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Wildcat Growl
August 13, 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
Wildcats and Families,
Thank you to all of the families and incoming 9th-grade students who attended the Open House on August 7th. It is always great to see students in the building, and an extra bonus to get to meet so many new Wildcats. Thanks again to the student A & M Crew members who assisted with this event.
This week, we want to introduce Sara Bryant. As a new member of our Fine and Performing Arts Department, Ms. Bryant will be teaching Theatre. We also want to welcome Sean Riley to DHS. Mr. Riley joins our English Department and will be teaching Honors English 9 and English 10.
The first day for 9th-grade students is Wednesday, August 16th. We call this day Wildcat Kick-off. This is a half day of school. Doors will open at 7:30 am and the day begins at 7:50 am. Students will be dismissed at 11:07 am. Students will only need to bring something to write with for Wildcat Kick-off (laptops/bookbags are not required). Students will also receive a Forever Green T-shirt to keep/wear for a class picture taken at Wildcat Kick-off.
The first full day for all students is Thursday, August 17th, and will be a Green Day. Doors open at 7:30 am, and classes start at 7:50 am. A senior class meeting will take place in the PAC during Seminar. Students are dismissed at 2:55 pm.
The De Soto High School Athletic Department will be hosting our annual All Sports Information Night on Thursday, August 17th, at 6:00 pm in the PAC. If you have a student-athlete participating in any sport at DHS, then you should plan on attending.
Friday, August 18th will be our first all-school assembly during seminar. We will be on the assembly bell schedule.
The deadline for Juniors/Seniors to register to take the fall ACT at DHS on October 17th during Future Ready Day was extended to August 18th. Please review the previous Skyward communication, sent 08/01/2023 at 5:00 pm for details.
FallFest will take place on August 25th. The fall sports showcase and multi-activity event will take place in various locations across our campus. Everyone is invited. The first event starts at 5:00 pm. Bring your entire family to join in on the fun.
Several links to important information have been included below.
Thanks, and have a great week.
Sam Ruff
Principal
De Soto High School
Bullying and Online Harassment
Schedule Change Requests
Cat Booster Club
Note from 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
Black & Veatch Engineering Explorer Post 2023 - 2024 Kickoff Meeting
Explorer Post Kickoff Meeting
Date: Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: 11401 Lamar Ave, Overland Park, KS 66211
Entrance: South Side Main Entrance
Link for the Youth Explorer application - http://www.exploring.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/524-00919-Exploring-Youth-App_Oct-2019-Printing.pdf
Link for the Adult Explorer application (required for students 18 years old and older) - http://www.exploring.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/524-01019-Exploring-Adult-App_Oct-2019-Printing.pdf
Youth Protection Training (required for students 18 years old and older) - https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/
Before the meeting starts at 7:00 PM, students will have the opportunity to check in, complete the student application for the program, and meet the Explorer Post Advisors at the Black & Veatch campus. Students can also use the link(s) above to complete the application beforehand to bring to the Kickoff meeting. Please see the attached general info flyer for application and application fee information. During the meeting, students will learn more about the Explorer Post program and what we have planned for each month and throughout the year.
Below is the program schedule for this year. Please let me know if you have any questions, and thank you so much!
2023-2024 CALENDAR
August 22 – Kickoff Meeting
Sep. 12 – College Night
Oct. 10 – Mechanical Engineering
Nov. 7 – Electrical Engineering
Dec. 12 – Computer Engineering
Jan. 9 – Chemical Engineering
Feb. 13 – Nuclear Engineering
March 12 – Civil Engineering
April 9 – Construction Engineering
May 7 – Aerospace Engineering
*Dates and topics are subject to change.
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.