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Wildcat Growl
January 8, 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,
The Arts Council of Johnson County (ACJC) announced four finalists nominated from De Soto for the 2023 Shooting Stars Awards. The Shooting Stars Program promotes the positive impact arts education has on our students by honoring student achievement in the literary, performing, and visual arts, providing students with resources to help them achieve their creative career goals, awarding scholarships for college, and supporting teachers with honorariums.
The four finalists include Theatre Performance - Lee Barth, Voice Classical - Emily Mlodzik, 2D Visual Art - Julie Steeb, and Literature - Sydney Bonstetter. Congratulations!
On Friday, January 6th, the Leadership in Service and Action class planned a schoolwide assembly to kick off Dance Marathon raising over $500. Our Leadership class has chosen to support the KU Cancer Center proton therapy program.
What is Dance Marathon? It is a student-led, year-round philanthropic movement, uniting students at over 400 colleges, universities, and high schools across the United States and Canada. As a fundraising program, each campus’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon organization works throughout the year to raise funds and awareness to change kids’ health and the future of their Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
Our culminating event is scheduled to take place at DHS on March 5th. Students, staff, and community members can register here.
Immediately after the Girls' Varsity basketball game on Tuesday, January 10th, 273 DHS students will be recognized as Academic Letter winners. Students are awarded an Academic Letter if they achieve a 3.7 GPA for two consecutive semesters (Fall to Spring). For each subsequent year that the student continues to receive a 3.7 GPA or higher, the student will receive an academic bar that can be placed on their letter. Congratulations to each of our 273 students for attaining this achievement.
This a reminder that in observance of the national holiday recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we will not have school on Monday, January 16th. We will return to a White Day on Tuesday, January 17th.
Semester 1 grades have been posted in Skyward. If your student has an incomplete, they need to contact their teacher to schedule a time to finish any remaining coursework. The deadline to complete semester 1 coursework, including the taking of final exams is January 20th.
Course selection for the 2023-2024 school year is in full swing. Students have received their course selection form. The important information, course guide, and directions for selecting courses in Skyward are posted on our website (here). Students will schedule an appointment before March 10th with their counselor to review the Skyward selections. The deadline to make any changes is April 20th.
First Student, the company that provides our district bus transportation, is hiring bus drivers. The beginning wage for drivers is $20.50/hr and applications can be found on the district website (here).
Thanks, and have a great week!
Sam Ruff
Principal, DHS
Kansas Teacher of the Year
Wednesday, January 11th Collaborative Team Time Late Start
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.