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Wildcat Growl
September 17, 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,
Homecoming week begins Monday, September 18th. The week includes daily dress-up themes and door decorating. The parade, spirit rally, and powder puff game are scheduled for Wednesday evening. Our all-school assembly takes place during Seminar before Friday night's football game against Leavenworth. The dance is on Saturday, September 23rd.
Congratulations to our 2023-2024 Homecoming Court: Janelle Lang, Aubrey Leonard, Casey McCollum, Leah Jernigan, Davis Barr, Kyan Rice, Cooper Cosgrove, and Bayler Bell.
Congratulations to Lizbeth Flores and Scott Sharp! Both are our DHS Staff Members of the Month for August. Ms. Flores serves DHS as one of our awesome paraprofessionals. Mr. Sharp is a science teacher and coach of our Girls Golf team. We appreciate all that they do for our students.
We want to continue to highlight the importance of regular school attendance. Citing the National Center for Education Statistics, it has been demonstrated that students who consistently attend school tend to attain higher levels of academic achievement compared to those with irregular attendance patterns. Recreating high-quality classroom instruction and valuable learning experiences missed during an absence can be challenging, not to mention the missed opportunities for enhanced comprehension that often arise from peer interaction and classroom discussions. Please take a moment to review the details regarding student attendance on our website.
We would like to extend a warm invitation to each family to join us for our upcoming Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences. These conferences are a vital part of our commitment to ensuring the success of our students, and your participation plays a crucial role in this effort.
Conferences will be held Wednesday, September 27th from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm, and Thursday, September 28th from 9:30 am – 8:00 pm. You can find more information about the schedule and format on our website, here.
Future Ready Day is scheduled for October 17th. On this day, students participate in a variety of activities assisting them in planning for their future.
On October 17th:
- All 9th/10th-grade students are scheduled to take the Pre-ACT.
- 11th and 12th-grade students who registered will take at ACT.
11th-grade students who did not register to take the ACT can register to take the ASVAB or will go on a school-supervised college visit. Thanks to a USD232 Education Foundation grant, all transportation will be provided by DHS.
12th-grade students not taking the ACT will be able to select from several activities including:
- School-supervised college visit.
- Community service projects
- Taking the ASVAB
- Individually/self-planned college visits, or
- job shadow.
Several links to important information have been included below.
Thanks, and have a great week.
Sam Ruff
Principal
De Soto High School
Homecoming Week - Monday 9/18 to 9/22
DHS Senior named National Merit® Scholarship Semifinalists
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT STUDENTS WHILE EARNING A LITTLE EXTRA INCOME
USD 232 is looking for one or more individuals to split a bus route that have either their LPN or RN licensure. We have some wonderful students with medical needs who are in need of either an LPN or RN to assist them while riding the bus to and from school. The hours are listed below and days to work flexible. If interested, please contact Sara Hoepner, Special Services Coordinator at shoepner@usd232.org, or Lee Hanson, Director of Special Services at lhanson@usd232.org, or Tara Harmon-Moore, Coordinator of Nursing Services at THarmonMoore@usd232.org for additional information. The job is also posted on our district website at https://www.applitrack.com/usd232/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Health+Services.
Bullying and Online Harassment
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
Wichita State University Scholarship Competition
Applications are now open for Wichita State's annual scholarship competitions for the senior class of 2024! A variety of scholarships are awarded to competition participants, including three of the largest scholarships in Kansas! See link below for information and participation requirements for each competition. Students should be admitted to Wichita State by October 15 and submit scholarship competition materials by November 1 to compete.
https://www.wichita.edu/admissions/undergraduate/dsi.php?scrlybrkr=5d272641
**HOLIDAY ORDERS - DEADLINE IS OCT 5th!** For Letterman Jackets
Wildcat Yard Signs and Activity Plaques have arrived! *Please have your student make arrangements for pick-up ASAP with Mr. Byers in ROOM 202!
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.