De Soto #73 School District
610 Vineland School Road De Soto, MO 63020
Happy National School Resource Officer (SRO) Day!
Today we recognize and thank our School Resource Officers for their dedication to keeping our schools safe, building positive relationships, and supporting students, staff, and families each day. Your presence helps create a welcoming, secure environment where learning can thrive.
Thank you for all you do—we appreciate you!
Today we recognize and thank our School Resource Officers for their dedication to keeping our schools safe, building positive relationships, and supporting students, staff, and families each day. Your presence helps create a welcoming, secure environment where learning can thrive.
Thank you for all you do—we appreciate you!
This week, students at Athena Elementary took their learning beyond the classroom with a hands-on recycling education lesson!
A big thank you to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for making this project possible through the Scrap Tire Grant! Your support is helping us create safer, more inclusive play spaces and empowering students to think like environmental problem-solvers.
A big thank you to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for making this project possible through the Scrap Tire Grant! Your support is helping us create safer, more inclusive play spaces and empowering students to think like environmental problem-solvers.
Reminder:
There will be no school on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents Day.
Enjoy the long weekend, and we’ll see students back on Tuesday!
There will be no school on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents Day.
Enjoy the long weekend, and we’ll see students back on Tuesday!
This past Saturday, the Senior High School proudly hosted its annual D.C. Trivia Night at Vineland Elementary School, and it was a huge success! Students participating in the Washington, D.C. trip worked together to make the evening run smoothly and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all who attended.
Guests enjoyed an exciting raffle featuring student-created baskets, including beauty baskets, lottery baskets, and popular De Soto gear. The 50/50 raffle was a highlight of the night, raising a record-breaking amount thanks to the generosity of our community and the hard work of our students.
Community members and school staff alike had a great time testing their knowledge during the trivia rounds—and even learned a few new facts along the way! The D.C. sponsors and students would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who attended and supported the event.
Proceeds from Trivia Night help cover student meals during this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., where students will have the opportunity to explore our nation’s history firsthand. We are grateful for the continued support that helps make experiences like this possible for our students.
Guests enjoyed an exciting raffle featuring student-created baskets, including beauty baskets, lottery baskets, and popular De Soto gear. The 50/50 raffle was a highlight of the night, raising a record-breaking amount thanks to the generosity of our community and the hard work of our students.
Community members and school staff alike had a great time testing their knowledge during the trivia rounds—and even learned a few new facts along the way! The D.C. sponsors and students would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who attended and supported the event.
Proceeds from Trivia Night help cover student meals during this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., where students will have the opportunity to explore our nation’s history firsthand. We are grateful for the continued support that helps make experiences like this possible for our students.
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Meghan Randolph (Ms. Randolph to her students!) to the De Soto #73 School District for the 2026–2027 school year!
Position/Title:
Third Grade Teacher
Building:
Vineland Elementary
Previous Experience:
Prior to joining the De Soto team, Meghan has taught for seven years at Sunrise R-9 School District and St. Rose of Lima. This will be her eighth year in the classroom.
Fun Fact / What She’s Excited About:
She’s excited to build strong relationships with students and create a fun, engaging classroom environment this year!
We are thrilled to welcome Meghan to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and school community. Please help us give her a warm Dragon welcome!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Meghan Randolph (Ms. Randolph to her students!) to the De Soto #73 School District for the 2026–2027 school year!
Position/Title:
Third Grade Teacher
Building:
Vineland Elementary
Previous Experience:
Prior to joining the De Soto team, Meghan has taught for seven years at Sunrise R-9 School District and St. Rose of Lima. This will be her eighth year in the classroom.
Fun Fact / What She’s Excited About:
She’s excited to build strong relationships with students and create a fun, engaging classroom environment this year!
We are thrilled to welcome Meghan to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and school community. Please help us give her a warm Dragon welcome!
Grant Shoutout & Thank You!
We are incredibly grateful to the Jefferson Foundation for awarding our district the Every Student Moves grant! Because of their generous support, new PE equipment has been purchased and is now being used by students during physical education classes at Athena Elementary School.
This grant is helping increase student movement, engagement, and access to inclusive physical activity opportunities—supporting healthy habits and active learning for all students.
Thank you, Jefferson Foundation, for investing in our students and helping ensure that every student moves!
Our students had an outstanding performance at the Kingston Archery Tournament on Saturday. The middle school team earned 3rd place finishes in both Bullseye and 3D, and several middle and elementary students received individual medals.
Congratulations to our archers and coaches on their dedication and success—we are proud of their achievements!
Congratulations to our archers and coaches on their dedication and success—we are proud of their achievements!
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Alexus Earhart (Mrs. Earhart to her students!) to the De Soto #73 School District for the 2026–2027 school year!
Position/Title:
Kindergarten Teacher
Building:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
Prior to joining the De Soto team, Alexus taught Kindergarten for the past three years in Perryville. She also completed her student teaching at Valle Catholic and worked as a paraprofessional at Sunrise Elementary for nearly two years.
Fun Fact / What She’s Excited About:
She’s most excited to work closer to home and in the community where she grew up.
We are thrilled to welcome Alexus to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and school community. Please help us give her a warm Dragon welcome
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Alexus Earhart (Mrs. Earhart to her students!) to the De Soto #73 School District for the 2026–2027 school year!
Position/Title:
Kindergarten Teacher
Building:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
Prior to joining the De Soto team, Alexus taught Kindergarten for the past three years in Perryville. She also completed her student teaching at Valle Catholic and worked as a paraprofessional at Sunrise Elementary for nearly two years.
Fun Fact / What She’s Excited About:
She’s most excited to work closer to home and in the community where she grew up.
We are thrilled to welcome Alexus to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and school community. Please help us give her a warm Dragon welcome
We’re Hiring!
The De Soto #73 School District is looking for a bus technician/mechanic to join our transportation team!
If you're interested, you can apply:
Online: via MOREAP
In Person: Visit our Transportation Office at 3781 Athena School Rd. De Soto, MO 63020.
Have questions?
Contact Mr. Eric Young at 636-586-1078 or young.eric@desoto.k12.mo.us.
Help us keep our students safe and moving—join the Dragon team!
The De Soto #73 School District is looking for a bus technician/mechanic to join our transportation team!
If you're interested, you can apply:
Online: via MOREAP
In Person: Visit our Transportation Office at 3781 Athena School Rd. De Soto, MO 63020.
Have questions?
Contact Mr. Eric Young at 636-586-1078 or young.eric@desoto.k12.mo.us.
Help us keep our students safe and moving—join the Dragon team!
We’re hiring substitutes!
The De Soto #73 School District is accepting applications for substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus drivers, and bus aides. Enjoy flexible scheduling, meaningful work, and opportunities across multiple campuses.
Apply today and support our students and schools!
The De Soto #73 School District is accepting applications for substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus drivers, and bus aides. Enjoy flexible scheduling, meaningful work, and opportunities across multiple campuses.
Apply today and support our students and schools!
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Allison St. John (Ms. St. John to her students!) to the De Soto #73 School District for the 2026–2027 school year!
Position/Title:
Second Grade Teacher
Building:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
Prior to joining the De Soto team, Allison previously taught Kindergarten and First Grade at Sunrise Elementary School.
Fun Fact / What She’s Excited About:
She enjoys being outdoors and caring for her animals, and she’s excited to bring that same love of learning and curiosity into her second-grade classroom this year!
We are thrilled to welcome Allison to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and school community. Please help us give her a warm Dragon welcome!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Allison St. John (Ms. St. John to her students!) to the De Soto #73 School District for the 2026–2027 school year!
Position/Title:
Second Grade Teacher
Building:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
Prior to joining the De Soto team, Allison previously taught Kindergarten and First Grade at Sunrise Elementary School.
Fun Fact / What She’s Excited About:
She enjoys being outdoors and caring for her animals, and she’s excited to bring that same love of learning and curiosity into her second-grade classroom this year!
We are thrilled to welcome Allison to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and school community. Please help us give her a warm Dragon welcome!
Happy National School Counselors Week!
This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate our incredible school counselors for the vital role they play in supporting our students’ academic success, social-emotional well-being, and future planning. From listening and encouraging to guiding and advocating, their impact reaches far beyond the counseling office.
Thank you for helping our students navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and plan for what’s ahead. We are grateful for your dedication to our schools and our community!
This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate our incredible school counselors for the vital role they play in supporting our students’ academic success, social-emotional well-being, and future planning. From listening and encouraging to guiding and advocating, their impact reaches far beyond the counseling office.
Thank you for helping our students navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and plan for what’s ahead. We are grateful for your dedication to our schools and our community!
We’re Hiring! Join the De Soto #73 team
We are currently looking for passionate professionals to support our students and schools:
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
Starting pay: $51,250+ annually (based on experience)
Apply online at: moreap.net: https://www.moreap.net/jobsrchDistrict.php?district=500140000
If you’re looking for a rewarding career where you can make a real difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.
We are currently looking for passionate professionals to support our students and schools:
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
Starting pay: $51,250+ annually (based on experience)
Apply online at: moreap.net: https://www.moreap.net/jobsrchDistrict.php?district=500140000
If you’re looking for a rewarding career where you can make a real difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.
Early Childhood (Preschool) Registration Now Open!
De Soto #73 is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Early Childhood Program for children ages 3–5. This full-day program helps our youngest learners grow, explore, and get ready for kindergarten.
Register online:
https://www.desoto.k12.mo.us/parents/registration
Or register in person- no appointment necessary:
ECC Building (Rock Road) — March 17- 4:00-6:00 PM
Athena Elementary — March 18 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Required documents:
- Birth certificate
- Immunization records
- Proof of residency
Enrollment is not complete until all documents are uploaded. Incomplete applications will be placed on a waitlist.
Full-Day Program (Monday–Friday)
Child must be 3 years old by July 31, 2026
De Soto #73 families receive priority, with remaining spots filled first-come, first-served.
Questions? Contact Diana Casey, Early Childhood Center Director at 636-586-1040.
We can’t wait to welcome your little learners to De Soto #73!
De Soto #73 is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Early Childhood Program for children ages 3–5. This full-day program helps our youngest learners grow, explore, and get ready for kindergarten.
Register online:
https://www.desoto.k12.mo.us/parents/registration
Or register in person- no appointment necessary:
ECC Building (Rock Road) — March 17- 4:00-6:00 PM
Athena Elementary — March 18 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Required documents:
- Birth certificate
- Immunization records
- Proof of residency
Enrollment is not complete until all documents are uploaded. Incomplete applications will be placed on a waitlist.
Full-Day Program (Monday–Friday)
Child must be 3 years old by July 31, 2026
De Soto #73 families receive priority, with remaining spots filled first-come, first-served.
Questions? Contact Diana Casey, Early Childhood Center Director at 636-586-1040.
We can’t wait to welcome your little learners to De Soto #73!
Bronze Sponsor Spotlight!
Please join us in thanking Granny Franny's., our newest proud Bronze Sponsor of De Soto #73 School District!
As a small business, their support means so much to our students and school programs. Look for their name in our pre-game sponsor loop!
We appreciate your partnership!
Please join us in thanking Granny Franny's., our newest proud Bronze Sponsor of De Soto #73 School District!
As a small business, their support means so much to our students and school programs. Look for their name in our pre-game sponsor loop!
We appreciate your partnership!
Thank You, Custodial & Maintenance Teams!
We would like to extend a huge thank you to our custodial and maintenance crews for their hard work over the past several days. From clearing snow and ice to preparing our buildings and grounds, their dedication has been essential in ensuring our campuses are safe and ready for the return of our students and staff.
We truly appreciate the long hours, teamwork, and commitment you show—often behind the scenes—to take care of our schools and our community. Thank you for all that you do!
We would like to extend a huge thank you to our custodial and maintenance crews for their hard work over the past several days. From clearing snow and ice to preparing our buildings and grounds, their dedication has been essential in ensuring our campuses are safe and ready for the return of our students and staff.
We truly appreciate the long hours, teamwork, and commitment you show—often behind the scenes—to take care of our schools and our community. Thank you for all that you do!
Inclement Weather Update
Our Inclement Weather Day Tracker has been updated.
Today marks our third AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) Day for the school year.
We have two AMI days remaining before we would need to transition to traditional snow days, which—if needed—would be added to the end of the school year.
Thank you for your continued flexibility and support as we work to keep students learning while prioritizing safety.
Our Inclement Weather Day Tracker has been updated.
Today marks our third AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) Day for the school year.
We have two AMI days remaining before we would need to transition to traditional snow days, which—if needed—would be added to the end of the school year.
Thank you for your continued flexibility and support as we work to keep students learning while prioritizing safety.
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Savannah Kraus (Ms. Kraus to her students!) to the De Soto #73 School District for the 2026–2027 school year!
Position/Title:
Kindergarten Teacher
Building:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
Prior to joining the De Soto team, Savannah served as a teacher’s aide/para at Our Lady School for two years and completed a full semester of student teaching with the Windsor School District.
Fun Fact / What She’s Excited About:
Savannah is very excited to be joining the De Soto School District! She enjoys baking, being creative, and spending time with her family. This year is especially exciting as she is getting married!
We are thrilled to welcome Savannah to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and school community. Please help us give her a warm Dragon welcome!
Please join us in welcoming Savannah Kraus (Ms. Kraus to her students!) to the De Soto #73 School District for the 2026–2027 school year!
Position/Title:
Kindergarten Teacher
Building:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
Prior to joining the De Soto team, Savannah served as a teacher’s aide/para at Our Lady School for two years and completed a full semester of student teaching with the Windsor School District.
Fun Fact / What She’s Excited About:
Savannah is very excited to be joining the De Soto School District! She enjoys baking, being creative, and spending time with her family. This year is especially exciting as she is getting married!
We are thrilled to welcome Savannah to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and school community. Please help us give her a warm Dragon welcome!
School Closure Announcement
Due to snow-covered roads and the risk of refreezing surfaces, and to ensure the safety of our students and staff, all schools within the De Soto #73 School District will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Tomorrow will be our third AMI Day (Alternative Methods of Instruction). Students should complete their remote learning assignments as instructed by their building. Please check your email for an AMI Days FAQ to help answer any questions.
Stay safe and warm, Dragon Families!
Due to snow-covered roads and the risk of refreezing surfaces, and to ensure the safety of our students and staff, all schools within the De Soto #73 School District will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Tomorrow will be our third AMI Day (Alternative Methods of Instruction). Students should complete their remote learning assignments as instructed by their building. Please check your email for an AMI Days FAQ to help answer any questions.
Stay safe and warm, Dragon Families!
Inclement Weather Update
Our Inclement Weather Day Tracker has been updated.
Today marks our second AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) Day for the school year.
We have three AMI days remaining before we would need to transition to traditional snow days, which—if needed—would be added to the end of the school year.
Thank you for your continued flexibility and support as we work to keep students learning while prioritizing safety.
Our Inclement Weather Day Tracker has been updated.
Today marks our second AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) Day for the school year.
We have three AMI days remaining before we would need to transition to traditional snow days, which—if needed—would be added to the end of the school year.
Thank you for your continued flexibility and support as we work to keep students learning while prioritizing safety.
