Wildcat Growl
August 27, 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,
On Thursday, August 24th, we hosted families for Back to School Night. Hopefully, you were able to attend. If not, feel free to reach out to any of our teachers with questions or insights concerning your student. We also want to mention our appreciation to the students of the A & M Crew for their help and for demonstrating The WildCAT Way (Thoughtful: Service Orientation). Thank you!
Last call for senior parents! If you have a senior participating in band, cheer, dance, or a fall sport and would like to place an ad in the fall sports program, the deadline has been extended. Please complete and return the senior ad form no later than Tuesday, August 29th.
De Soto High School has been selected as the KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence award winner. A selection committee was formed from the following associations: the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA), the Kansas Speech Communication Association (KSCA), and the Kansas Thespians (Theatre). Leaders from these three associations along with the KSHSAA staff collaborated to discuss numerous high schools that scored exceptionally high in debate, speech, music, and theater during the 2022-23 school year. The formal presentation will take place at the DHS football game on Friday, September 1, 2023. The De Soto High School performing arts department will be honored in front of their community with a plaque presentation by the KSHSAA.
Seminar is a time during the school day in which students can study, seek out additional support, or be assigned to intervention sessions needed for learning. This time can also be used for club meetings and other non-classroom-related tasks. Seminar is scheduled to take place each day during 3rd block.
New this year, we will be using an online program called Minga to manage the days of the week students travel to other teachers/locations within the building. This system allows students to sign up for the teachers/locations they plan to attend throughout the week. Students may also be assigned to specific teachers/locations for interventions.
Just a reminder that we do not have school on Monday, September 4th in observance of Labor Day.
The Breakfast Club is back! DHS will once again offer morning homework assistance in the areas of math and English beginning Tuesday, September 5th. Math and English teachers will run the sessions from 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a light breakfast provided to students in attendance. Check out the flyer below for more information.
Homecoming week begins Monday, September 18th. Fun activities are planned to take place all week long, with an all-school assembly and Football game vs. Leavenworth on Friday, September 22nd, and the homecoming dance scheduled for Saturday, September 23rd.
Mark your calendars. Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, September 27th, and Thursday, September, 28th. This will be an important opportunity to meet with your student's teachers.
Several links to important information have been included below.
Thanks, and have a great week.
Sam Ruff
Principal
De Soto High School
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
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.