What an exciting, fun-filled first week!! You should have some tired kiddos this weekend :) Our students and staff did a great job transitioning this week with all our new changes. Camp kindergarten went extremely well, the teachers had several team builders and we spent a lot of time building our positive relationships. Thank you to our families that showed up at sneak-a-peak, hope to see you all at back-to-school night next week. Have a wonderful weekend!

Aug. 16 Kindergarten Placements released via ParentVue

Aug. 19: Kindergarten Meet the Teacher Night - 5:00PM- 6:00 PM

Aug. 21: Back to School Night (Grades K-2) 5:00PM- 6:00PM

Aug. 22: Back to School Night (Grades 3-5) 5:00PM - 6:00PM

Aug 23: Shorts & Shades PTO Ice Cream Truck - 2:00- 3:00

Aug 30. 1/2 day for students - 12:10 Dismissal

Sept 2 & 3 - No school for students

Sept 5. School Pictures

Sept. 13: Walk a Thon 12:00- 3:00

Sept 27: PTO Carnival 5:30 - 7:30

The safety and security of all our students is our number one priority. To ensure our students are dismissed appropriately you MUST let our office know if you are altering your child's dismissal plan. You can call 913-780-7360 or email CCattendance@olatheschools.org. All changes must be made by 3:30PM. If such communication is not made your child will go home as indicated by their teacher

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In Olathe Public Schools, we are committed to having an environment in all schools that is conducive to learning – an environment free from unnecessary distractions and that promotes the responsible use of technology by all individuals. Personal electronic devices (i.e. cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, etc.) can hinder or disrupt student learning.

At the August 1, 2024 regular Board of Education meeting, the Board approved Policy JTC – Personal Electronic Devices, providing standard districtwide guidance around the use of personal electronic devices during the instructional day.

Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, early childhood through eighth-grade students cannot use their personal electronic devices, including smartwatches, during the scheduled school day. To read the full policy, click here.

We recognize that in today’s digital world, personal electronic devices are a part of our everyday life, and as such, we want to be clear that while they are prohibited during the instructional day, students can have personal electronic devices in their backpacks or lockers and may use personal electronic devices during the scheduled school day in emergency situations, lockdowns, or if necessary for the student’s physical health.

If a parent or guardian needs to contact their student during the school day, please call the main office. Our phone number is 913-780-7360.

We understand this change may bring questions or concerns. Click here for a list of frequently asked questions.

OPS Cellphone/ Smartwatch Offenses

1st Offense:

- A staff member will ask the student to turn off the device and place the device their backpack

- Parents will be notified of this offense by the classroom teacher.

2nd Offense:

- A staff member will ask the student to turn off the device and the device will be sent to the principal’s office

- The device will be held in the administrator's office till the end of the day. The device will be returned to the student before leaving the building.

- Parents will be notified of this offense by the classroom teacher.

3rd Offense:

- A staff member will ask the student to turn off the device and the device will be sent to the principal’s office

- The school administrator will contact the parent/ guardian. The device will be held in the office until a parent or guardian can come up to the building to retrieve the device.

Dear parents,

As we get the new school year started, I wanted to send a quick refresher on district illness and medication policies. Our goal is to make our school a healthy, safe place for both students and staff.

In elementary school, all medications must be stored and dispensed from the health room. Medications, including over-the-counter medications, require a signed doctor's order annually. More details and required forms for any medications that you feel your child might need at school can be found here: Health / Medication Policies (olatheschools.org)

We appreciate your cooperation in assisting us with controlling the spread of contagious illness. We reinforce frequent hand washing with our students and coughing/sneezing into a tissue or their sleeve (not their hands). If your child becomes ill during school hours, the school nurse will contact you immediately.

In addition, we refer to the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) recommendations when determining the need to send a student home from school. The included link provides specific guidance on when a student can be readmitted into the school. Please see specific information regarding exclusion guidelines here: Disease and Symptom Exclusion Recommendations (olatheschools.org)

It is important to note that exclusion criteria have been updated this year, specifically for respiratory viruses, including Covid-19 and Influenza. Students must now stay home for these illnesses until both of these statements are true: symptoms are improving AND student has been fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of medication. Upon return to normal activities, additional precautions should be taken for the next 5 days to limit the spread of illness.

Thank you for reinforcing healthy habits with our students. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!

Nurse Carla

cmclark@olatheschools.org

Cedar Creek’s Therapy Dog Shadow will be coming back to school this year after Labor Day! Shadow is a 7-year-old Australian Shepherd mix who loves kids and is so excited be back with the CCE family! She passed her Canine Good Citizen certification, proving that she can handle a variety of people and environments.

If your child has an allergy to dogs/fear of dogs/another concern, please complete the attached Google Form. Please fill out the form by Friday, August 30th https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn91KXIdYEZnqLXdzm5CShYxKxngpTfc83LGltaYVj8P4WHw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Therapy Dog Benefits

- Reduces anxiety

- Decreases heart rate

- Increases clarity and expression of speech

- Increases motor activity

- Makes people happy

How she will be used

- Available to all CCE students

- Able to greet students in the mornings

- Attend many counselor lessons with Mrs. Owings

- Reading buddy for students

- Able to assist anxious students in coming to school

- Able to help regulate students who are sad, angry, or anxious

- Provide opportunities for students to take on responsibility in helping care for Shadow

- 5th Grade student leader jobs

As we reflect on the start of the school year, we want to express our gratitude for your support and partnership in your child's education at Cedar Creek Elementary. Our commitment to your child's academic success is unwavering, and it is with this shared dedication that we address an important matter – chronic absenteeism.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% or more of the school year (excused and unexcused) and may have a significant impact on your child's education including their overall academic progress, as well as their social and emotional development. While we understand there may be valid reasons for occasional absences, regular school attendance is a fundamental factor in your child's educational journey, and we are dedicated to supporting you in ensuring your child's success. Cedar Creek staff and students have set a goal of having a 92% attendance rate for the 2024-2025 school year.

Below are some opportunities to support the partnership between school and home:

Contact Us: Reach out to your child's teacher, our social worker, or the school office to discuss the reasons for frequent absences. Open and honest communication will help us better understand your child's unique circumstances.

Plan Together: Together, we can create a plan to address the specific challenges your child may be facing in maintaining regular attendance. This plan may include setting attendance goals, providing additional support, or connecting you with community resources.

Establish a Routine: Establishing a consistent daily routine will improve your child's attendance. Ensuring they get a good night's sleep, eat a balanced diet, and are prepared for school will make a big difference.

Celebrate Progress: We will recognize and reward your child's efforts to improve attendance.

Stay Informed: Keep in close contact with your child's teachers and school staff, attend parent-teacher conferences and school events to stay informed about your child's progress and any areas of concern.

We are still looking for volunteers. If you’re interested in a committee please sign up below!

Send your student to school with a pair of sunglasses on Friday, 8/23! That afternoon they’ll enjoy a sweet treat provided by the PTO.