
The De Soto #73 School District is currently seeking passionate professionals to support our students and school community.
We have two counseling positions available:
Primary (K–2) Counselor
High School Counselor
If you are dedicated to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, we would love to have you join our team!
How to Apply:
Apply in person at our Central Office:
610 Vineland School Rd.
De Soto, MO
Or apply online at MoReap.net
Questions?
Primary (K–2) Counselor Position
Meagan Wagner — wagner.meagan@desoto.k12.mo.us
636-586-1021
High School Counselor Position
Jon Roop — roop.jon@desoto.k12.mo.us
636-586-1085
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post!

Please join us in welcoming Miss Erin Treis to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
1st Grade Teacher
Building or Department:
Athena Elementary
Previous Experience:
Before joining the De Soto team, Miss Treis subbed in multiple districts around the area. She also worked in an Early Childhood Center for the past several summers, building a strong foundation in early learning and student engagement. She is excited to now call De Soto home!
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Miss Treis enjoys baking, making crafts, and coaching volleyball. She’s looking forward to creating a welcoming classroom where her first graders can grow, learn, and thrive.
We’re excited to have Miss Treis join our team and can’t wait for the positive impact she will make with our students and families. Please help us give her a warm Dragon welcome!

The De Soto #73 School District is currently seeking a Speech Language Pathologist to join our team and help support the learning, growth, and success of our students.
Starting Pay: $51,250
Interested in making a difference for students in our district?
Apply in person:
De Soto #73 School District Central Office
610 Vineland School Rd. De Soto MO, 63020
Apply online:
MoReap.net
Questions?
Contact Christina Bourbon
bourbon.christina@desoto.k12.mo.us

The De Soto #73 School District is currently looking to grow our transportation team. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to support students and our community, we would love to hear from you!
We are currently hiring:
3 Bus Drivers
Bus Mechanic
Substitute Bus Drivers
Our transportation team plays a vital role in making sure students arrive to and from school safely each day. Join a team that truly makes a difference for our students and families.
Apply today:
Apply in person at our Central Office at 610 Vineland School Rd. De Soto, MO
Or apply online at Moreap.net
Questions?
Contact Transportation Director Eric Young
Young.Eric@desoto.k12.mo.us
636-586-1078
Come be part of the team that keeps our students moving safely every day!

Calling all incoming freshmen and current De Soto High School students! If you love to dance and want to perform, inspire, and be part of something special — this is your moment.
Dance Clinics:
March 24 & 26
5:30–7:30 PM
DHS Gym
Clinics are designed to help you learn techniques and prepare for tryouts!
Tryouts:
Friday, April 10 | 6–9 PM
Saturday, April 11 | 8 AM–1 PM
DHS Gym
Information Meeting (Required to pick up tryout packet):
Tuesday, March 17
7:00 AM or after school
Mrs. Burke’s Room 110 (High School)
Questions?
williamson.allison@desoto.k12.mo.us
burke.angela@desoto.k12.mo.us
Move. Inspire. Perform. We can’t wait to see you shine, Dragonline!

Do you have school spirit, energy, and a love for cheering on the Dragons? Now’s your chance to join DHS Varsity Cheer!
Tryouts: Saturday, March 21
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Open to high school students interested in being part of the DHS Varsity Cheer team.
Informational Meeting:
Thursday, February 26
7:20 AM
Coach Roop’s Room #131
Attend the informational meeting to learn about expectations, requirements, and the tryout process.
Let’s go, Dragons!

Our students weren’t the only ones celebrating Read Across America Week—our staff joined in the fun too!
This is Shi Haws, the driver of Bus #87, who dressed up for Book Character Day last week. We love seeing the enthusiasm she brings each day and the way she connects with the students on her route.
Thank you, Shi, for helping make the week even more special and for the care and positivity you show our students every day!

Incoming freshmen and families are invited to De Soto High School’s Freshman Preview Night! This is a great opportunity to learn about high school life, meet staff, and explore everything DHS has to offer.
Thursday, March 12
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
De Soto High School Cafeteria
815 Amvets Dr., De Soto, MO
During the evening you will have the chance to:
Take building tours
Learn about athletics and activities
Meet club sponsors and staff
Hear from senior students during a Q&A
Get tips from our High School Survival Guide
6:30–7:40 PM: Stations & building tours
7:40 PM: Incoming freshman parent meeting in the theater (following the senior meeting)
We are excited to welcome the Class of 2030 and help you get ready for your high school journey!

Today we recognize and celebrate the incredible members of our maintenance team who work behind the scenes every day to keep our schools running smoothly.
From repairing equipment and maintaining our facilities to ensuring our buildings are safe, comfortable, and ready for learning, their work often happens quietly—but it makes a huge difference for our students, staff, and community.
We are grateful for the dedication, hard work, and pride our maintenance team brings to our district each day. Thank you for everything you do to keep our schools in great shape and support the success of our students and staff.
Please join us in showing appreciation to our outstanding maintenance team today!

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday morning, which means we “spring forward” and gain more daylight in the evenings.
While losing an hour of sleep can be tough, the extra daylight is a great reminder that spring is just around the corner!
Take a moment this weekend to adjust your clocks and enjoy the longer days ahead.

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Stacia Placke to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year! (Mrs. Placke to students)
Position/Title:
Early Childhood Educator
Building or Department:
Early Childhood Center
Previous Experience:
Mrs. Placke has three years of experience in education, serving as a paraprofessional for two years at Festus High School and one year at the Festus Early Childhood Center. During this time, she developed a strong foundation in supporting student learning and growth.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Mrs. Placke is a creative and passionate educator who is excited to bring learning to life through engaging, imaginative, and developmentally appropriate classroom experiences. She is dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels supported, valued, and inspired to learn.
We’re excited to have Mrs. Placke 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!

Students had the opportunity to tour the building, meet staff, ask questions, and get a glimpse of what next year will look like. From exploring classrooms to learning about activities and expectations, it was an exciting step toward their middle school journey.
We are so proud of these future Dragons and can’t wait to see them walking the halls of DMS next year!
Join the De Soto Bands Color Guard Mini Camp!
Students from Athena and Vineland (Kindergarten–5th Grade) are invited to an exciting day of learning, movement, and fun with our Color Guard team!
Date: Saturday, March 21
Location: Vineland Gym
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Lunch provided
Participants will learn:
Color Guard performance routines
Solo features
The school fight song
Special Performance Showcase:
March 21 at 4:00 PM — Vineland Gym
Questions? Contact Samantha Boyer, HS Color Guard Coach
boyer.samantha@desoto.k12.mo.us
Come spin, dance, and perform with De Soto Bands — we can’t wait to see you there!

Welcome to De Soto #73!
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Melissa Gazaway to the De Soto #73 School District for the upcoming school year!
Position/Title:
Third Grade Teacher
Building or Department:
Vineland Elementary
Previous Experience:
18 years of teaching experience, including 14 years in First Grade, 3 years teaching 5th Grade Math and Science, and experience teaching 2nd Grade.
Fun Fact / Favorite Hobby / What You’re Excited About:
Ms. Gazaway loves being outdoors and enjoying nature. She spends much of her time in the gym each evening and enjoys running, playing tennis, squash, and pickleball year-round.
We’re excited to have Ms. Gazaway 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!

Students had the opportunity to tour the building, meet staff, ask questions, and get a glimpse of what next year will look like. From exploring classrooms to learning about activities and expectations, it was an exciting step toward their middle school journey.
We are so proud of these future Dragons and can’t wait to see them walking the halls of DMS next year!
School social workers play a vital role in supporting students’ academic success, mental health, and overall well-being. Through their dedication, compassion, and commitment, they help remove barriers to learning, strengthen connections between school and home, and ensure every student has the support they need to succeed.
Thank you to our school social workers for the care, guidance, and positive difference you make in the lives of our students, families, and staff each day. We appreciate you!

Join the De Soto #73 School District and help make a difference in the lives of our students and families. We are currently hiring for the following positions:
**Teaching & Certified Positions**
• Behavior Resource Teacher – Intermediate (Grades 3–5)
• Behavior Resource Teacher – Primary (Grades K–2)
• Intermediate Teacher (Grades 3–5)
• Kindergarten Teacher – Primary
• Math Teacher – Middle School
• Parents as Teachers (PAT) Teacher
• Self-Contained Special Education Teacher – Middle School
• Special Education Teacher – High School
**Student Support Services**
• Counselor – High School
• Counselor – Primary (Grades K–2)
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist
**Support Staff**
• Bus Drivers
If you’re passionate about supporting student learning, growth, and success, we encourage you to apply today!
Learn more and apply: https://www.moreap.net/jobsrchDistrict.php?district=500140000
Come be part of the Dragon family!

Board of Education Recognition — Student & Staff Leadership in Action
At last month’s Board of Education meeting, De Soto High School proudly recognized Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Milfeld, along with students Maximus S., Charlie R., Lindsey S., Peyton F., Liam O., Trenton H., Lucas B., Austin B., and Riley C., for their outstanding efforts in renovating the teachers’ lounge.
Under the guidance of Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Milfeld, this group repainted, reorganized, and decluttered the space, giving the teachers’ lounge a much-needed transformation.
Thank you all for your hard work, dedication, and the pride you show in our school and community!
We appreciate your commitment to making a positive impact.
We are proud to recognize two outstanding De Soto High School student-athletes who will be continuing their academic and athletic careers at Mineral Area College to play softball. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our school community.
Addison G.
College: Mineral Area College
Sport: Softball
Area of Study: Associate of General Studies
Honors & Achievements:
• Honorable Mention
• 1st Team All-District
• 2nd Team All-Conference
• 2nd Team All-Region
• Academic All-State
Other Activities: National Honor Society
Kylee T.
College: Mineral Area College
Sport: Softball
Area of Study: Associate of General Studies
Honors & Achievements:
• 4x Varsity Softball Letter
• 4x Academic All-State
• Sandy Meurer State Farm Female Athlete of the Month
• 2x 1st Team All-Conference
• 2x 1st Team All-District
• 2x 2nd Team All-Conference
• 2x 2nd Team All-District
• 2x 2nd Team All-Region
• 3x Voted MVP
• Golden Bat Award
• Love of the Game Award
Other Activities: Treasurer, National Honor Society
“High school softball brought me many memories and bonds that I will carry with me forever. I will definitely miss getting to represent our school with my teammates and coaches.” — Kylee T.
Your Dragon family is incredibly proud of you both! We can’t wait to see all you accomplish at the next level. Please join us in congratulating Addison and Kylee on this exciting achievement!
Students, staff, family, and friends lined the halls to cheer them on as they head to state competition. The energy, excitement, and school spirit on display were incredible — and so well deserved!
We are so proud of the hard work, dedication, and countless hours this team has poured into their season. Your Dragon family is behind you every step of the way.
Good luck at State — go show them what De Soto is made of!