News for the Den
The Last Dance (5.21.2023)
March 21, 2024
Thanks for a great 4 days back with students after Spring Break. Please take note of our state assessment schedule for next week, FLEX lab makeover, and classroom needs portion of the newsletter. For PLCs on Monday, please remember to bring your PSI/PASIs (see email from Sara).
Next week we celebrate our amazing paraprofessionals! A huge shout out to Kathy, Laura, Ally, Mark, Pam, Cookie, and Kim! Thank you to Sharla for the support she provides Ginny and our OT students. Show these folks some love!
Have a great weekend! (I am grateful KU doesn't have a night game tomorrow)
In this edition of News for the Den, you will find:
- Next Week-at-a-Glance
- Snapshot of Our Week
- State Assessments
- FLEX Lab Makeover
- Classroom Needs?
Summer Training for Staff - Mental Health First Aid
- District Site Council
- Coaching Corner
- Recycled Information
- 23-24 Important Docs
Thank you for taking time to read through the newsletter and stay informed!
Andy
1. Allow risk-taking in self and others.
2. Uses shared decision making when appropriate.
3. Knowledgeable instructional leader to help improve practices.
Next Week-at-a-Glance
**Para Appreciation Week-Thank you for all you do for our students and building**
Monday, March 25
- D day
- Grade-level (reading) and Specialists PLCs meet
- Club 3G meets after school (FLEX Lab)
- District Site Council (7-8:30pm-Olathe East)
Tuesday, March 26
- E day
- Dr. Heck visits Briarwood!
- We will be popping around to classrooms in the morning to say hi.
- Math Wings (3:40-4:30pm)
Wednesday, March 27
- A day
- Andy out of building for New Elementary Principals (8:30am-1pm)
- Staff Meeting (4pm-FLEX)
Thursday, March 28
- B day
- SIT day (schedule attached to morning email)
- Happy birthday, Lesley!!
Friday, March 29
- C day
- PTA Appreciation Lunch
Looking ahead...
- Wednesday, April 3-1st Grade to Mahaffie Stagecoach
- Monday, April 8-Solar Eclipse
- Tuesday, April 9-Spring SILN (4:15-6:15pm)
- Wednesday, April 10-K, 1st, and 2nd to Olathe South for Animal Talks
- Thursday, April 11-Kindergarten Enrollment
Snapshot of Our Week
Art
Library
3F
1Ro
State Assessment notes and BW All-Star bracelet from Mr. C. Thanks to Susan and Stacy for helping put them together!
State Assessments
State Assessments will be taking place after Spring Break. The schedule is attached below. We will be testing in different locations this year which include the Flex Lab, Computer Lab, and Library. If testing takes place in the computer lab or library during your specials times, Erika or Rhonda will be teaching their special in your classroom. I appreciate everyone's flexibility during this time. Holler with questions.
FLEX Lab Makeover
- If you know what was purchased with a grant, please let me know.
- If there is anything you consistently use, please let me know.
- If you have happened to store any items in the flex lab, please grab them.
- If there is anything in the FLEX lab that you want that is not yours, please let me know. Please do not just go in and grab things. If multiple folks request an item, I will find a fair way to land on who gets it.
- Lastly, if you have any strong feelings about what the FLEX lab could be looked like or how it should be used, please let me know.
Classroom Needs?
Is there anything you need for your room and/or grade-level? Think big or small. While I cannot promise you any and everything you request, please let me know what you might need/like. I am working through some of our budget and have some funds that can be used.
Summer Training for Staff - Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid Training for staff has returned! The Olathe Public Schools is offering Mental Health First Aid training this Summer. This training teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance uses challenges among students ages 6-18. This training normally costs $50 to take in the community, but is offered for free to OPS Staff. Staff also have the opportunity to earn a $124 stipend on the August 15 paycheck or 8 professional development points or college credit if taken during Summer Conference and all other college credit conditions are met. Two hours of pre-work must be completed prior to attending the class and instructions for that are sent out approximately 2 weeks prior to the class. Trainings are limited to 30 participants per date and are on a first come, first served basis. All staff EXCEPT those who have taken Mental Health First Aid before and professionally mental-health trained staff are eligible to take the course. Please see the attached flyer for more information. ??
District Site Council
Updated ELA Intervention Cycle
iXL Directions
Flexibility Nominations
Our focus key for the month of March is 'flexibility.' As appropriate, you can fill it out throughout the month. Please share your nominations using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/TLvuAJ9CW0
Mission Statement
'We will ensure student growth and success by providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for our students.'
FastBridge Screening Dates
2023-2024 FastBridge Screening Dates
Fall: August 14 – September 15
Winter: November 27 – December 19
Spring: April 22 – May 11
SAEBRS/mySAEBRS: October 1 – October 31