Weekly Wildcat
PARENT NEWSLETTER: WEEK OF 12/14
Chisholm Trail Middle School
Office Hours: Mon-Fri. 7am-4pm
16700 W. 159th Street, Olathe, KS, 66062
913-780-7240
Technical Support: Help Desk--913-780-8058
Administration
Principal: Rick Sola (6th Grade)
Asst. Principal: Krista Dueringer (7th Grade)
kdueringercst@olatheschools.org
Asst. Principal: Rebecca Reyes (8th Grade)
Counselors
Stacey Silkett: 6th grade and Green Team-7th
Ashley Rodden: 8th grade and Silver Team-7th
Website: https://www.olatheschools.org/chisholmtrail
Location: 16700 W 159th St, Olathe, KS 66062, USA
Phone: 913-780-7240
Twitter: @CSTWildcatsMS
***LAST WEEKLY UNTIL THE WEEK OF 1/4/2021***
Week of 12/14
Dear CST Family,
Wow! The CST Family is so generous! Right before Thanksgiving break we began the annual Pennies for Shoes campaign. Typically, this daily effort is accomplished with students in the building making it easier to remind and provide fun incentives to bring "pennies" for local children in need. This year was more of a challenge being in remote but I can confirm CST's generosity was strong. Having ended the campaign at 12:30 on Friday, we'll have the final tally to announce on Monday. In addition to this effort, CST stepped up to provide new crock pots for local families in need (approaching 50!) and those were beginning to reach the families this past Friday as well. Finally, the canned food drive in conjunction with Journey Bible Church (CST adopt-a-school partner--more below), we are collecting cans for their back snack program, also for local families and through the Olathe Public School Foundation. This has been a challenging year, and especially so for many, but our community has shown its generosity over and over. Thank you for supporting these efforts and setting such a powerful example for our kids to assist those in need no matter the situation. Awesome job and so proud.
This will be the last weekly until the week of 1/4/21. Unbelievably, we officially conclude the first semester with our half day this Friday. I'm so proud of our students and staff for their grit this semester. Adjustments and uncertainty have become the expectation but through the semester they keep moving forward. This is not possible without parental support at home. I look forward to beginning a new semester, in any learning mode, as I know we have the people involved--home and at school--to make the second half of the year an amazing experience for kids and one that will continue to promote growth in our students' development.
I wish you all a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season and we'll see you on the flip side in 2021!
Rick
Week at a glance..
Wildcat After Hours and Math Lab times/days are weekly--scroll further for times or reach out to your child's Cat teacher with questions.
- 8th grade BB game @ ST (3:30-5:30pm)
Tuesday, 12/15
- Curbside Book Pick Up 3:30-4:30pm
- 7th grade girls BB game vs CT(3:30-5:30pm)
- 8th grade girls BB game @ CT (3:30-5:30pm)
Wednesday, 12/16
- Holiday Movie Character Day (part 2)
Thursday, 12/17
- 7th grade girls BB game @ FT (3:30-5:30pm)
- 8th grade girls BB game vs FT(3:30-5:30pm)
- Ugly Sweater Day
Friday, 12/18
- Half Day for students (schedule below)
Looking Ahead Next Week...
Upcoming Important Dates...
- Winter Break - Dec.18th-Jan. 6th
- Jan. 4th and 5th--Professional Development Days--No Students
- Jan. 6th--class resumes (note: learning mode to be re-evaluated on 12/14. Decision regarding semester 2 will be communicated soon.)
District Info: Re-Open 2020
- Re-open2020: https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/10371
- FAQs: https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/10370
- Comprehensive Return to School Plan: https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/10415
Thank You, Parents!!!
Your generosity toward teacher appreciation is so appreciated...thank you for your continued support!
Pictured: donated "stock the lounge" items from CST parents. Thank you Lori Grantham and Rebecca Stanley for organizing and setting up for staff.
CST "Adopt-a-School" Partner: Journey Bible Church
JBC is also collecting canned soup with meat for their back snack backpack program. This effort is in conjunction with the Olathe Public School Foundation. We have a collection box at CST and have collected many items for this wonderful cause.
We are grateful for JBC's community outreach program and for all they are doing for CST and its community.
Wonderful Meal!
Lunch Time!
Meals for Heroes
Semester 2 Schedules
Reminder: Semester 1 Gradebook Weighting
Spirit Wear--Coming this week!
Girls Basketball!!!
The season has tipped off, we have parents now in the stands, and we are live streaming for everyone else! Thank you parents of GBB, cheer, and dance for following the criteria below during our games. These efforts help promote the ability to continue having spectators in the gym.
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We are going to be streaming the games live! KSHSAA ruled games can continue but fans are not permitted through January 28th—so we’ll be broadcasting live on Youtube and you are welcome to join us! We’re excited to be able to provide this opportunity for our teams—home or away—to allow parents and fans the chance to watch our wildcats play! We will place links to all games on our website's homepage. Scroll down slightly to the calendar and the links will be listed there.
First 2020 Pep Assembly...First Ever CST Virtual Assembly!!!
Big News for CST!!!
Want to Work at CST?
District Parent Survey
Olathe Public Schools parents,
As we near the semester break in an unprecedented school year, it’s vital to gather input from our families. This survey is the first in what will be a series of survey opportunities. This semester, students received educational instruction in varying methods and it is important to gather input now that we have a semester nearly completed.
We know this year has been challenging. Our families, students and staff have been resilient in the face of adversity and the Olathe Public Schools remains committed to families and staff. Please take a moment to fill out the survey below between Dec. 7-14.
Thank you for your support.
Olathe Public Schools Administration
CST Family Generosity
Can Drive 12/7 -12/14
Teacher Appreciation: Stock the Lounge
Thank you to CST parents, Lori Grantham and Rebecca Stanley, for organizing teacher appreciation efforts over the past few weeks! They were instrumental in the thank you note campaign just before Thanksgiving break and are now asking to "stock the lounge" for CST teachers in the final 2 weeks. Please feel free to reach out to either Lori or Rebecca if you have questions or suggestions about teacher appreciation. See the message below regarding end of semester appreciation. Thank you!
Lori Grantham: lori.grantham@mac.com
Rebecca Stanley: rmstanley@olatheschools.org
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From Lori and Rebecca:
CST teachers and staff are working harder than ever before! To show our appreciation, we would like to stock the teacher's lounge with their favorite drinks and snacks for the last week of school before winter break. Drop your donation off at CST any time during school hours the week of Dec. 7-11.
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
Reminder: Last Day of Semester 1 Bell Schedule (December 18th)
We will follow the schedule below for our 1/2 day on 12/18 (last day of the semester).
Note: Students will attend each class.
Reminder: FOOD SERVICES
Olathe Public Schools families,
In effort to better support our remote learners, below is information regarding Food Services’ new carryout meal service which begins December 8 and will last the duration of remote learning for secondary students:
- No Carryout meals will be available Monday, December 7 (12/7 meals will be provided on 12/4)
- On Tuesday December 8, carryout meal packs of breakfasts and lunches for December 8-10 will be offered.
- On Friday December 11, carryout meal packs of breakfasts and lunches for December 11-14 will be offered.
- Carryout meal packs will continue with 3-day meal packs offered on Tuesdays (for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) and 4-day meal packs offered on Fridays (for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday).
- Carryout locations will continue to be at the 10 middle schools.
- No pre-ordering of meals is necessary.
- Beginning November 30, carryout meal service hours will be expanded to 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
If you have questions, please contact catering@olatheschools.org, (913)780-7005, or visit www.olatheschools.org/cafe233
Sincerely,
Olathe Public Schools Food ServicesWildcat After Hours ( WAH )
Wildcats,
GOOD NEWS! Students are still able to attend WAH (Wildcat After Hours) and Math lab through the end of the semester virtually! So what does that look like?
WAH:
Wildcat After Hours is designed to be an hour after school Monday through Thursday where students can have a quiet space and get additional help from a teacher. They may just need a few questions answered, they may need someone to help prioritize what they are working on and helping them get started, there are lots of different benefits for students to attend. Please let your students know this is an option. The Sign UP form for WAH is below as well as the zoom link, it is critical that they use the sign up process so the ladies working the sessions will know who to expect! Hopefully this cuts down on the zoom bombing issue during this time!
WAH Sign UP form
WAH Zoom Link:
https://olatheschools.zoom.us/j/92313423252
Math LAB:
Students will work with their Math teachers on how to sign up and get the zoom link for these sessions. Below are the days Math Lab help is available in a particular grade. They can log in and work to get caught up or clarification on an assignment they are struggling with.
6th grade: Tuesday and Wednesday
7th grade: Monday and Tuesday
8th grade: Tuesday and Wednesday
Please consider having students sign up for WAH if they are struggling in your class! Also, if you notice a change or kids needing additional supports please let us know in the office.
21st Century Academy Info
More details to come and times and details may shift. For most up to date info go to the academy website (http://departments.olatheschools.com/21stcenturyprograms/resources/ ) or contact 8th counselor, Mrs. Rodden (amrodden@olatheschools.org).
Follow Us on Twitter @CSTWildcatsMS
11/30 District Email: Snow Day News!!
Olathe Public Schools families,
As district staff and families prepare for the holidays, it is also important to plan for the chance of inclement winter weather. This year, there will be two potential options should inclement weather require us to cancel in-person learning.
Inclement Weather Remote Learning Day for Early Childhood and Elementary: Elementary students will spend their morning in a virtual learning format from 8 a.m. to 11:15. This means that they will log into a Zoom with their teacher and will be assigned work and activities to complete. The length of the Zoom will vary by teacher. Early childhood morning students will engage in learning activities from 8-9:30 a.m. and afternoon early childhood students will engage in learning activities from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15. Students will engage in asynchronous learning for the remainder of the school day. Specific details about the Remote Learning Day will be provided by your child’s teacher and principal.
Inclement Weather Remote Learning Day for Middle School: Students will spend their morning in a virtual learning format. Middle school will follow a condensed schedule from 7:50 a.m. to 11:15, checking into each class. Students will engage in asynchronous learning for the remainder of the school day. Specific details about the Remote Learning Day and schedule at the middle school level will be provided by your child’s teacher and principal.
Inclement Weather Remote Learning Day for High School: Students will spend their morning in a virtual learning format. At the high school level, depending on whether the snow day had been designated as an odd block day or an even block day, students will attend their Odd block classes or Even block of classes from 7:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. Students will engage in asynchronous learning for the remainder of the school day. Specific details about the Remote Learning Day and schedule at the high school level will be provided by your child’s teacher and principal.
Traditional Snow Day for All Levels: In the event of extreme weather conditions, the district may call an inclement weather (snow day) with no school for students. Students would not be required to log into remote learning on this day.
HOW TO STAY INFORMED
When the chance for severe or inclement weather looms, we will only post the cancellation of school, athletic events and other activities. We will not post when school, athletic events and activities are proceeding as scheduled.
If school is canceled or a remote learning day is called due to snow or bad weather, the information will be available in the following formats:
- Blackboard notification to parents and staff via text and email information on file
- Local television and radio stations
- District website — http://www.olatheschools.org
- Push notification via district mobile app – go to your phone’s app store and search “Olathe Public Schools”
- Facebook — go to "Olathe Public Schools"
- Twitter — @olatheschools
- Instagram - @olatheschoolsks
A FEW IMPORTANT NOTES
- Students should bring home their device each day in case of an inclement weather remote learning day.
- Student attendance will be taken on remote learning days.
- Both remote and in-person students will follow the half day schedule.
SPECIAL EDUCATION INFORMATION
Instruction may include work and/or activities, which can be completed independently. Limited new content would be presented. This may include opportunities for students to make up missing assignments, work on existing projects, or do a special snow day asynchronous activity.
Connecting with Students
- Special education and gifted teacherswill connect live via Zoom with individuals and/or groups at least once during the day. The length of these live Zoom sessions may vary by teacher and are intended to be a check-in with students to provide direction for assignments and answer any questions from students.
- Center-based teacherswill be asked to engage with students via Zoom in the morning, and be available to answer questions and provide support for general education classes during a scheduled afternoon office hour.
Independent Remote Learning Activities (suggestions/options):
- Snow Day Packet- Printed copies sent home ahead of time may be used if needed.
- Choice Boards– Pre-planned activities that address student IEP goals.
- Online Subscriptions already in use – will be used only if students utilize one of the online programs as part of their specialized instruction plan. Students and parents should have easy access to usernames and passwords.
12/4 Building Email: Snow Day Follow up
In follow up to the inclement weather email from the district (below) is the bell schedule middle schools will operate on in an “inclement weather remote learning day”. A few key notes from the email:
• Both remote and in-person students will follow the half day schedule
• Both remote and in-person students will check in each hour via Zoom
• Remote learning students do not check into Cat Time.
• Inclement weather may result in a “traditional snow day” where students
are not expected to log in or attend class
• Communication of many forms will announce any day impacted by
inclement weather
Time Period
Cat: 7:50-7:59 AcExt (in-person students only)
1st: 8:03-8:27
2nd: 8:31-8:55
3rd: 8:59-9:23
4th: 9:27-9:51
5th: 9:55-10:19
6th: 10:23-10:47
7th: 10:51-11:15
Remote Classroom Best Practices
Systemwide Remote Learning Bell Schedule
Remote Learning Bell Schedule
Remote Learning Guidelines
Please be reminded of the remote classroom best practices (PDF below). As was suggested prior to the school year, reviewing with your child can help promote a successful end to semester 1.
Please note: Zoom cameras should be turned on unless instructed by the teacher to turn off. This allows for teacher-to-student and student-to-student interaction and also helps promote higher levels of engagement while also maintaining the climate and culture of the classroom.
Sanitizing Wipes
Science Olympiad
For Students wanting to join Science Olympiad ( link below)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ImlQ4Mr0S3kZLmnzwaqMWj4Bm1tLlfeRsFqK9UlDw5M/edit?usp=sharing
Winter Sports and Communication Updates
As the Olathe Public Schools works to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuously working with state and local health officials on the best practice and expertise for keeping students and staff safe. As new evidence is identified, local health departments and their collaborating school districts respond by updating guidance and practices. We want to make sure to share with parents the latest updates.
Winter Athletics
At this time, the Olathe Public Schools will move forward with winter sports while following the KSHSAA mitigation protocols. The district will continue to work closely with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. We will continue to review information and data provided by our community health partners.
Fever for Secondary Level
Fever (100o or greater) is now listed as a primary symptom for secondary students rather than a secondary symptom. This means that any student with a fever will need to be evaluated for COVID by a medical health care provider OR provide a negative molecular (PCR) COVID test OR remain out of school until they have met the symptomatic recovery criteria for COVID-19. Symptomatic recovery criteria for COVID-19 is: it has been 10 days since the onset of their symptoms AND they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours AND they have significant improvement in their symptoms.
We realize this is a change. Please understand using the guidance provided by medical experts will help to keep students and staff safe.
COVID Test Requirements
Not all COVID-19 tests may be utilized to determine that an individual does not have COVID-19. There are two types of diagnostic tests: Molecular and Antigen (commonly known as a rapid test). https://www.fda.gov/media/140161/download
- Molecular/ viral testing (PCR). These tests take longer (some are same day and some take several days) because they must be sent to a lab for processing, but are more accurate. These are collected by nasal swab and some saliva tests are now available. JCDHE currently offers free PCR tests by nasal swab. This is not the deep nasopharyngeal collection method so is not as uncomfortable as the original tests. Results are typically available in 48 hours or less.
- Antigen or Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). These tests are not designed to detect viral DNA but look for a protein on the virus. The results are rapid because the specimen is read on-site. However, they have a high enough percentage of false negatives that negative results are not accepted from symptomatic individuals for return to school without a confirmatory PCR test, a physician’s alternate diagnosis, or remaining out of school for the full recovery period for COVID-19 (10-day minimum and fever-free without medicine for 24 hours and symptoms improvement).
Communication Change
Keeping parents informed about COVID exposures is vital. Previously, schools had communicated for any case in the building. Moving forward, schools will communicate with parents and staff who have had an exposure or low-risk exposure to an individual and will provide details about next steps. After reviewing recommendations from local health officials and gaining feedback from parents and the community, the district will not communicate to an entire school building if there is a case, only to those who have had any contact with the individual (exposure or low-risk exposure.) This change is aligned with best practice.
COVID-19 Dashboard
Each week, the district updates the COVID-19 dashboard to provide a snapshot of the number of new cases and exclusions due to exposure for both students and staff. This is updated each Friday, typically in the afternoon, and can be found at https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/10754.
Reminder:
Parents interested in changing their child’s learning environment for second semester beginning January 2021 may do so between Oct. 26 and Nov. 6 at this link:
https://onbase.olatheschools.com/forms/remote_learning_selection.html
Please give careful consideration to the needs and learning mode that will best suit you and your child(ren) for the rest of the year knowing that the decision is a commitment through May of 2021. This learning environment change will go into effect when second semester begins on Jan. 6. Parents who want to continue with the same learning environment DO NOT need to fill out this form.
You are receiving this email because
COVID Gradebook Weighting
Traffic Pattern
Please use a "zipper merge" when turning in off of 159th and entering into our drop off and pick up lanes so that we can maximize the full extent of all pick-up lanes. This will help reduce back-up onto 159th street.
Thank you for following our traffic pattern in effort to promote student safety and efficiency.
CST Virtual Tour!
Curbside Book Pick Up Extended !!
Curbside has been extended through this semester! Beginning Oct. 6th, it will be offered each Tuesday from 4-6pm until Winter Break.
Those dates are: October 13th, 20th, 27th and November 10, 17th, 24th and December 1st, 8th, 15th
Students and families will be able to come up to school at that time and collect their books they have placed on hold and return any library books that are due back. It will be staffed by myself and staff volunteers. We will be outside in front of the main entrance and be ready to distribute books and collect books as needed at that time.
We Need Your Pictures for Year Book
Wanting to Work here at Chisholm?
Attendance
Attendance Corner
Welcome Parents to the 2020-21 School Year. A few suggestions to help us tackle attendance for your student(s) during this hybrid learning experience. Attendance is more crucial during these unprecedented times. We ask that you notify Chisholm Trail Attendance Office, preferably before 8:00am with your students all day absence. You can use any of the following methods of contacting us:
1. Call dedicated Attendance Line (voicemail only) – 913-780-7241
2. Call CST Main Line – 913-780-7240 (voicemail after 4:00pm)
3. Email Connie Bray, Attendance Secretary @ cbraycst@olatheschools.org
*all emails will be responded to with a follow-up email for verification of receiving
Information needed to report absence:
· Student Name
· Student Grade
· Your Relationship to Student
· Reason for absence (i.e. illness description, appointment, etc.)
· Phone number to return call (if needed for further info)
Due to remote learning, if your student checks out for an appointment, we ask for a second notification to Attendance (again via any of the 3 methods listed above) if student returns to learning with a time of return. If you contact your student(s) teacher via email please cc Connie Bray with info as to help us.
Please refer to this request as we proceed to continue to help make this school year as positive as we possibly can. We are always here to assist you in any way we can. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. Thank you, and together we can do this.
Attendance Secretary,
Connie Bray
Technical Support
Need technical support? Go here for solutions and direction...consider bookmarking this page.
https://www.olatheschools.org/domain/3042
Surface Go Tip
If students are unable to connect to WiFi (example: worked one day but not the other):
o Press and hold the Power button until the screen goes black (ignore the “swipe to shut down PC” option)
o Press Power button again
o Give it a minute to restart – this should “kick out” new updates to Surface Go
(Just another way to update!)
Systemwide Remote Schedule for In-Person Learners
Remote Learner Schedule
Instructional videos for StudentVUE:
StudentVUE video tutorial ENGLISH: https://youtu.be/36ODz_CxG9o
StudentVUE video tutorial SPANISH: https://youtu.be/MZqHT8Kwqwk
We are Wildcats!
Receiving our emails?
You should receive an email and a text alerting you of the updated weekly. If you do not have an email we do not have an accurate address. Please contact Melynda Marquardt to be added or verified.
CST Data Operator: Melynda Marquardt (mrmarquardt@olatheschools.org)
Office Staff
Receptionist: Chrissy Walters
Assistant Principal's Secretary: Angie Peterson
Attendance Secretary: Connie Bray
Bookkeeper/Principal's Secretary: Andrea Wescott
Data Operator: Melynda Marquardt
School Nurse: Jennifer Ross
Please keep info updated (email, phone number, medical, etc.). Contact the office at 913-780-7240 if you are concerned you may be missing communication or need to update your family's information.