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Wildcat Growl
May 7, 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,
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work and dedication of our educators. Our teachers are the backbone of our school community, and we are grateful for the impact they have on our students' lives every day. We encourage everyone to show their appreciation this week by taking a moment to express their gratitude to our teachers for their hard work and unwavering commitment to our students.
Last week we celebrated the spring signing date with DHS seniors participating in their chosen sport at the college level. Congratulations to Micah Brownell, River Howard, Brody Macoubrie, Evan Marincovich, Jordan Langford, Chloe Collins, Avery Crabtree, Sophie Landrum, Greyson Chappel, Jason Webb, Dillon Stanley, Kaitlyn Cook, Carson Schuman, Jason Jurmann, Angelo Saunders, Antonio Sullivan, Sam Torline, and Jabriann Wakes.
We want to congratulate our Wildcats of the Month for April, Kaden Neal and Emily Breit, for their positive contribution to DHS. Additionally, we are proud to recognize our staff Wildcats of the Month, Family and Consumer Science Teacher Caroline Friday, and evening Custodian Scott Fitch, for their outstanding work at our school.
We also want to congratulate Joel Thaemert and Johnny Lewis for being selected as DTA Teachers of Excellence for the 2022-2023 school year. Their hard work and dedication to our students are invaluable, and we are proud to have them as part of our staff.
We hope you were able to see a very fun DHS Theater production of the documentary-style play, Trap. Great job to all the students involved!
Thanks to Lori Cater, Anne Cahoone, Sheila Wilkins, and Denis Rockers, over 100 years of DHS class composite photographs are now on display in the DHS Performing Arts Center hallway.
We want to remind students about the after-school study sessions in preparation for Final Exams (Ice Cream and Cram), as well as the distribution of new MacBooks to students in grades 9-11.
USD232 Physical Day will occur at DHS on Saturday, May 13th from 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM. The cost is $20.
Seniors - important information was emailed to you via your school email address. When you return your USD232 MacBook, you will also need to complete and turn in the Senior Checkout Sheet to student services. This document will be passed out when you pick up your cap, gown, and stole. Completing the Senior Checkout sheet is required to receive the graduation tickets that may be needed if the weather forces the graduation ceremony inside.
Here are the sign-ups for Senior Breakfast (students only) and Gradfest. Breakfast will begin at 9:00 AM on May 19th in the Aux Gym. The required graduation rehearsal and Senior Send-off assembly will begin at 9:30 AM in the Aux Gym. Students will be released to go to Gradfest from the Senior Send-off assembly at approximately 11:10 AM.
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 10th Collaborative Team Late Start
De Soto High School Class Composites
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
Staff Members Recognized at Board Meeting
USD 232 Innovative Teaching Grant
USD 232 Innovative Teaching Grant
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
A Message From Our Nurses:
End of year wrap up:
Medication in the health office needs to be picked up by the end of the school day on May 25th or our nurses will dispose of it.
Information for next year:
Immunizations: Students who will be 11th graders next year will need at least one dose of the meningococcal vaccine on or after their 16th birthday, as required by KDHE. Alternatively, a religious exemption signed by a parent/guardian may be provided, or a medical exemption signed by the student’s physician. Please email updated immunizations to our nurses at the addresses below.
If your child receives any new immunizations over the summer, please send those to be recorded in Skyward to the email below. If nothing has changed and they were a student in the district last year, we do not need another copy.
Health Conditions: If your child has a new health condition, please update this information during enrollment on Skyward. If your child has diabetes, seizures, severe allergies or asthma, please complete the health intake form on Skyward enrollment or on our website. https://www.usd232.org/Page/3183 Forms may be emailed to the addresses below.
Medications: If your student will take a scheduled or as needed medication, please have their physician complete and sign this form. Medication must be in its original, labeled container. https://www.usd232.org/Page/3186
Physicals: Forms must be dated on or after May 1, 2023 and may be sent to our athletic secretary, Lori Cater lcater@usd232.org We encourage you to make a copy for yourself in case one is needed for camps outside of our district.
Have a safe and healthy summer!
Dianne & Jill
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
Graduating Seniors - Health Care Job Fair
Health Care Job Fair
WED, MAY 17, 2023 - Entry-Level Healthcare Job Fair for Graduating Seniors
The Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council (KCMHC) in partnership with Real World Learning and KC Scholars are working to connect students with employment and scholarship opportunities at a job fair on Wednesday May 17, 2023 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center (4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110). We need your help to get the word out to graduating seniors!
Who will be there?
A variety of healthcare employers, support organizations, and educational partners including AdventHealth, Center for Behavioral Medicine, Centerpoint Medical Center, Children's Mercy, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, HCA Healthcare, John Knox Village, KC Scholars, Liberty Hospital, LMH Health, Neosho County Community College, Saint Luke's Health System, ScionHealth/Kindred Hospitals, The Groves, University of Kansas Health System, Western Missouri Medical Center, St. Joseph Medical Center and St. Mary's Medical Center.
If you are interested in attending and learning more about the sponsorship and training opportunities at these healthcare institutions, please register as a teacher at the link below. This information is also available on the events page of our website.
If you are interested in learning more about the fair, please direct questions to Molly Weaver (molly@sunflowertalentstrategies.com).
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.
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.