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Wildcat Growl
October 16, 2020
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
Dear Wildcats and Families,
Congratulations to both Boys and Girls Cross Country teams for winning the United Kansas Conference in a dominant fashion. Both Varsity teams won - with Carson Sturdy and Sophie Landrum winning their respective races for the Wildcats. And, both JV teams won - with Gracie Smith and Kaleb Barnes winning their respective races. “Great job”, to all the Wildcat runners!
Last Saturday the DHS Girls Tennis team won the KSHSAA 5A Regional, qualifying them for the 5A State Tournament at the Andover Tennis Complex. Thursday morning, DHS celebrated the Girls Tennis team with a State Send-off, as competition began early Friday morning. Good Luck, team!
Next week is Homecoming week at DHS. Student Council has planned events for each day of the week (dress-up days, mask decorating contests, dodgeball). Check out the information below.
The Academic Week at a Glance for the week of October 19th (found here) can be reviewed on our website. The Academic Week at a Glance provides detailed information for Hybrid and Optional Remote students about the schedule for each day of the week.
The October/November hybrid schedule for the De Soto Cohort (A-K) is published on our website here. The October/November hybrid schedule for the Wildcat Cohort (L-Z) is published here.
It is important to note that on Monday, October 26th, students in the Wildcat Cohort (L-Z) are in-person for an 8-period day.
The De Soto Cohort (A-K) students are in-person on Tuesday, October 27th - also an 8-period day. Optional Remote students will follow the same schedule remotely.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 28th, and Thursday, October 29th. Each teacher will present families with 3 different options via an email on Monday, October 19th. One of the options will include signing up for an appointment for an online conference. The window to sign-up for a conference closes on Friday, October 23rd. If families need assistance with signing up, please contact us.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Pre-ACT dates have CHANGED:
The date is based on your student’s cohort group:
· 9th & 10th-grade Optional Remote Students - Wednesday, Oct. 28th
· 10th-grade Wildcat Cohort (last names L-Z) - Monday, Nov. 2nd
· 9th-grade Wildcat Cohort (last names L-Z) - Tuesday, Nov. 3rd
· 10th-grade De Soto Cohort (last names A-K) - Wednesday, Nov. 4th
· 9th-grade De Soto Cohort (last names A-K) - Thursday, Nov. 5th
The test will begin at 7:50 am. There will not be make-up tests offered. For more information about the Pre-ACT, please see the information below.
Just a reminder to students and families that teachers are available during office hours for students on Canvas Days. The office hour schedule is on the homepage of each teachers’ Canvas course. We also posted the times on our website. We also have virtual peer tutoring available on Wednesday afternoons.
DHS would like to welcome Alexis Eberth. Mrs. Eberth joins our ELA department, teaching English 10 and Honors English 10. We are excited to have Mrs. Eberth join our team!
Thanks, and have a great week.
Sam Ruff,
Principal
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
Attendance Procedure and Tips
Please remember to call DHS, preferably before 10:00 am on the day of the absence if your student is absent. This also includes Optional Remote Students.
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 as a result of an appointment to verify the appointment by turning in an appointment note/slip. This helps us ensure the absence is excused rather than considered as a parent request. Students can turn the note into the school office when they return from the appointment or email the attendance secretary at mpartlowwilliams@usd232.org.
Technology Help Desk
Please remember that the fastest way to start getting a solution to any technical issues is to contact our help desk. This is also available to all students.
Technology Help Desk
Get help with district technology
Students and Parents: You can reach our Help Desk by calling 816-382-4840.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Dropping off forms or items for your student?
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.
Parents Choosing the Opt Out Process-Virtual Counseling for Students
USD 232 cares about the social-emotional wellbeing of all students. Given the changing circumstances surrounding school, we know students’ wellbeing must continue to be a focus. We are pleased to continue offering virtual sessions for students with their school’s social worker/counselor when meeting in person is not an option. All video conference sessions will be through a platform called Zoom and we will take steps to ensure the sessions comply with HIPAA and FERPA requirements. However, if a parent would prefer that their student not participate in virtual sessions with the school social worker or counselor, you may opt out by completing a simple form: VIRTUAL COUNSELING OPT OUT FORM
For more information about the PreACT
What is the PreACT? The PreACT simulates the ACT testing experience within a shorter test window on all four ACT test subjects: English, math, reading and science. Results predict future success on the ACT test, and provide both current achievement and projected future ACT test scores on the familiar 1-35 ACT score scale.
Students will test in a large-group format in the gym. They will be socially distanced and required to wear a mask.
What should my student(s) bring for the test? They should bring a couple of sharpened #2 pencils (no mechanical pencils, please), a calculator, water & a snack (if they’d like).
Please make sure your student gets a good night’s sleep and eats breakfast before coming to school to test.
If you have any questions about the test, please reach out to your student’s counselor.
PSAT UPDATE
PSAT UPDATE
DHS is pleased to announce that the PSAT/NMSQT test will take place on January 26, 2021 for all sophomores and juniors who wish to take the exam. The January administration will have the same benefits as the October PSAT/NMSQT, including eligibility for programs administered by National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Be on the lookout in November for registration information and procedures. For more information about the PSAT/NMSQT visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10
College Fair
Upcoming College Fair:
The National Association of College Admission Counseling is hosting 3 upcoming virtual college fairs on October 12th, October 18th and November 8th. For more information please visit: www.virtualcollegefairs.org.
KACRAO Virtual College Fair:
Students will have the opportunity to participate in multiple virtual college fairs where you can hear from several different colleges and universities in one session and have the ability to ask questions to college reps:
- Sessions will have six different colleges and universities presenting.
- Sessions are offered over four days to provide you a variety of opportunities
- Students are encouraged to register for multiple sessions!
To see a list of schools for each session, click on the links below. Students will register for sessions using the same links below.
FAFSA Night (Sponsored by Great Plains Assoc. for College Admission Counseling)
The college process can feel overwhelming, but we want to help relieve some of that stress for our students. During this virtual event, you'll have the chance to hear from experts about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. After attending the session our hope is you feel comfortable about the steps you need to complete your FAFSA.
Date: Thursday, October 22nd, 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. CDT
Register Here: https://forms.gle/nSvYLFPLPFArt4No6
Once registered, students will be emailed the zoom information. The following topics will be covered during the presentation:
- Signing up for your FSAID
- What to have before starting the FAFSA
- What information the university will receive
- Verification Process and where to find documents
FAFSA 2021-22 Application Opens Soon!
FAFSA 2021-22 Application Opens Soon!
Seniors who are attending a post-secondary institution next year need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This application will determine eligibility for grants and scholarships and many colleges and universities, but also provides loans as well. Students can begin filling out the 2021-22 application, starting October 1st. For more information, please visit: www.studentaid.gov.
JCCC has a helpful website on completing the FAFSA and offers assistance daily from 10 am – 3 pm via Zoom. Visit https://www.jccc.edu/admissions/financial-aid/ for more information.
The Johnson County library is offering an online step by step session to help students and parents with the FAFSA process. The next session available is October 28th from 6:30 to 8 pm. Students must register by visiting the following link: JCCC FAFSA Event.
Free Virtual FAFSA help with JOCO LIbrary
Johnson County Library is offering a free virtual FAFSA program this fall. Please share this information with
students, parents and anyone else you think may be interested in attending:
Step-by-Step through the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the federal application necessary to get free and low-cost money for college.
Join us as Jason Anderson, college and career planner, walks line-by-line through the FAFSA form,
using it to explain the ins-and-outs of the college admissions and financial aid process.
Wednesday Oct 28 6:30-8pm
To register to attend this virtual program, please visit our calendar jocolibrary.org/events and check "Career and Finance" in the Event Type section.
Thank you!
Debbie Lowery
Information Specialist/Shawnee Library
13811 Johnson Drive, Shawnee KS, 66216
913.826.4600 (office) | 913.826-4671 (fax)
Meet with the University of Missouri Rep Virtually
Student Services has scheduled a virtual info session for students at De Soto High School on Tuesday, October 27th at 4:30 pm. Students who are in our system will receive an invite one week out and then one day out. Do you have a way to send out the registration info on your end?
If so, students can register at https://futuretigers.missouri.edu/register/DHS102720.
District Recommendation for Students Returning from Quarantine or Isolation
If a student is gone from school due to a COVID-19 quarantine or isolation, the district is recommending that students disinfect their textbooks, library books and MacBook at home before coming back to school.
Thank you.
Girls Tennis
Good Luck!
Congratulations Cross Country
Conference Champs!!
Girls Golf
Notes from the Nurse
New Illness Exclusion policy:
As many of you have read per our USD 232 website, our exclusion guidelines in regard to illness have changed per Johnson County Health Department. Please see below for a detailed explanation.
Students
Students with at least one primary symptom OR two or more secondary symptoms are assumed to have COVID-19 and should be excluded from school and school-related activities and isolate at home. Fever is considered a secondary symptom in children.
Student Primary Symptoms (at least one)
New cough • Difficulty breathing • Loss of taste/smell
Student Secondary Symptoms (at least two)
Extreme fatigue • Fever (≥100 degrees Fahrenheit) or chills • Congestion/runny nose • Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea • Sore throat • Headache • Muscle or body aches
Students who exhibit one primary symptom OR two or more secondary symptoms and are not tested or test positive for COVID-19 should remain out of school and all school-related activities for 10 days after their symptoms began AND 24 hours after their fever (if present) has resolved without the aid of medication AND their initial symptoms have improved.
If a student is tested for COVID-19 and is negative, they can return to school 24 hours after their symptoms improve. If a physician indicates the symptoms are due to a non-infectious diagnosis (e.g., allergies, asthma), the child can be readmitted to school prior to their symptoms resolving. If a child has only one secondary symptom, the individual should be excluded for 24 hours after their symptom improves.
***If this is not addressed by October 12th, your child will not be able to attend classes. This will be an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE.***
Please contact me if you have any questions,
Anne Lightcap BSN, RN
De Soto High School Nurse
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.