Wildcat Growl
October 16, 2022
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
Wildcat Family,
Congratulations to Emma Hellerich for placing seventh in the KSHSAA 5A State Tennis tournament. Way to go, Emma!
‘Good Luck’ to Marisa Williams and Maggie Bichelmeyer as they compete in the KSHSAA 5A State Golf tournament on Monday, October 17th.
Congratulations to the Boys Cross Country team for winning the United Kansas Conference for the third consecutive year. The Girls Cross Country team placed second. Both teams look to qualify for the 5A State Cross Country meet as DHS hosts the 5A Regional at Lexington Lake Park on Saturday, October 22nd. Good Luck, Wildcats!
Congratulations to Carson Schuman and Josh Fullmer. Both are being recognized as our Wildcats of the Month for October. Carson and Josh are involved in a variety of activities and we appreciate their positive contribution to DHS!
We also want to congratulate Marianne Huff and Brett Hothan. Both are being recognized as the staff Wildcats of the Month for October. Marianne serves DHS as a Paraprofessional, and Brett serves as a PE Teacher and Girls Golf Coach. We are lucky to have both as members of the staff at DHS. Congrats!
You are invited to attend a choir concert in the new DHS Performing Arts Center at 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, October 19th. The concert will feature DHS, Lexington Trails MS, and Mill Creek MS choirs.
The first quarter of the school year ends on Thursday, October 20th. After teachers submit quarter 1 grades, they will be posted to Skyward on Tuesday, October 25th.
Reminder - there is no school on Friday, October 21st, and Monday, October 24th.
Wednesday, October 26th will be a busy day at DHS. 9th and 10th-grade students will take the Pre-ACT in the morning, then attend 4th and 5th block classes in the afternoon. Most of the junior class will visit a postsecondary institution - either Baker, Emporia State, Kansas University, Kansas State, Northwest Missouri State, JCCC, KCKCCtech, Pitt State, Washburn, or the University of Central Missouri. Students will receive their permission slips on Monday, October 17th. The permission slips for juniors are due Thursday, October 20th. Students can bring money to purchase lunch from the postsecondary institution cafeteria, bring their own lunch, or sack lunches will be available for pickup from our cafeteria.
Also on October 26th, most of the senior class will explore future opportunities through a job shadow or individually planned college visits. Some of our students are taking the ASVAB, a Military Services assessment. Additionally, some seniors are participating in a community service project. Job Shadow/College Visit forms for seniors are due October 28th. We are thankful to our staff for assisting us in providing these opportunities for our students – and thankful to our students for representing DHS well.
Semester final exams are scheduled to begin Thursday, December 15th, and end Tuesday, December 20th. Winter Break begins on December 21st. If students have to leave town prior to or during finals week, they will need to work with the teacher to make up the final within two weeks of their return (not before).
Thanks, and Go Wildcats!
Sam Ruff
Principal, DHS
catPRIDE
This week several members of the DHS Club, catPRIDE attended the 16th Annual Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) hosted by Johnson Co. Mental Health. During YLS, youth and adult leaders worked to enhance their leadership and advocacy skills. Clubs were challenged to go through a discovery process to identify areas of need and create action plans to create awareness and education around substance use healthy behaviors within their schools and communities. Keep your eye on future school wide events to support these efforts, including Wellness Week and our annual 5th Quarter following a home basketball game.
Attendance Information
We want to share some important information and reminders for parents. During the summer, 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.
Please remember to call DHS, before 10:00 am on the day of an absence if your student is absent. You can also call in a prearranged absence ahead of time. The 24-hour attendance voicemail is 913-667-6259. We also ask that students missing school due to a physician/medical/dental appointment verify the appointment by turning in an appointment note/slip from the healthcare provider. This helps us ensure the absence is excused rather than considered a parent request. Students can turn the note in to the attendance office when they return from the appointment.
Future Ready Day: October 26th
Future Ready Day is scheduled for October 26th. On this day, students participate in a variety of activities assisting them in planning for their future.
On October 26th, all 9th/10th-grade students are scheduled to take the Pre-ACT. This important assessment simulates the ACT test experience, predicts ACT test scores, and offers insight to students toward post-secondary readiness.
Additionally, 11th-grade students will participate in a school-supervised college visit. Students will have an opportunity to select from a list of colleges. Thanks to a USD232 Education Foundation grant, all transportation will be provided by DHS. In the coming weeks, Juniors will be sent a survey asking them to rank their preference from the list of schools.
On the same day, our 12th-grade students will be able to select from several activities including:
- Senior Service Day - community service projects.
- Taking the ASVAB - a test provided by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success. This option may also include a field trip to the Armory to meet with and listen to presentations given by US Armed Services personnel.
- individually/self-planned college visits*, or
- job shadow*.
We are sending each Senior a survey this week to self-select which activity they are choosing. (*college visits and job shadows require the completion of a form found in Student Services)
Halloween Trivia Night Fundraiser
The Drama program is hosting a Halloween Trivia Night to fundraise for our fall musical! Please see the flyer and QR code for more information. Tons of prizes and a Silent Auction! We'd love to see tables of adults, families, students...rounds will include Sports, Movies, Music, Disney, Halloween and Stranger Things!
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.
Breakfast with Belle Fundraiser
The Drama program is hosting a Breakfast with Belle to fundraise for our fall musical, Beauty and the Beast. Please see the flyer and QR code for more information. There will be an all you can eat pancake buffet and an opportunity to take pictures in our castle with Belle and your other favorite characters!
School Meals
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
De Soto High School students are invited to A Night With K-State Engineering!
The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is hosting events for high school and community college students. Representatives will lead an interactive presentation for students and their guests to learn more about engineering. We would love for your students to join us at one of the following events:
· Topeka | Evergy | Wednesday, Oct. 19
· Overland Park | Blue Valley CAPS | Thursday, Oct. 20
· Lee’s Summit, Missouri | Summit Technology Academy | Thursday, Nov. 3
· YouTube Live | Tuesday, Nov. 29
Learn more about engineering degrees, scholarships, career opportunities and industry partners.
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
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.