After a much shorter summer break, De Soto High School is back in session. The school year has begun with many recent changes and adjustments either due to COVID-19 or to better the school and it’s facilities. 

One of the bigger changes in the school is the large amount of construction currently going on. 

DHS is introducing many new playing fields, coaches room, press boxes and many more athletic improvements that will be finished before the end of the 2021-22 school year.

DHS is also welcoming a new theater, but it will not be completed until the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. Many students have differing opinions on the construction and what is being built. 

“The recent construction has made it very difficult to leave the school at the end of the day because one exit is blocked off,” senior Caleb Woleben said.

Though other students are excited to see what the new athletic areas hold for sports and their athletes. 

“I am looking forward to seeing the new facilities when they are completed,” freshman Vance Krudwig said. 

With the new construction being done, comes the excitement and anticipation for many of the well-loved activities and traditions at DHS especially after a year of many losses due to COVID-19.

“I’m really excited for all of the football games this year and a normal student section, as well as dressing up and participating in Homecoming week,” senior Alexis Tranbarger said. 

Upcoming football home games returning to normalcy has been heavily appreciated by many students.

“I’m really excited about having a big student section again for football games this year,” Woleben said. 

Though with appreciation comes complaints as well. Many new scheduling adjustments are being arranged like the introduction of the Seminar as a third block.

“I wish we had Seminar at the end of the day because we would have all of the homework from our classes with us to do and sports would not impact our time spent in class,” sophomore Hope Marriott said. 

Based on overall numbers and lunch procedures the Union cannot be used by just the senior class. Despite this, many seniors have expressed disdain for the formerly senior-only lunch space now being used by all classes. 

“I hope they make the Union for seniors only again and bring back the couches along with all the fun activities that made the Union exclusive and fun for seniors,” Tranbarger said . 

Overall, the 2021-22 school year is beginning to look much more promising and full of opportunities when compared to its previous year.