DKHS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Sorry for the delay this week. We had a glitch last week with the platform we use to create the newsletter. Took us some time to get things sorted out. Here are some updates and reminders of things happening at DKHS.

Last week was the start of winter sports, with boys' basketball getting things kicked off. Kids are reminded to double-check their documents in Final Forms and ensure an updated physical is on file before practices begin. Congratulations to our fall athletes who are being honored in their sports with division and all-conference, as well as all-county honors. More to come on those names as they get announced. Check out our athletic site for the most recent awards. I know that Aubrey Yarger took first in Regionals and now moves to the State finals this weekend in her quest to defend her State Championship from last year. Good Luck, Aubrey.

Our theatre group, DKTAC, is presenting the fall play Fear Factory with performances on November 19, 20, and 22 at 7 PM with an additional 1 PM matinee on Saturday. All tickets are $7 here in the HS office or at the door.

On Friday last week, our entire K-12 staff had a PD day with K-12 curriculum work and alignment with Communications By Design, leading our entire DKS staff in their work. We also had other staff getting further training in our Capturing Kids Hearts program as we work to develop deeper and more positive connections with each other and with our students.

We took 6 Sophomores to the SAC League Leadership Conference in Coloma. I was pleased with the full participation from our group. Sophie Lebeck, David Menck, Aubrey Yarger, Easton Reynolds, Lindie Weissner, and Mason Ferris came away with new leadership skills and a renewed focus on ways they can impact our culture here and serve as leaders in our building and on our teams.

DKHS had a visit from Amatrol Regional Manager Jacob Perkins from Louisville, who is in charge of K-12 curriculum for IGNITE, and he was absolutely wowed by our lab space. He said DKHS has the best-looking lab of any school he has seen across the country. Our kids are getting a jumpstart on real and relevant training and will be earning trades certifications that make them attractive to employers. Great day to be a Panther!!!

This time of the year goes so fast, and our kids will need to plan ahead as the end of the semester will be upon us before we know it. Final exams will be the 3 days just prior to Christmas break, as you plan. Do A Job-Go Panthers!!!!

Students in AP Biology making play-doh models of plant and animal cells with a focus on the organelles' characteristics and functions.

Woodshop students have been busy making custom projects thanks to a grant through DKEF. Students have been learning how to use a laser engraver to take their projects to another level. They not only build their projects in woodshop, but also engrave custom designs. 2026 Seniors have also used the laser engraver to make custom keychains that they will be selling to raise money for their Senior Mystery Trip.

IGNITE students took a field trip this week to a local mechatronics manufacturing facility in Otsego. Peloton, Inc. invited Ignite students to their facility to see real-world machines that they are designing and building using equipment the students have been learning in the shop. Peloton has graciously invited the students to come back when their next machine builds using Fanuc robots are completed. The Ignite course covers electrical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, robotics, CNC machining, 3D printing, CAD, welding, mechatronics, and many other career-ready skills through a combination of online and hands-on learning.