Wildcat Growl

Greetings, Wildcats!

We can't wait to see students return to the building this week! We look forward to hosting the Freshmen at Wildcat Kickoff Tuesday! Please arrive at 7:30!

Wednesday will be our first Full Day of School! It will be a Regular Start Time (7:50)!

This week's GROWL has LOTS of information regarding...

• ...ParentSquare,
• ...the Technology Policy (HB 2299),
• ...testing information,
• ...fundraisers,
• ...other start of the year reminders!

Please be familiar with the [Table of Contents] button in the upper left to navigate the table of contents!

Proud to be a Wildcat!
-Principal Thomas

Dear USD 232 families,

We recently announced that USD 232 will begin using ParentSquare this school year to better unify school-to-home communication. With customized notification options, the ability for parents to message their 6th–12th grade students, and built-in translation, ParentSquare helps ensure all families and students stay informed and connected in one convenient place.

Activating Your Account

Your ParentSquare account is automatically created using the contact information you provided during enrollment. You will soon receive an invitation email from ParentSquare to activate your account. Once you receive the email, follow the instructions from the attached PDF to complete your account setup (English and Spanish PDFs attached).

You can find more instructions and helpful resources for parents and guardians on the ParentSquare website:
https://parentsquare.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/203058006-Parents-Guardians

We’re excited about all the ways this platform will make communication more effective for our families, students, and staff. Thank you for your partnership.

USD 232

<< The website is one way to use the ParentSquare Platform >>

<< The Phone Application via the AppStore or Playstore is also available >>

We want to share a quick reminder to support families with the online registration process.

Families should continue using SkywardQ for online registration and student information access. You can find the updated login link, along with details about the Skyward mobile app, here:

🔗 Skyward Family Access

Parents can have peace of mind by viewing 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.

School Supply Questions?

• Basic High School Supplies List
• District Issued Device
• Pen & Pencils
• Folder per Class
• Spiral Notebook per Class
• Binder for all Notebooks/Folders
• Backpack for Laptop, & Other Supplies
• Others could be based on preference, and/or course requirements learned during the 1st week of school

Several testing opportunities will be available to De Soto High School students this fall. Registration instructions and additional assessment information will be sent by email this week.

All ninth-grade students will take the PreACT 8/9, and all 10th-grade students will take the PreACT on October 13 during Future Ready Day. No registration or additional action is required for these assessments.

On October 13, juniors and seniors may choose to take the ACT, complete a self-arranged college visit, or participate in a self-arranged career exploration experience. Registration is due August 21, 2026. Students choosing to take the ACT must register. The ACT is free for seniors, while a testing fee applies to juniors. Grade-level Google Forms and additional registration information will be shared with families. Students choosing a college visit or career exploration experience are responsible for arranging the opportunity independently and submitting the required paperwork by the designated deadline.

The optional PSAT/NMSQT will be administered during the school day on October 6 for students in grades 10 and 11. The cost is $20. To register, students must sign up with Ms. Stanton or Ms. Chavez in Student Services and submit payment by cash or check payable to DHS. Registration is not complete until both the sign-up and payment have been received. The registration deadline is September 5 at 3:30 p.m. Students who receive testing accommodations through an IEP or 504 Plan should contact Mrs. Monroe by August 15.

Questions may be directed to Cat Monroe at cmonroe@usd232.org.

Note: Delayed Start Wednesdays

• Bus Transportation runs as normal, and bussed students will wait in the commons during breakfast from 7:30 - 8:15 (Collaborative Time is for Staff).
• Doors will still open at 7:30, but 1st period doesn't begin until 8:20 a.m.

Important Information About Student Schedules and Schedule Change Requests

• Student schedules will be available for online viewing in Skyward starting August 13th.

• Please note that these schedules are tentative and may change before the first day of school.

• If your student does not have a full Semester 1 schedule, their counselor has already reached out via email to set up a meeting before school begins.

• If your student has a complete schedule but would like to request a change, they must complete a Schedule Change Request Form.

• Forms will be available for students to pick up in Student Services after school on August 20th.

• The deadline to return the completed form is 3:00 PM on August 25th.

• No schedule change forms will be accepted after August 25th.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure students are placed in appropriate courses to support their academic success.

DHS Counselors and Social Workers

Mrs. Crissy Johns (cjohns@usd232.org): Last name A – E

Mrs. McKenzi Mispagel (mmispagel@usd232.org): Last name F – La

Mrs. Lainee Graham (lgraham@usd232.org): Last name Le – Re

Mrs. Kaitlin Morrell (kaitlin.morrell@usd232.org): Last name Rh - Z

Mr. Joe Kordalski, Social Worker (Rkordalski@usd232.org)

Mrs. Debra Landis, Social Worker (dlandis@usd232.org)

Tryouts and Practices for all Fall sports begin on Monday, August 17th.

All students planning to try out for or participate in a fall sport must have a parent/guardian successfully complete the activity registration process through BOUND. Registration, including uploading a valid physical, is required to participate or tryout. Registration for fall sports needs to be complete by midnight on Friday, August 14th so staff have time to review and verify physicals. If registration is not complete for your student-athlete, please complete this process as soon as possible. Step-by-step registration directions are attached. Please confirm that your student’s registration shows as Completed after all required information has been submitted.

BOUND registration link: https://www.gobound.com/ks/schools/desotohs#

Note: BOUND registration must be completed by a parent/guardian, not the student.

Families unable to come to enrollment may contact Michelle Mages at mmages@usd232.org for assistance.

Thank you! Go Wildcats!

Check it out, using the button below!

Dear De Soto High School Families,

Our Booster Club plays a vital role in supporting the students, staff, teams, clubs, and activities that make De Soto High School such a special place. We invite you to become a Booster Club member and consider volunteering a couple times this year in our concession stands.

*Individual Sign Up

*Groups/ Spirit Wear

Concessions are our biggest fundraisers and directly benefit our students & staff. Every shift worked helps generate funds that can be allocated back to the activity, club, or sport you choose to support. It's an easy way to make a meaningful impact while helping your student's program earn additional financial support.

Like any successful organization, the Booster Club depends on volunteers. Without parents, grandparents, alumni, staff, and community members stepping up to help, we simply couldn't provide the level of support our community deserve and has come to expect. Even volunteering for one or two shifts throughout the year makes a tremendous difference.

Giving back to our school is one of the best ways to invest in our students and strengthen our school community. Your time helps create opportunities, purchase needed equipment, support special events, and enhance the overall experience for every Wildcat.

Whether you're able to volunteer for a single event or several throughout the year, we'd love to have you join us. Together, we can continue making De Soto High School a place where our students thrive.

Thank you for supporting our students & staff and being an important part of the De Soto community!

Go Wildcats!

USD 232 is looking to connect with guest speakers, businesses, organizations, and community groups interested in supporting our students. If you or someone you know would like to partner with our schools through career exploration, classroom presentations, mentorship, internships, or other opportunities, we'd love to hear from you! Visit our Community Partner Hub to learn more and submit your interest: https://www.usd232.org/departments/academics/career-focused-learning/community-partner-hub.

DHS Enrollment 2026-27

Enrollment was held July 30 and 31, but it is not too late. If your student did not attend, work through the checklist below. Most of it can be finished online today; the rest is handled in the Main Office or on the dates listed.

Things to know

• Monday, August 24, Make-Up Photo Day: student ID and yearbook photos for anyone who missed enrollment.

Your catch-up checklist

1. Complete online enrollment. Finish enrollment in Skyward Family Access. Everything else depends on this step being done.
2. Student photo. Attend make-up photo day on August 24 for the 2026-27 student ID and yearbook photo. (See Order Information Below!)
3. Student schedule. Check Skyward. Schedules are released August 13 as part of Back-to-School Night.
4. Health paperwork. Turn in any outstanding forms to the Nurse's Office, or email them to Diane Brown (dbrown1@usd232.org) or Laura Legatt (llegatt@usd232.org).
5. Fees and lunch funds. Pay school fees and add lunch money through e~Funds.
6. Athletics and activities. Complete the required physical and athletic registration through Bound before the first practice.
7. Parking permit. Available in the Main Office. The student must come in person with a driver's license and license plate number.
8. Yearbook pickup. Already purchased a 2025-26 yearbook? Pick it up in the Main Office during office hours.

Who to contact

• Enrollment questions: Jane Stanton, Registrar, JeStanton@usd232.org. Also the first stop for families new to USD 232.
• Health paperwork: Diane Brown, dbrown1@usd232.org; Laura Legatt, llegatt@usd232.org.
• Everything else: DHS Main Office, 913-667-6250.

De Soto High School, 35000 W. 91st Street, De Soto, KS 66018, 913-667-6250