De Soto #73 School District
610 Vineland School Road De Soto, MO 63020 Phone 636-586-1000 Fax 636-586-1009
At the March Board of Education meeting, Vineland Elementary proudly recognized students and staff for their outstanding efforts in the Kids Heart Challenge
Top Fundraisers
• Lillie H. – $1,027.61 raised
• Deckland B. – $633.23 raised
• Kahlan R. – $464.39 raised
Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to supporting heart health. Your efforts are making a difference!
Staff Recognition
Vineland would also like to recognize Amanda Pruitt for her incredible dedication to the Kids Heart Challenge/Jump Rope for Heart program. For 20 years, she has led this fundraiser with passion and care—making a lasting impact on our students and community.
We are proud of our Dragons for leading with heart!
Top Fundraisers
• Lillie H. – $1,027.61 raised
• Deckland B. – $633.23 raised
• Kahlan R. – $464.39 raised
Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to supporting heart health. Your efforts are making a difference!
Staff Recognition
Vineland would also like to recognize Amanda Pruitt for her incredible dedication to the Kids Heart Challenge/Jump Rope for Heart program. For 20 years, she has led this fundraiser with passion and care—making a lasting impact on our students and community.
We are proud of our Dragons for leading with heart!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Mattelyn Edwards to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year! 🐉
Position/Title:
Kindergarten Teacher
Building:
De Soto Primary (Athena)
Previous Experience:
Ms. Edwards recently completed her student teaching in second grade at Festus Elementary School. She also brings experience tutoring a first grade student during her time at Lindenwood University and has served as a substitute teacher for the past year and a half, primarily working with students in grades K–3.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby:
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Edwards enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as her two dogs, Maggie and Allie. She loves reading, traveling, and being outdoors—whether that’s playing pickleball, hiking, or going for walks. She’s also a big movie fan and has watched all of the Disney Pixar films!
Ms. Edwards is excited to begin her teaching career in kindergarten and is passionate about helping students discover a love for learning. She’s looking forward to growing alongside both students and staff in the De Soto community.
We’re excited to have Ms. Edwards join our team and can’t wait for the positive impact she’ll make with our students and families. Please help us give her a warm Dragon welcome!
Position/Title:
Kindergarten Teacher
Building:
De Soto Primary (Athena)
Previous Experience:
Ms. Edwards recently completed her student teaching in second grade at Festus Elementary School. She also brings experience tutoring a first grade student during her time at Lindenwood University and has served as a substitute teacher for the past year and a half, primarily working with students in grades K–3.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby:
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Edwards enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as her two dogs, Maggie and Allie. She loves reading, traveling, and being outdoors—whether that’s playing pickleball, hiking, or going for walks. She’s also a big movie fan and has watched all of the Disney Pixar films!
Ms. Edwards is excited to begin her teaching career in kindergarten and is passionate about helping students discover a love for learning. She’s looking forward to growing alongside both students and staff in the De Soto community.
We’re excited to have Ms. Edwards join our team and can’t wait for the positive impact she’ll make with our students and families. Please help us give her a warm Dragon welcome!
Students in Mrs. Burke’s Advanced English 9 class recently brought history to life in a powerful and meaningful way.
As part of their learning, students researched a Righteous Gentile—a non-Jewish individual who risked their life to save Jews during World War II. Through their work, students discovered that these heroes shared remarkable qualities like bravery, compassion, creativity, and selflessness.
Using recyclable materials, each student designed and built a monument to honor their chosen individual. They then combined their research and creativity into a written piece that paid tribute to their World War II hero.
To wrap up the project, students had the opportunity to present their work to members of the Board of Education and district leadership. They truly enjoyed sharing their learning with an authentic audience—and it showed!
We are incredibly proud of these students for their thoughtful work, creativity, and dedication to honoring history in such a meaningful way.
As part of their learning, students researched a Righteous Gentile—a non-Jewish individual who risked their life to save Jews during World War II. Through their work, students discovered that these heroes shared remarkable qualities like bravery, compassion, creativity, and selflessness.
Using recyclable materials, each student designed and built a monument to honor their chosen individual. They then combined their research and creativity into a written piece that paid tribute to their World War II hero.
To wrap up the project, students had the opportunity to present their work to members of the Board of Education and district leadership. They truly enjoyed sharing their learning with an authentic audience—and it showed!
We are incredibly proud of these students for their thoughtful work, creativity, and dedication to honoring history in such a meaningful way.
At the March Board of Education meeting, De Soto High School proudly recognized our state wrestlers for their outstanding accomplishments this season.
Congratulations to:
Brenton D. – 3rd place, 126-pound weight class
Levi H. – 3rd place, 175-pound weight class
Milayna D. – 4th place, 100-pound weight class
Cheyenne K. – 4th place, 110-pound weight class
We also want to recognize Coach John Brown for his leadership and dedication to our wrestling program.
We are proud of these student-athletes for their hard work, determination, and the way they represented De Soto High School on the state stage.
Congratulations to:
Brenton D. – 3rd place, 126-pound weight class
Levi H. – 3rd place, 175-pound weight class
Milayna D. – 4th place, 100-pound weight class
Cheyenne K. – 4th place, 110-pound weight class
We also want to recognize Coach John Brown for his leadership and dedication to our wrestling program.
We are proud of these student-athletes for their hard work, determination, and the way they represented De Soto High School on the state stage.
At the March Board of Education meeting, De Soto High School proudly recognized our Dance Team for an incredible season filled with achievement both on and off the floor.
Congratulations to our team for:
2nd Place in Mix Division
(Lyla B., Shelby B., Amelia D., Kaitlyn H., Goldie K., Taylor R., Raegan S., Shelby S., Mya W.)
Community Service Award – Division 3
Academic All-State Honors:
4.0 GPA – Raegan S. and Shelby S.
3.6–3.9 GPA – Lyla B., Mya W., and Taylor R.
A special thank you to Coaches Allison Williamson and Angie Burke for their leadership and dedication.
We are proud of these student-athletes for their talent, commitment, and the way they represent De Soto High School in competition, in the classroom, and in the community.
Congratulations to our team for:
2nd Place in Mix Division
(Lyla B., Shelby B., Amelia D., Kaitlyn H., Goldie K., Taylor R., Raegan S., Shelby S., Mya W.)
Community Service Award – Division 3
Academic All-State Honors:
4.0 GPA – Raegan S. and Shelby S.
3.6–3.9 GPA – Lyla B., Mya W., and Taylor R.
A special thank you to Coaches Allison Williamson and Angie Burke for their leadership and dedication.
We are proud of these student-athletes for their talent, commitment, and the way they represent De Soto High School in competition, in the classroom, and in the community.
Join us in congratulating our DHS Varsity Cheerleaders who earned Academic All-State honors!
This recognition reflects their dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the mat. We are incredibly proud of the hard work these student-athletes put in every day to represent our district with pride.
Way to go, Dragons!
This recognition reflects their dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the mat. We are incredibly proud of the hard work these student-athletes put in every day to represent our district with pride.
Way to go, Dragons!
At the March Board of Education meeting, Athena Elementary proudly recognized one of our outstanding students
Student Recognition
Athena would like to recognize Lilly T. for her kindness and leadership. Lilly recently stepped in to support a fellow student who was struggling—offering comfort and helping them transition smoothly into class.
Her compassion and willingness to help others truly reflect the character we strive to build in our students. We could not be more proud of her!
Lilly is a shining example of the amazing students at Athena Elementary!
Student Recognition
Athena would like to recognize Lilly T. for her kindness and leadership. Lilly recently stepped in to support a fellow student who was struggling—offering comfort and helping them transition smoothly into class.
Her compassion and willingness to help others truly reflect the character we strive to build in our students. We could not be more proud of her!
Lilly is a shining example of the amazing students at Athena Elementary!
De Soto Middle School is hosting a Map Kick-Off Movie Night on the Football Field, and you won’t want to miss it!
April 22
6:00 PM
J.C. Culwell Stadium
Enjoy a night of:
Hot dogs, popcorn, and snacks (available for purchase)
Games and activities for all ages
A showing of The Sandlot
$5 per person
All proceeds support the DMS Renaissance Program
Bring your blankets and your friends—we can’t wait to see you there!
April 22
6:00 PM
J.C. Culwell Stadium
Enjoy a night of:
Hot dogs, popcorn, and snacks (available for purchase)
Games and activities for all ages
A showing of The Sandlot
$5 per person
All proceeds support the DMS Renaissance Program
Bring your blankets and your friends—we can’t wait to see you there!
Spring Break Reminder
Just a reminder that Spring Break will be March 30 – April 6.
We hope our students and staff enjoy a relaxing and fun break! School will resume on Tuesday, April 7.
Enjoy the time off, Dragons!
Just a reminder that Spring Break will be March 30 – April 6.
We hope our students and staff enjoy a relaxing and fun break! School will resume on Tuesday, April 7.
Enjoy the time off, Dragons!
We’re growing and looking for great people to join our team!
De Soto #73 School District is now hiring for the following positions for the 2026-2027 school year:
High School Family and Consumer Science Teacher
Contact: Mr. Roop at roop.jon@desoto.k12.mo.us
Middle School Special Education Teacher (Resource)
Contact: Mr. Hammond at hammond.zeb@desoto.k12.mo.us
ECC Process Coordinator
Contact: Mrs. Casey at casey.diana@desoto.k12.mo.us
Primary School Special Education Teacher
Contact: Mrs. Wagner at wagner.meagan@desoto.k12.mo.us
If you’re passionate about making a difference for students and being part of a supportive, community-focused team, we’d love to hear from you.
Competitive benefits
Supportive team environment
Opportunities to make an impact every day
Join us in making a difference!
De Soto #73 School District is now hiring for the following positions for the 2026-2027 school year:
High School Family and Consumer Science Teacher
Contact: Mr. Roop at roop.jon@desoto.k12.mo.us
Middle School Special Education Teacher (Resource)
Contact: Mr. Hammond at hammond.zeb@desoto.k12.mo.us
ECC Process Coordinator
Contact: Mrs. Casey at casey.diana@desoto.k12.mo.us
Primary School Special Education Teacher
Contact: Mrs. Wagner at wagner.meagan@desoto.k12.mo.us
If you’re passionate about making a difference for students and being part of a supportive, community-focused team, we’d love to hear from you.
Competitive benefits
Supportive team environment
Opportunities to make an impact every day
Join us in making a difference!
The 2026–2027 school calendar has been officially approved by the Board of Education!
The first day of school will be Wednesday, August 26, 2026, and the last day of school is scheduled for May 27, 2027 (pending inclement weather).
School Day Times:
De Soto High School (DHS) / De Soto Middle School (DMS): 7:38 AM – 2:35 PM
De Soto Intermediate (Vineland): 8:20 AM – 3:15 PM
De Soto Primary (Athena): 8:40 AM – 3:35 PM
Early Childhood Center (ECC at Rock Road) – Full Day: 8:15 AM – 3:10 PM
Early Childhood Center (ECC at De Soto Primary) – Full Day: 8:15 AM – 3:10 PM
ECC – Half Day (AM): 8:15 AM – 11:10 AM
ECC – Half Day (PM): 12:10 PM – 3:10 PM
As part of our new elementary grade-level centers, Intermediate will begin 20 minutes before Primary. This schedule was carefully planned through research and timing tests to support smooth transitions for families. Bus routes have also been redesigned to maintain efficiency, with some of our longest routes expected to be slightly shorter.
We will be sharing additional details soon regarding Open House and Parent-Teacher Conferences to ensure families with students in multiple buildings can attend with ease.
Last week, Don Moses, one of our dedicated maintenance team members, teamed up with three talented high school art students to refresh the Purple Heart parking spots across our district.
We are proud to be a Purple Heart District and grateful for the care and teamwork that went into honoring our veterans in this meaningful way. Thank you to Don and our students for helping keep this tribute looking its best.
We are proud to be a Purple Heart District and grateful for the care and teamwork that went into honoring our veterans in this meaningful way. Thank you to Don and our students for helping keep this tribute looking its best.
Coming Soon: Annual Student Information Renewal for 2026-2027
We want to give our families a quick heads up about an important upcoming task for the 2026-2027 school year.
The Annual Student Information Renewal (Registration) in Infinite Campus will open on April 7 and close on May 1. This process must be completed for every student so we can begin building class schedules, bus routes, and student services for next school year.
Once the renewal opens, families will be able to review and update:
• Contact and emergency information
• Health information
• Transportation needs
• Household and communication details
Completing this early helps ensure:
• Student schedules are created on time
• Bus routes are accurate
• Families continue receiving important school communications
Please make sure you know your Infinite Campus Parent Portal login information. If you need help accessing your account, your student’s building office will be happy to assist.
We will send another message with step-by-step instructions when the portal opens on April 7.
We want to give our families a quick heads up about an important upcoming task for the 2026-2027 school year.
The Annual Student Information Renewal (Registration) in Infinite Campus will open on April 7 and close on May 1. This process must be completed for every student so we can begin building class schedules, bus routes, and student services for next school year.
Once the renewal opens, families will be able to review and update:
• Contact and emergency information
• Health information
• Transportation needs
• Household and communication details
Completing this early helps ensure:
• Student schedules are created on time
• Bus routes are accurate
• Families continue receiving important school communications
Please make sure you know your Infinite Campus Parent Portal login information. If you need help accessing your account, your student’s building office will be happy to assist.
We will send another message with step-by-step instructions when the portal opens on April 7.
Reminder: Spring Break Schedule
There will be no school from Monday, March 30 through Monday, April 6 for Spring Break.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
We hope our students, staff, and families have a safe and relaxing break!
There will be no school from Monday, March 30 through Monday, April 6 for Spring Break.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
We hope our students, staff, and families have a safe and relaxing break!
We Are Hiring! Join the De Soto #73 School District Team
The De Soto #73 School District is currently seeking passionate professionals to support our students and school community.
Positions available:
High School Counselor
If you are dedicated to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, we would love to have you join our team!
How to Apply:
Apply in person at our Central Office:
610 Vineland School Rd.
De Soto, MO
Or apply online at MoReap.net
Questions?
Jon Roop — roop.jon@desoto.k12.mo.us
636-586-1085
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post!
The De Soto #73 School District is currently seeking passionate professionals to support our students and school community.
Positions available:
High School Counselor
If you are dedicated to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, we would love to have you join our team!
How to Apply:
Apply in person at our Central Office:
610 Vineland School Rd.
De Soto, MO
Or apply online at MoReap.net
Questions?
Jon Roop — roop.jon@desoto.k12.mo.us
636-586-1085
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post!
Important Announcement: Infinite Campus will be offline for maintenance beginning today, Wednesday, March 18 at 5:00 PM and is expected to remain unavailable until Thursday, March 19 at 5:00 AM. During this time, families may not be able to access the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Thank you for your patience and understanding as this maintenance is completed.
Partner with De Soto High School
Local businesses have an opportunity to help shape the future workforce of our community while gaining motivated, dependable student employees.
De Soto High School is seeking local partners who can provide opportunities such as:
• Part-time employment
• After-school or weekend shifts
• Summer jobs
• Internships
• Job shadow experiences
• Mentorship opportunities
Our students are eager to gain real-world experience, build valuable skills, and contribute to local businesses right here in De Soto.
By partnering with our high school, you can help develop future talent while strengthening connections within our community.
Interested in partnering with us?
Contact:
cope.melissa@desoto.k12.mo.us
schutte.ginger@desoto.k12.mo.us
Together, we can create opportunities for students and invest in the future of our community. #PartneringTogether
Local businesses have an opportunity to help shape the future workforce of our community while gaining motivated, dependable student employees.
De Soto High School is seeking local partners who can provide opportunities such as:
• Part-time employment
• After-school or weekend shifts
• Summer jobs
• Internships
• Job shadow experiences
• Mentorship opportunities
Our students are eager to gain real-world experience, build valuable skills, and contribute to local businesses right here in De Soto.
By partnering with our high school, you can help develop future talent while strengthening connections within our community.
Interested in partnering with us?
Contact:
cope.melissa@desoto.k12.mo.us
schutte.ginger@desoto.k12.mo.us
Together, we can create opportunities for students and invest in the future of our community. #PartneringTogether
Reminder: Board of Education Meeting
Our Board of Education will be meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2026. These meetings are a great opportunity to stay informed about what's happening in our district and hear important updates that impact our students, staff, and community.
Location: 610 Vineland School Rd.
Time: 6:00 PM
Everyone is welcome to attend! We value your input and look forward to seeing you there.
Our Board of Education will be meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2026. These meetings are a great opportunity to stay informed about what's happening in our district and hear important updates that impact our students, staff, and community.
Location: 610 Vineland School Rd.
Time: 6:00 PM
Everyone is welcome to attend! We value your input and look forward to seeing you there.
Reminder for Dragon Families
There will be no school on Monday, March 16 as our staff will be participating in Professional Development meetings.
Students will return to school on Tuesday, March 17.
Thank you for your support as our team continues learning and growing to better serve our students!
There will be no school on Monday, March 16 as our staff will be participating in Professional Development meetings.
Students will return to school on Tuesday, March 17.
Thank you for your support as our team continues learning and growing to better serve our students!
Hands-On Learning in Zoology!
Last week, students in Ms. Beck’s Zoology class had the opportunity to take their learning to the next level by dissecting squids. This hands-on lab allowed students to closely examine the squid’s anatomy and better understand how its different systems work together.
Experiences like this help bring science to life by allowing students to explore real-world biology concepts in a meaningful way. Great work to Ms. Beck and her students for diving into this exciting learning opportunity!
Last week, students in Ms. Beck’s Zoology class had the opportunity to take their learning to the next level by dissecting squids. This hands-on lab allowed students to closely examine the squid’s anatomy and better understand how its different systems work together.
Experiences like this help bring science to life by allowing students to explore real-world biology concepts in a meaningful way. Great work to Ms. Beck and her students for diving into this exciting learning opportunity!
