Wildcat Growl
February 12, 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 Families,
This year has certainly been challenging. All the changes in learning environments and schedules have really tested our ability to be flexible. It has also highlighted the importance of consistency in our lives. Mr. Kordalski focuses on Consistency in this week’s Habits of Mind video. Check it out below.
We have enjoyed two weeks of consistency regarding our daily Green/White schedule, with the only disruption being the cancelation of school today, Friday, February 12th - the result of the extremely cold weather. We do not have school on Monday, February 15th in observance of President’s Day, and Tuesday, February 16th is scheduled to be a Green Day.
The school district is monitoring another winter weather system expected over the weekend into Monday. If the district decides to cancel school on Tuesday, February 16th, we will return to a White Day on Wednesday, February 17th. This is different and a correction from what students were told at the end of the day on Thursday. At this point in time, school is scheduled to resume as planned on Tuesday.
In order for our in-person students and staff to take full advantage of the consistency of the Green/White daily schedule, we must maintain a safe learning environment. This includes following through on the expectation that everyone is properly wearing masks. Poor mask-wearing can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 and the number of students and staff excluded for recommended quarantine due to a suspected exposure, even for those students and staff correctly wearing a mask.
Please know, we will warn, provide an appropriate mask, re-educate, communicate with parents, and seek out other learning environment options for students found in repeat non-compliance. If everyone continues to do their part, we can finish the school year with full in-person learning.
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Wednesday, February 24th, and Thursday, February 25th. Each teacher will email families information on Tuesday, February 16th about online conference appointment sign-up. If families need assistance with signing up, please contact the office.
Junior and sophomore Course Selection meetings with counselors are wrapping up. If you are a junior or sophomore student and have yet to meet with your counselor to review your plan for next year, please review your ‘Class of … IPS’ course in Canvas.
The ACT Test for junior students is scheduled to take place Tuesday, March 2nd for students with the last names A-K, and Wednesday, March 3rd for students with the last names L-Z. Optional Remote students intending to sit for the exam should come on the day designated by your last name.
Stay Healthy and Safe,
Sam Ruff
Principal
DHS Scholars Bowl is State Bound! Good Luck!
Habits of the Mind
DHS Families,
Good day, Wildcat families! As we work through the first couple weeks of our students being back full-time and in person, I highlight the importance that consistency has in our lives in this week’s video.
We are beginning a series of back-to-back short weeks due to the cold weather, the President’s Day Holiday, and Parent / Teacher Conferences. While this shouldn’t impact our students’ schedules too much, it can impact the momentum and rhythm of our progress as we get back into being full time. This has been a very trying year when it comes to creating consistency and feeling forward progress.
This week’s Habits of Mind Video highlights 6 benefits of consistency; predictability, support, repetition, efficiency, dependability, and less room for gaps in understanding. While there are a number of additional values that can come from consistency, I think all of these 6 are relevant to our student’s academic and social success.
The link to the video is here: https://youtu.be/iItPEvCrT6E.
Let’s work together to see the best in our students and keep consistency a part of our daily lives.
Have a great weekend and GO WILDCATS!
Joe Kordalski, LMSW
Seatbelt Enforcement
The 2021 SAFE program Seatbelt Enforcement campaign will begin on Monday, Feb. 22., and end on Friday, March 5. You will see an increase in enforcement efforts during this period.
The Kansas Department of Transportation and the SAFE Program will hold a two-week seatbelt enforcement beginning February 22 and ending on March 5, targeting drivers and their occupants.
Enforcement of seatbelt laws is the most effective way to encourage seat belt use and ultimately save lives. Various methods have been used to educate teens and adults about the dangers of driving unbelted.
We have learned that nothing impacts human behavior more than vigorous enforcement.
#seatbeltssavelives
#buckleup
#arrivealive
#zerotolerance
#seatbeltsareforeveryone
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
Deputy 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.
Junior ACT Test
Junior ACT
· Juniors w/ Last Names A-K: will test on 1st & 2nd block on Tuesday, March 2nd in the Aux Gym & Student Union – rosters will be posted in the commons the week of Feb. 22nd
· Juniors w/ Last Names L-Z: will test on 1st & 2nd block on Wednesday, March 3rd in the Aux Gym & Student Union – rosters will be posted in the commons the week of Feb. 22nd
· Optional Remote Students who are planning to take the ACT should come to DHS on the day their group is testing by last name
· Please email Leah Vomhof, associate principal, with questions: lvomhof@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.
All State Band
Congratulations to the following students for being selected to the KMEA All State Bands Group! This year students will have the opportunity to participate remotely and send in recordings for the final concert.
Anna D’Andrea
Nic Weaver
Cole Bichelmeyer
Ryan Handley
Jacob Dority
Connor McCall
Varsity Wrestling
Varsity Scholars Bowl
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