![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-6419c3a2c25ca153f689b044-fffd872acf64.jpg)
Wildcat Growl
April 16, 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 are proud to announce the accomplishments of our DHS bands and choirs in the KSHSAA State Solo and Ensemble Festival held at DHS on Saturday. A total of 25 events featuring 59 DHS students received Superior (I) ratings and qualified to perform at KSHSAA State Solo & Ensemble Contest in Salina on April 29, 2023. Similarly, Choir qualified 22 students for the April 29 competition. Congratulations to all the DHS instrumentalists and singers, and special thanks to Mr. Bradford, Mr. Kaul, and Mrs. Fry for their dedication and hard work.
We are excited to announce that USD232 is hosting a Career Fair for students at MVHS on April 20th. Any DHS student interested in attending needs to contact Ms. Heller (aheller@usd232.org) in Student Services by April 18th. This is an excellent opportunity for students to explore their career options and get inspired.
It's Prom week at DHS! Our Prom candidates include Adrianna D'Andrea, Olivia Baker, Elvia Nino-Elliott, Jabriann Wakes, Tate Atkinson, Gavin Kraxner, Christian Nelson, and Dillon Stanley. There are plenty of fun activities planned, including dress-up days, a student vs. staff dodgeball game, and an all-school assembly. Don't forget that there is no school on Friday, April 21st. Also, the DHS Prom will be held on April 22nd at the Ball Event Center in Olathe. Tickets can be purchased this week during lunch for $30 - $35 or at the door for $40.
We would like to invite you to Spotlight-DHS, from 6-8:30 pm on April 26th, where we will be celebrating our students' achievements and hard work throughout the academic year. This event promises to be a memorable one, filled with performances, academic demonstrations, and recognition of our senior students' postsecondary plans.
Our talented students have been preparing for weeks to showcase their amazing talents in music, fine arts, and drama. You don't want to miss the opportunity to witness their amazing performances and applaud their efforts. In addition to the performances, we will also have academic demonstrations that showcase the hard work and dedication of our students in various fields of study.
We will also be recognizing our senior students' postsecondary plans, as they take the next step in their journey. It is a proud moment for us to see our students excel and move forward in their careers, and we want to celebrate their accomplishments with the entire community. We look forward to seeing you all there and celebrating our students' achievements together.
Seniors and senior parents, you only have 21 school days left! It is essential to finish the year strong. Detailed information about Senior Awards, graduation rehearsal, and the graduation ceremony has been updated on our website. Cap and gown distribution will take place on May 13th, the same day students will receive the checkout form. This form must be completed and turned in to Mrs. Miller to receive the diploma. Attendance at graduation rehearsal and Senior Send-off is required to participate in the ceremony.
Finally, we would like to invite parents interested in helping with Gradfest to contact Caroline Friday at mcfriday@usd232.org. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your attention, and have a great week.
Sincerely,
Sam Ruff
Principal, De Soto High School
Wednesday April 19th Collaborative Team Late Start
2022-2023 Band and Choir Results: Solo and Ensemble Festival
Band Results:
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
- Trumpet Quartet I
- Trumpet Quartet III
- Percussion Trio
- Percussion Quartet
- Percussion Sextet
Excellent (II) Ratings
Solos
- Alyssa McNemee, flute
- Fin Smajda, oboe
- Sydney Moore, clarinet
- Reid Kalkman, marimba
- Emma Fullmer, marimba
- Ben Stelzer, vibraphone
Ensembles
- Flute Quartet I
- Clarinet Choir II
- Trumpet Quartet II
- High Brass Trio
- Trombone Quartet II
- Low Brass Trio
Choir Results:
Superior (I) Ratings
Solos
- Rose Rulifson - treble solo
- De Soto Voce - mixed ensemble
- De Soto Descants - treble ensemble
Excellent (II) Ratings
Solos
- Ellie Dossett - treble solo
- Alexis Marchand - treble solo
Ensembles
- Wildcat Singers - tenor bass ensemble
- De Soto Treble Choir - treble ensemble
Great job, everyone!
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad State Results
While our overall placement left something to be desired, the team learned some valuable lessons in avoiding procrastination and bringing extra materials for last-minute build repairs.
Science Olympiad
Our two senior members, Alex Boresow and Lauren Fandre, were able to experience one last victory to end their four years with the team, receiving bronze medals in “Dynamic Planet.”
Other student participants included Isabelle Butler, Isabella Holwick, Daniel Morozov, Cael Province, Diego Diaz, Evan Johnsson, Matthew Barber, and Devin Murrell. Please congratulate these students.
Julie Steeb
DHS students Julie Steeb was selected to represent DHS in the Statewide Youth art Month Art exhibition and Blick Art Competition held at the Alice Sabatini Gallery in Topeka, KS. Julie Steeb received the second place award in the High School Art division.
"Burned Out" by Julie Steeb
Emerald Morton
DHS students Emerald Morton, "Me and Clarence" was selected to represent DHS in the Statewide Youth art Month Art exhibition and Blick Art Competition held at the Alice Sabatini Gallery in Topeka, KS.
Lee Barth
DHS students attended the regional Washburn University Art Day and had work entered in the Art Competion. DHS Student, Lee Barth was awarded first place in the Digital Art Category for "The Tower".
"The Tower" by Lee Barth
eMagine Festival
The eMagine Festival is a digital art festival hosted by Olathe Northwest every year. This year, Adrianna (Anna) D’Andrea’s submission for the Story Animation category called “Our Cat” was selected as the winner. She is hoping to attend the Awards Ceremony on April 15th at Olathe Northwest High School. Click here to check it out.
2023 Kansas Economic Challenge State Championship Competition
Wildcat CTE-Business Education students competed in the 2023 Kansas Economic Challenge State Championship Competition held on Thursday, April 6th at Wichita State University. De Soto High School was represented by two different teams of Accounting students that prepared and then delivered presentations to judges on a Case Study in their respective competition division.
Congratulations to Evan Marincovich, Nick Budimlija, and Nate Meyer!
2023 Kansas Economic Challenge State Champions (Adam Smith Division)
Congratulations to Maite Foss and Austin Chase!
2023 Kansas Economic Challenge State Champions (David Ricardo Division)
Each student received $100.00 in cash for 1st place.
*The competition is sponsored by Kansas Council for Economic Education.
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.
· De Soto Alumni/VFW Scholarship: Deadline April 22nd.
· Trenton Hughes Scholarship: Deadline April 21
· Casey Blake Johnson Running Scholarship: Deadline April 21
· 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.