The Trailblazer
Tomahawk Elementary - January 2016
Principal Message
Sincerely,
~Christy James, Principal
Office 411
Report Cards
Grade cards will be sent home after winter break on Friday, January 8! Check your child's backpack to review grade card, then sign and return the envelope to school. Be sure to keep the grade card!
Facility Usage/Building Rental
Cub Scout Leaders, Girl Scout Leaders, Sports Coaches and other individuals who use school facilities for meetings should be aware of the Facility Usage Policy:
· If school has been in session all day but evening district activities are canceled, facility usage/ building rentals will also be canceled. Please use http://www.olatheschools.com/ to get the latest information.
· If school is canceled for the entire day, all facility usage/building rentals will also be canceled.
Gr 5 Enrollment Information
Enrollment for 2016-2017 is coming in January for our 5th grade students. More details will be coming soon!
Frontier Trail Information:
Jan 15 – FT Counselors at Tomahawk to begin enrollment
Jan 20– 6:30pm – Gr 5 Parent Meeting at Frontier Trail
Jan 29 – FT Counselors return to Tomahawk to complete enrollment
Indian Trail Information:
Jan 19– 6pm – Gr 5 Parent Meeting at Indian Trail
Jan 26 – IT Counselors at Tomahawk to begin enrollment
Feb 2- IT Counselors return to Tomahawk to complete enrollment
Parent Teacher Conferences Coming Feb 10 & 11
All parents and their students are encouraged to attend the student-led February Parent-Teacher conferences. During the month of January, students will prepare information to share with their parents during their scheduled conference time. Notes about the scheduled February times will go home in January. Once you receive your note, please review your scheduled time then sign and return the bottom of the note to your child's teacher as soon as possible. More information will be coming home mid-January. You can click here for a flyer about Parent-Teacher conferences.
Mark Your Calendar! Important Dates when School is NOT in Session
School is NOT in session for ALL Students on the following days:
Monday, January 18th; Friday, February 5th; Thursday, February 11th; Friday, February 12th and Monday, February 15th
Major Saver Card Sales Coming in January
The Olathe Public Schools Foundation's discount card sales program benefits schools and patrons alike. The Foundation, in conjunction with Major Saver Holdings, Inc., works with businesses throughout the district to offer a buy-one-get-one-free discount card to the community. In most cases, two uses of this one-time punch card make the card pay for itself. Fifty percent of the earnings from the card campaign go to the elementary school and fifty percent supports OPSF programs for Olathe schools. Tomahawk will have our Major Saver Kick-off Assembly on Thursday, January 21. Students will have from January 21 - February 3 to sell the cards for $15, with daily prizes awarded. More details will be coming home with your child on that day!
District to Pilot MAP Assessments
This school year, 45 schools in the district will be piloting the MAP assessments in reading and math. These assessments are nationally normed achievement tests that provide information on how a student compares to both national and district peers. This assessment will replace the regular district assessments for this school year. MAP results provide teachers, students, and parents with an accurate assessment of a student’s ability, accurately measuring what a child knows and needs to learn. The MAP test, when administered at regular intervals over time, is used to determine whether an individual student or an entire grade level is making satisfactory progress. Teachers can use the assessment data for instructional planning for individual students or an entire class. Students in kindergarten through ninth grades will be given the reading and math assessments during the winter window (December and January time frame) and again in the late spring. Tomahawk students will be tested from January 11-22.
The student data gathered from each MAP administration will be used to help make informed decisions at all levels of the district. Teachers can use the information to plan lessons, differentiate and drive instruction. Pending the successful pilot of the program, the district aims to launch twice-yearly MAP testing in every school in the district in the 2016-17 school year.
Calling All Watch D.O.G.S.
Watch D.O.G.S. News
Dads of Great Students, we have LOTS of openings on the calendar for you to spend the day at Tomahawk with your child(ren) and their classmates from January through April!
Please check your Spring schedule and visit the Tomahawk website under the Parent Info. tab to claim your date. Your presence is truly appreciated!
Watch DOGS Coordinator: Jessica Pannell – jpannellth@olatheschools.org
In Case of Bad Weather: Snow Line: 780-8000
School Cancellation:
If school is cancelled due to snow or bad weather, the information will be available on the District Information Line (780-8000); on the District Web site: www.olatheschools.com; and through local television and radio stations. You can receive an email message or text if you are signed up for Olathe Alert.
If Bad Weather Occurs During the School Day:
It is our district’s policy NOT to dismiss students early due to bad weather. We must be mindful of such safety issues as transportation, particularly for those students who normally ride the bus or are driven to and from school; lack of supervision at home because of an unscheduled dismissal; and the uncertainty of sending children away from a protected school environment and out into hazardous weather conditions.
If Bad Weather Occurs At Dismissal Time:
Sometimes bad weather, such as an electrical storm, will occur right at dismissal time. If that happens, we will postpone regular dismissal until the immediate danger has passed. Parents who wish to come inside to get their students may do so.
Check here for more specific information about the District’s inclement weather policy:
http://www.olatheschools.com/students-families/parent-resources/parent-guide#CancellationsKindergarten Round-Up For 2016-2017 Kindergarteners
Mark your calendar now for Tomahawk’s Kindergarten Round-Up on Thursday, February 25 from 1-6pm. Current Tomahawk Kindergarteners will NOT have school on that day. More specific details coming in the February newsletter. Tell your neighbors!
Lunchroom Cupboard
Parents are encouraged to create a FREE account at www.MyPaymentsPlus.com to manage their student's lunch account online. Parents can use MyPaymentsPlus to:
- View your child's account balance online.
- Make payments toward your student's cafeteria account.
- See what your child is purchasing for lunch.
- Receive e-mail reminders when your student's balance is low.
- Sign up for auto-payments.
- Access a free Mobile App available for iPhone, iPad and Android Devices.
Signing up is FREE and easy! Click here for more information on how to set up an account and here for a flyer explaining the benefits of having an account.
Kansas School Lunch Week January 25-29
Olathe Schools Cafe 233 will celebrate Kansas School Lunch week in January with the theme "School Lunch Rocks!" highlighting nutritional meal choices. More details will be coming home soon!
Month At A Glance
(click here to be directed to website for Tomahawk January Calendar of Events)
Friday, January 1 - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
Monday, January 4 - Professional Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, January 5 - Professional Day - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, January 6 - First Day Back to School, 3rd Quarter Begins
Friday, January 8 - Report Cards Go Home in Backpacks. Please review grade card information, then sign and send envelope back to school (Keep grade card).
Monday, January 11- Friday, January 15 - MAP Testing for all grades
Tuesday, January 12 - Regional Math Wings after school at Indian Creek Elementary School
Wednesday, January 13 - Olathe South Choral FestivalFriday, January 15- Grade 5 Enrollment for 2016-2017 with Frontier Trail Counselors
Monday, January 18 - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, January 19 - Friday, January 22 - MAP Testing for all grades
Tuesday, January 19 - Regional Math Wings after school at Olathe North High School; 6:00pm Indian Trail Parent Meeting for Enrollment 2016-2017 of Current 5th Graders at Indian Trail Middle School; 6:00pm Fun Fair Planning Meeting; 7:00pm PTO Meeting
Wednesday, January 20- 4:00-5:20pm Grade 5 Band Rehearsal at at Frontier Trail Middle School; 6:30pm Frontier Trail Parent Meeting for Enrollment 2016-2017 of Current 5th Graders at Frontier Trail Middle School
Thursday, January 21 - Major Saver Kick-off Assembly (Major Saver Sales now through February 3- daily prizes.); 7:00pm FT Area Band Festival at FT Middle School (wear Band t-shirt)
Friday, January 22 - Group Yearbook Picture Day
Monday, January 25-Friday, January 29 - Kansas School Lunch Week "School Lunch Rocks!"
Tuesday, January 26 - Grade 5 Enrollment for 2016-2017 with Indian Trail Counselors; Texas Roadhouse Night (take flyer- click here for a copy of the flyer available on the Tomahawk website and that will be sent home closer to the date of the event.)
Friday, January 29- Grade 5 Enrollment for 2016-2017 with Frontier Trail Counselors Completed; 6:30pm-8:30pm Tomahawk Swim Party at Frontier Trail Middle School Pool (click here for a copy of the flyer available on the Tomahawk website and that will be sent home closer to the date)
(The Student Store is open on Fridays before school from 8:00-8:15)
Dates subject to change. Check the Tomahawk website at http://schools.olatheschools.com/buildings/tomahawk/ for an updated list. Contact the office at 780-7690 with questions about activities.
SPECIALS NOOK
Information from Art, Computer, Counselor, Library, Music, and PE
COUNSELOR
Kindest Kansas Citian Contest
Every January Tomahawk students are given the opportunity to participate in the Kindest Kansas Citian Contest sponsored by the Stop Violence Program of Synergy Services. The essay contest is designed to involve Kansas City area students in identifying an adult role model who exemplifies the kind, caring, and respectful behaviors that they would like to emulate in their own lives.
Twenty of the essays, their author and their nominee will be selected from thousands of contest essays and honored in May at the Kindest Kansas Citian Awards Banquet. We also use these essays for our own Tomahawk Kindest Kansas Citian Contest which selects one winner per grade level. We feel this is a wonderful opportunity for our students to recognize those adults whose kindness has made a difference.
Contest Rules
Persons nominated must be:
*Kansas City area residents
*Adults, 18 years of age or older
*Non-family members, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, teachers, babysitter, coaches, neighbors and youth-group leaders.
ART
From the Art Room…
Do you have an old deck of playing cards that has seen better days? Or maybe an extra deck that won’t be used in your home? The art room would love to have any playing cards (or thin cardboard cut to 2.5” x 3.5” - like cereal boxes) for artist trading cards! This activity would be available to students finished with their art assignment for the week. Students would be encouraged to create a unique artwork on the trading cards to trade and collect. This can be a fun and relaxing way to share their creativity!
MUSIC
Special Chorus Shined at Mayor's Tree Lighting
Tomahawk Special chorus was invited, by the Mayor’s office, to sing as part of Olathe’s Annual Winter Fest and Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4th. They charmed a city-wide audience with their holiday cheer, festive outfits and AMAZING music. They represented Tomahawk beautifully. Well done!
5th Graders Get "THWACKED"
5th graders presented their musical “Thwacked” on December 10th for school and family audiences. Based on the classic stories of The Frog Prince and Chicken Little, we followed an anxious town in search of leadership, truth, and answers. The student’s incredible acting and singing abilities left audiences laughing and cheering. And everyone learned that if we take time to listen to each other, we can solve any problem. Well done 5th graders!
Special Chorus Tours Union Station, Kauffman Center, & District Buildings
After a wonderful performance at the Winter Choir Concert, Special Chorus took their talents on the road. They toured around the city on December 16th singing in Kansas City’s iconic Union Station and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. They ended their tour back in Olathe singing for our feeder schools, Frontier Trail and Olathe South, and for the staff at the District Education Center. Their singing spread joy and holiday cheer throughout Kansas City.
The entire Special Chorus will travel to Frontier Trail on the morning of January 13 to participate in the annual Olathe South Choral Festival.
2,4,6,8 Who Do We Appreciate?
Thank you to all of our Tomahawk families who have helped throughout the month of December. We would specifically like to thank Adrienne Morgan & Michele Dioszeghy for their work organizing the Gingerbread House day; Holly Palacio and the room parents/volunteers for the sweet treats after the Holiday Assembly; Kelci Ebrecht for planning the Culver’s Night and Sweet Tee’s Coffee Shop day; and Heather Silva and all her helpers who braved the cold to change the sign each week. We also want to thank all who donated graham crackers and candies and especially those who attended the Gingerbread House day event. We truly appreciate the amazing support of our Tomahawk families.
PTO Points
Meet the PTO BOARD
Below is a list of the 2015-2016 PTO Board Members. If you have questions about an activity or would like to volunteer, please contact a board member.
President: Wayne Janner / 768-6084/ waynejanner@yahoo.com
Vice President: Kelci Ebrecht / 609-7596 / kelcidon20@gmail.com
Treasurer: Josh Muder / 609-3867 / joshuamuder@gmail.com
Secretary: Adrienne Morgan / 780-0706 / adri313@sbcglobal.net
Parent Volunteers: Heather Silva (Sign Duty) / 219-3969 / hsilva618@hotmail.com
Parent Volunteers: Holly Palacio (Room Parents) / 338-2585 / hollypalacio@hotmail.com
Ways and Means (Fundraising): Sarah Graybeal (Primary) / 353-1965 / sarahlove2smile@gmail.com
Ways and Means: Marie Henkel (Box Tops) / 782-4142 / omsmathclub@hotmail.com
Ways and Means: Julie Barncord (spirit wear)/ 839-3166 / juliebarncord@yahoo.com
Hospitality/Teacher Appreciation: Marcia Baron /815-685-5065 / marcy110@hotmail.com
Playground/Safety: Bob Winebrenner / 485-0676 / rwinebre@gmail.com
Directory: Melissa Winebrenner / 284-6114 / mwinbre76@gmail.com
5th Grade Legacy: Jeanne Bradford / 568-6811/ bradfordjeanne@att.net
Special Activities: Michele Dioszeghy / 230-3601 /mdioszeghy@yahoo.com
PTO Meetings are open to all Tomahawk parents/ guardians. If you are interested in becoming active in the PTO, come to the next meeting and get more info: Tuesday, January 19 at 7pm in the Tomahawk Library.
Join your friends at Texas Roadhouse on Tuesday, January 26 for a yummy dinner and raise money for Tomahawk. Invite your family and friends. Click here for a copy of the flyer available on the Tomahawk website and that will be sent home closer to the event.
Tomahawk Swimming Party
We'll splash and swim even in the cold! Join Tomahawk students and their families for a SWIMMING PARTY! Friday, January 29th 6:30 pm – 8:30pm at Frontier Trail Middle School Pool. $5 per person or $10 per family.
5th Grader Baby Pictures Needed
The yearbook contains a special section with baby pictures of 5th grade students. It's still not too late to send a picture of your 5th grader to school. We need them soon so you can also email them to Jeanne Bradford at bradfordjeanne@att.net.
BoxTops/Receipts/Labels Due January 15
Remember to turn in your HyVee receipts, Box Tops for Education, & Campbell’s Labels for Education. Classroom collections will be picked up on January 15th.
Student Store Open Fridays
The student store is open Fridays from 8am-8:15am. There are lots of fun school supplies to choose from.
PTO Volunteer Corner - Here's How YOU Can Help!
We Need You! Get Involved! Whether you have several hours a week or one hour once in a while, there are so many ways to get involved at Tomahawk. Contact any of the PTO members listed in this newsletter or come to one of the meetings listed below. Parent support is what makes our programs successful!
Tomahawk Fun Fair Planning Meeting
We have our committee chairs in place but we still need LOTS of help in planning the Tomahawk “Let It Glow” Fun Fair scheduled for February 26th from 6-9pm. We’ve got some great plans in place but we still need LOTS of help! Join us on Tuesday, January 19th at 6:00pm in the library to gear up for this fun-filled event! If you cannot attend the meeting but would like to help, please contact Sarah Graybeal at sarahlove2smile@gmail.com.
We need parent volunteers to change the big sign in front of Tomahawk. To volunteer contact Heather Silva at (913) 219-3969 or hsilva618@hotmail.com.
Conference Meal Donations Needed for February 11
If you would like to donate food or drink for the Teacher Conference Dinner in February, contact Marcia Baron at 815-685-5065 or marcy110@hotmail.com.
YMCA News
The YMCA continues to provide Y Club before and after school care onsite at Tomahawk for full-day Kindergarten through fifth grade! We offer flexible hours, no school day, and drop-in services. Click here for the YMCA No School Day Enrollment flyer for more information. The Y also offers scholarships for qualifying families! Kids enjoy nutritious snacks, physical fitness, and daily academic enrichment. If you would like more information about the program, please contact Angel Story at angelstory@kansascityymca.org or call the Tomahawk Y Club number at 913-782-1453.
Around the District/Community
Give Hugs Donation Drive – January 25-29, 2016
Junior Girl Scout Troop 4171 at Tomahawk Elementary is partnering with Give Hugs, a local non-profit organization located in Johnson County, KS. Give Hugs was founded by Johnson County teenager, Joy Marble. Joy collects blankets and care packages for kids and teens with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Troop 4171 is sponsoring a school-wide drive for items to put in the care packages that Joy will distribute. Please consider helping us collect fun things for kids and teens who need a little light and a hug in their lives! Below are items needed:
- Light-Up Wands
- Glow Necklaces or Bracelets
- Hot Wheels Cars
- Coloring Books (for little kids and teens)
- Shopkinz
- Nail Polish
- Watercolor Tablets
- Fuzzy Socks
- Fun Lip Gloss
- Small Puzzle Games or Travel Size Games
- Deck of Playing Cards
Other small fun things you think the kids and teens receiving the bags would enjoy – no candy please! Thank you!
The Early Childhood Disabilities program of the Olathe Public Schools incorporates typically developing children into the program. These students are referred to as “Peers”. Definition of a “peer” for the ECD program includes children that do not have, or are not suspected of having a disability. Eligibility to be considered, or to maintain status as a peer in this program requires meeting this definition.
The Olathe Public Schools believes it is important to provide preschoolers with special needs, (Speech/Language delays, behavior concerns, fine and gross motor delays, hearing impairments, genetic disorders, etc.) the opportunity to learn with peers who are typically developing.
The application process for the 2016 -2017 school year begins on January 7, 2016. Children must be three or four on or before August 31st in order to participate in the upcoming school year. Children must speak and understand English and also be toilet trained.
Benefits your child can receive by being a peer participant:
- More positive/accepting attitudes about people with disabilities
- More social skills
- Equal, if not greater, developmental progress
- Access to a highly qualified teacher
- Good student to teacher ratio
For information about the application process contact Kim Russell at 913-780-7341 or by email: krussellhlc@olatheschools.org. (There are no waiting lists for future years.)
Check out ePOST on the District website for information about other opportunities in the district and the community.
Notice of Non-discrimination: The Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admissions, access, treatment or employment, in its programs and activities 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 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Inquiries regarding compliance with applicable civil rights statutes related to ethnicity, gender, the ADA or age discrimination may be directed to Staff Counsel, 14160 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 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. (06/10)
Tomahawk Elementary School
Email: kzuelth@olatheschools.org
Website: www.olatheschools.com/tomahawk
Location: 13820 S. Brougham Dr. Olathe, KS
Phone: (913) 780-7690