Discovering De Soto
USD 232 Website https://www.usd232.org De Soto High School The Green Pride https://dhsnews.org Mill Valley High School Jagwire https://www.mvnews.org Our vision in USD 232 is to maximize each student’s potential through inspiration and discovery, challenging all students to become self-sufficient and positive contributors to society. The mission of the school district is to prepare all students for their future through excellent, innovative learning opportunities with caring, dedicated and passionate staff in a safe and secure environment.
Traversing New Terrains during the 2020-21 School Year
I can almost hear a collective sigh of relief across our community as this school year finally comes to a close. One of the most difficult times in education tested the limits of our students, staff and families. Despite the numerous challenges we navigated due to COVID-19, I am convinced our future is bright. The pandemic forced our school district onto an uncharted trail that seemed uphill for months, with unexpected obstacles to traverse. Through every twist and turn on this rocky, mountainous terrain, one constant became a familiar companion–change. We changed our locations and learning models for education; changed the daily operation of the entire system; changed how we interact with others; and changed the ordinary routines. This journey impacted our levels of stress and anxiety and divided our community on how best to navigate the path before us. These past 15 months paints a picture in my mind of hiking on a rough trail into the mountains. Although I have not previously traveled this terrain with changes in elevation, steep chasms, and thick, scrubby vegetation, I carry with me a compass to keep me moving in the right direction. Some of best sights and most breathtaking views in nature can only be seen by traversing trails into mountainous regions across our country. While each of us may be focused on the immediate obstacles in our path, if we pause just long enough to look around, we will see the picturesque beauty that has been with us all along. One can see the Looking back, one can see the amazing resilience of our students, amazing resilience of our students, parents parents, and teachers working and teachers working together, lifting each other up to keep learning and moving forward. together, lifting each other up to keep learning You will also see our support staff of paraprofessionals, school nurses, and moving forward. student nutrition staff, and custodians making it possible to support our students and schools every day. I see our families, while facing their own challenging terrain, displaying grace and strength. Finally, I see our elected members of the Board of Education who worked together in an extraordinary way, agonizing to make difficult decisions under immense pressure. 8
The 2020-21 school year was a year like no other. Administration, teachers, support staff and students navigated through uncharted waters. State Mandates were followed and adhered to. Schedules were adapted, alternating days that students attended in person to provide smaller classes that were socially distanced. The Mill Creek Middle School Library Center is shown above.
Traversing our current path, we must also look ahead. We are reminded that we will always face unexpected obstacles that can deter us from pressing forward. However, we have our compass and we know the direction we are headed and our desired destination for our students and community. I am proud of what each of us accomplished during the most difficult of circumstances. In the end, I know, our journey will be worth it. Thank you to our families, staff members, students and community for making our district a truly great school system. While not perfect, we are better together. Wishing each of you good health, joy and peace. –Frank Harwood Superintendent, USD 232
Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremonies
Both De Soto High School (with a graduating class of 257) and Mill Valley High School (with a graduating class of 331) are scheduled to hold their graduation ceremonies outdoors on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Due to the pandemic’s impact on indoor social distancing guidelines in the previous year, both DHS and MVHS held their ceremonies outdoors at the Olathe District Activity Center (ODAC). This year, De Soto graduates will have their graduation ceremony at the Olathe District College Boulevard Activity Center (CBAC), as the DHS football stadium is currently undergoing renovations. Mill Valley High School ceremonies will be held at the MV football stadium. If there is inclement weather, both schools have alternate plans in place. Mill Valley’s alternate graduation date is on Sunday, May 23 at 8:30 am or 6 pm. If it is determined the ceremony cannot be held outdoors on this day, it will be moved inside MVHS’s main gym and held at 6 pm on Sunday, May 23. De Soto has decided to move their graduation ceremony to the DHS main gym at the same date and time as the original ceremony. In the event that either ceremony is transitioned indoors, attendance will be limited to two guests per graduate. Mill Valley High School 8:30 am Saturday, May 22 Mill Valley High School Football Stadium De Soto High School 11:00 am Saturday, May 22 Olathe District College Boulevard Activity Center 11031 S Valley Road in Olathe
Congratulations to all of our USD 232 District Graduates!
