Wildcat Growl
April 30, 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
Dear Wildcats and Families,
We're proud to share the success of our talented band and choir students at the State Solo and Ensemble Competition in Salina, KS. DHS took 28 total events and received 25 Superior (I) ratings and 3 Excellent (II) ratings. We believe this is the greatest number of Superior ratings we have had as a school at this event. Congratulations to our students for representing our school so well!
The DHS Jazz band also deserves recognition for taking 1st place at the KCKCC Jazz Heritage Competition last week. It's wonderful to see so many talented musicians at DHS.
Last week's Spotlight-DHS was a great success, showcasing a variety of performances, demonstrations, and activities. We want to hear from those who attended to help us make this an event our community looks forward to each year. Please take a moment to complete this short survey: https://forms.gle/QQUMh6yqQ8DobYSz9.
The Cat's Corner in partnership with CatPride is celebrating Wellness Week, from May 1st to May 5th, with activities focused on creativity and personal well-being. Stop by the Cat's Corner to participate in the daily themes.
Advanced Placement (AP) Testing begins this week. If you are sitting for an AP Exam, please review your schedule, arrive on time, and be ready to test. Good Luck!
Students in grades 9 - 11 returning to DHS next fall will receive new MacBooks during the week of May 8th. There are several important steps that our students will need to take in the coming days to prepare for the switch. This will take place during English classes this week.
USD232 Physical Day will occur at DHS on Saturday, May 13th from 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM. The cost is $20.
After-school study sessions in preparation for Final Exams (Ice Cream and Cram) are coming up. Check out the details below.
Seniors, please remember that you have several important items to address before the end of the school year, including finishing the year strong academically. We're here to support you in this journey.
Detailed information about Senior Awards, graduation rehearsal, and the graduation ceremony is on our website. Cap, gown, stole, patches, and honor cord distribution will take place on May 12th, the same day students will receive the checkout form. This form must be completed and turned in to Mrs. Miller in order to receive the diploma. Attendance at graduation rehearsal and Senior Send-off is required in order to participate in the ceremony.
The Final Exam schedule for the second semester can be found on our website. It will be important for students to attend during this time. We will expect students that are absent during final exams to take their exams when they return.
Thank you for your attention and participation in these important events.
Sincerely,
Sam Ruff
Principal, De Soto High School
Wednesday May 3rd Collaborative Team Late Start
Making a Difference Award
Making a Difference Award
Nominations are currently accepted for the Making a Difference Award. All staff members are eligible to receive this award. Making a Difference nomination form > https://bit.ly/USD232MAD
DHS Descants Performing at State Choir Competition in Salina
Band and Choir Results at State!
Band
Superior (I) Ratings
Solos
- Maggie Stelzer, flute
- Trever Tilton, flute
- Addie Warnes, alto sax
- Jackson Langford, tenor sax
- Cole Bichelmeyer, trumpet
- Anna D’Andrea, trumpet
- Tristan Feener, trumpet
- Nic Weaver, trumpet
- Aidan Hamer, trombone
- Nick Maskil, trombone
- Dylan Handley, euphonium
- Makayla Carroll, bass
- Sam Vogel, drums
Ensembles
- Clarinet Choir I
- Sax Quartet I
- Sax Quartet II
- Sax Quartet III
- Brass Quintet I
- Trombone Quartet I
- Brass Quintet II
- Percussion Trio
- Percussion Quartet
- Percussion Sextet
Excellent (II) Ratings
Ensembles
- Trumpet Quartet I
- Trumpet Quartet III
Choir
Superior (I) Ratings
Solos
- Rose Rulifson, treble
Ensembles
- De Soto Descants, treble ensemble
Excellent (II) Ratings
Ensembles
- De Soto Voce, mixed ensemble
Jr Wildcat Performance Meet Volunteers
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
DHS Senior Only Scholarships
Scholarships for the De Soto High School Class of 2023 are now available. All applications can be found at https://www.usd232.org/Page/3287. Please follow the instructions for each individual application and submit by the deadline. All scholarship winners will be announced at the Senior Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 17th, 2023.
· Jess Johnson Scholarship (Rotary Club): Deadline April 30
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
UMKC 2023 Pharmacy Summer Camp!
UMKC is hosting a a one-day, activity-packed experience giving 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 wide variety of pharmacy career practice areas! Any student who has completed 9th grade or above, current college students, or individuals looking for career change are encouraged to attend! The cost is $40 and students can choose from one of the following locations:
- Friday, June 2, Columbia, MO (University of Missouri Campus)
- Friday, June 16, Springfield, MO (Missouri State University Brick City Campus)
- Friday, June 23, Kansas City, MO (UMKC Health Sciences Campus)
For more information, visit UMKC Pharmacy Summer Camp
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.