EAST ANTIOCH NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2019
Mission: To create a community where all students feel safe, enabling them to be confident in gaining knowledge and skills to navigate the world around them
Vision: To make East Antioch a community where everyone feels welcome and students become responsible and productive citizensCalendar of Events
March
2
Trivia Night @ The Other Place (OP) 5:00-9:00pm
4
Math Tutoring 3:15-4:00
5
Open House plus Kdg and 1st grade Musical 6:00-8:30pm
7
Math Tutoring 3:15-4:00 (Last one-makeup for Feb 28)
8
No School - End of 3rd Quarter
11 - 15
No School - Spring Break
19
PTA Chic Fil A Night 5:00-9:00pm
21
East Antioch Parent Night-Keeping Kids Safe Online 6:30-7:30pm
26
Preschool Pals 2:00-2:30pm
27
Mathletics Finals @ CAA 4:00-5:00pm
28
PTA Meeting 6:00pm
29
No School - Teacher Professional Learning Day
Principal's Message
We are looking forward to Open House on Tuesday, March 5, including the kindergarten and 1st grade musical from 6:00-7:30pm. I know students are excited to show you what they have been doing in class! During the evening our Kdg and 1st grade students perform Pajama Party which will begin at 7:00 p.m. We wish EVERYONE could come to see the performance, but we just don’t have the room to safely accommodate a huge crowd. If your child will be performing, please feel free to come! If your child isn’t part of the performance, we kindly ask that you not attend. Finally, I will be asking that no one come or go from the gym during the musical and that there be as little moving around as possible for the performance. I know this is a difficult request, but our main concern is for those who are performing. The students will be working very hard on their parts and the songs so I would like to give them the attention they deserve as well as the quiet and calm that will help them to remember their lines. I appreciate all the support you can give to the students during the show. Thank you for helping us making it a safe, enjoyable evening.
We will begin state assessments after spring break. All students in grades 3-6 will participate in reading and math assessments. If you are scheduling appointments in April, please try to avoid scheduling during their testing time listed on the attached form.
We enjoyed seeing our upcoming kindergarten students at our Preschool Pals session in February. I look forward to having our kids back on March 26 at 2:00 pm. If you plan on attending please contact donitaoehlert@smsd.org or kendragibson@smsd.org so we can pair you up with a kindergarten buddy. Incoming kindergarten students, please mark the date of April 16 for our Kindergarten Roundup! This is when you will enroll for next year. Kindergarten students must be five years old by September 1.
East Antioch is now open for new transfers in the 2019-2020 school year. However, please be aware it is a case by case situation based off of the numbers in each grade level. The Shawnee Mission School District will accept transfer applications beginning at 8 a.m. March 1 through 5 p.m. April 30. The Shawnee Mission School District has recently updated its transfer policy and sent the information to all district patrons. Please pay special attention to an important update that states: “Transfer students will not be required to apply for re-admittance annually.” This includes students who are moving from sixth grade to seventh grade. In other words, if you are currently an approved transfer student in good standing, you DO NOT need to fill out a transfer form this year if you plan to stay within the same feeder pattern - even if you are moving on to middle school. Only NEW transfer students should apply. Applications should be submitted electronically. Click here for transfer policies and applications.
Class Placement Procedures: Later this spring and towards the end of the year, our staff will be working together to establish class rosters for the next school year. Our class placement process will be a team effort done with great care. Our intention is to carefully balance classes according to:
- Boy-girl ratio in all classes at a given grade level
- Academic ability levels in all classes at a given grade level
- Social-emotional development in all classes at a given grade level
- Special learning needs in all classes at a given grade level
- Near equal class sizes as possible in all classes at a given grade level
Beyond this, we take a look at students with clearly exceptional learning or behavioral needs. We also look at the social dynamics between certain students, and if our experience tells us that two or more students have a negative influence on each other when they are together in a classroom, then we may need to ensure that they have different classroom placements. As you might be able to tell, if we were to try to place students in classrooms of their (or their parent’s) choosing, it would quickly become impossible to construct classes according to the guidelines noted above. This would not allow for the creation of the best environment in which all children could experience success. As you can see, there are many considerations when making class placements to achieve a balance. We use a team approach to our decision, and as always parents are part of this team. If you have information you wish to share about your child, it will be added as one of the many pieces of information for consideration in placement.
- Do not assume because a sibling had a certain teacher that your next child will have the same teacher, that is not a consideration in class placement.
- Your letter is one piece of information. It will be considered but will not be a guaranteed placement with a specific teacher.
Please use the attached form to complete information in regard to class placement for the 2019-2020 school year. Please read the following guidelines:
- Please do not request a specific teacher.
- Please understand that teaching assignments for each grade level may differ from year to year, so requesting a particular teacher may not always be possible.
- Please do not go to this year’s teacher to ask for certain placement for next year. This puts teachers in a difficult position because they cannot commit to you one way or the other. Conferences are held to discuss academic progress, not to choose next year’s teacher.
- Please understand requests are considered each year. If there is a particular situation that needs to be addressed through class placement, please submit your request each and every year.
Please be assured that with or without a letter from parents, as professionals, the experiences and knowledge we gain from working daily with your children allows us to make well-informed decisions in the best interests of the children. The staff will review each child’s needs individually and select the classroom in which we believe he/she will learn the best.
If you have input relative to student class placement, please put it in writing addressed to me no later than March 31, 2019. Information given after that time may be too late for consideration. All decisions regarding class placement are final and cannot be changed. You will be able to view next year’s teacher on Skyward in August of 2019. This is the earliest one will find out who his/her teacher will be.
You may submit this form Class Placement Parent Input blank.docx in writing or through email. Thank you for your support with this process.
Summer Enrichment classes will soon be forming for students entering grades 1-8 in fall 2019. Additionally, for students meeting class age requirements, there is a pre-k and kindergarten class for early learners. All classes are designed to develop new interests and skills through participatory learning activities. Look for classes that indicate the grade level your child will be entering in the fall and their interest level. Students will receive booklets next week so you can find just the right class for your student; there is also information attached below. You may also click on this link to find the web version of the 2019 Summer Enrichment booklet - http://summerschool.smsd.org. Click on Summer Enrichment from the list on the right then the blue button on the right titled Summer Enrichment Catalog. Enrollment begins March 20.
Enrichment Booklet WEB Version 2019
Have a safe weekend!
Felicia Netolicky
Principal
Parent Night-Keeping Kids Safe Online
Yearbook Order
The yearbook order form is attached. If you ordered with your PTA membership you will not need to order again. If you have questions please contact Cheryl Lawson at eastantiochpta@gmail.com. Please note - there will be NO late orders this year. Deadline is April 5.
Supply Resource Room
Parents,
Did you know East Antioch has a limited supply resource room stocked with items to assist families who have a onetime need or ongoing need? Through an organization called Giving the Basics, we have a limited supply of hygiene products such as shampoo, deodorant, lotion, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste and toothbrushes and sometimes laundry detergent pods we can send home with students. Additionally, through the generosity of our PTA and community partners we have a modest supply of gently used clothing, coats, hats and mittens to share with families in need. SMSD schools also receive weekly food supplements for students from the Harvesters BackSnack program.
If your student or family has any need of these resources, please call or email Tracie Chauvin, SW or Jean Pyle, RN as listed below.
Thank you.
Tracie Chauvin
913-993-3223
Jean Pyle, BSN, RN
913-993-3202
PreSchool Pals
KansasWorks Statewide Job Fair
WE NEED YOU!!!
The Hocker Grove PTA is looking for parents to serve as officers/committee chairs for the 2019-20 school year. We have already filled many positions, but the following slots are still open: First Vice-President (Parent Involvement and Programs), Second Vice-President (Membership), Treasurer, Staff Appreciation, and Spirit Wear (brief descriptions of the positions are listed below).
If you, or someone you know, are willing to volunteer or would like to learn more about these positions, please contact Sara Yates (kscwgirl@gmail.com) or Paula Blood (pdblood@sbcglobal.net). THANK YOU!!
First Vice-President (Parent Involvement and Programs) – coordinates volunteers/activities relating to the SMAC Clothing Center
Second Vice-President (Membership) – coordinates the annual membership drive and works with the PTA Treasurer to submit membership data to state and national PTA, maintains PTA member database
Treasurer – maintains full accounts of the funds of the Hocker Grove PTA (receipts, disbursements, etc), creates and maintains PTA budget, has checks signed by two persons (as designated in standing rules), presents a financial statement at every meeting of the PTA or at other times as requested, maintains a record of membership dues and remits dues to KS PTA and National PTA, prepares annual report for audit, files appropriate 990 Federal Tax return
Staff Appreciation/Holiday Cookie Exchange Chair/Co-Chairs – Plan (monthly or bi-monthly) treat days for teachers/staff at Hocker Grove throughout the year (get items donated from/provided by local businesses and HG families as well as use budgeted funds), coordinate meals for staff on Conference Days (Oct & Feb), coordinate cookie exchange (December), organize annual Taco Lunch during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.
Spirit Wear Chair – Works with local vendor to design and print school t-shirts (spirit wear). We usually add 2-3 new designs each year to sell with items already in-stock. Coordinates selling of spirit wear at school events (fee-payment, etc). Tracks t-shirt inventory and maintains the online store for spirit wear sales.
Nurse's Notes
Influenza
SMSD saw an uptick in cases of influenza (also known as the flu virus) last week. Symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, sore throat, and upper respiratory symptoms of congestion/cough. If you think you or your child has the flu, call your doctor first and see if they want you to make an appointment. Those students diagnosed with the flu or those that have suspected flu symptoms should stay home for 7 days from the onset of symptoms per the Johnson County Health Department.
To prevent the spread of the flu, encourage your student to wash their hands with soap and water more frequently than they normally would and especially before eating.
Also, remind students not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth throughout the day as that is how the flu virus enters the body.
Thank you for working to keep our students and staff healthy.
Jean E. Pyle, RN, BSN, BSBA
East Antioch Nurse
913-993-3202 – nurse office
913-993-3288 – attendance line
913-993-1429 – nurse fax line
KIDS HEART CHALLENGE IN P.E. CLASSES
Your student has an opportunity to participate in the KIDS HEART CHALLENGE (previously named Jump Rope for Heart). Our event will be the week of March 4-7 during PE classes. Students will be participating in several events. If you would like to raise donations that would be great but not mandatory. Packets were sent home last week. All donations are due on or before March 7. Please feel free to email me with any questions.
Thanks,
Mr. D
endinneb@smsd.orgFOOD SERVICE
Did you know that March 4-8, 2019 is National School Breakfast Week?
A great breakfast program is available in the cafeteria every day. This is a great time to try School Breakfast. Let’s help students to perform better every day by making sure they eat a healthy breakfast at home or at school.
Students who eat school breakfast are more likely to:
· Maintain a healthy weight
· Have better concentration and memory
· Be more alert
· Reach higher levels of achievement in reading and math, and score higher on standardized tests
· Drink more milk and eat more fruit daily
Eating school breakfast is associated with:
· Lower rates of absenteeism and tardiness
· Fewer behavioral problems
· Reduced number of nurse’s office visits
· Higher grades and increased standardized tests scores
· Positive learning environments
School breakfast can also:
· Decrease the risk of food insecurity
· Improve children’s overall dietary intake
· Help protect against childhood obesity
· Protect against other negative health outcomes
· Reduce students’ stress and anxiety
Don’t forget – if your child receives free or reduced meals, they are eligible for one breakfast and one lunch per day as part of this benefit. All breakfast and lunch meal choices are available for all students regardless of eligibility status.
The school breakfast menus, lunch menus, and other nutrition information are available on the district’s website at https://www.smsd.org/about/departments/food-service.
Free Tax Preparation Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Site
Dates and Times: Feb. 6 - April 13, 2019
· Wednesdays: Noon - 4:30 p.m. (or until full)
· Thursdays: Noon - 4:30 p.m. (or until full)
· Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (or until full)
First Come/First Served, no appointments
Location: Sunset Drive Office Building, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 Map to our office
It's income tax time! Johnson County K-State Research and Extension is again partnering with El Centro and NextStepKC to host the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site at our Sunset Drive Office Building.
What: We complete 2018 Federal and State returns beginning in February 2019; we don’t do past years’ returns until after April 15th.
Who Qualifies for Free Tax Assistance
Anyone whose household income is $66,000 or below may have their state and federal income tax returns completed and e-filed FREE of charge.
All VITA site staff are trained and certified to complete federal income tax returns, as well as returns from any state. Taxpayers are assisted on a first come-first served basis, no appointment is needed.
Special Services Available
· Servicio Disponible en Espanol
· Interpreting for the deaf can be available with prior notice
· Arrangements must be made a week in advance
What to Bring With You
· Download VITA Checklist of what to bring with you
Having all documentation for identity and income is ESSENTIAL to completing the income tax return efficiently the first time.
- · Photo identification
- · Social security cards for every member of the household
- · Your income information (such as your W-2's and 1099's)
- · Last year's tax return
- · Your bank routing number and account number (to take advantage of direct deposit for any refunds) Bring your checkbook!
- · Taxpayers must provide documentation of health insurance for every family member.
- o Health insurance must meet the Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- o Proof of MEC may be found on a Form 1095-C if insurance was obtained through a large employer, or
- o On a Form 1095-B if insurance is purchased through a small employer, purchased on the open market, or provided through Medicare or Medicaid, or
- o On a Marketplace Form 1095-A, if insurance was purchased through the ACA Marketplace.
- For additional information, contact the Johnson County Extension office at 913-715-7000.
What is VITA?
The VITA Program generally offers free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in local communities. All VITA site staff are trained and certified to complete federal income tax returns, as well as returns from any state. They can inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations.
DIY — Do it Yourself
Would you rather prepare and e-file your federal and state income tax return yourself, for FREE? If your total household income is less than $60,000, you may do so by using www.myfreetaxes.com/kc to get started!
Research has shown that people who complete their own income tax returns have a better understanding of how their behaviors affect their financial wellbeing, and take actions to improve their financial wellbeing as a result.
For additional information, contact the Johnson County Extension office at 913-715-7000.
Valorie Lynn Carson
Community Planning Director
United Community Services of Johnson County
12351 W. 96th Terrace, Suite 200
Lenexa, KS 66215
913-438-4764 phone
913-492-0197 fax
COLD WEATHER GUIDELINES
Cold Weather Guidelines
As we get in to more cold weather it is imperative that families check the weather forecast. Please make sure your children are dressed warmly enough for recess each day. So parents can have a common guideline regarding recess, the following policy is used.
THERE WILL BE NO OUTDOOR RECESS WHEN:
1. The temperature is 15 degrees or below.
2. The wind chill index is 0 degrees or below.
3. There is falling moisture.
This does not preclude individual teachers from taking their class out for a few minutes of fresh air. All students are expected to participate in recess unless they stay in because of teacher or parent request. If parents wish their child to stay in at recess, a note should be sent to the child’s teacher indicating their desire. If a child is to be kept in for more than three consecutive days, a note from the child’s doctor is requested. The district health office feels that, “Generally, if a child is too sick to go outside for recess, he is too sick to be in school.”
LOST AND FOUND
The lost and found table is very full. Please have your child check to see if they have misplaced a jacket, gloves or hats.