Wildcat Growl

Greetings, Wildcats!

• We are grateful to have finished our first full week of school! Below you're going to find information regarding ParentSquare & StudentSquare, and many other updates. Please see the updated table of contents below.

• Please see the Student-Device Update instructions (above)! Have your student follow them on their plugged-in school-issued device!
• If it allows the update from home, this can save your student time at campus as we continue auditing and updating.
• If it doesn't work correctly, that's okay, we'll see that during second phase, and will follow up!

• For Mobile-Viewers, please be familiar with the [Table of Contents] button in the upper left to navigate the table of contents!

New in Table of Contents

● [Principal's Message]:

+ Parent Site Council Interest Form

● [ParentSquare Reminders]:

+ MacOS Tahoe Updates (see above!)

+ Beneath the Principal's Message

+ ParentSquare & StudentSquare Information

● [Athletics/Activities]:

+ 9th Graders Superintendent Council Interest

+ Join the Robotics Team

+ Join the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

+ Environmental Club Meeting

+ Cats Corner Interest Meeting

● [Counseling Corner]:

+College Fairs

+US Senate Youth Program

● [Fundraise & Volunteer]:

+ Yard Sign

+ Bingo Night Fundraiser

+ Boo My Yard Fundraiser

Proud to be a Wildcat!

-Principal Thomas

Use these links to get the ParentSquare App on your Cell Phone, if interested!

STUDENTSQUARE DESKTOP

APP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Students! Please follow the directions in the PDF below if you want to activate the ParentSquare App on your taskbar of your Student-Issued MacBook!

ADVANTAGES: The app allows for a task bar icon, which could include notification icons as well.

NOTE: If the app isn't functioning correctly, it may be because your device wasn't updated (see above!). We will help with that after auditing attempts that failed to update

NOTE 2: You can ALWAYS utilize StudentSquare/ParentSquare through the web-based login!

Please complete this form if you are interested in serving on the Superintendent's Site Council! This is a great opportunity to speak on behalf of De Sot High School, and represent the Class of 2030 in coordinating with leadership in USD232! There are lunches, collaborations, and transportation is organized by the school.

If you are interested (your student must complete the form) please have them click here! (will also be emailed to them!

Interested in expanding your knowledge of STEM while having a ridiculous amount of competitive fun? Join the ROBOTICS TEAM. Open to Freshmen through Seniors at DHS or MVHS! New & returning student and parent information night will be held on Thursday September 3rd at 6:30 pm at the Cedar Trails Exploration Center. No previous experience or competency is required, all students who are interested in learning about robotics and contributing to an awesome and award winning team are welcome!!! Contact Mr. McLeod for any questions! email: nmcleod@usd232.org

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Because medical costs can be expensive, De Soto USD 232 does provide families the opportunity to purchase student accident insurance on their student through Student Assurance Services, Inc.

This supplemental policy would assist with your out-of-pocket medical expenses (i.e. deductible) should your student sustain an accidental injury while coverage is in effect. Also, if you do not have any insurance on your student, this would be primary for accidental injuries. There is a variety of coverage options and premiums are a one-time payment for the school year.

Please review the attached forms regarding student accident insurance.

If you have any questions about this coverage, please contact Student Assurance Services directly at (800) 328-2739 or please feel free to contact me at (800) 328-2739 or sonnyh@sas-mn.com

Sincerely,
Sonny Heinrich

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)

UMKC Saturday Academy: Healthcare Career Opportunity

Are you a 9th to 12th grade student interested in healthcare? UMKC’s Saturday Academy is a free, 8-week program designed to help high school students explore healthcare careers while preparing for college and future health education programs.

Program highlights:

• Hands-on healthcare activities and simulations
• Explore careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and more
• Meet admissions representatives and learn about pathways into healthcare
• Build stronger study and test-taking strategies
• Get help preparing for college and future applications
• Develop practical career and workplace skills

Program Dates: September 12 through December 12, 2026

Application Deadline: Monday, August 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST

Apply here: Saturday Academy Application 2026

Learn more about Saturday Academy

Questions? Contact stahr@umkc.edu.

The Kansas application for the 2027 U.S. Senate Youth Program is now open.

The program provides an opportunity for outstanding high school students interested in public service and government to represent Kansas in Washington, D.C. Selected students also receive a $12,500 college scholarship.

Please share this opportunity with eligible students in your school.

Applications and program information are available at https://www.ksde.gov/student-success/student-awards-and-recognition/u.s.-senate-youth-program

The application deadline is October 9.

Please direct any questions about the program to Kira Williams, kira.williams@ksde.gov

Please email TByers@USD232.org!

We are excited to invite your students to volunteer at the Patriots Run on Saturday, September 12. One Mission: The Patriots Run is more than a race, it's a day to honor those who run into the face of danger and pay tribute to the lives lost protecting our freedoms. Volunteer shifts vary in length depending on the assignment, allowing students to choose an opportunity that best fits their schedule. This is a wonderful chance for students to earn volunteer service hours while giving back to the community and supporting an event that honors our first responders, military members, and fallen heroes. If your students, clubs, athletic teams, or service organizations are interested in volunteering, please go to ThePatriotsRunKC.org this to sign up or contact us for additional information. Volunteers Click Here

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.

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.

Late 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).
• North Attendance, and Front Doors are open at 7:30, and students will wait in the commons until 8:15
  
• Media Center and Activities Entrance Doors will open at 8:10