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, Athena Elementary proudly recognized Mrs. Stephanie Kitchell for her outstanding dedication to our students, families, and staff.
Mrs. Kitchell is a constant source of support, always willing to step in wherever she is needed. She never shies away from a challenge and consistently provides honest, thoughtful, and encouraging guidance when difficult decisions need to be made.
Much of Mrs. Kitchell's work happens behind the scenes, often without recognition, as she works tirelessly to ensure every decision is made with the best interests of students in mind. Her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment make a lasting impact on our school community each and every day.
Thank you, Mrs. Kitchell, for all that you do. We appreciate you more than words can express!
Mrs. Kitchell is a constant source of support, always willing to step in wherever she is needed. She never shies away from a challenge and consistently provides honest, thoughtful, and encouraging guidance when difficult decisions need to be made.
Much of Mrs. Kitchell's work happens behind the scenes, often without recognition, as she works tirelessly to ensure every decision is made with the best interests of students in mind. Her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment make a lasting impact on our school community each and every day.
Thank you, Mrs. Kitchell, for all that you do. We appreciate you more than words can express!
🎆 Happy Fourth of July from De Soto School District! 🇺🇸
Today, our Director of Transportation and several of our dedicated bus drivers proudly represented De Soto #73 School District in the community Fourth of July Parade!
We are grateful for their willingness to spend part of their holiday celebrating with our community and showcasing the pride they have in serving our students and families each day.
Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the parade. We hope you have a safe, fun, and memorable Independence Day!
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, De Soto #73 School District wishes our students, families, staff, alumni, and community a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Today, we honor the ideals of freedom, unity, and opportunity that continue to shape our nation and inspire future generations. We are also grateful to the brave men and women—past and present—whose service and sacrifice have protected those freedoms.
Whether you're spending the day with family, enjoying community celebrations, or watching fireworks, we hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday.
Happy Independence Day!
Today, we honor the ideals of freedom, unity, and opportunity that continue to shape our nation and inspire future generations. We are also grateful to the brave men and women—past and present—whose service and sacrifice have protected those freedoms.
Whether you're spending the day with family, enjoying community celebrations, or watching fireworks, we hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday.
Happy Independence Day!
Athena Elementary Celebrates Perfect Attendance!
At last month's Board of Education meeting, Athena Elementary proudly recognized four students who achieved perfect attendance during the 2025–2026 school year!
Congratulations to:
Havannah P.
Logan P. (not pictured)
Emmersyn F. (not pictured)
Camden F. (not pictured)
Achieving perfect attendance is no small accomplishment. It reflects dedication, commitment, and the importance these students place on their education. It also highlights the incredible support of their families, whose encouragement and commitment help make this achievement possible.
Congratulations to these outstanding students on this remarkable accomplishment! We are proud of your hard work and dedication.
At last month's Board of Education meeting, Athena Elementary proudly recognized four students who achieved perfect attendance during the 2025–2026 school year!
Congratulations to:
Havannah P.
Logan P. (not pictured)
Emmersyn F. (not pictured)
Camden F. (not pictured)
Achieving perfect attendance is no small accomplishment. It reflects dedication, commitment, and the importance these students place on their education. It also highlights the incredible support of their families, whose encouragement and commitment help make this achievement possible.
Congratulations to these outstanding students on this remarkable accomplishment! We are proud of your hard work and dedication.
Holiday Closure Notice
In observance of Independence Day, all De Soto #73 School District offices will be closed on Friday, July 3.
Regular office hours will resume following the holiday. We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend celebrating with family and friends!
In observance of Independence Day, all De Soto #73 School District offices will be closed on Friday, July 3.
Regular office hours will resume following the holiday. We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend celebrating with family and friends!
Thank You to Our Bronze Sponsor, Valvoline Express Care!
We are grateful for Valvoline Express Care and their continued support of the De Soto #73 School District. Partnerships like yours help create opportunities for our students, support meaningful experiences, and strengthen connections throughout our schools and community.
Thank you for investing in our district and being a valued part of the Dragon family. Your partnership and support are truly appreciated! #PartneringTogether
We are grateful for Valvoline Express Care and their continued support of the De Soto #73 School District. Partnerships like yours help create opportunities for our students, support meaningful experiences, and strengthen connections throughout our schools and community.
Thank you for investing in our district and being a valued part of the Dragon family. Your partnership and support are truly appreciated! #PartneringTogether
Summer may mean students are away, but the work doesn’t stop!
Our custodial team is still hard at work behind the scenes preparing our buildings for another incredible school year. From deep cleaning classrooms and hallways to moving furniture, supporting summer construction projects, and making sure every space is clean, safe, and ready to welcome students back—our custodians do it all.
Their dedication throughout the summer helps set the stage for a successful start to the school year, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do for De Soto #73.
Thank you to our amazing custodial staff for your continued hard work and commitment to our schools!
Our custodial team is still hard at work behind the scenes preparing our buildings for another incredible school year. From deep cleaning classrooms and hallways to moving furniture, supporting summer construction projects, and making sure every space is clean, safe, and ready to welcome students back—our custodians do it all.
Their dedication throughout the summer helps set the stage for a successful start to the school year, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do for De Soto #73.
Thank you to our amazing custodial staff for your continued hard work and commitment to our schools!
Thank You to Our Silver Sponsor, Pettus Automotive!
We are grateful for Point Automotive and their continued partnership and support of the De Soto #73 School District.
Community partners like you help create opportunities for our students, strengthen experiences across our district, and make a lasting impact on our schools and families.
Thank you for investing in our students and being part of the Dragon family. We appreciate your support and partnership! #PartneringTogether
We are grateful for Point Automotive and their continued partnership and support of the De Soto #73 School District.
Community partners like you help create opportunities for our students, strengthen experiences across our district, and make a lasting impact on our schools and families.
Thank you for investing in our students and being part of the Dragon family. We appreciate your support and partnership! #PartneringTogether
Thank You to Our Bronze Sponsor, Pogolino’s Pizza!
We are grateful for Pogolino’s Pizza and their continued support of the De Soto #73 School District. Community partners like you help create meaningful opportunities for our students, support school experiences, and strengthen connections across our district.
Thank you for investing in our schools and being a valued part of the Dragon family. We appreciate your partnership and support! #PartneringTogether
We are grateful for Pogolino’s Pizza and their continued support of the De Soto #73 School District. Community partners like you help create meaningful opportunities for our students, support school experiences, and strengthen connections across our district.
Thank you for investing in our schools and being a valued part of the Dragon family. We appreciate your partnership and support! #PartneringTogether
We’re proud to celebrate our Board of Education for being recognized at the Summer Summit!
Their dedication to strong leadership and continuous improvement was on full display as they were honored alongside districts from across the state. These photos capture the moment, along with group shots for each designation: Advanced; Masters (Mrs. Coleman, as Mr. Ferrell was unable to attend); and Distinguished (Mr. Golightly and Mrs. Wilson).
In addition to these recognitions, our board earned the prestigious Governance Award and was one of just three districts to receive this year’s list awards—an outstanding accomplishment that reflects their commitment to serving our students, staff, and community.
Please join us in congratulating our Board of Education on this well-deserved recognition!
Their dedication to strong leadership and continuous improvement was on full display as they were honored alongside districts from across the state. These photos capture the moment, along with group shots for each designation: Advanced; Masters (Mrs. Coleman, as Mr. Ferrell was unable to attend); and Distinguished (Mr. Golightly and Mrs. Wilson).
In addition to these recognitions, our board earned the prestigious Governance Award and was one of just three districts to receive this year’s list awards—an outstanding accomplishment that reflects their commitment to serving our students, staff, and community.
Please join us in congratulating our Board of Education on this well-deserved recognition!
Thank you to our Gold Sponsor, Roberts ,Wooten, Zimmer Law Firm, for your continued support and partnership with the De Soto #73 School District!
Community partnerships like yours help create meaningful opportunities for our students, staff, and families while strengthening the experiences that make our district special. We are grateful for your investment in our schools and your commitment to helping our Dragons succeed.
Thank you for being part of the De Soto family and making a difference in our community! #PartneringTogether
Community partnerships like yours help create meaningful opportunities for our students, staff, and families while strengthening the experiences that make our district special. We are grateful for your investment in our schools and your commitment to helping our Dragons succeed.
Thank you for being part of the De Soto family and making a difference in our community! #PartneringTogether
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.
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, First State Community Bank, for your continued partnership and support of the De Soto #73 School District!
Community partnerships like yours help create meaningful opportunities for our students, staff, and families while strengthening the experiences we are able to provide across our district.
We are grateful for your investment in our schools and your commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Thank you for being part of the Dragon family! #PartneringTogether
Community partnerships like yours help create meaningful opportunities for our students, staff, and families while strengthening the experiences we are able to provide across our district.
We are grateful for your investment in our schools and your commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Thank you for being part of the Dragon family! #PartneringTogether
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Lilyan Bryan to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Paraprofessional
Building or Department:
De Soto Intermediate
Previous Experience:
Lilyan previously served as a substitute teacher during the past school year at Potosi R-3 School District.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Lilyan enjoys reading, thrifting, and watching movies with her family. She also serves as an assistant coach for a 12U softball team and is currently enrolled at Central Methodist University pursuing elementary education.
She is excited to become a Dragon and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her new coworkers and students throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Lilyan 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 Lilyan Bryan to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Paraprofessional
Building or Department:
De Soto Intermediate
Previous Experience:
Lilyan previously served as a substitute teacher during the past school year at Potosi R-3 School District.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Lilyan enjoys reading, thrifting, and watching movies with her family. She also serves as an assistant coach for a 12U softball team and is currently enrolled at Central Methodist University pursuing elementary education.
She is excited to become a Dragon and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her new coworkers and students throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Lilyan 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!
Big savings for De Soto #73 — and long-term impact for our district!
Through Phase 1 of our HVAC improvements at ECC and Vineland, De Soto #73 has officially received $101,434.32 in rebates through Ameren Missouri’s BizSavers Program!
But the impact goes beyond financial savings. These upgrades are also projected to generate approximately $33,297.93 in annual utility cost savings districtwide while creating healthier, more comfortable learning and working environments for our students and staff.
Updated HVAC systems support:
Improved indoor air quality
More consistent temperatures throughout classrooms and workspaces
Increased comfort for students and staff throughout the school day
Learning environments that help reduce distractions and support student success
Greater energy efficiency and long-term sustainability
Phase 1 Highlights:
ECC Rebate: $23,327.37
Vineland Rebate: $78,106.95
Total Annual Estimated Utility Savings: $33,297.93/year
This project is a great example of how strategic facility investments not only create immediate returns but continue giving back year after year through healthier spaces, improved building performance, and reduced operating costs. And this is only Phase 1 — Phase II rebates are expected to exceed Phase I and generate additional annual energy savings as more buildings and controls are integrated into the project.
A special thank you to our community for supporting and passing Prop4Dragons. Your investment is making projects like this possible — improving our facilities, creating healthier environments for students and staff, increasing efficiency, and helping ensure our district remains a great place to learn and work for years to come.
Through Phase 1 of our HVAC improvements at ECC and Vineland, De Soto #73 has officially received $101,434.32 in rebates through Ameren Missouri’s BizSavers Program!
But the impact goes beyond financial savings. These upgrades are also projected to generate approximately $33,297.93 in annual utility cost savings districtwide while creating healthier, more comfortable learning and working environments for our students and staff.
Updated HVAC systems support:
Improved indoor air quality
More consistent temperatures throughout classrooms and workspaces
Increased comfort for students and staff throughout the school day
Learning environments that help reduce distractions and support student success
Greater energy efficiency and long-term sustainability
Phase 1 Highlights:
ECC Rebate: $23,327.37
Vineland Rebate: $78,106.95
Total Annual Estimated Utility Savings: $33,297.93/year
This project is a great example of how strategic facility investments not only create immediate returns but continue giving back year after year through healthier spaces, improved building performance, and reduced operating costs. And this is only Phase 1 — Phase II rebates are expected to exceed Phase I and generate additional annual energy savings as more buildings and controls are integrated into the project.
A special thank you to our community for supporting and passing Prop4Dragons. Your investment is making projects like this possible — improving our facilities, creating healthier environments for students and staff, increasing efficiency, and helping ensure our district remains a great place to learn and work for years to come.
Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Cyndi Martin to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Paraprofessional
Building or Department:
De Soto Primary
Previous Experience:
Mrs. Martin served as a substitute teacher in the De Soto #73 School District for the past two years.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Mrs. Martin enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
For the upcoming school year, she is most excited to witness each child’s “aha” moments and watch their confidence grow throughout the year.
We’re excited to have Mrs. Martin 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. Cyndi Martin to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Paraprofessional
Building or Department:
De Soto Primary
Previous Experience:
Mrs. Martin served as a substitute teacher in the De Soto #73 School District for the past two years.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Mrs. Martin enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
For the upcoming school year, she is most excited to witness each child’s “aha” moments and watch their confidence grow throughout the year.
We’re excited to have Mrs. Martin 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!
At last month’s Board of Education meeting, Vineland Elementary School recognized students for their outstanding performance in the 2025–2026 Math Olympics competition.
Henry D. placed in the top 40% nationally in Math Olympics with a total of 11 points.
Ayden T. placed in the top 50% nationally in Math Olympics with a total of 10 points.
Congratulations to these students on their hard work and academic achievement!
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.
WE’RE HIRING – JOIN THE DRAGON TEAM!
Looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students? De Soto #73 School District is currently hiring for the following positions:
Speech Language Pathologist
Paraprofessionals
Substitute Staff
Whether you're ready to start your career in education or continue making an impact, we’d love to have you join our team!
How to Apply:
Apply online at MoReap.net
Apply in person at 610 Vineland School Rd.
Come be part of a team dedicated to supporting students, building connections, and creating opportunities every day.
Looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students? De Soto #73 School District is currently hiring for the following positions:
Speech Language Pathologist
Paraprofessionals
Substitute Staff
Whether you're ready to start your career in education or continue making an impact, we’d love to have you join our team!
How to Apply:
Apply online at MoReap.net
Apply in person at 610 Vineland School Rd.
Come be part of a team dedicated to supporting students, building connections, and creating opportunities every day.
At last month’s Board of Education meeting, De Soto High School and the Innovative Learning Center (ILC) recognized two students for their outstanding achievement in completing double-digit courses this school year through the new Edgenuity program.
As of May 7, 2026:
Aiden R. successfully completed 13 courses
Dakota H. successfully completed 11 courses
Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to their education have placed them back on track to graduate with the Class of 2027.
We are incredibly proud of their determination to recover credits lost earlier in their high school careers. Their hard work and resilience serve as a positive example for other ILC students, showing that with effort and commitment, it is possible to create a successful path toward graduation and future success.
As of May 7, 2026:
Aiden R. successfully completed 13 courses
Dakota H. successfully completed 11 courses
Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to their education have placed them back on track to graduate with the Class of 2027.
We are incredibly proud of their determination to recover credits lost earlier in their high school careers. Their hard work and resilience serve as a positive example for other ILC students, showing that with effort and commitment, it is possible to create a successful path toward graduation and future success.
