De Soto #73 School District
610 Vineland School Road De Soto, MO 63020
Thinking about becoming a substitute teacher? We've got you covered!
Looking for a flexible way to earn extra income while making a difference in the lives of students? Join us for our FREE Substitute Teacher Training and take the first step toward becoming part of our Dragon team!
Who can attend?
Anyone 18 years or older
What should you bring?
Your personal calendar so we can schedule your fingerprinting appointment.
A valid debit or credit card for the required fingerprinting/background check (approximately $200).
The best part? You can earn that investment back in less than two days of substitute teaching!
A laptop or tablet if you have one (don't worry—we'll provide one if you don't!).
Headphones if you have them (we'll have extras available if needed!).
No teaching experience? No problem! We'll walk you through everything you need to know to get started.
Whether you're looking for a flexible schedule, a rewarding opportunity, or a way to give back to your community, substitute teaching is a great fit!
Ready to join us? Register by completing the RSVP form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3mZZCy9S7q25QB3xldwIe0HoyeAF1pXnVU6AALa3cmfYNkw/viewform?usp=publish-editor or by emailing Nicole Spruell at nicole.spruellnm@desoto.k12.mo.us. RSVP by 3:00 PM on Wednesday, July 29.
Spots are limited, so reserve your place today!
We can't wait to welcome you to the De Soto #73 family!
Free & Reduced Meal Applications Are Now Open!
The 2026–2027 Free & Reduced Meal Application is now available through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
We encourage all families to apply, even if you're not sure you'll qualify. You may be eligible for benefits, and the only way to know is to submit an application.
If your household has already been approved through Direct Certification, no application is needed.
If you have not been directly certified, we encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible to help ensure your meal benefits are in place for the start of the new school year.
✔️ Log in to your Parent Portal
✔️ Complete your application online
✔️ Apply early for the best start to the school year
Submitting your application now helps ensure any eligible meal benefits are in place when the new school year begins.
The 2026–2027 Free & Reduced Meal Application is now available through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
We encourage all families to apply, even if you're not sure you'll qualify. You may be eligible for benefits, and the only way to know is to submit an application.
If your household has already been approved through Direct Certification, no application is needed.
If you have not been directly certified, we encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible to help ensure your meal benefits are in place for the start of the new school year.
✔️ Log in to your Parent Portal
✔️ Complete your application online
✔️ Apply early for the best start to the school year
Submitting your application now helps ensure any eligible meal benefits are in place when the new school year begins.
Another Win for Our Dragons!
Thanks to the GameTime Community Champions Grant and the Ameren Missouri rebate generated through the Prop4Dragons HVAC improvements, we were able to fully fund brand-new playgrounds for both our Early Childhood Center on Rock Road and the Early Childhood Center at De Soto Primary, which will welcome students this school year!
This is another great example of how smart planning, grant funding, and community support work together to create meaningful opportunities for our students.
A special thank you to our community for supporting and passing the Prop4Dragons bond measure. Your investment continues to make projects like this possible, allowing us to maximize every dollar and provide safe, engaging learning environments for our youngest Dragons.
Together, we're building a stronger future—one playground, one classroom, and one student at a time.
Thanks to the GameTime Community Champions Grant and the Ameren Missouri rebate generated through the Prop4Dragons HVAC improvements, we were able to fully fund brand-new playgrounds for both our Early Childhood Center on Rock Road and the Early Childhood Center at De Soto Primary, which will welcome students this school year!
This is another great example of how smart planning, grant funding, and community support work together to create meaningful opportunities for our students.
A special thank you to our community for supporting and passing the Prop4Dragons bond measure. Your investment continues to make projects like this possible, allowing us to maximize every dollar and provide safe, engaging learning environments for our youngest Dragons.
Together, we're building a stronger future—one playground, one classroom, and one student at a time.
Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor, Andi Tidwell – Gateway Real Estate!
We are proud to recognize Andi Tidwell, Broker-Salesperson with Gateway Real Estate, as one of our Platinum Sponsors for De Soto #73. Her continued support and investment in our schools help provide meaningful opportunities for our students, strengthen school programs, and foster a stronger connection between our district and the community.
Thank you, Andi, for your generosity, partnership, and commitment to the students, staff, and families of De Soto #73. We are grateful to have you as a valued member of the Dragon family!
We are proud to recognize Andi Tidwell, Broker-Salesperson with Gateway Real Estate, as one of our Platinum Sponsors for De Soto #73. Her continued support and investment in our schools help provide meaningful opportunities for our students, strengthen school programs, and foster a stronger connection between our district and the community.
Thank you, Andi, for your generosity, partnership, and commitment to the students, staff, and families of De Soto #73. We are grateful to have you as a valued member of the Dragon family!
Do you need a flexible option for dropping off and picking up your kids? We’ve got you covered.
For the 2026–2027 school year, Y Club before- and after-school care will be available at De Soto Primary (Athena) and De Soto Intermediate (Vineland)—designed with busy families in mind.
One drop-off, one pick-up
Drop off your primary and intermediate students at a single location in the morning, and we’ll take care of getting them to the right school. After school, they’ll be transported back to the Y Club site—making pickup just as simple.
Flexible scheduling
Whether you need care every day or just a few days a week, Y Club offers options that fit your routine.
Safe, engaging environment
Students will be supported in a welcoming space that keeps them active, connected, and cared for before and after school.
Choose the location that works best for your family and enjoy a more convenient start and end to your day.
See flyer for more information.
For the 2026–2027 school year, Y Club before- and after-school care will be available at De Soto Primary (Athena) and De Soto Intermediate (Vineland)—designed with busy families in mind.
One drop-off, one pick-up
Drop off your primary and intermediate students at a single location in the morning, and we’ll take care of getting them to the right school. After school, they’ll be transported back to the Y Club site—making pickup just as simple.
Flexible scheduling
Whether you need care every day or just a few days a week, Y Club offers options that fit your routine.
Safe, engaging environment
Students will be supported in a welcoming space that keeps them active, connected, and cared for before and after school.
Choose the location that works best for your family and enjoy a more convenient start and end to your day.
See flyer for more information.
Thank You to Our Bronze Sponsor, Designs Express!
We are grateful for Designs Express and their continued support of De Soto #73. Community partnerships like yours help create opportunities for our students, support memorable experiences across our schools, and strengthen the connection between our district and local businesses.
Thank you for investing in our students, staff, and community and for being a valued part of the Dragon family. Your partnership and support are truly appreciated!
We are grateful for Designs Express and their continued support of De Soto #73. Community partnerships like yours help create opportunities for our students, support memorable experiences across our schools, and strengthen the connection between our district and local businesses.
Thank you for investing in our students, staff, and community and for being a valued part of the Dragon family. Your partnership and support are truly appreciated!
Thank You to Our Bronze Sponsor, Dylan Isaac with Sapaugh Cadillac!
We are grateful for Dylan Isaac with Sapaugh Cadillac and their continued support of the De Soto #73 School District. Community partnerships like yours help create opportunities for our students, enhance experiences across our schools, and strengthen the connection between our district and local businesses.
Thank you for investing in our students, staff, and community and for being a valued part of the Dragon family. Your partnership and support are truly appreciated! #PartneringTogether
We are grateful for Dylan Isaac with Sapaugh Cadillac and their continued support of the De Soto #73 School District. Community partnerships like yours help create opportunities for our students, enhance experiences across our schools, and strengthen the connection between our district and local businesses.
Thank you for investing in our students, staff, and community and for being a valued part of the Dragon family. Your partnership and support are truly appreciated! #PartneringTogether
Project Complete!
Thanks to grant funding from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Athena Elementary/De Soto Primary now has a safer, more inclusive playground for all!
This completed project provides students with an enhanced outdoor space where they can play, explore, and build friendships in an environment designed with accessibility and safety in mind.
We are grateful for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' investment in our students and school community. We can't wait to see our Dragons enjoy this amazing new playground for years to come!
Thanks to grant funding from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Athena Elementary/De Soto Primary now has a safer, more inclusive playground for all!
This completed project provides students with an enhanced outdoor space where they can play, explore, and build friendships in an environment designed with accessibility and safety in mind.
We are grateful for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' investment in our students and school community. We can't wait to see our Dragons enjoy this amazing new playground for years to come!
At last month’s Board of Education meeting, De Soto #73 School District proudly recognized Mrs. Deana Pope, Director of Technology, for her outstanding leadership and continued dedication to advancing technology across our district.
Under Mrs. Pope’s direction, our district has made significant improvements to technology infrastructure, including upgrades to servers, wireless access points, network wiring, security cameras, Chromebooks, Promethean Boards, and many other critical systems that support daily operations and student learning.
Through strategic planning and thoughtful replacement cycles, she has ensured our technology remains reliable, secure, and up to date while maintaining strong fiscal responsibility. Her commitment to supporting staff, creating engaging learning environments, and keeping district systems running efficiently has made a lasting impact across De Soto #73.
Thank you, Mrs. Pope, for your vision, expertise, and dedication to supporting our students, staff, and community every day!
Reminder: Board of Education Meeting
Our Board of Education will be meeting on Thursday, July 16, 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, July 16, 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 New District Website & Mobile App Are Now Live!
We are excited to announce that our new district website and mobile app are officially live!
As part of this transition, our new district website can now be accessed at:
Our new website and mobile app provide families with an updated, more user-friendly way to access district news, calendars, staff directories, notifications, menus, and other important resources—all in one place.
Download the De Soto #73 app for Apple
Download the De Soto #73 app for Android
We encourage all families, students, staff, and community members to visit the new website and download the De Soto #73 School District mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to stay connected.
Thank you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy the new experience!
Now Hiring – Join the De Soto #73 Transportation Team!
We’re looking for dependable and caring individuals to help safely transport our students each day. Current openings include:
Bus Drivers
Bus Mechanic
Substitute Bus Drivers
If you are interested in making a difference and becoming part of an amazing team, we would love to hear from you!
Contact April McKinney at mckinney.april@desoto.k12.mo.us
636-586-1078
Apply today and help keep our Dragons moving!
We’re looking for dependable and caring individuals to help safely transport our students each day. Current openings include:
Bus Drivers
Bus Mechanic
Substitute Bus Drivers
If you are interested in making a difference and becoming part of an amazing team, we would love to hear from you!
Contact April McKinney at mckinney.april@desoto.k12.mo.us
636-586-1078
Apply today and help keep our Dragons moving!
Dragon Families! Transportation Information is Now Available!
Transportation information for the 2026-2027 school year is now available in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal!
We're excited to provide this information earlier than ever before to help your family prepare for the upcoming school year. Please remember that transportation routes may continue to change throughout the summer as students enroll in or leave the district.
Need to request a change?
If your student's transportation information is incorrect, please contact our Transportation Department at 636-586-1078. If you leave a voicemail, please include:
-Student's first and last name
-Grade and school
-New bus stop or address
-Whether the change is for AM, PM, or both
-A brief description of the requested change
You may also email:
April McKinney – mckinney.april@desoto.k12.mo.us
Monica Nichol – nichol.monica@desoto.k12.mo.us
Please allow 48 hours for changes to be processed before following up.
A few important reminders:
-Bus routes may continue to change as updates are made throughout the summer.
-If your student is assigned transportation but will not be riding the bus, please let the Transportation Department know.
-Sunrise students' transportation information will not appear in the Parent Portal.
-Students who receive transportation through an IEP may not yet have transportation information available. Those routes are expected to be completed and visible by the end of next week.
Thank you for your patience and partnership as we prepare for another great school year. We can't wait to welcome our Dragons back soon!
Transportation information for the 2026-2027 school year is now available in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal!
We're excited to provide this information earlier than ever before to help your family prepare for the upcoming school year. Please remember that transportation routes may continue to change throughout the summer as students enroll in or leave the district.
Need to request a change?
If your student's transportation information is incorrect, please contact our Transportation Department at 636-586-1078. If you leave a voicemail, please include:
-Student's first and last name
-Grade and school
-New bus stop or address
-Whether the change is for AM, PM, or both
-A brief description of the requested change
You may also email:
April McKinney – mckinney.april@desoto.k12.mo.us
Monica Nichol – nichol.monica@desoto.k12.mo.us
Please allow 48 hours for changes to be processed before following up.
A few important reminders:
-Bus routes may continue to change as updates are made throughout the summer.
-If your student is assigned transportation but will not be riding the bus, please let the Transportation Department know.
-Sunrise students' transportation information will not appear in the Parent Portal.
-Students who receive transportation through an IEP may not yet have transportation information available. Those routes are expected to be completed and visible by the end of next week.
Thank you for your patience and partnership as we prepare for another great school year. We can't wait to welcome our Dragons back soon!
Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor, State Farm Agent Sandy Meurer!
We are incredibly grateful for State Farm Agent Sandy Meurer and their continued partnership and support of the De Soto #73 School District. Community partners like you help create opportunities for our students, strengthen school experiences, and make a lasting impact across our district.
Thank you for investing in our schools, supporting our community, and being an important part of the Dragon family. We appreciate your continued commitment and partnership! #PartneringTogether
We are incredibly grateful for State Farm Agent Sandy Meurer and their continued partnership and support of the De Soto #73 School District. Community partners like you help create opportunities for our students, strengthen school experiences, and make a lasting impact across our district.
Thank you for investing in our schools, supporting our community, and being an important part of the Dragon family. We appreciate your continued commitment and partnership! #PartneringTogether
At last month’s Board of Education meeting, the District recognized Landon Porter, Jeff Tidwell, and Dylan Isaac for their outstanding support of the Dragon Annex during this summer’s transition efforts.
These gentlemen generously volunteered their time and energy for a seven-hour day of moving furniture and materials to help relocate the Dragon Annex to its new location in the basement of DMS. Their hard work helped ensure furniture and boxed items were moved safely and efficiently—and Mr. Isaac even provided his own truck and trailer to support the effort.
While our incredible maintenance and custodial teams continue managing large-scale summer construction and relocation projects across the district, their willingness to step in created valuable time and flexibility for staff to focus on other major district priorities.
Because of their dedication and teamwork, the Dragon Annex is one step closer to being ready to support student success this fall. Thank you for your service, your generosity, and for demonstrating what it means to be part of the Dragon community.
Do you need a flexible option for dropping off and picking up your kids? We’ve got you covered.
For the 2026–2027 school year, Y Club before- and after-school care will be available at De Soto Primary (Athena) and De Soto Intermediate (Vineland)—designed with busy families in mind.
One drop-off, one pick-up
Drop off your primary and intermediate students at a single location in the morning, and we’ll take care of getting them to the right school. After school, they’ll be transported back to the Y Club site—making pickup just as simple.
Flexible scheduling
Whether you need care every day or just a few days a week, Y Club offers options that fit your routine.
Safe, engaging environment
Students will be supported in a welcoming space that keeps them active, connected, and cared for before and after school.
Choose the location that works best for your family and enjoy a more convenient start and end to your day.
See flyer for more information.
For the 2026–2027 school year, Y Club before- and after-school care will be available at De Soto Primary (Athena) and De Soto Intermediate (Vineland)—designed with busy families in mind.
One drop-off, one pick-up
Drop off your primary and intermediate students at a single location in the morning, and we’ll take care of getting them to the right school. After school, they’ll be transported back to the Y Club site—making pickup just as simple.
Flexible scheduling
Whether you need care every day or just a few days a week, Y Club offers options that fit your routine.
Safe, engaging environment
Students will be supported in a welcoming space that keeps them active, connected, and cared for before and after school.
Choose the location that works best for your family and enjoy a more convenient start and end to your day.
See flyer for more information.
At last month's Board of Education meeting, Athena Elementary proudly recognized Mrs. Stephanie Kitchell for her outstanding dedication to our students, families, and staff.
Mrs. Kitchell is a constant source of support, always willing to step in wherever she is needed. She never shies away from a challenge and consistently provides honest, thoughtful, and encouraging guidance when difficult decisions need to be made.
Much of Mrs. Kitchell's work happens behind the scenes, often without recognition, as she works tirelessly to ensure every decision is made with the best interests of students in mind. Her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment make a lasting impact on our school community each and every day.
Thank you, Mrs. Kitchell, for all that you do. We appreciate you more than words can express!
Mrs. Kitchell is a constant source of support, always willing to step in wherever she is needed. She never shies away from a challenge and consistently provides honest, thoughtful, and encouraging guidance when difficult decisions need to be made.
Much of Mrs. Kitchell's work happens behind the scenes, often without recognition, as she works tirelessly to ensure every decision is made with the best interests of students in mind. Her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment make a lasting impact on our school community each and every day.
Thank you, Mrs. Kitchell, for all that you do. We appreciate you more than words can express!
🎆 Happy Fourth of July from De Soto School District! 🇺🇸
Today, our Director of Transportation and several of our dedicated bus drivers proudly represented De Soto #73 School District in the community Fourth of July Parade!
We are grateful for their willingness to spend part of their holiday celebrating with our community and showcasing the pride they have in serving our students and families each day.
Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the parade. We hope you have a safe, fun, and memorable Independence Day!
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, De Soto #73 School District wishes our students, families, staff, alumni, and community a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Today, we honor the ideals of freedom, unity, and opportunity that continue to shape our nation and inspire future generations. We are also grateful to the brave men and women—past and present—whose service and sacrifice have protected those freedoms.
Whether you're spending the day with family, enjoying community celebrations, or watching fireworks, we hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday.
Happy Independence Day!
Today, we honor the ideals of freedom, unity, and opportunity that continue to shape our nation and inspire future generations. We are also grateful to the brave men and women—past and present—whose service and sacrifice have protected those freedoms.
Whether you're spending the day with family, enjoying community celebrations, or watching fireworks, we hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday.
Happy Independence Day!
Athena Elementary Celebrates Perfect Attendance!
At last month's Board of Education meeting, Athena Elementary proudly recognized four students who achieved perfect attendance during the 2025–2026 school year!
Congratulations to:
Havannah P.
Logan P. (not pictured)
Emmersyn F. (not pictured)
Camden F. (not pictured)
Achieving perfect attendance is no small accomplishment. It reflects dedication, commitment, and the importance these students place on their education. It also highlights the incredible support of their families, whose encouragement and commitment help make this achievement possible.
Congratulations to these outstanding students on this remarkable accomplishment! We are proud of your hard work and dedication.
At last month's Board of Education meeting, Athena Elementary proudly recognized four students who achieved perfect attendance during the 2025–2026 school year!
Congratulations to:
Havannah P.
Logan P. (not pictured)
Emmersyn F. (not pictured)
Camden F. (not pictured)
Achieving perfect attendance is no small accomplishment. It reflects dedication, commitment, and the importance these students place on their education. It also highlights the incredible support of their families, whose encouragement and commitment help make this achievement possible.
Congratulations to these outstanding students on this remarkable accomplishment! We are proud of your hard work and dedication.
