Graduation Information - Updated 3/15/2023

  • 3/15/23

     

    Senior Families,

    This year, senior students have the opportunity to customize their graduation stoles with custom embroidered activity patches. Included below is the patch ordering platform.

     

    A few details:

    • The deadline to order patches will be Friday, April 14th.
    • Patches will be delivered with caps and gowns (date to be announced).
    • Each patch has an adhesive back for easy application to the stole.
    • Important!!!! The “tackiness” will allow for up to 3 applications in case you choose to move the patch.
    • Students will be given a short tutorial on applying patches at the gown delivery.
    • The student will also order their cords on the same platform.

     

    If you have questions, please contact our graduation partner Jostens:

     

    Jostens of Northeast Kansas

    Email: jeff.heline@jostens.com

    Ph. 785-840-4264

     

    Congratulations Seniors!!!!

    ORDER PATCHES AND CORDS HERE:

    https://jostensks.typeform.com/DeSotoGradPatch

  • 2/7/23

    Senior Wildcats and Families, 

     

    Congratulations! You have made it to the spring semester of your senior year. There are 59 more school days until the Class of 2023 graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 20th. Use these remaining days to be involved and connected with DHS and other members of the Class of 2023. 

     

    One of the most important things you can do to be successful academically is to attend school. Regular attendance and addressing your remaining tasks will help to end your time here on a positive note. The schedule of important senior events can be found on our website (here). 

     

    We want to inform you in advance of several items related to the graduation ceremony. In keeping with the school’s tradition, the event is conducted as a formal and dignified ceremony in which students are honored for their accomplishments related to De Soto High School. As a result, no regalia recognizing outside achievements or postsecondary plans will be worn during the ceremony. Additionally, caps and gowns may not be altered in any way. 

     

    New this year and in keeping with the intent of recognizing students for their efforts at DHS, we will allow students to customize their stole with the official logos of the activities they participated in while at DHS. We have worked with senior students, activity sponsors, and Jostens to create this new opportunity for our students. The only customization of stoles that will be allowed will be the addition of logos designed for and purchased through Jostens. The only cords allowed will be the Honor cords (White, Silver, Gold) earned and purchased through Jostens. Look for communication before the end of February about how to order your cord and activity logos. 

     

    Student attendance at the ceremony is voluntary and those who attend are expected to follow the expectations of the ceremony. Seniors choosing not to attend should notify the school office as soon as possible. While students have a right to their official transcript, they do not have a right to the commemorative diploma. The school can withhold a diploma for unacceptable behavior leading up to or during commencement. 

     

    Please do not arrive the morning of graduation expecting to deviate from these expectations. Doing so creates stress, frustration, and hard feelings on a day that should be about celebrating your special achievement. 

     

    We look forward to celebrating you and the Class of 2023. 

     

    Kind Regards, 

     

    Sam Ruff  
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  • Dear Graduating Senior and Parent/Guardian,  

    As we begin to look ahead toward the holiday season, we are reminded just how quickly time passes. The month of May is not as far off as it may seem, and we want to share information with you regarding the Class of 2023 graduation ceremony. 

    As you are aware, the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 is scheduled to take place on May 20, 2023. Our current plan is to have the ceremony at the De Soto High School stadium. If we can hold the ceremony outside, we will not need to limit attendance or require tickets. If inclement weather is possible, we will have the ceremony in the Main Gymnasium at De Soto High School. If inside, we will need to limit attendance and each student will be provided with 7 tickets. The ceremony will also be live-streamed. The decision will be made and communicated 24 hours before the scheduled start of the ceremony. 

    The ceremony will begin at 10:00 AM. This change from previous years will allow our senior swimmers the ability to participate in both the Kansas State Swim meet and our graduation ceremony. 

    As in the past, De Soto High School views the graduation ceremony as a time to collectively recognize our seniors for what they have accomplished as students at DHS. Students will not be allowed to wear regalia celebrating accomplishments outside DHS or recognizing post-secondary plans. 

    New this year, a plan is in place to allow students to customize their graduation stole with the logos of official DHS activities they participated in while a student at DHS. Look for more information in February.   

    The Senior Schedule for May 2023 is included. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions. 

    Thank you,  
    Sam Ruff 

    Principal, DHS 
    • September 30, 2022
       
      Dear Graduating Senior and Parent/Guardian,
       
      As the end of the first quarter is just a few weeks away, what has been a great 2022-2023 school year seems to be flying by. The month of May is not as far off as it may seem, and we want to share information with you regarding the Class of 2023 graduation ceremony.
       
      As you are aware, the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 is scheduled to take place on May 20, 2022. Our current plan is to have the ceremony at the De Soto High School stadium. If we are able to hold the ceremony outside, we will not need to limit attendance or require tickets. If there is the possibility of inclement weather, we will hold the ceremony in the Main Gymnasium at De Soto High School. If inside, we will need to limit attendance and each student will be provided with 7 tickets. The ceremony will also be live-streamed. The decision will be made and communicated 24 hours before the scheduled start of the ceremony.
       
      The ceremony will begin at 10:00 am. This change from previous years will allow our senior swimmers the ability to participate in both the Kansas State Swim meet and graduation.
       
      Jostens will provide graduation regalia, announcements, and our diplomas this year. A representative from Jostens will meet with the senior class during seminar on Monday, October 3rd to discuss graduation announcements and cap and gown ordering procedures.
       
      Thank you,
      Sam Ruff
      Principal, DHS
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