Wildcat Growl
January 29, 2021
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
Wildcats and Parents,
Congratulations to the DHS Scholars’ Bowl Team! They went undefeated (10-0) in competition, successfully defending their title as United Kansas Conference Champions. The team included: Luke LeBar, Kyle Smith, Abi Yarbrough, Connor McCall, Anika Schroeder, and Sara Murphy. Great job, team!
Congratulations to the 47 students inducted into the National Honor Society on Wednesday, January 27th. Inductee included: Hunter Finerty, Edward Richards, Kadey Waite, Joshua Bunselmeyer, Annie Winter, Brenna Johnson, Tristen Bogart, Lauren Bradley, Josephine Butler, Stephanie "Brooke" Lininger, Isabella Wiltfong, Ryan Barber, Katherine Beyer, Megan Brownell, Emmett Williams, Shelby Marquis, Emily Bell, Abigail Campbell, Grace Wright, Emma Klingler, Ethan Koch, Taylor Krehbiel, Brady Huggins, Elizabeth Schottler, Mason Laney, Tanner Chase, Lindsay Dodd, Lillian Champlain, Lindsay Kellogg, Annika Wheeler, Hallie Scott, Mason Heitmann, Hannah Purkey, Jacob Dority, Kendan Powers, Ryan Handley, Olivia "Ollie" Kellogg, Madison Kreis, Lily Werner, Owen Gier, Caleb Woleben, Kyle Newberry, Tyler Schultze, Amayrani Rocha, Ethan Schultze, Sophia Stine, and Olivia Meehan. Congrats!
The daily Green/White schedule for February can be found on our website (here).
Picture retakes with Interstate Studios are scheduled on Wednesday, February 10th, and Thursday, 11th from 10:45 am – 1:00 pm in the Black Box. Students may have retakes taken during Seminar or during their scheduled lunch time.
The course selection process for the 2021-2022 school year has started. Current juniors and sophomores are meeting with their counselors to finalize selections.
The deadline for current freshmen students to upload their course selection form in Canvas and complete their request in Skyward is February 19th, 2021.
Second-semester Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Wednesday, February 24th, and Thursday, February 25th. Each teacher will send families information on February 16th about conference appointment sign-up. We look forward to the opportunity to connect with you to gain insight and discuss student progress.
Exciting news! Construction on the new De Soto High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) will begin in March. This will impact the student parking lot and the ability to drive around the west side of DHS. More news to come.
Seniors, thank you for completing the survey regarding the graduation ceremony scheduled for May 22nd. Over 78% of the responses indicated a preference to hold the ceremony at CBAC (Olathe Public Schools College Boulevard Activities Center near Olathe NW High School). While the pandemic may force us to change plans, we will provide details for the senior class and their families next week.
Students are reminded to pick up their Academic Letter from student services.
This week’s Habits of Mind Video Series focuses on Coping. Information and the video link are below.
Kind Regards,
Sam Ruff
Habits of the Mind
DHS Families,
This week’s Habits of Mind Series talks with our students about Coping. As we anticipate next week’s schedule and working through the first week of being back in-person, full time there will likely be adjustment to everyone’s schedule and routine. I expect this change to result in a mix of successes and challenges for students and families. In the video, I highlight 3 points for consideration when thinking about coping: making it an intentional act, keeping our coping strategies mindful, not mindless and being thoughtful about creating a variety of ways to cope with the goal of having 6 - 8 varying activities to support our wellness.
Here's the link to this week’s video: https://youtu.be/3n6dM3ylQpA
Here’s the link to this week’s parent resource: https://yourteenmag.com/teenager-school/teens-high-school/teens-and-stress
Have a great week ahead,
Joe Kordalski, LMSW
Face Mask Facts
Face masks are required to be properly worn by all individuals in K-12 schools by Kansas Executive Order 20-59.
Wearing a mask is an important tool to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This evidence-based approach is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.
In compliance with the state order, USD 232 requires the wearing of masks at all times, with few exceptions. Exemption requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and require medical verification. Requests can be made by contacting our nurse at 913-667-6250 or mfarverlightcap@usd232.org.
Congratulations to the 47 new members of NHS!
American Legion of Kansas Boys State
Every year, the American Legion of Kansas offers an opportunity for students in Kansas. It is a week-long leadership opportunity where young men will:
- Distinguish you in the competition for college admissions and scholarships
- Expand leadership and problem-solving skills that will help you throughout life
- Give you a huge head start in your senior government class
- Introduce you to some of the smartest, most motivated high school students in Kansas
- Establish lifelong friendships
- Who – Male Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors in the top half of their class;
What – The American Legion Boys’ State of Kansas;
When – Sunday, June 6 through Saturday, June 12, 2021;
Where – Kansas State University in Manhattan;
Why – For Democracy to work, we must learn how to work together;
How – Apply at American Legion Boys' State of Kansas ... (ksbstate.org)
If you are interested in this program and need a sponsor to help pay for the cost, please contact Mrs. Johns at cjohns@usd232.org.
KCKCC What to Expect Wednesdays:
Join KCKCC on Wednesday nights at 6 P.M. on the KCKCC Admissions Facebook page for a Live interactive event, "What to Expect Wednesdays"! Join our Admission Coordinators as they dive into topics like the enrollment process, college terms and how to get involved. The Coordinators will answer questions from parents and students as they come in live! This is a great way for students and parents to get started on their transition into the collegiate experience!
USD 232 Making a Difference Award
Just a quick reminder that USD 232 Making a Difference Award nominations for the month of January are due this Sunday, Jan. 31! Anyone in USD 232 (staff, parents, students, etc.) can nominate any USD 232 employee. All teachers, support staff, custodians, administrators, secretaries, counselors, food service workers are eligible to receive this award. (Previous Making a Difference Winners ineligible). Monthly entries are encouraged as new nominations are reviewed on a monthly basis (i.e. we don’t look at nominations from previous months)
This award is given monthly throughout the school year to individuals who are truly “making a difference in the lives of young people” and was specifically created to celebrate and honor the exceptional teachers and staff in USD 232.
Thank you for taking the time to nominate your deriving candidate!
USD 232 Parents and Guardians,
You are invited to join us for a special online presentation as part of the school district’s Student Well-Being Series. On Thursday, February 4, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom Webinar, we will host a presentation and discussion on the increasing need to have open and honest discussions with children about race.
While conversations about race will look different for each family, research tells us that the earlier parents start these conversations with their children the better. Children of all ages are listening, and parents should talk with them in clear ways they can understand.
Dr. Ayanda Chakawa, a clinical psychologist at Children’s Mercy Kansas City and a clinical assistant professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, will be presenting on healthy ways to talk with our children on the subject of race. Her presentation will expand upon the recent article she co-authored: Healthy ways to talk to children about race.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to register online for this virtual event:
>How to Talk to Your Child About Race
A link to the webinar for February 4 at 7:00 p.m. will be emailed to each registrant prior to the online event.
More about the presenter:
Dr. Chakawa currently provides outpatient behavioral health services at one of Children’s Mercy’s community-based primary care clinics that offers medical and psychological care for traditionally disenfranchised and underserved populations. She spearheads the research for this integrated behavioral health program. She has authored numerous publications and presentations pertaining to cultural diversity. This year she received the Children’s Mercy inaugural “Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Achievement Early Career Award” in recognition of her years of commitment to and engagement in culturally inclusive clinical, research, and advocacy initiatives.
Varsity Scholars Bowl
UKC Champions For the Second Straight Time!
The Scholars’ Bowl program will hold on to the traveling-UKC scholars’ bowl trophy for another year! The team competed remotely on Jan. 26 against the other schools in our conference. After playing each school twice, the team ended with an undefeated record of 10-0!
The team featured many great players, including seniors Luke LeBar, Kyle Smith, Abi Yarbrough, Connor McCall, and Anika Schroeder, in addition to junior Sara Murphy. The players managed to each answer at least 5 questions, and scored an average of 83 points per round!
Over the next couple of weeks, the team will be participating in many more tournaments, with the goal of advancing to the state tournament. Regionals will be held on Feb. 1.
Scholars’ Bowl Goes 4 - 3 At Baldwin
As the end of the season approaches, the Varsity Scholars’ Bowl team has been attending as tournaments as possible during this abnormal season. One of the last tournaments of the year was hosted remotely by Baldwin High School.
The team, consisting of senior Chase Krehbiel, juniors Tanner Chase and Ryan Barber, with sophomores Dylan Handley and Sam Arrandale, put up a hard fight against some tough competitors. The team went 4 - 3, and scored a total of 380 points! Additionally, each person answered at least three questions!
Over the next couple of weeks, the team will be participating in many more tournaments, with the goal of advancing to the state tournament. Regionals will be held on Feb. 1.
JV Scholars Bowl
JV Scholars Bowl Places at Wichita Northeast Invitational
The JV Scholars Bowl team earned 2nd place at the Wichita Northeast JV Invitational on Jan. 26, competing against 22 teams from across the state. The team featured sophomores Kate Hileman, Kellan Flynn, Dylan McIntyre, freshmen Kylee Hunter and Sam Vogel, and sophomore captain Nic Weaver.
JV Scholars Bowl Season Wrap
The JV Scholars Bowl team completed their season on Jan. 26 after competing remotely at the Wichita Northeast JV Invitational. This concluded a season that featured 21 students competing at 11 meets from October through January. Comprised entirely of freshmen and sophomores, this year’s JV team competed hard at every tournament and grew throughout the year.
The JV Scholars Bowl team is coached by Phil Hamilton and Philip Kaul.
Varsity Boys Bowling
Varsity Boys Swimming
Varsity Girls Bowling
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.
All-State Choir
Congratulations to Mathys Moore and Bryson Kendall. They were selected to participate in the Kansas Music Educator's Association All-State Choirs. It is Bryson's 3rd year being selected and Mathys' 1st year.
Congratulations to the following DHS students who were selected to this year's All-State Groups
56A All-State Band
Ryan Handley - Bari
Cole Bichelmeyer- 9th
Anna D'Andrea - 11th
Jacob Dority - 10th
All-State Jazz Band
Nic Weaver - 3rd (Jazz)
Connor McCall - Alt. Bass (Jazz)
Paraprofessional Substitutes needed!
USD 232 is in need of paraprofessional substitutes who are flexible and willing to substitute throughout the district on an as needed basis. Stay-at-home parents make great substitute paraprofessionals! The ideal candidate is caring, compassionate and dedicated to the students’ success by looking for ways to support the teacher and making a positive difference in the lives of our children. Becoming a para sub is a great way to support the district, our students and our teachers which is needed now more than ever.
To learn more about becoming a substitute paraprofessional for the district, please speak with your Principal or contact Human Resources at the USD 232 District Office. Ready to apply? Click here > Paraprofessional Substitutes for USD 232