Dear CST Family,

This past week our 8th grade students attended a field trip to Union Station to view the Holocaust exhibit. For two hours, our students moved through the self-paced, audio-led exhibit, and followed up with discussion, reflection, and curriculum-tied activities back at CST. I was so impressed by our 8th grade class as they balanced the fun of having a field trip with the seriousness of the subject matter. I enjoyed hearing students discuss and ask questions during and after the exhibit. It's clear their curiosity was piqued and while so many questions were asked and answered, so many new questions were generated. The specific topic of the Holocaust is covered their freshmen year in their modern world history course, but the relevance of the topic stretches across so much of their current curriculum naturally.

A big thank you to the 8th grade teachers for their work on creating meaningful lessons leading up to the trip as well as important follow up lessons. Special thanks to ELA teachers, Ms. Sheffield and Ms. Lockard, who led the charge for organizing the trip in its entirety. Finally, another special thanks to all our 8th grade parent volunteers. The 46 of you in attendance helped make the day possible and more structured for our kids. As always, it takes a community, and the CST community is always so supportive and invested in our kids' education...CST is the best around...thank you!

Rick

What is Go Guardian? (device monitoring software)

Go Guardian Parent was created to help provide additional educational support to administrators and teachers by allowing parents to see what sites and documents their children are browsing and providing parents with additional internet controls at home. The app gives parents and guardians a bird’s eye view of the apps and websites that their kids are on most often and control over school-issued devices during out-of-school hours. With this perspective, parents can be made aware of what types of browsing behavior schools are seeing from students so they can all work together to encourage more effective internet browsing habits at home and at school.

See the attached PDF for more information and directions on how to download the app.

On Friday, 2/18, masking will become optional at Chisholm Trail per the board approved motion from the February 4th board meeting (see email below). I imagine this change will bring a mix of emotion throughout CST, from elation to trepidation to somewhere in between as we've been under this policy since July of 2020. Certainly some will opt to continue masking, but I predict a majority in the building will be without. Please note: nothing changes in regards to our expectations on how we treat each other with respect, no matter the decision a student or staff member makes to wear, or not wear, a mask.

Candidly, I'm excited for the option to walk the CST halls without a mask and to share smiles with students for the first time as principal of Chisholm Trail. Schools thrive on interaction and relationships; smiles and facial expressions certainly have a role in building and supporting these relationships. I've wondered how many times I've passed a student in the hall, smiled, only to remember (again) that they have no way of seeing through my mask to receive the greeting. How many expressions have been missed amongst each other--staff to student, student to student, student to staff--or have been misinterpreted from each other, because we did not get the full facial expression? As principal who started at CST in the summer of 2020, I've only had this experience here and have often had these "wonders" plague my mind as I've aimed to build relationships with our students, staff, and community.

Our facial expressions are so communicative and our smiles are so powerful, this part of person-to-person interaction at Chisholm Trail is a welcome return. However, while I believe this change has potential to be an emotional boon for our students and all the relationships a school cultivates, it's still a change and a transition in a still unusual time for students. Please feel free to reach out to your child's counselor or to school administration if your child needs support with this transition (or anything else). Friday will come and go and CST will continue to move forward providing the best possible middle school experience for our kids that we can; we are here to help along the way.

Rick

(below is a district email sent out on 2/4)

Olathe Public Schools staff and families,

We want to make you aware of board action that occurred last night at the Board of Education meeting.

The Board approved a motion that moves all schools in the district to a mask optional model beginning Friday, Feb. 18. This is the day after the Johnson County Board of County Commission is expected to discuss their county mandate impacting Johnson County schools.

The Board’s action last night means that starting on Feb. 18, students, staff and visitors at all schools in the district would be mask optional, as long as the individual building absenteeism rate remains less than 7 percent. Masking would become universal for at least two weeks in a building if building’s absenteeism equals or exceeds 7 percent. Optional masking at a school may be resumed once those levels stay below 7 percent for two weeks.

The Board also updated the masking gating criteria to only include the 7 percent absentee rate as the measure, removing a previous factor of percent of building positive cases and quarantines. The Board agreed to regularly review the masking gating criteria. Visit the COVID Dashboard at www.olatheschools.org/coviddashboard.

It’s important to note that masks are still needed on district transportation due to federal requirements.

We appreciate your support as we work through these mitigation changes.

Olathe Public Schools Administration

• Monday, February 14th Incoming 6th grade Online Enrollment Due

• Tuesday, February 15th--Incoming 6th grade students paper forms due to 5th grade teacher
• OS enrollment video will be shown in Science and OS will be available to for google questions all day. **

To access all information related to the March 1st bond, go to the link HERE.

Trusted relationships are at the heart of the district’s work around Safety. We know that when students feel safe at school and have a trusted adult they can turn to, they are able to learn and reach their highest potential. In addition to trusted relationships, we recognize the importance of having physical safety measures in place throughout district facilities. Projects included in the 2022 Bond will focus on enhancing safety measures throughout the district. Learn how Bond 2022 package that would address Safety in this video.

https://youtu.be/5C-ZaK02jl0

Spanish Version

Lo más destacado de los Bonos 2022: Seguridad

Las relaciones de confianza están en el centro del trabajo del distrito en torno a la seguridad. Sabemos que cuando los estudiantes se sienten seguros en la escuela y tienen un adulto de confianza al que pueden acudir, son capaces de aprender y alcanzar su máximo potencial. Además de las relaciones de confianza, reconocemos la importancia de contar con medidas de seguridad física en todas las instalaciones del distrito. Los proyectos incluidos en el Bono 2022 se centrarán en mejorar las medidas de seguridad en todo el distrito. Conozca cómo el paquete del Bono 2022 que abordaría la Seguridad en este video.

(Repeated info below)

Check Your Mailbox for Your Bond 2022 Election Ballot

The ballots are in the mail! All registered voters who live within the boundaries of Olathe Public Schools will start to receive their ballots for the Bond 2022 Election in the mail over the next several days, including instructions on voting and completing the return envelope.

Ballots must be returned to the Johnson County Election office (either by mail using the enclosed postage-paid envelop or by dropping the ballot off at the election office, 2101 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS) by noon on March 1, 2022.

The no tax-rate increase $298.3 million mail-in bond election will help the district address its needs in the areas of Growth and Reinvestment, Technology and Innovation, Student Experience and Safety. Projects within this bond proposal would touch every student in Olathe Public Schools and would positively impact all Olathe students and their future for years to come.

Thank you for taking the time to vote in the Olathe Public Schools Bond Election!

Already a registered voter? You will automatically receive a ballot in the mail on or after Feb. 9, 2022. Not registered yet? Residents who are not registered to vote and would like to vote in the 2022 Bond Election must register by Feb. 8, 2022.

Ballots must be returned to the Johnson County Election office (either by mail using the enclosed postage-paid envelop or by dropping the ballot off at the election office, 2101 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS) by noon on March 1, 2022. For additional information about voter registration, visit the Johnson County Election website.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Families interested in learning more about the Bond are invited to attend a Bond Information Night. Olathe Public Schools has rescheduled the Bond Information Night at Chisholm Trail Middle. The information night will now be held on Monday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at Chisholm Trail Middle (16700 West 159th Street Olathe, KS).

Regístrese para votar en las elecciones de Bonos 2022

Los votantes registrados que viven dentro de los límites del Distrito Escolar de Olathe pronto tendrán la oportunidad de votar en una elección de bonos por correo de 298.3 millones de dólares sin aumento de impuestos que tendría un impacto positivo en todos los estudiantes de Olathe y su futuro en los próximos años.

¿Ya está registrado como votante? Recibirá automáticamente una boleta por correo a partir del 9 de febrero de 2022.

¿Aún no se ha registrado? Los residentes que no estén inscritos para votar y quieran hacerlo en las elecciones de bonos de 2022 deben inscribirse antes del 8 de febrero de 2022.

Las boletas deben ser devueltas a la oficina electoral del condado Johnson (ya sea por correo usando el sobre con franqueo pagado adjunto o dejando la boleta en la oficina electoral, 2101 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS) antes del mediodía del 1ro de marzo de 2022. Para recibir información adicional acerca del registro para votar, por favor visite el sitio de web de la oficina electoral del condado de Johnson (Johnson County Election Office).

ACTUALIZACIÓN IMPORTANTE: Las familias interesadas en aprender más sobre las elecciones de Bonos están invitadas a asistir a una Noche Informativa. Las Escuelas Públicas de Olathe han reprogramado la Noche Informativa en Chisholm Trail Middle. La noche de información ahora se llevará a cabo el lunes 24 de enero a las 7 p.m. en Chisholm Trail Middle (16700 West 159th Street Olathe, KS).

All 6th and 7th grade students should submit their enrollment choices online by Monday, 1/31 and turn in forms by Tuesday, 2/1.

• Monday, January 31st Current 6th and 7th grade student online enrollment deadline

• Tuesday, February 1st Current 6th and 7th student enrollment forms due to their Science (6th) or SS teacher (7th).

• All 8th grade students report to auditorium at 11:15 to meet with OS counselors. **All 8th graders to the auditorium for high school credit talks with OS counselors. **All students will attend this presentation regardless of what high school they will be attending.

• Enrollment talks: Sunnyside students – 1:00 pm
• Madison Place students– 2:00 pm

• Wednesday, February 2nd--Enrollment talk: Arbor Creek – 8th grade parent night at: ONW--see high school website for most current info
  

• Monday, February 7th & 8th grade Parent nights at: OE, ON, OS, OW * times vary- see high school website for more information (see graph below)
  

• Wednesday, February 9th--8th grade students bring their individual plan on of study during Science.

• Thursday Jan 20th Current 6th and 7th grade parent night. 6:30 pm- CST Auditorium- no students. Parents will hear information about 22-23 enrollment as well as opportunities available to students in their 7th and 8th grade year.
  

• Monday, January 24th CST counselors in current 7th grade Social Studies classrooms to go over course options for 8th grade

• Tuesday, January 25th CST counselors in current 6th grade Science classrooms to go over course options for 7th grade

• Thursday Jan 27th CST Counselors in 8th grade Science to discuss high school credits

Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night -7:00 PM – CST Auditorium

• Monday, January 31st Current 6th and 7th grade student online enrollment deadline

• Tuesday, February 1st Current 6th and 7th student enrollment forms due to their Science (6th) or SS teacher (7th).

• All 8th grade students report to auditorium at 11:15 to meet with OS counselors. **All 8th graders to the auditorium for high school credit talks with OS counselors. **All students will attend this presentation regardless of what high school they will be attending.

• Enrollment talks: Sunnyside students – 1:00 pm
• Madison Place students– 2:00 pm

• Wednesday, February 2nd--Enrollment talk: Arbor Creek – 8th grade parent night at: ONW--see high school website for most current info
  

• Monday, February 7th & 8th grade Parent nights at: OE, ON, OS, OW * times vary- see high school website for more information

• Wednesday, February 9th--8th grade students bring their individual plan on of study during Science.
  

• Monday, February 14th Incoming 6th grade Online Enrollment Due

• Tuesday, February 15th--Incoming 6th grade students paper forms due to 5th grade teacher
• OS enrollment video will be shown in Science and OS will be available to for google questions all day. **

Contact Mrs. Iuli or Mrs. Rodden with questions.

The Counseling Department would like to take a moment to share a resource from Children’s Mercy Hospital with you. Please use this link https://www.childrensmercy.org/departments-and-clinics/developmental-and-behavioral-health/prepped-and-ready/ to access information about Prepped and Ready: Parenting into the Teen Years. This is set up as a short video series that you can watch as your schedule permits. There is no cost, and if you complete a short survey at the end, Children’s Mercy will send you a great safety kit.

Topics include eating disorder prevention, home safety (including storage of firearms, medications, etc.), screen time, self-care, substance use (including vaping), and suicide prevention.

This resource will only be available for a short time, so please don’t wait!

Contact your child's counselor with questions.

Artcile below found HERE

Jan. 14, 2022 ~ As we enter a new semester, we know that COVID-19 continues to be a reality in our community. While our primary goal is to keep our schools open and students learning, the stark reality is that Olathe Public Schools continues to face staffing shortages due to high levels of community spread. We want to make sure our community is aware that a temporary district closure due to the impact of COVID on school staffing is a possibility. Parents are asked to have a childcare plan in place now in the event that data indicators and staffing levels would require the district to temporarily close.

If school were to be canceled due to staffing shortages, information will be available in these ways:

• Notification to parents and staff via text and email information on file
• Visit the district website
• Follow us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter

Any parent who is in the district's system, and who has included a cell phone number, will receive a text message in case of the cancellation of school. If there has been a change in a parent's phone number or email address since enrollment, or if a parent would like to add a phone number or email address to our system, please notify the child's school. Please continue to take care of yourselves, and watch the Olathe Public Schools website for updates.

Students interested in doing conditioning in preparation for spring sports are invited to attend an after-school-conditioning program led by CST's Coach Kinzer (head boys' track coach) beginning on January 6th from 3:15-4:15. This program occurs 4 days a week when school is in session.

All students are invited regardless of their plans for CST track/spring sports. This is a good way to learn fitness basics and get in shape!

Questions can be directed to Coach Kinzer at akinzercst@olatheschools.org.

6th Grade Devices

• Surface Go devices will be checked out to 6th grade and new students on Monday, August 16th. Returning 7th and 8th grade students should still have their device checked out to them last school year.
  

Extra Curricular Activities

• Students are encouraged to join CST activities! There is a strong link between school involvement and academic success. Cross Country practice begins on Tuesday, August 17 and is available to all students, 6th, 7th, and 8th. Physicals required to participate.
  

Water Bottles

• All students will be provided a water bottle from CST. Students are encouraged to drink plenty of water during the day. Drinking fountains will also be available for those without a water bottle.

Backpacks

• Students will be allowed to carry their backpacks this year to limit necessary locker trips. Students are encouraged to travel light and utilize their locker to help lighten the load.

Lockers

• All students have been assigned a hall locker and are expected to keep jackets/coats/extra clothing in their locker.
  

Two topics often asked about are cell phones and attire. The screenshots below are from the student handbook found on our website. We aim to promote a distraction-free learning environment as much as possible and we remind students that "Chisholm Trail is a school, not the pool". We want to promote a positive academic learning environment in the way we dress, speak, and behave. Teachers and admin will review a variety of topics with students as part of our beginning of year talks.

https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/8153

Access to school calendars, hour listings for buildings

District Calendar Page

Year-at-a-glance, single pager/downloadable

District Calendar PDF