The Trailblazer
Tomahawk Elementary - February 2016
Principal Message
Greetings, Tomahawk Families!
February has arrived, with its icy temperatures and cold winter winds. This month also marks the half-way point in the year, and soon we can look forward to warmer temperatures and spring blossoms.
Our children have made a lot of progress academically and socially, and Tomahawk teachers and staff continue to work hard to ensure our students’ success.
I am looking forward to seeing families during conferences and also at the upcoming Fun Fair!
Sincerely,
~Christy James, Principal
Tomahawk Fun Fair/Carnival
Friday, February 26 from 6-9pm
Games, Food, Silent Auction, Inflatables, Glow Room, Prizes
Pre-sale Tickets: 5 for $1.00; Wristbands: $4.00
Day of Event Tickets: 4 for $1.00; Wristbands: $5.00
Unlimited play on inflatables with wristband!
Carnival games= 1 to 3 tickets; Inflatables= 2 to 4 tickets
Click here for Ticket/Meal Order form with more details on tickets, food, and volunteering. This form is also available on the Tomahawk website and will be sent home closer to the event date.
Help us decorate the school before the event by making a snowflake. Click here for more information!
2-liter pop donations needed for the Pop Toss game. Flyers were sent home in January. Click here for more information or check the Tomahawk website.
Baked goods donations needed for the Cake Walk. Click here for the Cake Walk donation form. This form is also available on the Tomahawk website and will be sent home closer to the event date.
We are so excited to bring this event to Tomahawk! With the help, donations, and participation of our Tomahawk families, we know this will be a FUN evening for all! For more information, please call or email Sarah Graybeal, Fun Fair Coordinator, at 913-620-0604 or SarahLove2smile@gmail.com
Office 411
Teachers are busy preparing their classrooms in anticipation of Parent-Guardian/Teacher Conferences. Did you know that our specials teachers (Art, Counselor, Music, PE, and Library) are also available to discuss student progress? In addition, conferences in K-5 are student-led so please bring your student to the conference. We hope to see you at your scheduled time on Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 4:30-8:30pm or Thursday, Feb. 11 from 11:00am-8:00pm. 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:
Friday, February 5th; Thursday, February 11th; Friday, February 12th and Monday, February 15th.
Birth Certificates Needed
Thank you to the parents who have responded to the letters requesting birth certificates. If you were notified that we need a copy of your child’s birth certificate, please send one to the school office as soon as possible. Thank you.
Mayor's Shoe Fund/Gum Day Totals
We appreciate all of the families who donated to the Mayor's Shoe Fund by participating in Gum Day or sending in pennies for shoes. Tomahawk raised $248.35! Thank you for your generosity.
Major Saver Sales Jan 21st -Feb 3rd
Students brought home packets on Thursday, January 21 for the Major Saver card sales which run until February 3. Students who choose to sell cards are eligible for daily prizes.
In addition, Major Saver cards can be purchased online and the credit still goes to Tomahawk. Customers can choose to utilize credit or debit cards to make their purchase. Buyers simply log onto www.majorsaver.com to select their card. All cards purchased online will be mailed directly to the customer.
Assessments
MAP Assessments Completed
Our students completed the Math and Reading Winter MAP Assessments in January. We will be sharing your child's results with in February at Parent-Teacher conferences. Tomahawk students will be completing the Spring MAP Assessments in late April/early May!
Assessments in March and April
Students in grades 3-5 will take the Kansas Reading Assessment and the Kansas Math Assessment this spring. Grade 5 takes the Science Assessment also.
Parents, you can help your student’s efforts by making sure that your child eats healthy meals and snacks, gets plenty of sleep and participates in some sort of exercise every day. In addition, by seeing that your child attends school regularly and by talking with your child about what he or she is learning in class each day, you can show your support for your child’s learning and affirm the importance of a good education.
Calling All Watch D.O.G.S.
Watch D.O.G.S. remember to sign up for your volunteer date ONLINE!
Here’s how:
- Go to the Tomahawk Elementary school website www.olatheschools.com/tomahawk
- Click on the Parent Info link to the left of the screen
- Follow the Watch D.O.G.S. Calendar link from the slide out menu
- Click the Sign Up button that is next to the day you wish to volunteer for
- Click Submit and Sign Up at the bottom of the page
- Fill in your First Name, Last Name, E-Mail, and Re-Enter Your E-Mail
- If you choose to do so, you may create an account which will allow you to edit your selection or cancel if needed and send yourself a confirmation e-mail
- Click SIGN UP NOW and you’re finished!
Thanks to all the fathers and father-figures who have been Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) at Tomahawk. It means so much to have you here, and we’re looking forward to more Watch D.O.G.S. visitors this year!
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#CancellationsFacility 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.
Kindergarten Round-Up For 2016-2017 Kindergarteners
On February 25 between the hours of 1pm – 6pm, Tomahawk will enroll all 2016-17 kindergarten students who will be 5 years of age on or before August 31, 2016. At enrollment, parents and children will have an opportunity to get acquainted with the kindergarten teachers, receive physical and dental examination forms, and obtain information necessary for enrollment in kindergarten.
Birth certificates are required for students entering kindergarten. Parents should make arrangements to obtain a birth certificate for their child if they do not presently have one. Also, parents should bring the child’s immunization record and social security card, as well as proof of address like a utility bill. Click here for a flyer with specific information about Kindergarten Round-Up.
Current KDG classes will not meet on Thursday, February 25, so our
kindergarten teachers can devote their time to our future kindergartners.
Lunchroom Cupboard
Kansas School Lunch Week
Students were treated to some fun decor, coloring pages, VIP dining, and nutritional information during Kansas School Lunch Week. With the theme "School Lunch Rocks!", our lunchroom featured a “jukebox” milk refrigerator, “Heater, the rock star” food warmer , a “piano” A-line, a “50’s Rock ‘n’ Roll shop” B-line, a “boom box” blue bar , a vegetable band with guitars on the stage, Rock ‘n’ Roll coloring pages on the walls, special Rock ‘n’ Roll tablecloths, electric guitars everywhere and three “VIP” dining areas where students with a “VIP Backstage Pass” could invite a friend to dine with them. Some lucky students won hats, glasses, erasers and other fun prizes! Our lunchroom staff did a wonderful job of spreading the good news about nutritional food choices!
Boom Box & the Band on Stage
Heater the Rock Star and the Piano
School Lunch Rock Band
Nurse's Cabinet
Tips to Control the Spread of Infections
We are in the high illness season of the year! Here are a few tips to help control and limit the spread of infectious disease—
· Wash your hands frequently.
· Do not eat or drink after another person.
· Do not send your child to school with a fever, vomiting or diarrhea.
· Invest in a thermometer if you do not have one –if you need help with that, please call the nurse.
We would like to remind you that during the colder weather and close shared quarters, we may begin to see Cold and Flu Symptoms (see below). Symptoms which are more prominent with Flu include high fever (102-104º), headache, fatigue and chest discomfort or cough (can be severe). With a cold, a fever (low grade) may or may not be present. You may also have a headache, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and mild cough.
COLD
Rarely fever; Rarely headache; Minor aches and pains; Fatigue is mild; Lasts 1-2 weeks; Fatigue/weakness; Stuffy nose, sneezing; Sore throat; Cough; Sinus or ear infection
FLU
High fever may last 3-4 days; Headache; Severe aches and pains; Extreme exhaustion; May last 2-3 weeks; Stuffy nose, sneezing; Sore throat; Cough/chest discomfort can be severe; Bronchitis or pneumonia may develop
Students who have been ill with a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, need to stay home to recover for at least 24 hours. Any student who has had a fever of 100 degrees or more may return to school after he or she has been FEVER FREE FOR 24 HOURS (WITHOUT the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
We also continue to have a number of students with confirmed cases of Strep. If you have a strep throat infection, you may have a red and painful sore throat. There may or may not be white patches on your tonsils/throat. Your lymph nodes on your neck may be swollen. You may or may not have a fever or a headache. GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain can occur but are more common in children than adults. After 24 hours of taking antibiotics, you will no longer spread the bacteria to others. You can return to school as long as the student has been fever free for 24 hours without the help of Tylenol or ibuprofen.
We have also seen symptoms relating to the GI Tract (Gastro-intestinal). Symptoms reported include vomiting and or diarrhea. The Johnson County Health Department states that students should be free of vomiting and/or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.
Head Lice is another concern this time of year. While head lice can be upsetting, it does not carry any disease. It is recommended that you check your child’s head for lice periodically throughout the year and avoid sharing hats, coats, hair combs/brushes and pony tail holders. The primary symptom with head lice is an itchy scalp.
If you have any questions, or concerns, please call Nurse Hought at 780-7696. Thank you!
Month At A Glance
(click here to be directed to website for Tomahawk February Calendar of Events)
Monday, February 1 - Yearbooks on sale all month!
Tuesday, February 2 - Grade 5 Enrollment for 2016-2017 with Indian Trail Counselors
Wednesday, February 3 - Major Saver Sales End
Friday, February 5 - Professional Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, February 9 - Labels/Box Tops/Receipts Collected; 10:30am AM Kindergarten Valentine's Day Party; 2:30pm Valentine's Day Parties in Classrooms
Thursday, February 11- NO SCHOOL; Parent-Teacher Conferences by appointment from 11:00am - 8:00pm
Friday, February 12 - NO SCHOOL
Monday, February 15 - Presidents' Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, February 16 - 6:00pm Fun Fair Planning Meeting; 7:00pm PTO MeetingTuesday, February 23 - Gr 5 invited to Indian Trail Basketball Game; Wendy's 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.)
Thursday, February 25 - NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS; Kindergarten Round-Up/Enrollment for 2016-2017 Kindergarten students from 1-6pm. Click here for a flyer with more details on when to come and what to bring.
Friday, February 26- Tomahawk Fun Fair 6-9pm. Click here for a flyer with more details.
Monday, February 29 - Yearbook orders due!
(Math Wings is after school on Tuesdays (except Feb. 9); The Student Store is open on Fridays before school from 8:00-8:15am)
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
MUSIC
Special Chorus ROCKS at Festival
The Tomahawk Special Chorus performed at the Olathe South Choral Festival on January 13th at Frontier Trail. Olathe provides choral festivals as a way for our elementary students to learn about and hear choral groups at the different age levels. We listened to performances from Briarwood, Green Springs, Black Bob, Brougham, Frontier Trail, and Olathe South. The Tomahawk Special Chorus also performed two songs of their own which were very well received!!! They performed with professionalism and excitement. However, most importantly, they were an enthusiastic and supportive audience for the other groups! It was a successful day where our students left informed AND feeling great about themselves!
1st Graders Prepare for Program
Excitement is in the air for the 1st graders who are working away on their program “Arf”. The program is Thursday, March 3rd at 2:30 and 6:00 PM. Loaded with singing, dancing and plenty of pet jokes, the 1st graders will certainly entertain and SHINE! Come see how this group of feisty dogs teach the audience that everyone has a special talent, even if we need help finding it.
CLUBS
Our 4th and 5th grade Tomahawk students competed in the District Math Wings Competition. The 5th grade team of Ben Brees, Myles Day and Anna Henkel came in 3rd place. All of our Math Wings students have worked hard this year and we are very proud of them.
2,4,6,8 Who Do We Appreciate?
Thank you to all of our Tomahawk families who have helped throughout the month of January. We would specifically like to thank Kelci Ebrecht for planning the Texas Roadhouse night and the Swim Party; and Heather Silva and all her helpers who braved the cold to change the sign each week.
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, February 16 at 7pm in the Tomahawk Library.
Join your Tomahawk friends at Wendy’s (13514 S. Alden St in Olathe) on Tuesday, February 23! Be sure to take the flyer attached here, available on the Tomahawk website, or that will be sent home closer to the event date. The classroom with the highest participation will receive a frosty party!
Yearbooks On Sale Feb 1-29
Tomahawk yearbooks are on sale for $15 each or $20 personalized (with name/picture on cover). Please make checks payable to Tomahawk PTO. Students will receive yearbooks at the end of the school year.
BoxTops/Receipts/Labels Due February 9
Remember to turn in your HyVee receipts, Box Tops for Education, & Campbell’s Labels for Education. Classroom collections will be picked up on February 9th.
Classroom Valentine's Day Parties
Students will celebrate Valentine's Day on Tuesday, February 9th during their classroom parties. Party times are 10:30am for half-day kindergarten and 2:30pm for all other classrooms.
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, February 16 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.
Baked Goods Needed - Calling all 5th grade parents…
We are going to have a bake sale during conferences to help raise money for the 5th grade end of the year activities. We need your help in buying or baking goodies to sell during conferences on February 10 and 11. Please bring in goodies the morning of February 10. A sign-up genius email went out to sign up to work and for baked goods. If you have questions contact Jeanne Bradford at bradfordjeanne@att.net .
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
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