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Wildcat Growl
January 29, 2023
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 the DHS Scholar's Bowl Team for winning the United Kansas Conference Tournament. Maya Rajapakse, Alex Boresow, Nic Weaver, Gavin Billinger, Cole Bichelmeyer, and Colton Martin represented DHS. Great job!
Last weekend and for the first time ever, the DHS Cheer Team traveled to Dallas, Texas to compete in the NCA All-Star National Championships. Our Wildcats placed 15th in the nation! Way to go, Cheerleaders!
This week is Winter Homecoming at DHS. The spirit week dress-up day flyer is below. On Friday, February 3rd, we will hold an all-school Pep Assembly during seminar. The basketball games take place that evening. The dance is scheduled for February 4th from 8:00 PM -10:30 PM. The theme is ‘Snow Ball Dance’. The dress for the dance is semi-formal.
Congratulations to the Homecoming Court candidates: Ellie Brown, Trent Johnson, Maleigha Harris, Gavin Billinger, Marisa Williams, Doyle Duncan, Erin Barr, and Angelo Saunders.
DHS will be hosting Future Wildcat Night for current 8th-grade students and parents on Tuesday, January 31st from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. We will begin the evening with an extra/co-curricular and club Activity Fair from 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Current DHS students will also be on hand to provide school tours. Please park on the north side of the building and enter the Activity Entrance.
The academic transition presentations will begin at 7:00 pm, and parents and students are encouraged to attend the presentation location based on the last name of the student.
- A-G – Student Union with Michelle Mages and Crissy Johns
- H-N – Performing Arts Center with Sam Ruff and Abbey Heller
- O-Z – Main Gymnasium with Abby Huggins and Kaitlin Britt
Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 15th from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm, and Thursday, February 16th from 9:30 am – 8:00 pm. We would like the Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences to include a discussion between the parent and seminar teacher regarding the student's Individual Plan of Study/post-secondary aspirations - so please include your student's seminar teacher in planning out your conference schedule.
PT Conference Formats:
Wednesday, February 15th – Teachers will be available at tables in the Commons and in the Aux Gym at DHS for in-person conferences on a first come first served basis from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Please note: this is a change from the previously communicated time.
Thursday, February 16th – Teachers will be available by appointment only for in-person or virtual (Zoom) conferences from 9:30 am – 8:00 pm. Directions on how to reserve/select an appointment time through Skyward Family Access will be sent out Wednesday, February 1st.
The free ACT Test for junior students is scheduled to take place Tuesday, February 28, 2023. As a reminder, the ACT is used for college admissions, and university scholarships, and can predict college readiness. This ACT test can be a reportable ACT test that students can submit to colleges.
Many of our staff are hard at work planning for our first Spotlight-DHS. In addition to recognizing and celebrating the post-secondary plans of our seniors at this community open house event, we will showcase many performances, outstanding student projects, and activities that are taking place at DHS. Mark your calendars for April 26th. We hope to see you there.
Thanks, and have a great week!
Sam Ruff
Principal, DHS
DHS Scholars Bowl Wins the UKC tournament!
DHS Cheer competes in the NCA All -Star National Championships, placing 15th!
Wednesday, February 1st Collaborative Team Time Late Start
Winter Homecoming Candidates
Ellie Brown, Trent Johnson, Maleigha Harris, Gavin Billinger, Marisa Williams, Doyle Duncan, Erin Barr and Angelo Saunders.
Attendance Information
We want to share some important information and reminders for parents. 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.
School Meals
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.
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
Power Prep ACT Test Prep
For more information and to register for the event click here.
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
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.