De Soto #73 School District
610 Vineland School Road De Soto, MO 63020
A Huge Thank You to Our Custodians!
All summer long, our amazing custodial team has been hard at work cleaning, organizing, and preparing every corner of our schools. Their dedication ensures our buildings are fresh, safe, and ready to welcome back our staff and students for a great school year.
We appreciate you and everything you do for our district!
PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH OUR BUSES
During the first few days of school, buses may run later than their normal schedules as drivers learn new routes, students become familiar with their stops, and schools ensure every student boards the correct bus and arrives safely.
Please check Infinite Campus for your student’s updated bus route and scheduled pick-up and drop-off times. Several route changes have been made as new students continue to enroll.
Families can help by:
Having students at their bus stop early
Allowing extra time for pick-up and drop-off
Making sure students know their bus number
Keeping contact and transportation information current
Contacting the Transportation Department with questions or concerns
Routes typically become more consistent as everyone settles into the new routine. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to transport every student safely!
WELCOME BACK, STUDENTS!
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 26!
A new school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. We can’t wait to welcome our De Soto #73 students back to the classroom and begin another great year together!
Here’s to an amazing school year!
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 26!
A new school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. We can’t wait to welcome our De Soto #73 students back to the classroom and begin another great year together!
Here’s to an amazing school year!
Calling all future Dragon cheerleaders in grades K–5!
Join the De Soto High School Varsity Cheer Program for Mini Cheer Camp! Participants will learn cheers, have fun, and perform during the varsity football game against Hillsboro on Friday, October 9!
Camp: October 6–8
3:30–5:00 p.m.
De Soto Primary for grades K–2
De Soto Intermediate for grades 3–5
Cost: $25 with a T-shirt or $35 with a T-shirt and bow. Additional shirts may be purchased for $15.
Registration and payment are due Monday, September 14.
Register here: https://d73.revtrak.net/rw-athletic-and-activities-camps/
For Mini Cheer reminders, text @MINIDHS to 81010.
We can’t wait to cheer with our youngest Dragons!
Join the De Soto High School Varsity Cheer Program for Mini Cheer Camp! Participants will learn cheers, have fun, and perform during the varsity football game against Hillsboro on Friday, October 9!
Camp: October 6–8
3:30–5:00 p.m.
De Soto Primary for grades K–2
De Soto Intermediate for grades 3–5
Cost: $25 with a T-shirt or $35 with a T-shirt and bow. Additional shirts may be purchased for $15.
Registration and payment are due Monday, September 14.
Register here: https://d73.revtrak.net/rw-athletic-and-activities-camps/
For Mini Cheer reminders, text @MINIDHS to 81010.
We can’t wait to cheer with our youngest Dragons!
Thank You to Our Bronze Sponsor, MO Farm Bureau – Ghirardi Agency!
We’re proud to recognize MO Farm Bureau – Ghirardi Agency as one of our Bronze Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Partnerships with local businesses and organizations like MO Farm Bureau – Ghirardi Agency help strengthen our schools and provide additional opportunities and experiences for our students.
Thank you for choosing to invest in our students, staff, and Dragon families. We truly appreciate your partnership and your commitment to supporting our school community!
We encourage our Dragon families to support the businesses that support our schools!
We’re proud to recognize MO Farm Bureau – Ghirardi Agency as one of our Bronze Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Partnerships with local businesses and organizations like MO Farm Bureau – Ghirardi Agency help strengthen our schools and provide additional opportunities and experiences for our students.
Thank you for choosing to invest in our students, staff, and Dragon families. We truly appreciate your partnership and your commitment to supporting our school community!
We encourage our Dragon families to support the businesses that support our schools!
APP FEATURE: YOUR FEED
Looking for the latest news from around the district? Check your feed in the district app!
Stay connected with district and school announcements, celebrations, reminders, and other important updates—all from your phone.
Be sure to select your child’s school from the drop-down menu on the main page of the app to view building-specific updates.
Instead of searching for information, make the De Soto #73 School District app one of your first stops for what’s happening across the district!
Looking for the latest news from around the district? Check your feed in the district app!
Stay connected with district and school announcements, celebrations, reminders, and other important updates—all from your phone.
Be sure to select your child’s school from the drop-down menu on the main page of the app to view building-specific updates.
Instead of searching for information, make the De Soto #73 School District app one of your first stops for what’s happening across the district!
Thank You to Our Silver Sponsor, Mueller’s Furniture & Mattress!
We’re proud to recognize Mueller’s Furniture & Mattress as one of our Silver Sponsors for their continued support of De Soto #73. Local businesses like Mueller’s play an important role in strengthening our schools and helping provide meaningful opportunities for our students.
Thank you for investing in our students, staff, and Dragon families and for supporting the community you call home. We are grateful for your partnership and proud to have Mueller’s Furniture & Mattress as part of the Dragon family!
Be sure to support the businesses that support our schools!
We’re proud to recognize Mueller’s Furniture & Mattress as one of our Silver Sponsors for their continued support of De Soto #73. Local businesses like Mueller’s play an important role in strengthening our schools and helping provide meaningful opportunities for our students.
Thank you for investing in our students, staff, and Dragon families and for supporting the community you call home. We are grateful for your partnership and proud to have Mueller’s Furniture & Mattress as part of the Dragon family!
Be sure to support the businesses that support our schools!
A sweet thank you to Grace Life Church and Culver’s of Crystal City for donating ice cream treats for our entire staff yesterday!
We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity as we kick off another school year. Thank you for supporting our staff and helping make their day a little sweeter!
WHAT CAN THE DISTRICT APP DO FOR YOU?
Did you know our district app puts important school information right at your fingertips?
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting some of the features available through the app and showing you how to make the most of this helpful tool!
From staying up to date on district news to finding important information when you need it, there’s a lot you can do—all in one place.
If you haven’t downloaded the De Soto #73 School District app yet, now is a great time, search De Soto #73 in your app store today!
Did you know our district app puts important school information right at your fingertips?
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting some of the features available through the app and showing you how to make the most of this helpful tool!
From staying up to date on district news to finding important information when you need it, there’s a lot you can do—all in one place.
If you haven’t downloaded the De Soto #73 School District app yet, now is a great time, search De Soto #73 in your app store today!
DRAGON DRESS CODE REMINDER
As we get ready for the school year, we want to remind students and families of our district dress code expectations.
Our dress code helps support a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment for all students. Please take a few minutes to review the graphic for examples of what is—and is not—appropriate for school.
A few important reminders:
Clothing should be school-appropriate and provide proper coverage.
Pajamas, sleepwear, and slippers are not permitted.
Hoods and hats/head coverings may not be worn indoors.
Wireless headphones are not allowed during the school day.
Clothing with inappropriate, offensive, or disruptive language or images is not permitted.
If clothing is deemed to be inappropriate, offensive, or disruptive to learning, students will be asked to change.
Thank you for helping us start the year ready to learn and represent De Soto #73 with pride!
Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Be a Dragon.
As we get ready for the school year, we want to remind students and families of our district dress code expectations.
Our dress code helps support a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment for all students. Please take a few minutes to review the graphic for examples of what is—and is not—appropriate for school.
A few important reminders:
Clothing should be school-appropriate and provide proper coverage.
Pajamas, sleepwear, and slippers are not permitted.
Hoods and hats/head coverings may not be worn indoors.
Wireless headphones are not allowed during the school day.
Clothing with inappropriate, offensive, or disruptive language or images is not permitted.
If clothing is deemed to be inappropriate, offensive, or disruptive to learning, students will be asked to change.
Thank you for helping us start the year ready to learn and represent De Soto #73 with pride!
Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Be a Dragon.
WELCOME BACK, STAFF!
Today, we are excited to welcome back all of our incredible De Soto #73 staff!
Thank you for the dedication, passion, and care you bring to our students each day. We are grateful for the positive impact you make throughout our schools and community.
Here’s to another great school year!
Today, we are excited to welcome back all of our incredible De Soto #73 staff!
Thank you for the dedication, passion, and care you bring to our students each day. We are grateful for the positive impact you make throughout our schools and community.
Here’s to another great school year!
Thank You to Our Silver Sponsor, Mercantile @ Main!
We’re proud to recognize Mercantile @ Main as one of our Silver Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Community partners like you help create meaningful opportunities for our students, strengthen our schools, and make a lasting difference for Dragon families.
Thank you for investing in our students, staff, and community. We are grateful for your partnership and proud to have Mercantile @ Main as part of the Dragon family!
We’re proud to recognize Mercantile @ Main as one of our Silver Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Community partners like you help create meaningful opportunities for our students, strengthen our schools, and make a lasting difference for Dragon families.
Thank you for investing in our students, staff, and community. We are grateful for your partnership and proud to have Mercantile @ Main as part of the Dragon family!
We're Hiring Substitute Nurses!
Make a difference when our students need it most! De Soto #73 School District is looking for caring, dependable Substitute Nurses to join our team.
If you're interested in helping support the health and well-being of our students, we'd love to hear from you!
For questions or more information, please contact Dawn Brown at brown.dawn@desoto.k12.mo.us.
Join our team and help make a difference in the lives of our Dragon students!
Make a difference when our students need it most! De Soto #73 School District is looking for caring, dependable Substitute Nurses to join our team.
If you're interested in helping support the health and well-being of our students, we'd love to hear from you!
For questions or more information, please contact Dawn Brown at brown.dawn@desoto.k12.mo.us.
Join our team and help make a difference in the lives of our Dragon students!
Calling All DHS Students!
DHS Theatre is getting ready for the holiday season with auditions for Silver Belles: A Christmas Comedy by Lauren Grove!
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or have always wanted to give theatre a try, we’d love to see you at auditions!
Tuesday, August 25
12:30–4:30 p.m.
DHS Auditorium
Open to ALL DHS students!
Come be part of the fun and help us bring this hilarious holiday production to the stage!
Questions? Contact Samantha Roop at Roop.Samantha@desoto.k12.mo.us.
We can’t wait to see our Dragons take the stage!
DHS Theatre is getting ready for the holiday season with auditions for Silver Belles: A Christmas Comedy by Lauren Grove!
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or have always wanted to give theatre a try, we’d love to see you at auditions!
Tuesday, August 25
12:30–4:30 p.m.
DHS Auditorium
Open to ALL DHS students!
Come be part of the fun and help us bring this hilarious holiday production to the stage!
Questions? Contact Samantha Roop at Roop.Samantha@desoto.k12.mo.us.
We can’t wait to see our Dragons take the stage!
Mark your calendars for Open House!
Join us to meet your student’s teachers, visit their school, and prepare for a great year ahead.
Thursday, August 20
Middle & High School: 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Monday, August 24
ECC & De Soto Primary: 5:00–6:30 p.m.
De Soto Intermediate: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
We can’t wait to welcome our Dragon families back to school!
Join us to meet your student’s teachers, visit their school, and prepare for a great year ahead.
Thursday, August 20
Middle & High School: 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Monday, August 24
ECC & De Soto Primary: 5:00–6:30 p.m.
De Soto Intermediate: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
We can’t wait to welcome our Dragon families back to school!
PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DRAGON NATION!
De Soto #73 School District is now accepting business sponsorships for the 2026–2027 school year!
District sponsorships are a great way to support our students while increasing your business's visibility throughout our schools and community.
GOLD SPONSOR | $5,000/year
2-year commitment
Benefits include a 15-second pre-game commercial, permanent scoreboard signage at J.C. Culwell Stadium, a promotional night at an indoor event, pre-game sponsor loops, social media recognition, and recognition on the District website.
SILVER SPONSOR | $2,500/year
2-year commitment
Benefits include spotlight announcements at J.C. Culwell Stadium and the high school gymnasium, pre-game sponsor loops, social media recognition, and recognition on the District website.
BRONZE SMALL BUSINESS SPONSOR | $500/year
2-year commitment | Available to businesses with 10 or fewer employees
Benefits include social media and District website recognition, with the option to add digital scoreboard signage at J.C. Culwell Stadium, the high school gymnasium, or both.
When you partner with De Soto #73, you're doing more than advertising your business — you're investing in our students and supporting Dragon Nation!
Interested in becoming a sponsor or want more information? Contact Nicole Spruell at Spruell.nicolem@desoto.k12.mo.us.
We look forward to partnering with our local businesses and community during the 2026–2027 school year!
SUPPORT LOCAL. SUPPORT STUDENTS. SUPPORT DRAGON NATION.
De Soto #73 School District is now accepting business sponsorships for the 2026–2027 school year!
District sponsorships are a great way to support our students while increasing your business's visibility throughout our schools and community.
GOLD SPONSOR | $5,000/year
2-year commitment
Benefits include a 15-second pre-game commercial, permanent scoreboard signage at J.C. Culwell Stadium, a promotional night at an indoor event, pre-game sponsor loops, social media recognition, and recognition on the District website.
SILVER SPONSOR | $2,500/year
2-year commitment
Benefits include spotlight announcements at J.C. Culwell Stadium and the high school gymnasium, pre-game sponsor loops, social media recognition, and recognition on the District website.
BRONZE SMALL BUSINESS SPONSOR | $500/year
2-year commitment | Available to businesses with 10 or fewer employees
Benefits include social media and District website recognition, with the option to add digital scoreboard signage at J.C. Culwell Stadium, the high school gymnasium, or both.
When you partner with De Soto #73, you're doing more than advertising your business — you're investing in our students and supporting Dragon Nation!
Interested in becoming a sponsor or want more information? Contact Nicole Spruell at Spruell.nicolem@desoto.k12.mo.us.
We look forward to partnering with our local businesses and community during the 2026–2027 school year!
SUPPORT LOCAL. SUPPORT STUDENTS. SUPPORT DRAGON NATION.
Thank You to Our Silver Sponsor, Boyer Building and Design!
We’re proud to recognize Boyer Building and Design as one of our Silver Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Community partners like Boyer Building and Design help create meaningful opportunities for our students, enhance educational experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your continued investment in our students, staff, and Dragon families. Your partnership makes a lasting impact, and we are grateful to have Boyer Building and Design as part of the Dragon family!
We’re proud to recognize Boyer Building and Design as one of our Silver Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Community partners like Boyer Building and Design help create meaningful opportunities for our students, enhance educational experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your continued investment in our students, staff, and Dragon families. Your partnership makes a lasting impact, and we are grateful to have Boyer Building and Design as part of the Dragon family!
This week, we welcomed individuals interested in becoming substitute teachers to a free Substitute Teacher Training. Later in the week, our returning substitutes joined us for a refresher course as we prepare for the new school year.
We are incredibly grateful for our substitute teachers and the important role they play in supporting our students, staff, and schools. Thank you for your flexibility, dedication, and willingness to step in wherever you are needed. We appreciate all that you do for De Soto #73!
We are incredibly grateful for our substitute teachers and the important role they play in supporting our students, staff, and schools. Thank you for your flexibility, dedication, and willingness to step in wherever you are needed. We appreciate all that you do for De Soto #73!
New Visitor Management System
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, all district buildings will use a visitor management system to help create a safer, more secure environment.
When visiting a school or picking up a student, please:
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID
Report to the main office upon arrival
Wear your visitor badge while on campus
Check out before leaving
Only individuals authorized by the school may check out a student, and additional verification may be required. Please ensure all approved contacts and contact information are current in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe! If you have questions, please contact your student’s building office directly.
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, all district buildings will use a visitor management system to help create a safer, more secure environment.
When visiting a school or picking up a student, please:
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID
Report to the main office upon arrival
Wear your visitor badge while on campus
Check out before leaving
Only individuals authorized by the school may check out a student, and additional verification may be required. Please ensure all approved contacts and contact information are current in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe! If you have questions, please contact your student’s building office directly.
RESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!
Dragon fans, football season is right around the corner! Reserved seating for the 2026 Varsity Football season at J.C. Culwell Stadium is now available.
Secure your favorite spot and enjoy the same reserved seat for every regular season home game!
Season Reserved Seating: $40 per seat
• Admission is included
• Includes all 5 regular season Varsity Football home games
• Reserved seating is located in the green seats at J.C. Culwell Stadium
• Keep the same seat all season long
• Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Single-Game Option: Reserved seats may also be purchased at the gate for $10 per game, including admission.
Complete the Stadium Seat Reservation Request – Fall 2026 Google Form to request your seats.
All proceeds from reserved seating help support stadium improvements, athletic programs, and student activities.
Questions or need more information? Contact Russ Schmidt at schmidt.russ@desoto.k12.mo.us.
Secure your seat, wear your green, and get ready to cheer on the Dragons this fall!
GO DRAGONS!
Dragon fans, football season is right around the corner! Reserved seating for the 2026 Varsity Football season at J.C. Culwell Stadium is now available.
Secure your favorite spot and enjoy the same reserved seat for every regular season home game!
Season Reserved Seating: $40 per seat
• Admission is included
• Includes all 5 regular season Varsity Football home games
• Reserved seating is located in the green seats at J.C. Culwell Stadium
• Keep the same seat all season long
• Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Single-Game Option: Reserved seats may also be purchased at the gate for $10 per game, including admission.
Complete the Stadium Seat Reservation Request – Fall 2026 Google Form to request your seats.
All proceeds from reserved seating help support stadium improvements, athletic programs, and student activities.
Questions or need more information? Contact Russ Schmidt at schmidt.russ@desoto.k12.mo.us.
Secure your seat, wear your green, and get ready to cheer on the Dragons this fall!
GO DRAGONS!
