De Soto #73 School District
610 Vineland School Road De Soto, MO 63020 Phone 636-586-1000 Fax 636-586-1009
At last month’s Board of Education meeting, De Soto High School recognized several students for their outstanding academic accomplishments through Jefferson College.
Quaid P. earned 45 college credits, demonstrating a strong commitment to challenging himself academically in his field of interest. He plans to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology to study chemical engineering.
Carson K. earned 62 college credits and completed his Associate of Arts degree through Jefferson College. Alongside his academic accomplishments, he remained involved in extracurricular activities. Carson plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University to pursue a degree in Health Sciences and has committed to competing in cross country and track. Carson graduated with his Associate degree on May 16 at Jefferson College.
Gavin K. earned 63 college credits and completed his Associate of Arts in Teaching degree through Jefferson College. He plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University to study education with an emphasis in history. Gavin graduated with his Associate degree on May 16 at Jefferson College.
Wyatt W. earned 62 college credit hours through Jefferson College, earning his Associate of Arts degree. He plans to study computer science after high school and is currently deciding where he will attend college. Wyatt graduated with his Associate degree on May 16 at Jefferson College.
Congratulations to these students on their incredible achievements and dedication to their future goals!
Quaid P. earned 45 college credits, demonstrating a strong commitment to challenging himself academically in his field of interest. He plans to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology to study chemical engineering.
Carson K. earned 62 college credits and completed his Associate of Arts degree through Jefferson College. Alongside his academic accomplishments, he remained involved in extracurricular activities. Carson plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University to pursue a degree in Health Sciences and has committed to competing in cross country and track. Carson graduated with his Associate degree on May 16 at Jefferson College.
Gavin K. earned 63 college credits and completed his Associate of Arts in Teaching degree through Jefferson College. He plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University to study education with an emphasis in history. Gavin graduated with his Associate degree on May 16 at Jefferson College.
Wyatt W. earned 62 college credit hours through Jefferson College, earning his Associate of Arts degree. He plans to study computer science after high school and is currently deciding where he will attend college. Wyatt graduated with his Associate degree on May 16 at Jefferson College.
Congratulations to these students on their incredible achievements and dedication to their future goals!
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Abi Tedder to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
3–5 Special Education Teacher
Building or Department:
Vineland Elementary/De Soto Intermediate School
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Mrs. Tedder coaches 12U softball and 14U volleyball and loves working with young athletes, helping them grow both on and off the field. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three daughters, which is one of the greatest joys in her life.
Mrs. Tedder is excited for the upcoming school year and the opportunity to get to know her students while helping guide and support them throughout the year. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with both students and colleagues and creating a positive, encouraging classroom environment.
We’re excited to have Mrs. Tedder 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 Mrs. Abi Tedder to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
3–5 Special Education Teacher
Building or Department:
Vineland Elementary/De Soto Intermediate School
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Mrs. Tedder coaches 12U softball and 14U volleyball and loves working with young athletes, helping them grow both on and off the field. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three daughters, which is one of the greatest joys in her life.
Mrs. Tedder is excited for the upcoming school year and the opportunity to get to know her students while helping guide and support them throughout the year. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with both students and colleagues and creating a positive, encouraging classroom environment.
We’re excited to have Mrs. Tedder 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!
Exciting Progress at Our Secondary Campus!
We are excited to share that work has officially begun on siding repair and replacement at our secondary campus!
This project addresses damage caused by last year’s storms, and after completing the insurance process, the repairs will be covered through insurance funding related to the storm damage.
Completing this work is an important step in maintaining a secure and weather-resistant building envelope, helping protect the long-term integrity of our facilities and ensuring our spaces remain safe and functional for students, staff, and our community.
Thank you for your continued support as we continue investing in and caring for our district facilities!
We are excited to share that work has officially begun on siding repair and replacement at our secondary campus!
This project addresses damage caused by last year’s storms, and after completing the insurance process, the repairs will be covered through insurance funding related to the storm damage.
Completing this work is an important step in maintaining a secure and weather-resistant building envelope, helping protect the long-term integrity of our facilities and ensuring our spaces remain safe and functional for students, staff, and our community.
Thank you for your continued support as we continue investing in and caring for our district facilities!
Now Enrolling: Early Childhood at De Soto #73!
Give your child a strong start in a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment designed to support growth through meaningful early learning experiences.
Our Early Childhood program offers:
Developmentally appropriate curriculum
Play-based learning
Outdoor play opportunities
Caring, experienced educators
We are excited to welcome our youngest Dragons and partner with families to build a strong foundation for future success.
636-586-1045
casey.diana@desoto.k12.mo.us
Register today and join the De Soto #73 family!
Give your child a strong start in a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment designed to support growth through meaningful early learning experiences.
Our Early Childhood program offers:
Developmentally appropriate curriculum
Play-based learning
Outdoor play opportunities
Caring, experienced educators
We are excited to welcome our youngest Dragons and partner with families to build a strong foundation for future success.
636-586-1045
casey.diana@desoto.k12.mo.us
Register today and join the De Soto #73 family!
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Miss Ella to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Paraprofessional
Building or Department:
Vineland Elementary/De Soto Intermediate
Previous Experience:
Miss Ella brings experience working in YMCA child care for one year and has four years of babysitting experience.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Her favorite hobby is fishing.
We’re excited to have Miss Ella 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 Ella to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Paraprofessional
Building or Department:
Vineland Elementary/De Soto Intermediate
Previous Experience:
Miss Ella brings experience working in YMCA child care for one year and has four years of babysitting experience.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Her favorite hobby is fishing.
We’re excited to have Miss Ella 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!
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.
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!
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Miss Gretchen Pope to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
First Grade Teacher
Building or Department:
Athena Elementary School
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Miss Pope enjoys being an aunt, gardening, volunteering at her church, Good News Community Church, serving as the leader for the young adult ministry there, and trying new coffee shops! A fun fact about her is that she is a drummer and also plays piano and organ. She is excited to be a part of the De Soto Dragon community and build relationships with her colleagues and students!
We’re excited to have Miss Gretchen Pope 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 Gretchen Pope to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
First Grade Teacher
Building or Department:
Athena Elementary School
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Miss Pope enjoys being an aunt, gardening, volunteering at her church, Good News Community Church, serving as the leader for the young adult ministry there, and trying new coffee shops! A fun fact about her is that she is a drummer and also plays piano and organ. She is excited to be a part of the De Soto Dragon community and build relationships with her colleagues and students!
We’re excited to have Miss Gretchen Pope 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!
We’re Hiring at De Soto #73 School District!
Join our team and make a difference in the lives of students every day! We are currently seeking dedicated individuals for the following positions:
Middle School PLTW Teacher
Speech Language Pathologist
Paraprofessionals
Substitutes
Interested applicants can apply online at MoReap.net or apply in person at 610 Vineland School Rd.
Come be part of a district focused on learning, growth, and success for all students!
Join our team and make a difference in the lives of students every day! We are currently seeking dedicated individuals for the following positions:
Middle School PLTW Teacher
Speech Language Pathologist
Paraprofessionals
Substitutes
Interested applicants can apply online at MoReap.net or apply in person at 610 Vineland School Rd.
Come be part of a district focused on learning, growth, and success for all students!
Become a De Soto #73 Sponsor for the 2026–2027 School Year!
We are now accepting sponsorships for the upcoming school year. Sponsorship opportunities are a great way to support our students, schools, activities, and community while promoting your business throughout the district.
Sponsorships begin on July 1, 2026.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or learning more about available opportunities? Please contact:
Nicole Spruell
Spruell.NicoleM@desoto.k12.mo.us
Thank you for supporting the students, staff, and families of De Soto #73 School District!
We are now accepting sponsorships for the upcoming school year. Sponsorship opportunities are a great way to support our students, schools, activities, and community while promoting your business throughout the district.
Sponsorships begin on July 1, 2026.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or learning more about available opportunities? Please contact:
Nicole Spruell
Spruell.NicoleM@desoto.k12.mo.us
Thank you for supporting the students, staff, and families of De Soto #73 School District!
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Miss Emma Jones to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Special Education Resource Teacher
Building or Department:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
This will be Emma’s first year teaching! She is a recent graduate of University of Missouri–St. Louis with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education. She is also certified to teach Early Childhood Special Education.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Emma loves spending time with her family and her two dogs. She enjoys reading books, watching movies, and doing crafts. She is excited and eager to meet fellow teachers, students, and parents for the upcoming school year. Go Dragons!
We’re excited to have Emma 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 Emma Jones to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Special Education Resource Teacher
Building or Department:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
This will be Emma’s first year teaching! She is a recent graduate of University of Missouri–St. Louis with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education. She is also certified to teach Early Childhood Special Education.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Emma loves spending time with her family and her two dogs. She enjoys reading books, watching movies, and doing crafts. She is excited and eager to meet fellow teachers, students, and parents for the upcoming school year. Go Dragons!
We’re excited to have Emma 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!
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Miss Cameron Carlson to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Kindergarten Teacher
Building or Department:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
Cameron has taught Kindergarten for two years, including one year at St. Clair School District and one year at Fox C-6 School District at Rockport Elementary.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Cameron enjoys gardening, sewing, spending time with her sisters, and being with her two dogs. She loves all things nature and enjoys being outside during the spring and summer. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students grow in both academics and confidence throughout the year. She is excited to make connections with new families and students and to join the Dragon community!
We’re excited to have Cameron 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 Cameron Carlson to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Kindergarten Teacher
Building or Department:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
Cameron has taught Kindergarten for two years, including one year at St. Clair School District and one year at Fox C-6 School District at Rockport Elementary.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Cameron enjoys gardening, sewing, spending time with her sisters, and being with her two dogs. She loves all things nature and enjoys being outside during the spring and summer. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students grow in both academics and confidence throughout the year. She is excited to make connections with new families and students and to join the Dragon community!
We’re excited to have Cameron 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!
Summer Construction Notice
Nearly all De Soto #73 School District buildings are currently under construction throughout the summer months. Please use caution when entering or leaving district property, as construction crews, equipment, and materials may be present at various locations.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue making improvements to our facilities for our students, staff, and community.
Thank you to our community for supporting the Prop4Dragons bond measure and helping make these important projects possible for the future of De Soto #73 School District!
Nearly all De Soto #73 School District buildings are currently under construction throughout the summer months. Please use caution when entering or leaving district property, as construction crews, equipment, and materials may be present at various locations.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue making improvements to our facilities for our students, staff, and community.
Thank you to our community for supporting the Prop4Dragons bond measure and helping make these important projects possible for the future of De Soto #73 School District!
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.
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Madison Hayes-Gowen to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Speech-Language Pathologist
Building or Department:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
Madison is graduating from Saint Louis University and recently completed her clinical externship at Windsor Elementary School in their Early Childhood Special Education program.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Madison is a graduate of De Soto High School! She is excited to make connections with her students and their families and to see their communication and confidence grow throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Madison 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. Madison Hayes-Gowen to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Speech-Language Pathologist
Building or Department:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
Madison is graduating from Saint Louis University and recently completed her clinical externship at Windsor Elementary School in their Early Childhood Special Education program.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Madison is a graduate of De Soto High School! She is excited to make connections with her students and their families and to see their communication and confidence grow throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Madison 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!
Happy National Band Directors Day!
Today we celebrate and thank our incredible band directors for the passion, dedication, and countless hours they invest in our students and music programs. Thank you for inspiring creativity, teaching discipline and teamwork, and helping our students grow both on and off the stage.
We appreciate everything you do for our students and our district each and every day!
Today we celebrate and thank our incredible band directors for the passion, dedication, and countless hours they invest in our students and music programs. Thank you for inspiring creativity, teaching discipline and teamwork, and helping our students grow both on and off the stage.
We appreciate everything you do for our students and our district each and every day!
Congratulations to the following De Soto Dragons student-athletes on being named 2026 Academic All-State recipients by the Missouri High School Golf Coaches Association!
Brayden M.
Addison H.
John B.
Melody P.
These students have demonstrated excellence both in the classroom and on the golf course. We are proud of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to success!
Brayden M.
Addison H.
John B.
Melody P.
These students have demonstrated excellence both in the classroom and on the golf course. We are proud of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to success!
Today is the last day of school!
We want to wish all of our students, staff, and families a safe, relaxing, and fun-filled summer break. Thank you for a wonderful 2025–2026 school year!
As a reminder, today, Wednesday, May 20 is an early release day for all students.
Dismissal Times:
Middle & High School
11:40 AM
Athena & Vineland Elementary
12:50 PM
Early Childhood Center (Full Day)
12:50 PM
ECSE AM & PM Sessions
No School
Have a great summer, Dragons!
We want to wish all of our students, staff, and families a safe, relaxing, and fun-filled summer break. Thank you for a wonderful 2025–2026 school year!
As a reminder, today, Wednesday, May 20 is an early release day for all students.
Dismissal Times:
Middle & High School
11:40 AM
Athena & Vineland Elementary
12:50 PM
Early Childhood Center (Full Day)
12:50 PM
ECSE AM & PM Sessions
No School
Have a great summer, Dragons!
Congratulations again to our 2025–2026 District Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Member of the Year!
Today, we had the opportunity to recognize these outstanding individuals once again for their dedication, hard work, and positive impact on the De Soto #73 School District community. During the recognition, they were presented with their traveling trophy and commemorative plaque honoring this well-deserved achievement.
Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of our students, staff, and families each and every day. We are proud to celebrate you and all that you do for our district!
Today, we had the opportunity to recognize these outstanding individuals once again for their dedication, hard work, and positive impact on the De Soto #73 School District community. During the recognition, they were presented with their traveling trophy and commemorative plaque honoring this well-deserved achievement.
Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of our students, staff, and families each and every day. We are proud to celebrate you and all that you do for our district!
We are excited to recognize the incredible opportunity and talent represented through the The Ken Page Awards!
The Ken Page Awards is an annual celebration honoring outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre across the St. Louis region. Produced by the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, The Muny, and Fabulous Fox Theatre, participating high schools are evaluated throughout the school year by a panel of theatre professionals.
The year-long adjudication process concludes with a prestigious awards ceremony modeled after the Tony Awards®, recognizing excellence in student performance, production, and theatre arts.
Congratulations to Cheyenne C. and Quinn W. from DHS on this outstanding accomplishment! We are proud to see your hard work, talent, and dedication to the performing arts recognized at such a high level.
The Ken Page Awards is an annual celebration honoring outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre across the St. Louis region. Produced by the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, The Muny, and Fabulous Fox Theatre, participating high schools are evaluated throughout the school year by a panel of theatre professionals.
The year-long adjudication process concludes with a prestigious awards ceremony modeled after the Tony Awards®, recognizing excellence in student performance, production, and theatre arts.
Congratulations to Cheyenne C. and Quinn W. from DHS on this outstanding accomplishment! We are proud to see your hard work, talent, and dedication to the performing arts recognized at such a high level.
