De Soto #73 School District
610 Vineland School Road De Soto, MO 63020
PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DRAGON NATION!
De Soto #73 School District is now accepting business sponsorships for the 2026–2027 school year!
District sponsorships are a great way to support our students while increasing your business's visibility throughout our schools and community.
GOLD SPONSOR | $5,000/year
2-year commitment
Benefits include a 15-second pre-game commercial, permanent scoreboard signage at J.C. Culwell Stadium, a promotional night at an indoor event, pre-game sponsor loops, social media recognition, and recognition on the District website.
SILVER SPONSOR | $2,500/year
2-year commitment
Benefits include spotlight announcements at J.C. Culwell Stadium and the high school gymnasium, pre-game sponsor loops, social media recognition, and recognition on the District website.
BRONZE SMALL BUSINESS SPONSOR | $500/year
2-year commitment | Available to businesses with 10 or fewer employees
Benefits include social media and District website recognition, with the option to add digital scoreboard signage at J.C. Culwell Stadium, the high school gymnasium, or both.
When you partner with De Soto #73, you're doing more than advertising your business — you're investing in our students and supporting Dragon Nation!
Interested in becoming a sponsor or want more information? Contact Nicole Spruell at Spruell.nicolem@desoto.k12.mo.us.
We look forward to partnering with our local businesses and community during the 2026–2027 school year!
SUPPORT LOCAL. SUPPORT STUDENTS. SUPPORT DRAGON NATION.
De Soto #73 School District is now accepting business sponsorships for the 2026–2027 school year!
District sponsorships are a great way to support our students while increasing your business's visibility throughout our schools and community.
GOLD SPONSOR | $5,000/year
2-year commitment
Benefits include a 15-second pre-game commercial, permanent scoreboard signage at J.C. Culwell Stadium, a promotional night at an indoor event, pre-game sponsor loops, social media recognition, and recognition on the District website.
SILVER SPONSOR | $2,500/year
2-year commitment
Benefits include spotlight announcements at J.C. Culwell Stadium and the high school gymnasium, pre-game sponsor loops, social media recognition, and recognition on the District website.
BRONZE SMALL BUSINESS SPONSOR | $500/year
2-year commitment | Available to businesses with 10 or fewer employees
Benefits include social media and District website recognition, with the option to add digital scoreboard signage at J.C. Culwell Stadium, the high school gymnasium, or both.
When you partner with De Soto #73, you're doing more than advertising your business — you're investing in our students and supporting Dragon Nation!
Interested in becoming a sponsor or want more information? Contact Nicole Spruell at Spruell.nicolem@desoto.k12.mo.us.
We look forward to partnering with our local businesses and community during the 2026–2027 school year!
SUPPORT LOCAL. SUPPORT STUDENTS. SUPPORT DRAGON NATION.
Thank You to Our Silver Sponsor, Boyer Building and Design!
We’re proud to recognize Boyer Building and Design as one of our Silver Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Community partners like Boyer Building and Design help create meaningful opportunities for our students, enhance educational experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your continued investment in our students, staff, and Dragon families. Your partnership makes a lasting impact, and we are grateful to have Boyer Building and Design as part of the Dragon family!
We’re proud to recognize Boyer Building and Design as one of our Silver Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Community partners like Boyer Building and Design help create meaningful opportunities for our students, enhance educational experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your continued investment in our students, staff, and Dragon families. Your partnership makes a lasting impact, and we are grateful to have Boyer Building and Design as part of the Dragon family!
This week, we welcomed individuals interested in becoming substitute teachers to a free Substitute Teacher Training. Later in the week, our returning substitutes joined us for a refresher course as we prepare for the new school year.
We are incredibly grateful for our substitute teachers and the important role they play in supporting our students, staff, and schools. Thank you for your flexibility, dedication, and willingness to step in wherever you are needed. We appreciate all that you do for De Soto #73!
We are incredibly grateful for our substitute teachers and the important role they play in supporting our students, staff, and schools. Thank you for your flexibility, dedication, and willingness to step in wherever you are needed. We appreciate all that you do for De Soto #73!
New Visitor Management System
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, all district buildings will use a visitor management system to help create a safer, more secure environment.
When visiting a school or picking up a student, please:
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID
Report to the main office upon arrival
Wear your visitor badge while on campus
Check out before leaving
Only individuals authorized by the school may check out a student, and additional verification may be required. Please ensure all approved contacts and contact information are current in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe! If you have questions, please contact your student’s building office directly.
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, all district buildings will use a visitor management system to help create a safer, more secure environment.
When visiting a school or picking up a student, please:
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID
Report to the main office upon arrival
Wear your visitor badge while on campus
Check out before leaving
Only individuals authorized by the school may check out a student, and additional verification may be required. Please ensure all approved contacts and contact information are current in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe! If you have questions, please contact your student’s building office directly.
RESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!
Dragon fans, football season is right around the corner! Reserved seating for the 2026 Varsity Football season at J.C. Culwell Stadium is now available.
Secure your favorite spot and enjoy the same reserved seat for every regular season home game!
Season Reserved Seating: $40 per seat
• Admission is included
• Includes all 5 regular season Varsity Football home games
• Reserved seating is located in the green seats at J.C. Culwell Stadium
• Keep the same seat all season long
• Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Single-Game Option: Reserved seats may also be purchased at the gate for $10 per game, including admission.
Complete the Stadium Seat Reservation Request – Fall 2026 Google Form to request your seats.
All proceeds from reserved seating help support stadium improvements, athletic programs, and student activities.
Questions or need more information? Contact Russ Schmidt at schmidt.russ@desoto.k12.mo.us.
Secure your seat, wear your green, and get ready to cheer on the Dragons this fall!
GO DRAGONS!
Dragon fans, football season is right around the corner! Reserved seating for the 2026 Varsity Football season at J.C. Culwell Stadium is now available.
Secure your favorite spot and enjoy the same reserved seat for every regular season home game!
Season Reserved Seating: $40 per seat
• Admission is included
• Includes all 5 regular season Varsity Football home games
• Reserved seating is located in the green seats at J.C. Culwell Stadium
• Keep the same seat all season long
• Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Single-Game Option: Reserved seats may also be purchased at the gate for $10 per game, including admission.
Complete the Stadium Seat Reservation Request – Fall 2026 Google Form to request your seats.
All proceeds from reserved seating help support stadium improvements, athletic programs, and student activities.
Questions or need more information? Contact Russ Schmidt at schmidt.russ@desoto.k12.mo.us.
Secure your seat, wear your green, and get ready to cheer on the Dragons this fall!
GO DRAGONS!
Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor, Southeast Services, Inc.!
We are honored to recognize Southeast Services, Inc. as one of our Platinum Sponsors for their outstanding support of De Soto #73. Their continued partnership helps provide exceptional opportunities for our students, enhances programs across our district, and strengthens the connection between our schools and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your commitment to our students, staff, and Dragon families. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and proud to have Southeast Services, Inc. as a valued member of the Dragon family!
We are honored to recognize Southeast Services, Inc. as one of our Platinum Sponsors for their outstanding support of De Soto #73. Their continued partnership helps provide exceptional opportunities for our students, enhances programs across our district, and strengthens the connection between our schools and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your commitment to our students, staff, and Dragon families. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and proud to have Southeast Services, Inc. as a valued member of the Dragon family!
Help us wish our contest-winning De Soto High School singers good luck as they prepare for an unforgettable performance tomorrow night at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre!
Our talented students will join the legendary rock band Foreigner on stage to perform “I Want to Know What Love Is.” They’ll also have the opportunity to see Lynyrd Skynyrd perform!
Family, friends, and community members are invited to come cheer them on. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster.
Congratulations to our singers, and thank you for supporting choir and the arts in De Soto!
Our talented students will join the legendary rock band Foreigner on stage to perform “I Want to Know What Love Is.” They’ll also have the opportunity to see Lynyrd Skynyrd perform!
Family, friends, and community members are invited to come cheer them on. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster.
Congratulations to our singers, and thank you for supporting choir and the arts in De Soto!
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Kristina Swallow to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title: Physical Therapist Assistant
Building or Department: District-Wide Physical Therapy
Previous Experience: Kristina brings 14.5 years of school-based therapy experience and is excited to continue supporting students across the district.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About: This summer, Kristina had the opportunity to go snorkeling in Mexico! She is looking forward to meeting students and helping them achieve success throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Kristina 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!
Please join us in welcoming Kristina Swallow to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title: Physical Therapist Assistant
Building or Department: District-Wide Physical Therapy
Previous Experience: Kristina brings 14.5 years of school-based therapy experience and is excited to continue supporting students across the district.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About: This summer, Kristina had the opportunity to go snorkeling in Mexico! She is looking forward to meeting students and helping them achieve success throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Kristina 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!
Thank You to Our Bronze Sponsor, Fauth Appliance Inc.!
We’re proud to recognize Fauth Appliance Inc. as one of our Bronze Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Community partners like you help provide meaningful opportunities for our students, enhance school experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the community.
Thank you for your continued investment in our students, staff, and Dragon families. We are grateful for your partnership and proud to have Fauth Appliance Inc. as part of the Dragon family!
We’re proud to recognize Fauth Appliance Inc. as one of our Bronze Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Community partners like you help provide meaningful opportunities for our students, enhance school experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the community.
Thank you for your continued investment in our students, staff, and Dragon families. We are grateful for your partnership and proud to have Fauth Appliance Inc. as part of the Dragon family!
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Miss Caly Otec to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title: Speech-Language Pathologist
Building or Department: De Soto Primary/Athena
Previous Experience: Caly is graduating from Southeast Missouri State University this August. She completed her clinical externship placements at an elementary school in Cape Girardeau and a pediatric outpatient clinic in Festus.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About: Caly enjoys working out, trying new coffee shops, spending time with her family, and walking her two dogs. She is excited to meet all of her students, their families, and the staff at De Soto. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships and helping her students grow in their speech, language, and communication skills throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Caly 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!
Please join us in welcoming Miss Caly Otec to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title: Speech-Language Pathologist
Building or Department: De Soto Primary/Athena
Previous Experience: Caly is graduating from Southeast Missouri State University this August. She completed her clinical externship placements at an elementary school in Cape Girardeau and a pediatric outpatient clinic in Festus.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About: Caly enjoys working out, trying new coffee shops, spending time with her family, and walking her two dogs. She is excited to meet all of her students, their families, and the staff at De Soto. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships and helping her students grow in their speech, language, and communication skills throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Caly 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!
Thank You to Our Bronze Sponsor, Granny Franny’s Diner!
We’re proud to recognize Granny Franny’s Diner as one of our Bronze Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Local businesses like yours help create opportunities for our students, enrich school experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the community.
Thank you for your continued investment in our students, staff, and Dragon families. We’re grateful for your partnership and proud to have you as part of the Dragon family
We’re proud to recognize Granny Franny’s Diner as one of our Bronze Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Local businesses like yours help create opportunities for our students, enrich school experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the community.
Thank you for your continued investment in our students, staff, and Dragon families. We’re grateful for your partnership and proud to have you as part of the Dragon family
Planning Next Year's Vacations & Appointments?
As you're scheduling vacations, medical appointments, and other important events for the upcoming school year, be sure to keep these important district calendar dates in mind before making your plans!
Keep it handy—take a screenshot of this today so you'll have it whenever you're planning appointments or trips!
Planning ahead helps ensure your student is in school for as many instructional days as possible while helping you avoid scheduling conflicts.
Check out these notable calendar dates below and visit www.desoto73.org to view the complete 2026–2027 District Calendar.
Thank you for helping us make attendance a priority. We look forward to another great year with our Dragon families!
As you're scheduling vacations, medical appointments, and other important events for the upcoming school year, be sure to keep these important district calendar dates in mind before making your plans!
Keep it handy—take a screenshot of this today so you'll have it whenever you're planning appointments or trips!
Planning ahead helps ensure your student is in school for as many instructional days as possible while helping you avoid scheduling conflicts.
Check out these notable calendar dates below and visit www.desoto73.org to view the complete 2026–2027 District Calendar.
Thank you for helping us make attendance a priority. We look forward to another great year with our Dragon families!
Thank You to Our Gold Sponsor, Hoods!
We’re proud to recognize Hoods as one of our Gold Sponsors for their generous support of De Soto #73. Community partners like Hoods play an important role in helping us provide outstanding opportunities for our students, enhance educational experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your continued investment in our students, staff, and Dragon families. We are grateful for your partnership and proud to have Hoods as a valued member of the Dragon family!
We’re proud to recognize Hoods as one of our Gold Sponsors for their generous support of De Soto #73. Community partners like Hoods play an important role in helping us provide outstanding opportunities for our students, enhance educational experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your continued investment in our students, staff, and Dragon families. We are grateful for your partnership and proud to have Hoods as a valued member of the Dragon family!
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Errin Westerfield to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Paraprofessional
Building or Department:
De Soto Primary/Athena
Previous Experience:
Ms. Errin previously served as a Lunch/Recess Aide at Vineland Elementary beginning in the 2023–2024 school year. She is excited to continue serving students in her new role as a paraprofessional at Athena.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Ms. Errin enjoys cooking, baking, crocheting, gardening, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her husband and their pup. She is excited to begin the school year at Athena and continue supporting students as they learn and grow.
We’re excited to have Ms. Errin 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!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Errin Westerfield to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Paraprofessional
Building or Department:
De Soto Primary/Athena
Previous Experience:
Ms. Errin previously served as a Lunch/Recess Aide at Vineland Elementary beginning in the 2023–2024 school year. She is excited to continue serving students in her new role as a paraprofessional at Athena.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Ms. Errin enjoys cooking, baking, crocheting, gardening, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her husband and their pup. She is excited to begin the school year at Athena and continue supporting students as they learn and grow.
We’re excited to have Ms. Errin 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!
Thank You to Our Bronze Sponsor, Anytime AutoGlass!
We are proud to recognize Anytime AutoGlass as one of our Bronze Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Community partnerships like yours help provide valuable opportunities for our students, enhance school experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the community.
Thank you for investing in our students, staff, and Dragon families. We truly appreciate your partnership and are grateful to have you as part of the Dragon family!
We are proud to recognize Anytime AutoGlass as one of our Bronze Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. Community partnerships like yours help provide valuable opportunities for our students, enhance school experiences, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the community.
Thank you for investing in our students, staff, and Dragon families. We truly appreciate your partnership and are grateful to have you as part of the Dragon family!
Thank You to Our Bronze Sponsor, Jeff Co Lawn Mower Repair!
We are proud to recognize Jeff Co Lawn Mower Repair as one of our Bronze Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. As a veteran-owned and operated local business, their investment in our schools helps create opportunities for students and strengthens the connection between our district and the community we serve.
Thank you for supporting our students, staff, and Dragon community. We appreciate your partnership and are grateful to have you as part of the Dragon family!
We are proud to recognize Jeff Co Lawn Mower Repair as one of our Bronze Sponsors for their support of De Soto #73. As a veteran-owned and operated local business, their investment in our schools helps create opportunities for students and strengthens the connection between our district and the community we serve.
Thank you for supporting our students, staff, and Dragon community. We appreciate your partnership and are grateful to have you as part of the Dragon family!
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Valle to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Paraprofessional
Building or Department:
De Soto Middle School
Previous Experience:
Ms. Valle has been a substitute with the De Soto #73 School District for the past couple of years and is excited to continue serving our students in her new role.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Ms. Valle loves to read and work in her garden. She is excited to meet the students and watch them learn and grow throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Ms. Valle 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!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Valle to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Paraprofessional
Building or Department:
De Soto Middle School
Previous Experience:
Ms. Valle has been a substitute with the De Soto #73 School District for the past couple of years and is excited to continue serving our students in her new role.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Ms. Valle loves to read and work in her garden. She is excited to meet the students and watch them learn and grow throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Ms. Valle 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!
Thank You to Our Gold Sponsor, B.F. Mahn & Sons!
We are proud to recognize B.F. Mahn & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Cooling as one of our Gold Sponsors for their continued support of De Soto #73. Their investment in our schools helps provide valuable opportunities for our students, supports school programs, and strengthens the partnership between our district and the local community.
Thank you for your commitment to our students, staff, and Dragon families. We are grateful for your partnership and proud to have B.F. Mahn & Sons as part of the Dragon family!
We are proud to recognize B.F. Mahn & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Cooling as one of our Gold Sponsors for their continued support of De Soto #73. Their investment in our schools helps provide valuable opportunities for our students, supports school programs, and strengthens the partnership between our district and the local community.
Thank you for your commitment to our students, staff, and Dragon families. We are grateful for your partnership and proud to have B.F. Mahn & Sons as part of the Dragon family!
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.
