DE SOTO DIGEST De Soto School District #73 Volume 23, Number 2, October 22, 2015

Superintendent’s Message Dear Patrons, Students, Parents, and Staff, posted on the website. Also, I want to commend our student body for demonstrating responsible behavior We have experienced a successful start The school facility projects are in the both at school and while attending school to the new year as the first quarter came construction bidding phase. The Board of activities. You are doing a great job in to a close on October 16, 2015. Our Education will award the Vineland projects representing our school and community students and staff are working hard to in November and the JH and HS projects in and have continued to impress visitors to ensure that we reach our goal of improved December. The district has completed the our school system. performance. Recently, we received the new HVAC boiler system at Athena as well Annual Performance Report (APR) from as the paved roadway for parent pickup Finally, I want to thank our staff for your The Missouri Department of Elementary and some ceiling tile asbestos removal. positive attitudes and outstanding work and Secondary Education. This report is a We anticipate that all projects will be ethic. Thank you for your commitment summary of important data and indicators completed by January 2017. to our kids. It is essential that the school, that helps our school to measure how parents and community at large partner well we are doing. The district has earned On behalf of our Board of Education, I together to achieve our mission to ensure enough points to maintain the Accreditation want to thank parents and patrons for the learning, growth and success for all Status. While we are maintaining our high degree of parent and community students in a safe environment. academic goals in some areas, we have involvement. Many of you contribute in a identified weaknesses in our curriculum variety of ways by volunteering your time, I hope you enjoy this issue of the Digest alignment and the state assessment. energy and resources to make our school highlighting several of our students’ Teacher curriculum and data teams are a better place for our students to live and successes. working to improve the alignment and learn each day. In October, the board Dr. Trisha Burkeen strategies to increase learning. A more recognized the parent groups for their Sincerely, Superintendent detailed report of school performance will volunteer efforts. be provided in the school report card and Dr. Trisha L. Burkeen Facilities Update Elementary. Another project that just Homecoming 2015 started the last week in September was the installation of four (4) new boilers at Athena Elementary. This spring we will be replacing the Dedicated Outside Air Systems (DOAS) units. Finally, the district was able to complete a tile project in the Kindergarten hallway at Athena as well. Thank you to the De Soto Community for this great opportunity. Check out #votepropkids on Twitter for updates of the Bond Projects.

Vineland and Secondary Campus Bond Issue Projects Ready to Bid Above, De Soto High School Retiring In an effort to be fiscally responsible, Homecoming Queen, Brooke Kirby, district administration has been in and King, Matt Zerillo, help the 2015 communication with KRJ architectural Princess, Marley Ponzar, and Prince, firm and their current progress on the Eric McClinton, throw candy to the design drawings, as well as watching the crowd at the Homecoming parade on Dr. Clint Freeman local economy. Administration believed Oct. 9. Assistant Superintendent it to be more economically responsible to Top right, the Vineland Dragonettes, separate the projects in an effort to acquire with Coach Richardson perform for Bond Issue Projects Underway at a competitive bidding process. the first time as a team. Athena Bottom right, the Senior Class of 2016 With the passage of the April 2015 Bond huddle on the gym floor at the Pep Issue, the De Soto School District was able See FREEMAN, Page 2 Assembly. to start on some of the smaller projects this summer, most notably was the asphalt paving and retaining wall behind Athena 2 DE SOTO DIGEST OctoberMay 30, 22, 2013 2015 Freeman Continued from Page 1 On September 17, 2015, the De Soto Board of Education approved the recommendation to proceed with separate bids (Vineland Campus projects first and then secondary campuses projects a few weeks later). This will allow the district and their architectural firm an opportunity to understand the current economy pricing and allow for modifications to be made, if needed; therefore, below is the timeline for the Vineland Project. The projects on the secondary campuses will be going out to bid in early November (more information to come).

Vineland Project Timeline Oct. 1, 2015 Advertise Bids Oct. 8, 2015 Advertise Bids Oct. 8, 2015 Vineland Project will be out to bid. Nov. 5, 2015 Bids are due. Nov. 19, 2015 De Soto Administration will be making a recommendation to the Board of Education. Pictures of BOND Project updates Are You Ready for the All Call? As the winter season is approaching rapidly, at Athena Elementary Campus it will be time for the calls that students love: “No School.” In an effort to make sure that De Soto School District database including Parent Pick-up and new is updated with current contact information (phone numbers) A TEST School Reach boilers. Phone call will be conducted on Monday, November 2, 2015; the message will be How many years have you taught? sent out at 7:30 p.m. If you do not receive 2 years the test message, please send your updated Where did you get your teaching degree? contact information to Karen Robinson Missouri State University at 636-586-1040, ext. 250, so that the Where did you grow up? database can be updated. District Notice St. James, MO Where do you live now? The De Soto School The outskirts of Bonne Terre De Soto #73 Schools Gets Prepared District #73 does not discriminate What made you pursue a teaching career? Safety of our students is top priority. We on the basis of race, color, national Teaching is in my blood. I have always wanted to be all must get better prepared for major origin, gender, disability or age a teacher. Music adds the benefit of teaching multiple earthquakes, and practice how to protect in its programs and activities. subjects all wrapped in an exciting package. ourselves when they happen. The purpose Inquiries related to District programs New to the district: Spouse’s name: of the ShakeOut was to help people and and to the location of services, activities and Samantha Boyer The wonderful, Darrell Boyer organizations do both. You could be facilities that are accessible by persons with Traveling Elementary Children (names, ages): Dogs-- Riley, 8; Bentley, 1 anywhere when an earthquake strikes: disabilities may be directed to the Music Teacher Goal for first year in De Soto: To instill in my students at home, at work, at school or even on De Soto School District Central a love for music and for them to grow as individuals. vacation. De Soto School District, along Office, 610 Vineland School Road with millions of people worldwide, De Soto, MO 63020, or by telephone at practiced how to Drop, Cover, and Hold (636) 586-1000. on October 15 during Great Shakeout How many years have you taught? Earthquake Drills. I spent last year teaching English in Colombia, South America. Breakfast is FREE!! The De Soto Digest is a Where did you get your teaching degree? De Soto School District provides free Hope College in Holland, Michigan. breakfast for all students K-12. Currently, publication of the De Soto Where did you grow up? breakfast is provided to grades k-6 in School District. Elmhurst, IL – a western suburb of Chicago. the cafeteria at both elementary schools, Where do you live now? as well as the secondary campuses. Crystal The district encourages students to eat To reach the editor, Fawn What made you pursue a teaching career? breakfast. Studies have shown students I am passionate about learning and making a difference who eat breakfast perform better in school. Ponzar, you may email: in students’ lives! New to the district: [email protected]. Goal for first year in De Soto: Steve Skawski Substitute Bus Drivers Needed Generate enthusiasm for the foreign language program Spanish Teacher Please contact Michelle Lebel at 636-586- mo.us, or call 636-586- and help students become autonomous language 1078 ext. 3 1050. learners! OctoberMay 30, 22, 2013 2015 DE SOTO DIGEST 3 Staff Working to Address Curricular Gaps As October comes to a close, I made several years ago to shift Biology arts and math that required a higher level would like to share some information on testing from the freshman level to the of comprehension. Every district in the state testing and what we are doing as a junior level. The same decision was made state had to work in their own way to district to increase student achievement. for American Government last year at De prepare students for these new hurdles so The Missouri Assessment Program or Soto High School. The intent of moving it is certainly not an excuse. Instead, the MAP includes grade-level tests, End of the assessments to the junior level was to change to online testing is just considered Course tests, and MAP-A or alternative allow students more time to understand a small variable we must address as assessments. Grade-level testing involves components of a subject. Although the a district to ensure students have the grades 3-8 in English language arts and change was made to benefit students in computer competency skills needed to math each year as well as science tests in the long run, there are short term costs. demonstrate what they truly know on grades fifth and eighth. End of Course An entire cohort of kids did not take the state assessments. The largest area of (EOC) testing includes one exam in Government EOC exam this past year. weakness we identified as a district from Biology, Algebra I or Algebra II, American Instead, only a small group who needed to the state assessments was our curriculum Government, and English II. Each EOC take the Government EOC test before they alignment to the new state standards and exam is a one time exam for each of the four graduated were tested. The Government the depth of knowledge required to show subject areas that must be completed prior EOC score is the only test used to proficiency in the standards. to a student graduating from high school. calculate the district’s social studies score, In an effort to address curricular The MAP-A or alternative assessment is which was twelve percent proficient and gaps, teacher curriculum and data teams designed to promote enhanced capacities advanced. Once the entire cohort begins are working to align standards and and integrated life opportunities and is taking the Government EOC assessment, develop higher order learning strategies. administered only to students who meet we expect to see the social studies score Staff will continue to participate in Assistant Superintendent grade level and eligibility criteria. Testing to increase to a level that more accurately horizontal teaming during scheduled Dr. Josh Isaacson results are used to determine our Annual depicts the district’s social studies professional development days and begin Performance Report or APR and have program. K-12 vertical teaming this year. The approach. Technology skills have been an effect on many other things including Along with district adjustments afterschool tutoring program, TASK, integrated by the Library Media Specialist student A+ funding. in assessments, DESE has made numerous was moved from starting at the end of to assist with computer and testing skills. The Department of Elementary changes over the past year that have the first quarter, when students were Each library has thirty Chromebooks that and Secondary Education (DESE) impacted assessment results. These identified for failing, to September 29, so stipulates that End of Course Exams must changes included grade-level online that earlier interventions could take place. See ISAACSON, Page 5 be taken prior to individuals graduating testing aligned to the new Missouri The program is also undergoing some from high school. A district decision was Learning Standards in English language changes to be a more targeted intervention

STUDENTS Policy 2860 STUDENTS Policy 2641 Student Services Discipline Students with Drug-Free Schools Communicable Diseases Pursuant to requirements of the 1989 amendments of the Drug-Free Schools and A student shall not attend classes or other school-sponsored activities, if the student (1) has, Communities Act and to the requirements of the Safe Schools Act, and for the purpose or has been exposed to, an acute (short duration) or chronic (long duration) contagious or of preventing the use of illicit drugs and alcohol by students, the District shall provide infectious disease, and (2) is liable to transmit the contagious or infectious disease, unless age-appropriate, developmentally based drug and alcohol education and prevention the Board of Education or its designee has determined, based upon medical evidence, that programs to all students from early childhood level through grade twelve (12). (See the student: also Policy 6130-- Drug Education.) Such programs will address the legal, social and 1. No longer has the disease. health consequences of drug and alcohol use, and provide information about effective 2. Is not in the contagious or infectious stage of an acute disease. techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs or alcohol. The District shall 3. Has a chronic infectious disease that poses little risk of transmission in the school provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re- environment with reasonable precautions. entry programs that are available to students. Students may be required to participate in such programs in order to avoid suspension or expulsion if they are found to be in School officials may require any child suspected of having a contagious or infectious violation of this policy. All parents/guardians and students shall annually be provided disease to be examined by a physician and may exclude the child from school, in with a copy of this policy. accordance with the procedures authorized by this policy, so long as there is a substantial risk of transmission of the disease in the school environment. The District certifies that it has adopted and implemented the drug prevention program described in this policy in the form required by Department of Elementary and Secondary A student who has a chronic infectious disease, and who is permitted to attend school, may Education or the United States Department of Education. The District conducts a biennial be required to do so under specified conditions. Failure to adhere to the conditions will review of such program to determine its effectiveness, to implement necessary changes result in the student being excluded from school. A student who has a chronic infectious and to ensure that the disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced. disease and who is not permitted to attend school or participate in school activities will be provided instruction in an alternative educational setting in accordance with District Policy 2640 policy. Discipline Student Use of Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Students with acute or chronic contagious or infectious diseases and their families have Smoking a right to privacy and confidentiality. Only staff members who have a medical reason to know the identity and condition of such students will be informed. Willful or negligent The Board of Education believes that smoking and the use of any tobacco product disclosure of confidential information about a student’s medical condition by staff is detrimental to the health and wellbeing of staff and students. Therefore the Board members will be cause for disciplinary action. prohibits the use, sale, transfer and possession of tobacco products at school and at school activities. The District will implement reporting and disease outbreak control measures in accordance with the provisions of missouri Department of Health publication PACH-16, Alcohol and Drug Use “Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases: A Guide for School Administrators, The improper use of controlled substances, alcohol and substances represented to be Nurses, Teachers, and Day Care Operators,” a copy of which shall be on file in the office such is detrimental to the health and welfare of students and is detrimental to discipline in of the Supervisor of Health Services and in the office of each school nurse. school. Such conduct as well as the possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited and is subject to disciplinary action as set forth in Regulation 2610-- Behavioral Expectations. 4 DE SOTO DIGEST OctoberMay 30,22, 20132015 De Soto School District DE SOTO SCHOOL DISTRICT Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA Amendment (PPRA) FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and the right to: students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are: Consent before students are required to submit a survey that concerns one or more of thefollowing protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded 1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)-- the day the School receives a request for access. 1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parents; Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal (or 2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family; appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to 3. Sex behavior or attitudes; inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent 4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships; 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education reocrds that the 6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in ministers; violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. 7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the School to amend a record 8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility. should write the building principal or the district’s Director of Guidance, clearly Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of-- identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be 1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding; changed. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or 2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. under State law; and 3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained 3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes others. disclosure without consent. Inspect, upon request and before administration or use-- One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to 1. Protected information surveys of students; school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person 2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff above marketing sales, or other distribution purposes; and member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a 3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum. person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using its own employees or These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated officials (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent minor under State law. or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. De Soto School District has developed and adopted policies, in consultation with A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. in the administration of protected surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. De Soto another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. School District will notify parents and eligible student of these policies at least annually during each school year and after any substantive changes. De Soto School District 4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or e-mail, parents of students who alleged failures by De Soto School District to comply with the requirement of are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of Family Policy Compliance Office the specific activity or survey. De Soto School District will make this notification to U.S. Department of Education parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or 400 Maryland Avenue, SW approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities Washington, DC 20202-5920 scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement. • Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution. • Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED. • Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

De Soto High School Varsity Cheerleaders participated in Stuff the Bus this past August to help raise funds for students who may not otherwise have school supplies when returning to school. Because of the efforts and community service by the De Soto High School Varsity Cheerleading team, Walmart made a generous donation to De Soto schools. OctoberMay 30, 22, 2013 2015 DE SOTO DIGEST 5 PUBLIC NOTICE

Isaacson All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity Continued from Page 3 of the disability, including children attending private schools, children living outside the will also be utilized during testing this We will continue to focus on teaching district but are attending a private school within the district, highly mobile children, such year to assist in creating a better testing things the students need to know, making as migrant and homeless children, children who are wards of the state, and children who schedule for kids. Social Studies teachers sure teachers have the resources to do so, are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education even though they are collaborated prior to the start of the year and making time to reteach the things advancing from grade to grade. The De Soto School District assures that it will provide a to align standards to Missouri Learning that kids do not know. Success of our free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between Standards literacy standards. district our district involves more than the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction. Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, De Soto staff members work these scores, but we know the importance emotional disorders, hearing impairment and deafness, mental retardation/intellectual hard each day to foster an environment of the scores and we are working to disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific of learning and will focus this year on improve. We are all in this together and learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual aligning curriculum and continue to together we will continue to work toward impairment/blindness, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual challenge our students to reach a higher improvement as we are preparing students impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay. level of understanding. We certainly have for global competition beyond Jefferson work do as well as things to celebrate County. The De Soto School District assures that it will provide information and referral services including being above the state average necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention services for in English language arts in English I, 7th You can always reach me via email at infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps program. grade math, 8th grade math, Algebra I, 5th [email protected], at grade science, and Biology. In fact, De central office (636) 586-100 Ext. 11, or on The De Soto School District assures that personally identifiable information collected, Soto’s Algebra I advanced and proficient my cell (636) 575-5280. used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation, scores were the highest in Jefferson placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or County. Have a great school year and Go Dragons! reviewed by their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians may request amendment to the PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT educational record if the parent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or SURROGATE PARENT PROGRAM violates the privacy or other rights of their child. Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and The State Board of Education is required to appoint a surrogate parent at such time as it Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements becomes evident that a child with a disability does not have a parent or a person acting of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). as a parent to participate in matters dealing with the provision of special education. For purposes of surrogate parent appointment, “parent” is defined as a biological parent, The De Soto School District has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the implementation a guardian, or a person acting as a parent of a child including, but not limited to, a of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This grandparent, a stepparent, or a foster parent with whom the child lives. The term does plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third not include the State if the child is a ward of the state. The term does not include a person parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the agency’s whose parental rights have been terminated. assurances that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA). This plan may be reviewed at the De Soto School District, Special Education The De Soto 73 School District is given the responsibility to determine when a child with Office, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, when school is in session. a disability who required special education and who resides in the district is without a parent. The district must notify the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate. Education of the need to appoint a surrogate parent. Training for persons serving as surrogate parents will be provided by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Nancy R. Schmitz, Director of Special Services Secondary Education and the district. De Soto School District 1812 Rock Rd. If you are volunteering to serve as surrogate parent, more information can be obtained De Soto, MO 63020 from the district’s surrogate parent contact person: (636)586-1040

Nancy Schmitz, Director of Special Services 1812 Rock Road-- De Soto, MO 63020 (636)586-1040 De Soto School District Sexual Harassment Prohibited Notice 504 Public Notice The De Soto School District is committed to an academic and work environment in which The De Soto School District, as a recipient of federal financial assistance from the all students and employees are treated with dignity and respect. Sexual harassment of United States Department of Education and operates a public elementary or secondary students and employees whether committed by supervisors, employees or students and education program and/or activity, is required to undertake to identify and locate every regardless of whether the victim is an employee or student will not be tolerated. qualified person residing in the District who is not receiving a public education; and take appropriate steps to notify disabled persons and their parents or guardians of the District’s Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to: duty. sexual slurs, threats, verbal abuse and sexually degrading descriptions graphic verbal comments about an individual’s body The De Soto School District assures that it will provide a free appropriate public sexual jokes, notes, stories, drawing, pictures or gesture education (FAPE) to each qualified disabled person in the District’s jurisdiction regardless spreading sexual rumors of the nature or severity of the person’s disability. For purposes of Section 504 of the touching an individual’s body or clothes in a sexual way Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the provision of an appropriate education is the provision of displaying sexually suggestive objects regular or special and related aids and services that (i) are designed to meet individual covering or blocking of normal movements educational needs of disabled persons as adequately as the needs of nondisabled persons unwelcomed sexual flirtation or propositions are met and (ii) are based on adherence to procedures that satisfy the requirements of the acts of retaliation against a person who reports sexual harassment. 504 federal regulations. Inquiries, complaints or grievances from students and their parents and employees The De Soto School District has developed a 504 Procedures Manual for the regarding sexual harassment or compliance with Title IX may be directed to the De Soto implementation of federal regulations for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Subpart School District Assistant Superintendent and Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Clint Freeman, D. This Procedures Manual may be reviewed at De Soto School District Administration 610 Vineland School Rd., De Soto, MO 63020 (636) 586-1000 or the Director of the Office by contacting the Section 504 Compliance Grievance Officer, Dr. Clint Freeman, Assistant Superintendent, De Soto School District, 610 Vineland School Rd., De Soto, Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C. MO 63020. 6 DE SOTO DIGEST OctoberMay 30,22, 20132015 Students Travel to Montana to Work and Study in the Badlands

Five Jefferson County students teachers to develop a program that met Jacob’s Staffs that were used in the field and two parents (four students from specific student-based curriculum goals to measure the different stratigraphy layers DeSoto, one from Central), joined two and guidelines. During the week the where some of the specimens were found. students from Hermann, and five from students, parents, and teachers joined the Evening time for reflection and journaling Owensville, along with three teachers ADVENTURE 360 staff to experience was vital to the experience and was (Mary Beth Sapper from DeSoto High various aspects of paleontology including completed by all students. School and Kevin Lay and Amy Aubuchon surface collection, fossil excavation, At the end of the week, students from Owensville High School) on a trip landscape stratigraphy, GPS use, mapping, enjoyed a steak dinner and a viewing to the Badlands of Montana. Students, and common fossils found in the area. of Jurassic Park 3 on the veranda of the parents, and teachers participated in the All specimens collected were delivered Garfield Motel where they lodged for the Paleo X Field School led by Ron Giesler to the Museum of the Rockies where week. After departing Jordan, the group of ADVENTURE 360, program manager Dr. Jack Horner, advisor to the Jurassic traveled to Wyoming, where they toured Greg Solomon and paleontologist Dr. Mike Park movies, and museum scientists will Devil’s Tower and then arrived home on DeSoto Participants: Makaya Morales. As described by Ron Giesler, evaluate the fossils and decide if they are Sunday, July 12, 2015. “The Paleo X Field School is designed to be used for research or could possibly If you would like to be a part Baseden, Taleasa Berry, Bryce to better prepare high school students be used by educators to enhance classroom of this adventure, plans and dates for Gilliam, David Salisbury for university geology and paleontology curriculum. next year’s experience are already in the Central Participant: Sean Mahoney courses.” Evening activities on regional making. Visit www.adventure-360.com Parent Participants: Debbie Gilliam, Departing on July 4, the group stratigraphy, the Hell Creek Formation, for more information. Students of DeSoto Kim Marx traveled to South Dakota to tour Mt. Duck-billed Dinosaurs, along with micro- High School who are interested, or anyone Rushmore and then arrived in Jordan, fossils were part of the week’s lessons. who is interested in sponsoring a student, Montana on July 5, 2015. Director of Students also experienced an evening can contact Mrs. Sapper at 636-586-1050 ADVENTURE 360, Ron Giesler, and of black lighting fossils and astronomy or by email: [email protected]. Dr. Morales coordinated with the three in the field. Students created their own mo.us NOTIFICATION OF DESTRUCTION OF STUDENT SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

In accordance with state and federal regulations implementing Individuals with Disabilities Dear Veteran, Education Act (IDEA), this is to notify you of our intent to destroy personally identifiable information maintained in student special educational records. This destruction of records applies only to individuals whose special education services through De Soto School District ended more than three (3) years ago. The DeSoto Senior High School and the DeSoto Junior High School will have a combined assembly on Tuesday, November 11, 2015, starting If you wish to maintain this information for your personal records, you need to notify us at 9:00 a.m. in honor of Veterans Day. We would like to invite you to be within thirty (30) days of the posting of this notice; otherwise, the information will be our honored guest. The assembly will be held in the new high school destroyed. The date set for destruction of the records is October 15, 2015. gym located at 815 Amvets Drive. Please be advised that the records may be needed by the student of the parent(s) for social security benefits or other purposes at sometime in the future. In addition, breakfast will be served in the DeSoto High School cafeteria, free of charge, for all Veterans and their families beginning at 7:30 a.m. We will continue to retain a permanent record on this student, which includes name, We will continue serving breakfast until the beginning of the assembly. address, phone number, grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed, and year completed. We will also retain the most recent IEP and Diagnostic Evaluation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 586-1050. We The records to be destroyed are as follows: hope that you can join us as we salute our Veterans. Previous Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) Notification of Meetings Previous Evaluation Reports Notices of Action Sincerely, Test Protocols Review of existing Data Summaries All other personally identifiable information within the Special Education file Terri L. Schrader Social Studies Teacher The reason for destruction of the above listed items is because they are no longer needed to provide educational services if it has been more than three (3) years since this individual has received special education services at De Soto School District.

The district is only required to maintain full records for a minimum of three (3) years from the date the student no longer received special education and related services.

You can contact the Special Education Office at 63-586-1040 or by writing to De Soto School District at 1812 Rock Rd., De Soto, MO 63020.

Thirteen of DeSoto’s finest high school students braved the heat on Friday, September 4th to take part in picking up trash along their two mile adopted section of Old Highway 21. Much trash was bagged, and even though the weather was hot and humid, students had lots of fun giving back to their community. The INTERACT Club is sponsored through our local DeSoto Rotary Club and is open to any high school student between the ages of 14 and 18 who is interested in community service. Club meetings and service projects are held each month. If your high school student is interested in joining in on any of our activities, THE LUCKY 13 they are welcome to see the INTERACT Club sponsor, Mrs. Schrader, in Room #210. MayOctober 30, 201322, 2015 DE SOTO DIGEST 7 Two More to be Inducted into De Soto High School Hall of Fame 7 Two new members will be inducted into His accomplishments during his tenure the De Soto High School Hall of Fame this include: fall. The induction will be held in De Soto High School Commons Area following a • Balancing the county budget dinner on Saturday, November 14, 2015. • Working to pass a county sales tax The public is invited to attend the induction to fund the county government so at 6:30 pm. that property taxes could be used for school, ambulance, etc. The following will join 33 other members • Helped pass a bridge bond issue that in the Hall of Fame. Each member has his allowed the county to bring its bridges or her achievements immortalized on a up to federal standards plaque that hangs in the front Commons • The Juvenile Detention Facility was Area at De Soto High School near the established gymnasium. • Animal Control started • The Economic Development Ralph M. Krodinger, Howard Lee Wagner, The new members are: Committee established to plan and 1945 DHS Graduate 1964 DHS Graduate encourage business development and commitment to military veterans to include paving and more than six Ralph M. Krodinger, Class of 1945: was jobs for Jefferson County motivated his participation in the planning hundred miles of county gravel roads salutatorian of his class. After graduation • Soil and water district established of the Jefferson County Veterans Memorial • Obtained grants to provide for railroad he attended the University of Missouri- • Established public sewer districts which is located at Jefferson College. crossing gates at three locations in Columbia. His education was cut short by Jefferson County the draft; Ralph served in the Army during Ralph and his wife Elizabeth (Vaughn) Howard held a public office in Jefferson • Provided leadership in establishing World War II. In 2014, he was able to go (DHS Class of 1948) raised seven children County for the last 36 years, first as the Rock Creek Sewer District on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in and remained life-long members of the De Associate Judge, then as Commissioner. • Served as Blue Ribbon commissioner recognition of his military service. Soto community. He has always been a In 1986, he was elected Jefferson County for the De Soto School District model of a good work ethic that includes a Circuit Clerk serving in that position for 28 • Appointed by President George Bush Ralph, along with Conrad Fleming, Kay life devoted to his family and the betterment years. He retired from public life in 2014. to serve on a Selective Service Board Huffstuttler and De Soto High School of his community. This has been passed in St. Louis Coach Hunter, founded the De Soto Little on to his children and grandchildren as His accomplishments, both as an office League, an organization that has grown evidenced by their success in their work holder and a civic activist, have been Howard holds memberships in the and thrived. He also served as a Little and service to their community. geared towards establishing a foundation Democrat Club of Jefferson County, the League coach for many years. to facilitate growth and prosperity of Missouri Association of Counties and Ralph & Liz’s children are: Mona Denny, Jefferson County. the Missouri Circuit Clerk and Recorder Ralph has been a lifelong member of St. Carla Krodinger, Ellen Bridgewater, Laura Association. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and service Lassing,Wayne, Kurt, and Neal Krodinger. Other accomplishments as an office holder to the church has been a primary focus include: He has served as a member of the Jefferson throughout his life. Howard Lee Wagner, Class of 1964: Barracks Cemetery Committee, and of received his Bachelor of Arts degree from • Provided leadership for a half-cent the ITT Technical Institute’s School of He successfully owned and operated The Columbia College in 1979 and in 1984 was sales tax campaign for the purpose Criminal Justice Advisory Board at the Summit Cafe in rural De Soto from 1956 a member of the prestigious Leadership of of modernizing county government Arnold campus for several years. until 1980. St. Louis program. which included computerization • Authored the first Flood Plan Howard is married to Julie Lewis (DHS In service to Jefferson County: Ralph In 1966, he voluntarily enlisted in the Navy Management ordinance for the county graduate), and they have three children, all served as a County Commission from 1970 and served a year on a River Patrol Boat in and led a successful half-cent sales DHS graduates: Wes (Julie), Aaron (Kate), to 1986, first as an Associate from the combat in the Republic of South Vietnam’s tax campaign which funded critically and Meagan (Greg) Westermeyer. The Second District and then as the Presiding Mekong Delta. His military service and needed life-saving road improvements Wagners have six grandchildren. Commissioner.

2015 Distinguished Friends Inductees Named

TheDistinguished Friends of De Soto Public Schools Committee is pleased to announce this year’s honorees. Dr. John Freeman, former Assistant Superintendent and Board of Education member, and Mildred Witzke, Vineland Elementary Nurse from 1962-1984, will be honored on Saturday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school commons area. The program will also include the induction of Ralph Krodinger, 1964 graduate, and Howard Lee Wagner, 1964 graduate, into the De Soto Hall of Fame.

The Distinguished Friends of De Soto was formed in 2008 to recognize teachers, Members of De Soto First State Community Bank donated administrators and volunteers deemed integral to the success of the De Soto School money from their jeans fund to purchase bookbags for families District. The purpose is to recognize, honor and commend citizens who have made in the De Soto School District. Though all employees contributed, contributions of service and support to the De Soto school community. They those pictured from left to right are Traci McClinton, Judy have contributed to the school district through their time and talents. Candidate qualifications are based on character, service and support, both past and present, to DuBuque, Doug Weber, Meleah Paddock, Jessica Allen, and the De Soto schools. Unlike the Hall of Fame, honorees do not have to be De Soto Maureen Garrison. graduates to be considered by the committee. 8 DE SOTO DIGEST OctoberMay 30, 22, 2013 2015 National Honor Society

On August 23, 2015, De Soto High School Katie Beel, Jennifer Pierce, Katlyn Boyer, inducted new members into the National Allison Portell, Sarah Boyer, Thea Renick, Honor Society. Requirements to join are: Jacob Davis, Krystin Robinson, Emily must be a junior or senior with a cumulative Fromm, CJ Roppel, Claire George GPA of 3.5 or above, and miss no more than Cassidy Sansoucie, Maura Glaeser, Dustyn 6 days of school per semester. Discipline Schlett, Makenna Hancock, Michael and list of potential members are reviewed Schneider, Natalie Hoffee, Emma Sherrow, and approved by a 7-member faculty council. Ashton Hughes, Brittany Simmons, Kelly Hurley, Trevor Struemph, Brian Kaufman, New members include: Katelyn Theiss, Emily Knobloch, Madison Ashley Acey, Hanna Miller, Lauren Allen, Tolbert, Amanda Kolb, Ragan White, Taylor Emma Patt, Jacob Bartch, Heather Patterson, Krodinger, Tyler Woodrum, Devon Lucas. During the week of September 8-10, elementary students from both Athena and Vineland attended Cheer Camp sponsored by the De Soto High School cheerleaders. Above, the students perform together at the home Football game on Friday, September 11.

The September students of the month at Athena, the word of the month was Responsibility. Names are in no particular order: Kylan Drury, Elley Miller, Aiden Granda, Lyla Braun, Haylie Hill, Shane Scurlock, Gavin Peeler, Kayda Ramey, Audrey Chapman, Peyton Pehle, Savannah Horn, Brendan Above and below: Junior high students Martin, James Allen, Makayla Brown, Starr Miller, Sophia Podgornik, in Mrs. Jennifer Kidwell and Mr. Steve Evan McClinton, Adriana Doria, Lexi Walker, Nadia Bowling, John Willcut, Skawski’s World Languages classes Laynee Kitchell, William Kaempfe, Delaney McCoy, Trista Grobe, Tommy participated in Latin Culture Day. Multiple Oelzen, Chris White. activities were planned including dressing in togas as pictured. OctoberMay 30, 22, 2013 2015 DE SOTO DIGEST 9 Birth to Age 3

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At left, preschoolers from Little Dragons Early Childhood Center partcipated in Homecoming activities with teacher Ms. Geri.

Above, Quinn Sisson practices writing on the dry erase board in her classroom at the ECC. At left, Ms. Kim’s afternoon preschool students try to catch the bubbles.

At right, local fire fighters visit the ECC to talk about fire safety. 10 DE SOTO DIGEST OctoberMay 30, 22, 2013 2015 2015 Academic Team Roster

Cami Bonine, 11 Nic Bourisaw, 12 Joe Bradley, 9 Jeff Broombaugh, 11 Kelsey Coulter, 10 Olivia Dickey, 9 First Assembly of God Church Jared Gardner, 9 brought school supplies for Madison Haws, 12 the students at the Junior The Vineland Dragonettes kicked off their eighth year at Camille Henning, 12 High on the evening of Open the DeSoto Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 9th. Ashton Hughes, 11 The Dragonettes are made up of 5th and 6th grade girls Brian Kaufmann, 11 from Vineland Elementary. Nearly 50 girls tried out and Kyle Kipper, 11 the final 17 were chosen. Five of the girls are returning Rose Maness, 9 Daulton Melton, 9 from last year. The Dragonettes will be performing at Ian O’Neill, 11 numerous events this year including parades, basketball Randi Pendley, 11 games, school assemblies, and their annual fundraiser Bishop Poole, 9 performance at the St. Louis Cardinal game in the spring. Masey Pope, 10 1st Row: Cheno Phillips, Rylee Venturo, Jaden Hendricks, Ethan Rasnic, 10 Mackenzie Jones, Isabella Benoist, and Jillian Heath; 2nd Cassidy Sansoucie, 11 Row: Jennifer Schaeffer, Madilyn Pogue, Hailey Wills, Marybeth Sansoucie, 9 Jillian Jones, and Cameron Hayes-Gowen: 3rd Row: Dustyn Schlett, 11 Coach Layna Richardson, Jade Ponzar, Madison Hardin, Jeremiah Shadduck, 11 Morgan Tidrow, Kylie Ruengert, Sophia Giannino, and Coach Jackie Kruse. Vineland 5th Grade teachers gather in preparation for students and parents before Open House. Local first responders presented faculty and staff with information and suggestions regarding protocol during a school emergency. This training was required at all buildings before the first day of school.

Pictured at right are Homecoming King, Mr. Shane Acey, and Homecoming Queen, Miss Mackenzie Ketcherside. Other members of court were: Representing the Freshman Class: Logan Zimmermann and Katie Above, World Languages Teachers Nash; representing the Sophomore Steve Skawski and Jennifer Kidwell Class: Devon Swafford and dress for Latin Culture Day in the Kayleigh Eberhardt; Representing Junior High. the Junior Class: Lamont Allen and Tori Harbison. OctoberMay 30, 22, 2013 2015 DE SOTO DIGEST 11 DAR Good Citizen Award

Ashley Acey, niece of Stephen and Courtney Brown, was selected by the faculty to represent De Soto High School as the school’s “DAR Good Citizen.” In order to be selected, the student must be a senior that exemplifies the following qualities: dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. The DeSoto High School Students of the Month for September best Ashley will attend a luncheon sponsored by the Daughters of exemplify the word “Respectful” (showing high regard or courtesy). the American Revolution (DAR) on November 15 and will From left to right: Junior, Jeffrey Broombaugh; Freshman, Jordan also be eligible for the DAR scholarship competition. Landis; Sophomore: Masey Pope; Senior Girl, Jayden Swann; Senior Boy, Brenden Davivson.

DE SOTO HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE STUDENTS VOLUNTEER TO TRICK OR TREAT, BECAUSE HUNGER IS A VERY SCARY THING

The International Thespian Society (ITS), a division of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), is pleased to announce the participation of De Soto High School Thespian Troupe 5087, in the Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat program. Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat is a national community service program for ITS- Who: The De Soto High School Drama Department member schools to collect canned and dry goods for local charities and food banks. What: Presents Twelve Angry Jurors by Reginald Rose When: Thursday, November 5th at 6 p.m. Theatre students from De Soto High School will be dressed in costumes to collect Friday, November 6th at 6 p.m. food donations during the local Trick or Treat activities on Saturday, October 31st Saturday, November 7th at 6 p.m. from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. These donations will go to benefit the De Soto Food Where: The De Soto Junior High Gym (The Pit). Pantry. Thousands of pounds of food will be collected in one night across the state, Cost: $5 Students, $7 Adults giving organizations the ability to help thousands of local people. (Proceeds will help to support our annual drama scholarship funds.)

About the International Thespian Society THE STORY: A 19-year-old man has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing Founded in 1929, The International Thespian Society (ITS), is an honorary of his father. “He doesn’t stand a chance,” mutters the guard as the 12 organization for high school and middle school theatre students located at more jurors are taken into the bleak jury room. It looks like an open-and-shut than 4,300 affiliated secondary schools across America, Canada, and abroad. The case—until one of the jurors begins opening the others’ eyes to the facts. mission of ITS is to honor student achievement in the theatre arts. High school “This is a remarkable thing about democracy,” says the foreign-born juror, inductees are known as “Thespians” and junior high/middle school inductees “that we are notified by mail to come down to this place—and decide on are known as “Junior Thespians.” ITS is a division of the Educational Theatre the guilt or innocence of a person; of a man or woman we have not known Association (EdTA). before. We have nothing to gain or lose by our verdict. We should not make it a personal thing.” But personal it is, with each juror revealing About the Educational Theatre Association his or her own character as the various testimonies are re-examined, The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) is a national nonprofit organization the murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born before their with approximately 90,000 student and professional members. EdTA’s mission eyes! Tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and the jurors become is shaping lives through theatre education by: honoring student achievement in 12 angry men. The jurors’ final verdict and how they reach it—in tense theatre and enriching their theatre education experience; supporting teachers by scenes that will electrify your audience and keep them on the edge of their providing professional development, networking opportunities, resources, and seats—add up to a fine, mature piece of dramatic literature, an experience recognition; and influencing public opinion that theatre education is essential you’ll be proud to present. and builds life skills. EdTA operates the International Thespian Society (ITS), an honorary organization that has inducted more than two million theatre students since its founding in 1929. EdTA also publishes Dramatics, a monthly magazine for high school theatre students, and Teaching Theatre, a quarterly journal for theatre education professionals. 12 DE SOTO DIGEST OctoberMay 30, 22, 2013 2015

Homecoming Spirit Week 2015