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Wildcat Growl
January 22, 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 Parents,
Congratulations to our Wildcats who were chosen for the All-State Band: Ryan Handley, Cole Bichelmeyer, Anna D'Andrea, and Jacob Dority! Two Wildcats were also chosen for the All-State Jazz Band: Nic Weaver and Connor McCall. Congrats!
The following students were nominated for a CLASS Award: Daniel Morozov, Kyan Rice, Lauren Bradley, Mark Gulley, Donovan Hernandez, Diana Nava Hernandez, Alison Schaefer, Emersen Brown, Ava Wagner, Kaden Scott-Casteel, Jaclynne Zumwalt, Eligh Harris, Madison Wegner, Litzy Esparza, Sara Murphy, Grant Brownell, Rob Ramsey, Emily Mlodzik, Elizabeth Schlotzhauer, Sam Lindsey, Halie Weber, Brody Hendrich, Deira Rionda, Luke Coverdale, Ryann Doyle, Clark Billinger, Lauren Fandre, Sarah Moler, Riley Padden, Lejay (LJ) Rainey, Harley Neubauer, Henry Rokusek, Samantha Krenzel, Jackson Porras, Avery Bowlin, Madison Neal, Joel Sygman, Brett Tickle, Gavin Hunerdosse, Bobby Tadele, Dylan Hartmann, Airam Chavez-Baca, Spencer Burch, Jacey Warning, Luis Camarena, Austin Swain, Liliana Sullivan, Austin McCombs, Henry Bernard-June, Aria Gamboa, Thalia Rainey, Cole Osterholm, Ashton Hoffman, Gabriel Loza, Greta Butcher, Marco Antonio Casas Duran, Alaina Remillard, Isabella Holwick, and Emily Kresin. The awards video will be posted on our website on Thursday, January 28th. Congrats!
Congratulations to several staff members being recognized as 'Making a Difference' Award winners for December: Jim Bonar, Stephanie Elliott-Nino, Junelle Woolery, Jennifer Sosna, Ben Stamey, and Leah Vomhof!
The nomination window is OPEN for January nominations, and we encourage you to complete this form for ANY USD 232 staff member that has made a difference in the lives of our students. Making a Difference Nomination Form
Semester 1 Report Cards will be posted today, January 22nd, 2021 in Canvas.
The course selection process for the 2021-2022 school year has started. The deadline for current junior and sophomore students to submit the course selection form in Canvas is today, January 22nd, 2021. The deadline for current freshmen students is February 19th, 2021.
The schedule for next week - the week beginning Monday, January 25th - can be found on our website (here).
The Board of Education took action during its regularly scheduled meeting on January 11 to move DHS to full in-person learning as of Monday, February 1. The schedule for the first two weeks of February can be viewed on our website (here).
Seniors and parents of seniors, graduation is scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd - a short 77 school days away. Next week, we will send out a survey to senior students’ USD232 email addresses asking several important questions regarding the ceremony. Seniors, please include your parents in completing the survey.
Additionally, the cut-off date for ordering caps and gowns (required to participate in the ceremony) is Friday, February 12th, 2021. You can order your cap and gown online at www.highschool.herffjones.com or place an order by phone at 866-238-5336.
Picture retakes with Interstate Studios are scheduled on Wednesday, February 10th, and Thursday, 11th from 10:45 am – 1:00 pm in the Black Box. Students may have retakes taken during Seminar or during their scheduled lunch time.
This week’s Habits of Mind Video Series created by Mr. Kordalski focuses on one of our Core Values - Perseverance. The links to the video and resources are below.
Kind Regards,
Sam Ruff
DHS StuCo Project 1020
Winter Homecoming Court
Winter Homecoming Activities
Habits of the Mind
DHS Families,
This week’s Habits of Mind Video Series focuses on Perseverance. As I finished up the student video there were a host of other words that came to mind; grit, persistence, drive and resiliency. All of these words carry a common theme that is important for students to have. Demonstrating and applying perseverance over a variety of settings or obstacles can be difficult and takes time to develop.
Perseverance often takes collaboration with others. I could not have found success, small and big through this past semester without the support of so many people at work and in my personal life. Each day, in intentional ways and by happenchance DHS staff work to grow and foster perseverance in your students. We will continue to work through the challenges ahead and look forward to a new semester. Here’s the link to this week’s video and a here is a link to a resource for parents.
Take care,
Joe Kordalski, LMSW
Social Worker
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
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.
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.
Busing for In Person Learning
If students are coming back for In Person Learning and are not currently signed up for busing please contact First Student at (913)-422-8501.
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!
Dropping off forms or items for your student?
All-State Choir
Congratulations to Mathys Moore and Bryson Kendall. They were selected to participate in the Kansas Music Educator's Association All-State Choirs. It is Bryson's 3rd year being selected and Mathys' 1st year.
Scholars Bowl Season Starting Strong
Varsity Scholars’ Bowl Team Earns Third Place at Blue Valley North
The Varsity Scholars’ Bowl team competed remotely at the Blue Valley North Scholars’ Bowl tournament on Jan. 12, finishing in 3rd place. The team had a record of 7-2, only losing to 6A Lawrence Free State once in pool play and then again in the semifinals.
The team performed well, scoring a total of 510 points over 9 rounds played. Although the tournament featured abnormal and particularly challenging questions, each player scored at least once. The team was composed of seniors Luke LeBar, Kyle Smith, Anika Schroder, and juniors Ryan Barber, Mason Laney, and Sara Murphy.
Scholars’ Bowl Hosts Successful JV Tournament
On Monday, January 11, the Scholars’ Bowl program welcomed 17 teams from across Kansas to their virtual JV tournament. The tournament consisted of 7 pool-play rounds and 3 finals rounds, which ended with Washburn Rural being crowned the champion.
This tournament was a huge success, mainly due to a plethora of support from across the district and the alumni network. 10 district employees, 9 former students, and 29 current students all pitched in and worked various jobs throughout the night.
Varsity Scholars’ Bowl Claims First Place at Leavenworth
The Scholars’ Bowl program continues to have success across the board, most recently claiming first place at the Leavenworth Varsity Tournament on Jan. 7. The team went 8-1, only losing to 6A Olathe Northwest by 5 points during a tie-breaker. The team won a 3-way-tie in order to win the number one seed going into semifinals. After beating Lawrence Free State 55-40, the team advanced to the finals and beat Saint James 55-45 in a tie-breaker question.
The team averaged 65.56 points per round, with each team member answering at least 5 questions. The team was composed of seniors Abi Yarbrough, Kyle Smith, Luke LeBar, Connor McCall, and Anika Schroder, and junior Sara Murphy.
Over the next couple of weeks, the team will be participating in many more tournaments, with the goal of advancing to the state tournament. We will be hoping to successfully defend our UKC championship at the conference tournament on Jan. 26.
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.
Congratulations to the following DHS students who were selected to this year's All-State Groups
56A All-State Band
Ryan Handley - Bari
Cole Bichelmeyer- 9th
Anna D'Andrea - 11th
Jacob Dority - 10th
All-State Jazz Band
Nic Weaver - 3rd (Jazz)
Connor McCall - Alt. Bass (Jazz)
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.