6251
Allergy Season!
When the weather warms up, days are longer and the world is blooming, we all want to be outdoors more often. For students with allergy symptoms. Here are some ways you can help your student.
- Shower after spending time outdoors – prevents transfer of pollen to your bedding at night and decreases symptoms. At the very least, change clothes and was your hands and face.
- Take your shoes off at the door – reduces pollen transfer to carpets and furniture.
- Use a sinus rinse – A neti pot or over the counter sinus wash kit can help rinse allergens from your nose. Just make sure to follow directions for safe use.
- Consider a daily allergy medication – Antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra can be very helpful in controlling symptoms. Nasal sprays and eye drops can also be helpful.
o Allergy medication options: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/ allergies/indepth/allergy-medications/art-20047403
o Why antihistamines work best when taken consistently:
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/pretreatment?scrlybrkr#2
o Save Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for bedtime or severe allergic reactions. It often makes students too sleepy for use during school.
- If your student is still miserable after home treatment consider consulting with your pediatrician or an allergist. There are prescription medications and other allergy treatments that may help.
Remember, the school health room does NOT have antihistamines for seasonal allergies. You must treat these at home!
Be aware that allergies sometimes present as Covid-19 symptoms and your student may be sent to the doctor to be evaluated.
FREE ACT PREP CLASS
On Saturday, June 5, Donnelly College and Open Future are partnering to offer a FREE ACT Prep test to any student who feels they would benefit from the practice. The testing will start promptly at 9 a.m. The best part about this practice test is that there will be an official test the very next weekend and another in July. The timing is great!
Here is the link to register:
UMKC Pharmacy Summer Camp 2021
What: A one-day, activity packed experience to give students a glimpse of not only what it's like to be a pharmacist, but also an opportunity to see firsthand what it's like to study at one of our three UMKC Pharmacy campuses providing hands-on exercises and the ability to learn about the variety of pharmacy career practice areas!
Who: Any student who has completed 9th grade or above, current college students, or individuals looking for career change are encouraged to attend!
When + Where:
Friday, June 4, Columbia, MO (Mizzou Campus)
Friday, June 18, Springfield, MO (Missouri State Brick City Campus)
Friday, June 25, Kansas City, MO (UMKC Health Sciences Campus)
Questions or Need More Details:
Please contact us or head to the camp web site.
Registration: Click on the link above to register.
American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State program: June 7-11th 2021, Virtually
ALA Girls State is a nation-wide, American Legion Auxiliary program, focusing on the promotion of Leadership, Americanism and good citizenship. Outstanding young women chosen to participate in the program will learn the duties and responsibilities of citizenship through hands-on participation as citizens of the state of Sunflower Girls State. The 2021 session is open to current High School Juniors and Seniors. Participants will have an opportunity to receive three college scholarships, and be selected to attend our national program, Girls Nation in July 2021. The Sunflower Girls State program receives support from citizens, civic groups, and other organizations interested in government and leadership. Speakers have included elected officials, state employees, and community volunteers. These speakers help to inspire the Sunflower Girls State Citizens to take a more active role in public service.
Girls who are interested in Leadership and Government are encouraged to attend. Since the program's inception, more than 20,000 girls have received this valuable citizenship training in Kansas.
Deadline for registration has been extended to May 31st , 2021.Participants may be sponsored by their local American Legion Auxiliary Unit or may pay their own registration. The fee to attend is $100. More information can be found in the attached poster or at www.ksgirlsstate.org .Delegates are asked to participate for about 4 hours per day.
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 – August 1st- August 7th
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.
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.