Wildcat Growl
February 5, 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,
The students and staff at De Soto High School appreciate being back in person, together. Returning to the consistency of the Green and White block schedule will help us support our students’ academic and social-emotional well-being; however, we can only remain in this learning environment if our students and staff continue doing their part to stay healthy.
Please help us by not attending school if you are ill, a member of the household has COVID-19, or you are waiting for a COVID-19 test result. Proper mask-wearing in the presence of others, avoiding large gatherings, washing hands often, and maintaining great healthy habits also mitigate the spread of COVID-19. You can help DHS remain on-site for the remainder of the year. Our goal is to prevent the spread and maintain a low number of students and staff who are quarantined. Attending school, when sick, or simply not reporting an illness only exacerbates, prolongs, and/or increases the number of people impacted. Thank you.
The Varsity Scholars Bowl team competed in a Kansas State High Schools Activities Association Class 5A Regional Scholars Bowl tournament on Monday, February 1st at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. The Varsity team finished 2nd overall at the 2021 Regional tournament! This qualifies the team for State, which will be hosted at De Soto High School on Saturday, February 13th. Congrats to Connor McCall, Luke LeBar, Abi Yarbough, Kyle Smith, Sara Murphy, and Mason Laney!
Congratulations to Leigha Torney and Ricky Cabral, the Wildcats of the Month for January. We appreciate both and are glad they are Wildcats!
We also want to recognize our Wildcat Staff Members of the Month for January, our Social Worker, Joe Kordalski, and Senior English Teacher, Crystal Sinclair-King. Thank you both for making DHS a special place.
Seniors and families of seniors were sent information via a Skyward email and the US Postal Service related to the graduation ceremony, May 22nd. Please review that information carefully and watch for updates as we get closer to the big day.
Senior and underclassmen picture retakes will take place next week, Wednesday and Thursday, February 10th and 11th. A limited number of students will be able to use Seminar, or lunch to have their picture taken in the Blackbox.
Kind Regards,
Sam Ruff
Congratulations Hayleigh Henderson and Dain Priddy 2021 DHS Winter Homecoming Queen and King
Habits of the Mind
DHS Families,
This week in our Habits of Mind Video, I talk about our body’s response to stress. The video is linked here.
We often hear about the three categories (fight, flight and freeze) that we tend to fall into when experiencing a stand alone, stressful or traumatic event or a series of events over the course of time.
In the video, I introduce the idea of having the capacity to change or influence this response by practicing some basic skills and preparing our thinking to respond.
There are occasions when I have the privilege to support students when they are in crisis. On these occasions I see and hear that students believe their “next steps” are significantly limited when their Amygdala has taken over their thinking. I encourage students to get back to the basics; use their 5 senses to support being in the moment, using intentional breathing to support a balanced physical self, take a break (that includes movement) and connect with trusted people in their support system.
Have a great weekend and GO WILDCAT and CHIEFS!
Joe Kordalski, LMSW
Arriving to DHS after 7:50am
As a security reminder when you arrive after 7:50am you need to enter the building from the south/front office. Students you can park on the east/Media Center side of the building so you don’t have to walk far.
Thank you
Officer Serpan (SRO)
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
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!
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.
Varsity Scholars Bowl
UKC Champions For the Second Straight Time!
The De Soto High School Scholars Bowl team won its second straight UKC title last week (remotely hosted by Turner) and earned second place at the in-person Regional tournament at St. Thomas Aquinas on Monday, qualifying the team for the State Championship.
UKC – 1st Place: Regionals – 2nd Place:
Luke LeBar Luke LeBar
Abi Yarbrough Abi Yarbrough
Kyle Smith Kyle Smith
Connor McCall Connor McCall
Sara Murphy Sara Murphy
Mason Laney* Anika Schroeder*
* - These members only competed at one of the tournaments.
They were 17-2 overall at these two tournaments, only losing to the two-time defending state champion St. James. Additionally, all players played extremely well, with scoring led by Luke LeBar and Sara Murphy (seriously, at regionals we scored more per round than any regional tournament since I have been a coach). As a side note, two other teams from UKC qualified for the state tournament.
We compete at the State Championship on Saturday, February 13 at 12:00 pm here at
De Soto High School.
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.
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