De Soto #73 School District
610 Vineland School Road De Soto, MO 63020
School Bus Safety Week: STOP Means STOP!
Did you know that one of the greatest dangers to students riding school buses happens outside the bus?
When you see a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, STOP and stay stopped!
Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and be ready to stop.
Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean students are loading or unloading. Stop as required by law.
Always watch for children near bus stops and never drive distracted.
Missouri law requires motorists to stop for school buses in many situations, with specific exceptions for certain divided or multi-lane roadways.
A few extra seconds of patience can help save a life!
Did you know that one of the greatest dangers to students riding school buses happens outside the bus?
When you see a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, STOP and stay stopped!
Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and be ready to stop.
Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean students are loading or unloading. Stop as required by law.
Always watch for children near bus stops and never drive distracted.
Missouri law requires motorists to stop for school buses in many situations, with specific exceptions for certain divided or multi-lane roadways.
A few extra seconds of patience can help save a life!
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TRYOUTS!
Calling all future Dragon basketball players! It’s time to hit the court! De Soto Middle School Boys Basketball Tryouts are coming up!
Dates: October 26–28, 2026
Time: 3:00–5:00 PM
Location: De Soto High School Gym
What to Bring:
Basketball shoes and appropriate athletic clothing (shorts, etc.)
Players need to have up-to-date information in PRIVIT, including a valid physical to be eligible to participate.
Remind Code: fk2a6ck
Questions? Contact Coach Brendon Hardy at hardy.brendon@desoto.k12.mo.us.
We can’t wait to see our Dragons on the court! Good luck to everyone trying out!
Dragon Staff Spotlight: Meet Miss Julia Maness!
Please join us in welcoming Miss Julia Maness to the Dragon family as a Paraprofessional at De Soto Intermediate School!
Miss Julia is no stranger to Dragon Country! A proud 2024 graduate of De Soto High School, she is excited to return to the district in a new role, helping support our students and staff.
Outside of school, Miss Julia is a proud new mom to her sweet baby boy, Roman! She loves shopping and spending quality time with her family.
Miss Julia is looking forward to this exciting new chapter, making new friends, and building connections with our Intermediate students and staff!
We are excited to have Miss Julia back in Dragon Country!
Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon!**
Please join us in welcoming Miss Julia Maness to the Dragon family as a Paraprofessional at De Soto Intermediate School!
Miss Julia is no stranger to Dragon Country! A proud 2024 graduate of De Soto High School, she is excited to return to the district in a new role, helping support our students and staff.
Outside of school, Miss Julia is a proud new mom to her sweet baby boy, Roman! She loves shopping and spending quality time with her family.
Miss Julia is looking forward to this exciting new chapter, making new friends, and building connections with our Intermediate students and staff!
We are excited to have Miss Julia back in Dragon Country!
Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon!**
It's National School Bus Safety Week!
This week, we're highlighting the importance of school bus safety and reminding our Dragon families and community members that keeping students safe is everyone's responsibility!
Every school day, our dedicated bus drivers transport students to and from school, and we need everyone's help to make sure they arrive safely.
Throughout the week, we'll be sharing important safety tips for students, parents, and motorists.
Let's work together to keep our Dragons safe, one bus stop at a time!
This week, we're highlighting the importance of school bus safety and reminding our Dragon families and community members that keeping students safe is everyone's responsibility!
Every school day, our dedicated bus drivers transport students to and from school, and we need everyone's help to make sure they arrive safely.
Throughout the week, we'll be sharing important safety tips for students, parents, and motorists.
Let's work together to keep our Dragons safe, one bus stop at a time!
Dragon Staff Spotlight: Meet Ms. Ashley Lawrence!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Ashley Lawrence to her new role as building Administrative Assistant at De Soto Intermediate School!
Ms. Lawrence is no stranger to the Dragon family! This is her 6th year with the De Soto School District, having previously served as a paraprofessional at the Intermediate.
When she's not at school, Ms. Lawrence loves spending time outdoors with her two children, her dog Percy, and her chickens! She enjoys exploring new parks, hiking, and making memories with her family.
We are excited to have Ms. Lawrence serving our Intermediate students, families, and staff in her new role!
Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Ashley Lawrence to her new role as building Administrative Assistant at De Soto Intermediate School!
Ms. Lawrence is no stranger to the Dragon family! This is her 6th year with the De Soto School District, having previously served as a paraprofessional at the Intermediate.
When she's not at school, Ms. Lawrence loves spending time outdoors with her two children, her dog Percy, and her chickens! She enjoys exploring new parks, hiking, and making memories with her family.
We are excited to have Ms. Lawrence serving our Intermediate students, families, and staff in her new role!
Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon!
Our Middle School Cheerleaders have been putting in the WORK this year!
From practices to game nights, these Dragons bring the energy, school spirit, and plenty of smiles! They love being on the sidelines and cheering on our Middle School Football team every step of the way.
We’re proud of their hard work, dedication, and the Dragon pride they bring to every game!
Keep it up! GO DRAGONS!
Reading, Writing, and Pizza Making at De Soto Intermediate!
Earlier this week, 4th grade students at De Soto Intermediate brought their reading to life after reading How Tía Lola Came to Stay!
Inspired by the pizza-making in the story, students had the opportunity to create their very own pizzas! Afterward, they put their writing skills to work by recording step-by-step directions for making their pizzas so they could share their recipes with their families at home.
What a fun and delicious way to connect reading, writing, and real-world skills!
Earlier this week, 4th grade students at De Soto Intermediate brought their reading to life after reading How Tía Lola Came to Stay!
Inspired by the pizza-making in the story, students had the opportunity to create their very own pizzas! Afterward, they put their writing skills to work by recording step-by-step directions for making their pizzas so they could share their recipes with their families at home.
What a fun and delicious way to connect reading, writing, and real-world skills!
Learning is Happening at De Soto Primary!
Our youngest Dragons are busy learning, growing, and having fun at De Soto Primary School! From the classroom to the library and gym, exciting things are happening every day!
Ms. Milton’s 1st Grade: Students are putting their creativity to work and strengthening their writing skills!
Mrs. Emmon’s Kindergarten Library Classes: Our little Dragons are exploring library books and practicing their skills with fun color-by-number activities!
Mr. Aylesworth’s and Mr. Simpher’s Kindergarten PE Classes: Students are staying active while developing their kicking and throwing skills!
Ms. Bayless’s 1st Grade: Students are working hard on their writing skills and learning how to express their ideas through words!
Whether they're writing stories, exploring books, or building physical skills, our Primary Dragons are learning something new every day!
Keep up the great work, Primary Dragons!
Our youngest Dragons are busy learning, growing, and having fun at De Soto Primary School! From the classroom to the library and gym, exciting things are happening every day!
Ms. Milton’s 1st Grade: Students are putting their creativity to work and strengthening their writing skills!
Mrs. Emmon’s Kindergarten Library Classes: Our little Dragons are exploring library books and practicing their skills with fun color-by-number activities!
Mr. Aylesworth’s and Mr. Simpher’s Kindergarten PE Classes: Students are staying active while developing their kicking and throwing skills!
Ms. Bayless’s 1st Grade: Students are working hard on their writing skills and learning how to express their ideas through words!
Whether they're writing stories, exploring books, or building physical skills, our Primary Dragons are learning something new every day!
Keep up the great work, Primary Dragons!
IMPORTANT SCHEDULE REMINDERS, DRAGON FAMILIES!
Just a reminder that tomorrow is Thursday, October 15, which marks the END OF THE 1ST QUARTER!
Friday, October 16 – EARLY RELEASE DAY!
Please plan accordingly for the following early dismissal times:
High School & Middle School: 11:40 AM
De Soto Intermediate: 12:30 PM
De Soto Primary: 12:50 PM
Early Childhood Center (ECC):
Full-Day: 12:25 PM
Half-Day AM: No School
Half-Day PM: No School
Thank you, Dragon Families, for your continued support!
Just a reminder that tomorrow is Thursday, October 15, which marks the END OF THE 1ST QUARTER!
Friday, October 16 – EARLY RELEASE DAY!
Please plan accordingly for the following early dismissal times:
High School & Middle School: 11:40 AM
De Soto Intermediate: 12:30 PM
De Soto Primary: 12:50 PM
Early Childhood Center (ECC):
Full-Day: 12:25 PM
Half-Day AM: No School
Half-Day PM: No School
Thank you, Dragon Families, for your continued support!
Learning is Happening at De Soto Intermediate!
Our Dragons are hard at work, and there’s so much great learning happening in classrooms throughout De Soto Intermediate School!
Mrs. Carr’s 3rd Grade: Students are diving into The Raft, exploring the catalysts that helped the main character grow and change throughout the story.
Mrs. Drummond’s 5th Grade: Students are putting their science knowledge to the test with an engaging game of Gimkit!
Mrs. Randolph’s and Ms. Stephenson’s 3rd Grade Classes: Students are showing what they know as they tackle their math assessments!
Mrs. Johnson’s 4th Grade: Students are strengthening their math skills by learning to add multi-digit numbers.
Ms. Ray’s 3rd Grade: Students are getting creative and developing their writing skills through personal narratives!
A Special Visitor! Some of our classrooms even had the opportunity to welcome a special guest, our Board of Education President, Mrs. Wilson! We love having our Board members visit our schools and see firsthand the amazing learning taking place each day!
From reading and writing to math and science, our Dragons are learning, growing, and challenging themselves every day!
Keep up the great work, Intermediate Dragons!
Our Dragons are hard at work, and there’s so much great learning happening in classrooms throughout De Soto Intermediate School!
Mrs. Carr’s 3rd Grade: Students are diving into The Raft, exploring the catalysts that helped the main character grow and change throughout the story.
Mrs. Drummond’s 5th Grade: Students are putting their science knowledge to the test with an engaging game of Gimkit!
Mrs. Randolph’s and Ms. Stephenson’s 3rd Grade Classes: Students are showing what they know as they tackle their math assessments!
Mrs. Johnson’s 4th Grade: Students are strengthening their math skills by learning to add multi-digit numbers.
Ms. Ray’s 3rd Grade: Students are getting creative and developing their writing skills through personal narratives!
A Special Visitor! Some of our classrooms even had the opportunity to welcome a special guest, our Board of Education President, Mrs. Wilson! We love having our Board members visit our schools and see firsthand the amazing learning taking place each day!
From reading and writing to math and science, our Dragons are learning, growing, and challenging themselves every day!
Keep up the great work, Intermediate Dragons!
National School Lunch Week is THIS WEEK!
We're celebrating National School Lunch Week across all De Soto #73 schools with a chance for students to win a CLASS PIZZA PARTY!
Here's how to enter:
Eat school lunch each day!
Fill out a ticket provided by our SUPER AWESOME Lunch Ladies!
Turn in your ticket for a chance to win!
Students will have the opportunity to enter EVERY DAY they eat school lunch!
At the end of the week, we'll draw winners from each school for a CLASS PIZZA PARTY!
A HUGE shoutout to our amazing School Nutrition Team for keeping our Dragons fueled and ready to learn every day!
We're celebrating National School Lunch Week across all De Soto #73 schools with a chance for students to win a CLASS PIZZA PARTY!
Here's how to enter:
Eat school lunch each day!
Fill out a ticket provided by our SUPER AWESOME Lunch Ladies!
Turn in your ticket for a chance to win!
Students will have the opportunity to enter EVERY DAY they eat school lunch!
At the end of the week, we'll draw winners from each school for a CLASS PIZZA PARTY!
A HUGE shoutout to our amazing School Nutrition Team for keeping our Dragons fueled and ready to learn every day!
Exploring Careers in Manufacturing!
Last week, De Soto High School students attended Manufacturing Day at Jefferson College, where they had the opportunity to explore exciting career pathways in the manufacturing industry!
Students participated in hands-on program tours in Welding, Precision Machining Technology, and HVAC, explored interactive displays, and connected directly with local employers to learn about their careers, products, and impact on our community.
Events like Manufacturing Day provide valuable real-world experiences, helping students discover career opportunities and explore possibilities for their futures!
It's a great day to be a Dragon!
Last week, De Soto High School students attended Manufacturing Day at Jefferson College, where they had the opportunity to explore exciting career pathways in the manufacturing industry!
Students participated in hands-on program tours in Welding, Precision Machining Technology, and HVAC, explored interactive displays, and connected directly with local employers to learn about their careers, products, and impact on our community.
Events like Manufacturing Day provide valuable real-world experiences, helping students discover career opportunities and explore possibilities for their futures!
It's a great day to be a Dragon!
OCTOBER BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
The De Soto #73 School District Board of Education will hold its October meeting on Thursday, October 15, at 6:00 PM.
De Soto Primary School Cafeteria
3775 Athena School Road
De Soto, MO 63020
Board of Education meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
The De Soto #73 School District Board of Education will hold its October meeting on Thursday, October 15, at 6:00 PM.
De Soto Primary School Cafeteria
3775 Athena School Road
De Soto, MO 63020
Board of Education meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
Sportsmanship Beyond the Scoreboard!
Last night, our De Soto Middle School football team walked away with more than just a win against Hillsboro—they showed what it truly means to be a Dragon!
Following the game, our players made a point to walk over to the Hillsboro bench to shake hands with an injured player who was unable to join his teammates on the field.
This simple act of kindness and respect speaks volumes about the character of our student-athletes. Winning games is great, but showing compassion, respect, and sportsmanship is what truly matters!
We couldn't be prouder of these young men for representing De Soto with such class!
Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon!
Last night, our De Soto Middle School football team walked away with more than just a win against Hillsboro—they showed what it truly means to be a Dragon!
Following the game, our players made a point to walk over to the Hillsboro bench to shake hands with an injured player who was unable to join his teammates on the field.
This simple act of kindness and respect speaks volumes about the character of our student-athletes. Winning games is great, but showing compassion, respect, and sportsmanship is what truly matters!
We couldn't be prouder of these young men for representing De Soto with such class!
Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon!
Dragon Families: Important Schedule Reminders!
Thursday, October 15 – End of 1st Quarter!
Friday, October 16 – EARLY RELEASE DAY!
Please plan accordingly for the following early dismissal schedule:
High School & Middle School: 11:40 AM
De Soto Intermediate: 12:30 PM
De Soto Primary: 12:50 PM
Early Childhood Center (ECC):
Full-Day: 12:25 PM
Half-Day AM: No School
Half-Day PM: No School
We appreciate our Dragon families for helping us make dismissal run smoothly!
October is School Principals Month!
This month, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible principals who lead our schools each and every day!
Our principals wear many hats—leaders, problem-solvers, encouragers, supporters, and champions for our students and staff. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment help make our schools great places to learn, grow, and succeed.
Throughout October, we’ll be celebrating our principals and thanking them for all they do for our students, staff, families, and the entire Dragon community!
Happy School Principals Month!
This month, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible principals who lead our schools each and every day!
Our principals wear many hats—leaders, problem-solvers, encouragers, supporters, and champions for our students and staff. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment help make our schools great places to learn, grow, and succeed.
Throughout October, we’ll be celebrating our principals and thanking them for all they do for our students, staff, families, and the entire Dragon community!
Happy School Principals Month!
Learning through a little experimentation!
Ms. Anderson’s FACS class recently put their kitchen skills—and creativity—to the test with an experimental Rice Krispies Treats lab!
Students brainstormed what they thought the correct measurements should be for each ingredient and then put their ideas to the test. The lab provided a fun, hands-on way to demonstrate the importance of recipes, accurate measurements, and following directions when cooking and baking.
The good news? All of the Rice Krispies Treats were yummy! The lesson? They may not have all turned out quite like students expected—and that’s exactly what made this experiment such a great learning experience!
Sometimes the best lessons come with a sweet treat!
Ms. Anderson’s FACS class recently put their kitchen skills—and creativity—to the test with an experimental Rice Krispies Treats lab!
Students brainstormed what they thought the correct measurements should be for each ingredient and then put their ideas to the test. The lab provided a fun, hands-on way to demonstrate the importance of recipes, accurate measurements, and following directions when cooking and baking.
The good news? All of the Rice Krispies Treats were yummy! The lesson? They may not have all turned out quite like students expected—and that’s exactly what made this experiment such a great learning experience!
Sometimes the best lessons come with a sweet treat!
WE’RE HIRING BUS DRIVERS!
The De Soto #73 School District is looking for Full-Time and Substitute Bus Drivers to join our Transportation Team!
Help us safely transport our Dragons to and from school each day while making a difference in our school community.
Full-Time Bus Drivers
Substitute Bus Drivers
Interested in joining our team? Apply today!
Have questions? Contact April McKinney at mckinney.april@desoto.k12.mo.us or at 636-586-1078.
Come drive with us and make a difference for our students!
A huge shoutout to our Middle School Cheerleaders!
After every game—whether they’re cheering at home or away—our cheerleaders take time to pick up trash in the stands before they leave.
It’s their way of giving back to the communities that welcome and support them, and we are so proud of them for showing that being a Dragon is about more than what happens during the game.
Thank you, ladies, for leading by example and representing De Soto with pride!
After every game—whether they’re cheering at home or away—our cheerleaders take time to pick up trash in the stands before they leave.
It’s their way of giving back to the communities that welcome and support them, and we are so proud of them for showing that being a Dragon is about more than what happens during the game.
Thank you, ladies, for leading by example and representing De Soto with pride!
Calling All Career Day Presenters!
De Soto Middle School is looking for community members and professionals to share their careers with our students during our annual Career Day!
Friday, April 9, 2027
This is a great opportunity to inspire, educate, and make a difference by giving students a firsthand look at different careers, career paths, and the skills needed for future success.
Interested in presenting? Contact Kerri Lawson at 636-586-1030 ext. 4216 or lawson.kerri@desoto.k12.mo.us.
Real people. Real jobs. Big impact. Help us introduce our students to the many possibilities waiting for them in the future!
De Soto Middle School is looking for community members and professionals to share their careers with our students during our annual Career Day!
Friday, April 9, 2027
This is a great opportunity to inspire, educate, and make a difference by giving students a firsthand look at different careers, career paths, and the skills needed for future success.
Interested in presenting? Contact Kerri Lawson at 636-586-1030 ext. 4216 or lawson.kerri@desoto.k12.mo.us.
Real people. Real jobs. Big impact. Help us introduce our students to the many possibilities waiting for them in the future!
