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Wildcat Growl
October 1, 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,
Thank you for taking the time to attend our recent parent-teacher conferences. Your involvement and commitment to your child's education are greatly appreciated and make a significant difference in their academic success. If you were not able to attend, please feel free to reach out to your student's teachers to set up a time to connect.
Congratulations to the following students for being recognized as the Wildcats of the Month for September. Each department is recognizing the following students:
- English – Kyan Rice
- Science – Matthew Barber
- Math – Alexis Bernard
- Fine/Performing Arts – Atlas Duffy
- Social Studies - Isabella Guess
- World Language – Ailey Freeman
- Physical Education – Lucas Porras
- Career and Technical Education - Logan Birk.
We also want to congratulate Lori Cater, our Lead Administrative Assistant, and Luis Rivera, a Spanish Teacher and Soccer Coach for being named the Staff Wildcats of the Month for September. We are glad to have Mrs. Cater and Mr. Rivera as members of our team!
Great job, Wildcats!
I am proud to announce that the De Soto High School Speech and Debate team has earned membership in the National Speech and Debate Association's prestigious 100 Club. Congratulations!
The district is accepting nominations for the USD 232 Making a Difference Award. Complete a nomination form for any USD 232 staff member to recognize and celebrate the exceptional teachers and staff in our district. Nominations are reviewed monthly.
Just a reminder that during closed seminar each Monday, students should plan out the rest of the week and register to visit teachers during seminar for extra help. Students register for the sessions via Flextime in Minga. Doing so demonstrates Academic Engagement, Self Discipline, and Time Management - three of the categories of The Wildcat Way. Students can also be assigned to attend sessions for academic interventions.
The last picture retakes of the year take place on Tuesday, October 3rd. If you were absent or unhappy with your picture, Interstate Studios will be set up in the Blackbox to retake your picture. You can sign up on Minga Flextime to have your picture taken during seminar, or wait until your lunchtime.
Seniors, four years ago your class missed out on the opportunity to have your freshman class group picture taken with your ForeverGreen T-shirts. At 2:40 PM on Tuesday, October 3rd, you will be dismissed to the Main Gym for your Class of 2024 group picture.
The UKC Girls Tennis Tournament is on Tuesday, October 3rd. Senior Night for the girls' golf team and the volleyball team will take place at the home varsity volleyball game on Tuesday, October 3rd. Our student section, The Wildside's theme for the varsity football game at Piper HS on Friday, October 6th is Neon/Construction.
On Wednesday, October 4th, USD 232 is hosting the annual College & Career Planning Night at Cedar Trails Exploration Center (CTEC). The event will begin at 6:00 PM and will end at 8:30 PM. Topics that will be covered include FAFSA, advice for college athletes, and more!
The end of the first quarter of the school year is Thursday, October 19th. After teachers submit quarter 1 grades, they will be posted to Skyward on Tuesday, October 24th.
Information about the variety of activities we have planned for FutureReady Day - on Wednesday, October 17th is included below. It will be important for students to return permission slips (DHS-planned college visits and service activities) in the coming weeks. The senior college visit/job shadow forms will be due Friday, October 27th.
If you use the social media platform Instagram, be sure to follow us @thedhswildcatway. We are using this account to recognize our Wildcats for being Committed, Accountable, and Thoughtful (The WildCAT Way). Check it out.
Several links to important information have been included below.
Thanks, and have a great week.
Sam Ruff
Principal
De Soto High School
Future Ready Day Details
Future Ready Day, October 17th, is just around the corner. We are excited about the opportunities that DHS students will have that day.
On the morning of October 17th, Freshmen and Sophomores will take the PreACT. Testing room locations will be posted in the commons by Thursday, October 12th. Students will need to check those locations before the morning of October 17. These locations will also be communicated to students in their seminars on October 16. Testing date, students will need to report to those rooms when arriving at school.
Juniors and Seniors who have signed up to take the ACT on October 17, will need to check their room locations in the commons. On the morning of October 17, those juniors and seniors will report to the assigned location. The majority of juniors and seniors who are taking the ACT will be in the social studies hallway. Seminar teachers will also have the room locations to communicate to the students the Monday before.
We have a variety of college visits planned for juniors who are not taking the ACT. Last week, juniors were asked to complete a survey indicating where they would like to go for a college visit. Students had a choice to attend JCCC, KCKCC, University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), Emporia State, Northwest Missouri State, Pitt State, K-State, or KU. Permission slips for these visits will be coming home soon and need to be returned on October 10. 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 17th, 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. 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.
For the afternoon of Future Ready Day, we will be offering a unique learning experience for students who are taking a standardized test in the morning. There are a variety of learning opportunities that teachers would love to present to students that may not directly relate to their assigned curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to sign up in Flextime for three different sessions that afternoon on a variety of topics. Sessions range from time in the weight room, to plumbing basics, to turning your hobby into a business. Students will sign up on October 16th during their seminar.
Food Deliveries: DoorDash
We want to take a moment to remind everyone about our school's practice regarding food deliveries. To maintain a safe and focused learning environment, we do not permit students or parents to arrange for food deliveries, including services like DoorDash, to be made to the school during school hours. This practice helps minimize disruptions, ensures the safety of our students, and promotes a healthy and organized school atmosphere. We kindly ask for your cooperation in adhering to this practice. If a student forgets their lunch or needs special accommodation, please contact the school office in advance, and we will do our best to assist.
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
Wichita State University Scholarship Competition
Applications are now open for Wichita State's annual scholarship competitions for the senior class of 2024! A variety of scholarships are awarded to competition participants, including three of the largest scholarships in Kansas! See link below for information and participation requirements for each competition. Students should be admitted to Wichita State by October 15 and submit scholarship competition materials by November 1 to compete.
https://www.wichita.edu/admissions/undergraduate/dsi.php?scrlybrkr=5d272641
Shawnee Mission College Clinic
For over 50 years, the Shawnee Mission College Clinic has offered high school students and their parents the opportunity to talk face to face with college and university representatives from across the country. As we’ve previously communicated, this year’s SMCC will take place on Wednesday, October 11th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Shawnee Mission East High School (7500 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS). We hope you are already getting the word out to your high school students and their families! Below are details that should be shared with your high school communities. We’ve included a pdf of our SMCC flier that would be great to use on any social media posts to your community. Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at smcollegeclinic@gmail.com. Thank you for spreading the word!
Follow Us
- Instagram: @smcollegeclinic
- Twitter: @SMCollegeClinic
- Website: https://shawneemissioncollegeclinic.com/
BEFORE YOU ATTEND - IMPORTANT!
Before the fair, students and parents should register at www.StriveFair.com. This will generate a personal barcode that you can keep on your phone or print off. During the fair, colleges will scan your barcode to send you more information about their schools. The day after the fair, you will receive a report with information on the colleges with whom you scanned. Please see the image below to use in posting on your social media channels.
Make the Most of the College Clinic - Plan Ahead
- The event is free and open to all high school students. Invite a friend to attend with you, and bring your parents.
- Most college reps will be at browsing tables in the gym. Make a list of questions to ask college representatives.
- A few colleges/universities will host short presentations. Make time to attend at least one presentation to learn about the many topics to consider when choosing a college. First presentations begin at 6:45pm.
- Talk to college reps from all areas of the country. Ask questions, and get answers first hand!
- Make personal contacts with college representatives.
- Pick up catalogs and brochures.
Location and Parking Options - FREE PARKING
- Shawnee Mission East High School is located at the SW corner of 75th and Mission Road.
- SM East parking lot on south side of the building.
- P.V. pool & tennis court parking - from 75th & Mission Road go west to Delmar, turn left, and head south to parking lot (near water tower).
- AVOID parking in the P.V. City Hall or Police Department lots.
Free Shuttle Bus Option
A shuttle bus will run continuously from 6:30pm - 9:00pm.
Village at Mission
7105 Mission Road
SE Corner of 71st and Mission
Doors open promptly at 6:30pm. Arrive early, and allow plenty of time to park. See you on October 11th!
**HOLIDAY ORDERS - DEADLINE IS OCT 5th!** For Letterman Jackets
Wildcat Yard Signs and Activity Plaques have arrived! *Please have your student make arrangements for pick-up ASAP with Mr. Byers in ROOM 202!
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.