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Wildcat Growl
September 13, 2019
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
Wildcat Students and Parents,
I am continually impressed by our student body and how they represent DHS. Whether they are on the court, classroom, field or in the stands cheering for others – our students are the biggest part of the positive culture that is De Soto High School. We have so many outstanding students at DHS. They make me proud to be a Wildcat.
We would like to congratulate one such student, Senior Corinne Daise. Corinne has qualified as a National Merit Semi-Finalist. This distinction places Corinne in the top 1% of all high school seniors in the country. She now advances to the Finalist level announced in February 2020. Congratulations Corinne!
We would also like to recognize our two Students of the Month for August, Chase Culver, and Camryn Robbinson. Both students are part of Student Council and have demonstrated leadership in getting the school year off to a positive start. Thank you, and congrats to you both!
We also would like to recognize two teachers each month that are doing great things at DHS both in and out of the classroom. Drew Proctor and Solitaire Ware are our Teachers of the Month for August. Congrats to Mr. Proctor and Mrs. Ware!
Next Wednesday, September 18th is the first of two scheduled delayed start days. The day helps prepare us should a delayed start be necessary due to inclement weather. This will allow the district to consider the logistics involved in postponing the start of the school day and help prepare families should this action occur. For more information about the delayed start and calendar information visit: http://bit.ly/2M9zCnV
We hope to see you at Parent-Teacher Conferences. The conferences will be held on Wednesday, September 25th from 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM, and September 26th from 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for parents to get early feedback and collaborate on the success of their student. Information is posted on our website, here. Please note that staff will be rotating in shifts to eat around mealtimes on Wednesday and will take an hour break from conferences from 4:30 to 5:30 on Thursday.
We also invite you to an information and workshop session on Wednesday, September 25th at 6:30 PM. This takes place during Parent-Teacher Conferences. The session and workshop topics include ‘how parents can use Skyward and Canvas’. The initial presentation will be designed for parents new to the district, but all parents are invited. We hope to see you then.
Kind Regards
Sam Ruff
Individual Plans of Study - Xello
We continue to work on our IPS lessons each Thursday. This week's lesson involved the students taking an interest and personality survey. The surveys are used to provide students with potential career fields. Students also have the ability to search career fields outside of those presented. Ask your student to show you their profile and survey results.
National Honors Society
On September 18 at 6:30pm there will be a meeting in the Theater for all parents of Junior and Senior students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or above and who would like to apply for the National Honor Society this year. The meeting will provide an opportunity for parents to understand the application process. Prospective students should have received a letter concerning this meeting. If there are any questions, please contact Mrs. Reif (areif@usd232.org ) or Mrs. O’Neil (loneil@usd232.org).
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 an 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.
Study Tables
Study Tables:
De Soto High School is providing time and space for students to collaborate and study after school. Study Tables will take place in the Student Union Monday through Thursday from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Students will have the opportunity to give and receive academic assistance from classmates. this supervised time is intended to support students in pursuit of academic success.
PSAT Information and PSAT-Prep Camp
PSAT- Wednesday, October 16
Sophomores and Juniors interested in taking the PSAT need to sign up and pay in Student Services by September 17th. For more information about the PSAT and about the National Merit Scholarship Program, please click the following links:
National Merit Scholarship Program
“The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships. Students enter the National Merit Program by taking the PSAT/NMQST, earning a qualifying score, and meeting other program entry requirements. Each year, approximately 1.6 million high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT/NMQST. About 50,000 high-scoring students qualify for recognition, and some 8,700 receive scholarships for college.”
PSAT CAMP
Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Kaul are conducting a PSAT-prep ‘camp’ for students taking the PSAT in October. The PSAT-prep camp will focus on the knowledge and skills students need to score to their potential.
The six sessions will take place at DHS from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm on the following dates:
Tuesday, September 24th
Tuesday, October 1st
Thursday, October 3rd
Tuesday, October 8th
Thursday, October 10th
Tuesday, October 15th.
Students/Parents can register here: https://tinyurl.com/y4wykfsy
The fee ($75) includes the cost of a student workbook. If you have any questions contact Mr. Hamilton at phamilton@usd232.org
Message from Student Services
De Soto High School students are invited to attend the Shawnee Mission College Clinic on Wednesday, October 16th at 6:30 p.m. at Shawnee Mission East High School where over 200 colleges will be represented! You can find more information by clicking on the link below.
shawneemissioncollegeclinic.com
Upcoming College Fairs:
• September 16th, 6-8 pm: KC Metro College Fair at Olathe West High School
• September 30th, 6:00-8:00 pm: Kansas City Area Christian College Fair at Maranatha Christian Academy, Shawnee, KS.
• October 9th, 6:00-8:30 pm: De Soto College Planning Night at DHS
• October 16th, 6:30-8:30 pm: Shawnee Mission College Clinic at Shawnee Mission East
• October 22nd, 8:30-11:30 am and 5-7 pm: Kansas City National College Fair at KC Convention Center, KCMO
College Credit Deadlines Approaching:
Students who are enrolled in DHS Classes that count toward college credit, need to be aware of the upcoming deadlines. Please visit the College Credit/Dual Enrollment page for more information.
- Baker University: September 9th
- JCCC: September 13th
- College Algebra at JCCC: October 4th
For more information on each of these programs and how to enroll please click here.
KSU Engineering Nights:
K-State Engineering is offering free events in the Kansas City area for high school students who are interested in the engineering field. For more information and to register for the event please visit: http://engg.k-state.edu/engineering-night.
- Thursday, September 12th: Burns & McDonnell, KCMO
- Thursday, October 10th: Shoal Creek Golf Course, Liberty area
- Thursday, November 7th: Kiewit, Lenexa, KS
- Tuesday, November 12th: Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, Independence, MO
Scholarship Information:
Looking for money to help pay for college? Check out the DHS Student Services Scholarship page! Throughout the year scholarships will be posted that are available to seniors. There is also a “Scholarship Search Tips” that can help aid the search process. Click here to go to the page.
College Visits:
If your student will be going on a college visit, students must fill out a College Visit Form. Forms are available in Student Services or online by clicking here. Students are to take the form with them on the day of the visit and bring it back signed by an admissions representative.
ACT Registration Deadline:
- The registration for the October 26th ACT is Friday, September 20th. To register for the ACT, students need to go to www.actstudent.org. DHS is a test center for this date.
- Seniors: Please keep in mind that the October and December ACT’s are the last test dates that KU and KSU will use for their university scholarships that they award.
- Additional test dates this year are: December 14th, February 8th, April 4th, June 13th, and July 18th.
KC Metro College Fair: Hosted by De Soto School and other local School Districts:
With other partnering school districts De Soto USD 232 is hosting an upcoming college fair. It will be held on Monday, September 16th at Olathe West High School from 6 pm-8pm. Students are asked to register for the fair by going to: www.gotocollegefairs.com
Door Prizes will be given away, including 2 MAC Book Airs, as well as 2 $50 Amazon Gift Cards to each participating high school.
Step-by-Step Through the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an essential tool when applying for scholarships, grants and loans for college. Filling out the FAFSA can be nerve-wracking and confusing. Don't Give Up! Jason Anderson, CommunityAmerica Credit Union's College and Career Consultant will walk you through the FAFSA line by line. This program will be presented at the following locations:
Tues, Sept 17th: 6-7:30pm @ Blue Valley Library 9000 W 151st St, Overland Park
Wed, Sept 25th: 6-7:30pm @ Antioch Library 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Merriam
Mon, Oct 7th: 6-7:30pm @ Monticello Library 22435 W 66th St, Shawnee
Sandwiches and sides will be served starting at 5:30 pm. Register online https://www.jocolibrary.org/events or call 913-826-4600.
KSU Career Connections: Apparel and Textiles Event
On Tuesday, September 17th, KSU is hosting an event for students and parents who are interested in gaining exposure and information into the different career paths that are available in the Apparel and Textiles industry. The event is from 6p.m-8p.m. in Overland Park, KS. Registration will begin at 6:00p.m. and the main event begins at 6:30p.m. This event is free to attend! To register for the event please visit http://www.k-state.edu/admissions/kccareers.html.
KSU Career Connections: Interior Design Event
On Thursday, September 19th, KSU is hosting an event for students and parents interested in learning about different career paths that are available in the Interior Design profession. The event is from 6p.m-8p.m. in Lenexa. Registration will begin at 6:00p.m. and the main event begins at 6:30p.m. This event is free to attend! To register for the event please visit http://www.k-state.edu/admissions/kccareers.html.
College Representatives Visiting In September: (2:20-3:00 in Student Services)
9/9: K-State
9/17: Pittsburg State
9/23: Baker
Important Notes from the Nurse
IMMUNIZATION UPDATE:
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has implemented a new vaccination requirement for the 2019-20 school year. For the upcoming school year, all students entering into their junior year need one dose of the meningococcal vaccine if they were not vaccinated prior to their 16th birthday. They will need TWO doses if their first dose was before their 16th birthday.
I will be notifying families of any students that DO NOT have the required vaccines on file, or have a religious or medical waiver on file to exempt their student.
USD 232 has extended the timeline for the required documentation. This vaccine must be documented or a medical/religious waiver be on file for your student by October 14th, 2019.
If you have record that your student has had this vaccine, please send in a copy, email mfarverlightcap@usd232.org or fax (913-667-6251). If your student has not had this vaccine please schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss this vaccine before October 14th.
You may look this information up on Skyward family access under Health Info choose “Display Options” next to your student’s first name, select “Show Vaccinations”. Skyward will display which vaccinations are deemed Noncompliant.
Thank you! Please let me know if you have any questions.
Nurse Lightcap
Allergy Season is Here!
- Shower after spending time outdoors- This prevents transfer of pollen to your bedding at night and decreases symptoms. At the very least, change clothes and wash your hands and face.
- Take your shoes off at the door- It reduces pollen that transfers 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.
Allergy medication options: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/allergies/indepth/allergy-medications/art-20047403
Why antihistamines work best when taken consistently: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/pretreatment? scrlybrkr#2
Save Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for bedtime or servere 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.
Finally remember, the school health room does NOT have antihistamines for seasonal allergies. You must treat these at home.