California Trail Middle School
Parent News-October 2018
Note from Mr. Wiley
In the world we live in, which has different stressors than when most of you reading this were in 6/7/8th grade, the terms “Mental Health” and “Suicide Prevention” are being used more and more often. In my opinion, our nation, state and community is nearing crisis in these areas. As a school, we have made a conscious decision to be more proactive in our approach to helping students, staff and families understand and process through topics related to Social and Emotional Learning, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
Each week, during our Bulldog Time, we have one day when we focus on Social and Emotional Learning. Over the first two weeks of school, teachers did different activities to get to know their group of students and to help them get to know each other as well. Those lessons and the next few that followed were designed with the goal of easing into more difficult topics and to set discussion norms to increase comfort level for both students and staff.
Other early lessons were:
· a discussion of all of the ways a student can get involved at CT
There is so much research about involvement having a positive impact on mental health, fitting in, grades, graduation rates, and on and on…
· a discussion of how the school year has started, if there have been struggles and who could you reach out to if you have something bothering you
We had students share which adult(s) at school they felt they could talk with and we also had students that shared they didn’t have an adult at school they felt they could talk with. We will be using this information to make sure we get the number in the second category to zero.
· a presentation by our counselors and our social worker around bullying and how to speak up
· our SRO is presenting a lesson on cyber safety
· our counselors and our social worker are working on a suicide prevention presentation for students that will be delivered within the next few weeks
· future lessons will focus on many different areas of Social and Emotional Learning, through a program called Second Step http://www.secondstep.org/what-is-second-step that includes relationships, thoughts & emotions, helping others resilience, values, conflicts, perspective taking, decision making, planning ahead, staying calm and others.
During Suicide Prevention Week, we shared different messages each day with our students specifically around ways to reach out if you or a friend is down, depressed or suicidal. We shared ways to respond and how to reach out for help. We also continued with our focus on the positive attributes that Bulldogs have, posting many messages of “@ CT Bulldogs…” finishing the statement with things like “never give up,” “listen to and help each other,” and others, that are spread throughout the school and will stay posted, in front of students, throughout the year.
For staff, we will be using some of our professional development time the afternoon of October 11 to focus on topics of self-care and reflection to build resilience and grit. We know that to be able to help others, we need to make sure we take care of ourselves as well.
We are also looking into several avenues to access programing for our parents, both here at CT and in other venues. You will find advertisements in this and future newsletters that offer information, resources and support.
If you have any questions about our efforts related to social and emotional learning or if there is anything we can help with in this area, please feel free to contact one of our counselors, Mrs. Beyer sbeyerct@olatheschools.org or Ms. Sandbothe ssandbothect@olatheschools.org , social worker Mrs. Dammerich jdammerichct@olatheschools.org , psychologist Mrs. Kaberline jlkaberline@olatheschools.org or me mwileyct@olatheschools.org .
Thanks, Mike
Teacher Congratulations
Congratulations to Jim Cole, Sixth Grade Science Teacher, as the CT Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominee and Lisa Mansfield, Spanish Teacher, as the CT Emporia State Master Teacher of the Year! These two amazing educators will be representing our school for the District Nominee Role and will be recognized this spring at a district reception!
Parent Teacher Conferences
At California Trail, we hold what would be called arena style conferences. All of our teachers have an assigned table in the Multi-Purpose Room (Cafeteria.) Conferences are walk up and not scheduled ahead of time. When you arrive, there will be a table set up in the main hallway where we will have your child’s grade card for you to pick up as a reminder of who to seek out for a conference. With this style of conferencing, the anticipation is that each conference will last a few minutes with each teacher so that you will be able to see all seven teachers and they will be able to touch base with all of their students’ parents. If you anticipate needing more time with a particular teacher, please request a time outside of these two dates to better meet those needs.
Wednesday, October 17th
Students will only be at school regular hours: 7:50a.m. - 3:10p.m.
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held in the MPR from 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 18th
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be in MPR from
11:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m.
Teacher Dinner break is from 4:00 p.m.– 4:45 p.m. (school will be closed during this time)
Friday, October 19th
NO SCHOOL for Students or Teachers
Papa Murphy's Fundraiser
On Thursday, October 25th the CT cheerleaders will be doing a fundraiser at the Papa Murphy’s location at 14971 W. 119th St.
from 11-8 P.M. When ordering your pizza from the store let them know you are there to support the California Trail cheerleaders!
https://www.groupraise.com/events/70290-california-trail-middle-school-cheer-at-papa-murphy-s
Apple New OIS 12 Parental Controls
This is a good article about parental controls and Apple's new operating system.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/what-apples-new-ios-12-parental-controls-mean-for-you
Mental Wellness, For You and Your Family
As a mental health professional, it’s become a goal of mine to help you and your children replace any misconceptions of what mental health is and who you must be if this is something with which you struggle. Instead of “mental health,” think of it as “mental wellness.” Self-care has become a bit of a buzz word in our culture, but one that I hope never goes away. If we aren’t occasionally evaluating our physical and mental wellness, the results will impact, not only our own productivity, happiness, and well-being, but that of our children, as well.
This article focuses on maternal depression and its effects on our learning, growing children. However, I urge you to read it as one that’s not specific to mothers, but as an article that has profound relevance for fathers, too. I can assure you that, regardless of gender, you will get something meaningful from its contents. And, if this isn’t you, it’s likely your best friend, your sibling, your colleague or someone you could positively impact by sharing what you’ve learned.
If you ever have any questions or concerns about your mental wellness or that of your children, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at jdammerichct@olatheschools.org.
Here’s to the discovery of a more mentally well you,
Jenna Dammerich, LMSW
CT B.O.T.S Robotics
Recognize an Outstanding CT Staff Member
Do you have a favorite teacher or staff member? Maybe it’s someone who made a significant impact on your child’s life. Or maybe it’s someone who always has a smile or goes the extra mile. Show them how great they are by nominating them for an award from the Olathe Public Schools Foundation. Each month the OPSF recognizes 2 educators with the Educator Excellence Award and 2 classified staff members with the Classified Employee Excellence Award. Each award recipient is surprised at school with balloons and a check for $500! Learn more and nominate someone today by visiting www.olathepublicschoolsfoundation.org or call 780-8222.
Girls Basketball Schedule
Tues. Oct. 16 CST 3:30
Tues. Oct. 23 SFT 3:30
Thurs. Oct. 25 @IT 3:30
Tues. Oct. 30 @PT 3:30
Thurs. Nov. 1 @ST 3:30
Tues. Nov. 6 OT 3:30
Thurs. Nov. 8 @FT 3:30
Mon. Nov. 12 @CST 3:30
Tues. Nov. 13 IT 3:30
Thurs. Nov. 15 @PRT 3:30
Mon. Nov. 19 @MT 3:30
Tues. Nov. 20 FT 3:30
Tues. Nov. 27 PT 3:30
Thurs. Nov. 29-8th PRT 5:30
Thurs. Nov. 29-7th @PRT 5:30
Tournament Dates:
Thurs. Dec. 6 TBD 8:00
Sat. Dec. 8 TBD 8:00
Volunteers needed for Hearing and Vision Screening-Tuesday, Oct. 9th
There will be a hearing screening for 8th grade students, new students to Olathe and with an IEP’s in 6th and 7th grade. In addition, there will be a Vision Screening for 6th and 8th grade students and students new to Olathe or with an IEP in 7th grade.
Nurse Yonke is looking for volunteers to assist with these screenings. Please contact jyonkect@olatheschools.org if you are interested in helping.
8th Grade Baby Pictures
8th GRADE PARENTS – BABY PICTURES NEEDED – DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 15
Everyone goes “gaga” over the 8th grade baby pictures in the yearbook. If you have not already, please send a baby picture of your 8th grader to their Language Arts teacher. Only have an electronic version? No problem! Email the photo to CTMSyearbooksquad@gmail.com. DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 15. Thanks – CTMS Yearbook staff
8th Grade Career EXPO
Congratulations to the CT Math Counts team at their first competition of the season on September 19th at Olathe North.
6th grade Math Counts Team
The 6th grade team finished 1st
Congratulations to:
Yashwin Garlapati
James Farnham
Carrie Wong
Alexander Pannier
7th grade Math Counts Team
The 7th grade team finished 2nd
Congratulations to:
Anshika Kapoor
Andrew Dai
Tanmay Patil
Arya Vilandai
8th Grade Math Counts Team
The 8th grade team finished 1st
Congratulations to:
Meirah Paul
Isobel Li
Minh Nguyen
Nathan Zhang
Artwork on Display
Congratulations to 6th grader Madeline (Mo) Isaacson. Her contour creature art project will be on display at the Olathe District’s Education Center for a K-12 art exhibit. She learned all about the contour style of drawing and incorporated a contour hand into a part of a creature of her choosing. Chalk pastel, colored pencils, and texture plates were used to add detail and color. Way to go Mo!
Suicide Prevention and Awareness Training
Pictures for the Yearbook
WE WANT YOUR PICS FOR THE YEARBOOK!!!
Yearbook photographers can’t be everywhere, so if you’ve got great photos of school events, or of your kids and their CT friends having fun at a school event, please share them with us! The more photos you share, the better our yearbooks will be for everyone!
It’s easy:
Send images to the yearbook staff from your smartphone*:
1. Search for Balfour Image Share in your app marketplace
2. Download the app, create your account
3. Our school’s yearbook project #901066
Upload Code: CTMS
*No smartphone? No problem! Go to images.balfour.com to upload images from any internet-connected computers.
The yearbook staff will review all photos and determine final yearbook content. We cannot guarantee that all submissions can be used in the book.
IMAGE REMINDERS – images should be jpeg or png format, rgb and the maximum file size is 20MB per image.
THANKS! – The CTMS Yearbook Staff
Sign Language Interpreters
Please notify your building secretary or principals if you need a sign language interpreter for a school sponsored event. Please contact building at least 5 days in advance to request an interpreter. It may not be possible to satisfy last minute interpreter request. Notify the building as soon as you know if you must cancel.
Notification Statement of Non discrimination
The Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability in its programs, activities or employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups to its facilities as required by: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other relevant state and federal laws. Inquiries regarding compliance with applicable civil rights statutes related to ethnicity, gender, age discrimination or equal access may be directed to Staff Counsel, 14160 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66063-2000, phone 913-780-7000. All inquiries regarding compliance with applicable statutes regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be directed to the Assistant Superintendent General Administration, 14160 S. Black Bob Rd. Olathe, KS 66063-2000, phone (913) 780-7000. Interested persons including those with impaired vision or hearing, can also obtain information as to the existence and location of services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by disabled persons by calling the Assistant Superintendent General Administration. (07/17)
California Trail Middle School
Office Hours:
Monday- Thursday 7a.m.-4p.m.
Friday 7a.m.-3:30p.m.
CTMS Calendar: https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/6524#calendar10121/20180827/month
Website: https://www.olatheschools.org/californiatrail
Location: 13775 West 133rd Street, Olathe, KS, USA
Phone: 913-780-7220
Twitter: @CTMSBulldog