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Wildcat Growl
August 20, 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,
We have had a great start to the 2023-2024 school year. It was nice to see all of our students back in the building. On Wednesday, we welcomed our 9th-grade students to DHS - the Class of 2027. They started the day with a long-standing DHS tradition - the gauntlet. They ended the day having a Class of 2027 picture taken wearing their new "Forever Green" T-shirts.
On Thursday, we welcomed just under 1000 students for the first full day of school. Our seniors met during seminar in the Performing Arts Center and were asked to make the most of their last 168 days of high school. We are excited to watch them model The WildCAT Way for our underclass students.
On Friday, we held a fun-filled all-school assembly. Our pep club and student section leaders, known as 'The Wildside' organized the event. We played games, learned cheers, and watched enthusiastic new staff members compete. Congratulations to Mrs. Kelley for the win!
One exciting recognition took place at the assembly on Friday. The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) selected De Soto High School as the winner of the KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence for 2023-24. This award is presented for exceptional achievements in music, debate, speech, and theater to only one school in Kansas each year. Congratulations to our students, staff, and the entire De Soto community for this award!
This week, we want to introduce Keri Lauxman. As a new member of our English Department, Mrs. Lauxman will be teaching Honors English 10 and English 10. We want to welcome Caleb Reid to DHS. Mr. Reid will serve as a Boys Soccer Coach, Pep club sponsor, and joins our Social Studies Department teaching Honors World Geography, World Geography, and Civics. We also want to welcome Jessica Kelley. Mrs. Kelley serves DHS as a Girls Basketball Coach and is a member of our Special Education team.
Wednesday, August 23rd will be the first Delayed Start Wednesday of the year. The first class of the day will begin at 8:20 am. Students arriving between 7:30 am and 8:15 am will need to enter the building through the front main entrance or through the attendance office entrance. The Media Center and Activity Entrance doors will not be opened until 8:15 am. All students will be directed to a study hall environment in the Commons or Union. Teachers will be engaged in professional collaboration during this time. This schedule only impacts the high schools and does not impact students using bus transportation to school. Bus riders are expected to enter the building on arrival and cannot leave school unless called out by a parent or guardian.
Picture Retakes will take place during seminar and lunch on Wednesday, August 23rd in the Blackbox. If your student did not get their picture taken at enrollment, they will need to get a picture taken at this time on Wednesday. Students can signup to attend during seminar via Minga Flextime (limited) or have their picture retaken during lunch.
DHS will host Parent Information Night at 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 24th. We will begin the evening with a brief welcome in the Main Gymnasium, then parents are invited to follow their student's schedules to hear basic information about their classes from teachers. It will be important for parents to bring a copy of their student's schedule that includes room numbers. We hope you will be able to join us.
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. Watch social media this week for more information.
Congratulations to Lindsay Hothan. Mrs. Hothan was nominated for a Making a Difference award for the month of May. Families, students, and staff can complete this form for ANY USD 232 staff member that has made a difference in their lives so far this school year. The next award for September 2023 will be presented in mid-October. Making a Difference Nomination Form
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.