Wildcat Growl
December 18, 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,
The winter holidays offer an opportunity to reconnect with friends and family. With luck, we get some downtime to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. For many of our students, it is also a time to reflect on personal and academic accomplishments and set goals for the second semester. As we head into this period, I am struck by the gratitude I feel for all the people who are supporting the DHS community. I'm incredibly grateful for the help we've received from our families as we support our students to face, overcome, and grow through the challenges they encounter.
Monday and Tuesday of this week (December 19th and 20th) are the last two days of the semester. The Final Exam schedule can be viewed on our website. We will be on the half-day bell schedule on Monday and Tuesday, with dismissal taking place at 11:07 am.
DHS and the Main Office will be closed Wednesday, December 21st, until Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023. Classes resume on Thursday, January 5th, 2023.
On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Junior students will take the ACT at DHS. More information will be coming as the date nears.
Seniors qualifying for ‘Shortened Day’ during the spring semester are reminded of a few key points:
1) During the school day (7:50 am - 2:55 pm), you must enter and exit the building through the attendance office doors,
2) If you do not have Seminar – you will need to sign in through the attendance office to meet with a teacher, and
3) Having a shortened schedule is contingent on your regular attendance and passing all of your courses.
Thanks, and have a great end of the semester and holiday break.
Sam Ruff
Principal, DHS
Kansas Teacher of the Year
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.
School Meals
De Soto Power Performance Meet
All of our Strength and Conditioning students competed through 7 events (Squat, Clean, Bench, 40’s, Pro Agility, Broad Jump, and Vertical Jump).
Women’s Division Champion
Cam Wedel
Squat: 225
Bench: 110
Clean: 115
Vert: 27.5
Pro Agility: 4.36
40: 4.87
Broad Jump: 7’8”
Men’s Division Champion
Charlie Woleben
Squat: 350
Bench: 225
Clean:245
Vert: 35
Pro Agility:4.32
40:4.6
Broad Jump: 10’
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.
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
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.