Olathe Public Schools
Their Future is Our Future
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for each of you — students, staff, families, and the entire community. This time of year offers us a chance to reflect on the many blessings we have and to appreciate the hard work and dedication that makes our school community so special. I hope that you all enjoy a well-deserved break, filled with rest, joy, and time spent with loved ones.
Your very proud superintendent,
Dr. Brent Yeager
As we approach the winter months, we want to make you aware of a new option to address inclement weather when it arises. This year, we are pleased to introduce a new Two-Hour Delayed Start option.
The Two-Hour Delayed Start option addresses feedback and requests we continue to hear from our community for more flexibility related to inclement weather, rather than an all or nothing approach to snow days. The delayed start option provides the opportunity to hold school once inclement weather conditions resolve or improve, maximizing instructional time and reducing the need to add instructional minutes or make-up days at the end of the school year.
On days when the Two-Hour delay is implemented, all school start times and morning bus pick-up times will be delayed by two hours. Schools will end their day at the regular time and after-school bus routes will also run on their regular schedule. Please note that bus schedules on the Stopfinder bus app will not reflect the two-hour delay.
Two-Hour Delayed Start – School Hours
- High School, Olathe Transition Support Program (OTSP), Prairie Learning Center
- 9:40 a.m.- 2:40 p.m.
- Middle School:
- 10:20 a.m.-3:20 p.m.
- Elementary School:
- 10:55 a.m.- 3:55 p.m.
- A.M. Early Childhood classes are canceled.
- P.M. Early Childhood classes attend as regularly scheduled.
- Heartland Early Childhood Center:
- 10:20 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
- A.M. Early Childhood classes are canceled.
- P.M. Early Childhood classes attend as regularly scheduled.
- Full day Head Start classes follow the delayed start schedule.
- Harmony Early Childhood Center:
- 10:55 a.m. -3:55 p.m.
- A.M. Early Childhood classes are canceled.
- P.M. Early Childhood classes attend as regularly scheduled.
- Full day Head Start classes follow the delayed start schedule.
Other Important Delayed Start Information
Breakfast service will not be provided on delayed start days due to arrival times being so close to lunch. Lunch service will be provided as close to the normal time as possible.
All student trips leaving prior to noon are canceled.
All before-school athletics/activities practices are canceled. Decisions on after-school athletics and activities will be made later in the day.
JCPRD daycare will be delayed two hours in the morning (9-11 a.m.) and will follow regular afternoon hours at buildings where JCPRD is offered. Children must be enrolled in JCPRD to participate.
Parochial and work site shuttles scheduled prior to noon are canceled (i.e. CREWS, OTSP)
Transportation for partner schools is delayed by two hours (Lake Mary, KSD, etc.)
All inclement weather decisions will be made by 6 a.m., including the decision to delay the start of school. As always, the district will prioritize the safety and security of our staff, students and families when making decisions related to inclement weather. Based on weather conditions, there may not be a need to utilize the Two-Hour Delayed Start option this year. However, if the district decides to use the delayed start, the decision will be made with the safety and security of all in mind.
Finally, please know that we recognize this new delayed start option is just that - new. While we always strive to anticipate all questions, challenges and “what-ifs,” we recognize that there may be areas for growth or improvement with this delayed start option moving forward. As a district, we are committed to learning from the implementation, if this option is used, and will make adjustments moving forward to ensure this option works best for and meets the needs of our students, families and staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this new option that helps prioritize instructional time with our students during the regularly scheduled school year.
For more information on inclement weather cancellations and delays, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, how families can expect to be notified of inclement weather decisions, and more, please visit the district website.
At the 27th Annual Olathe Public Schools Foundation Autumn Breakfast on Nov.15, guests were welcomed by the high school mascots, cheerleaders, and community partners. The event raised an amazing $232,000 to support Olathe Public Schools!
There were incredible performances by Sunnyside Elementary third graders, Canyon Creek Elementary Choir, Olathe South High School Southside Singers, and Indian Trail Middle School Cougar Singers. Cindy VonFeldt, OPSF executive director, and KSHB anchor Caitlin Knute hosted the event, which featured a text-to-give campaign raising over $22,000 for student eye exams and glasses during the event.
Superintendent Dr. Brent Yeager shared updates in the State of the District Address, celebrating the district’s achievements and future plans, including the new Olathe Public Schools Innovation Campus. We want to thank the Foundation and their donors for their dedicated partnership over the years!
Our student athletes have been on fire this season, bringing home state titles and earning top honors across multiple sports! From record-breaking performances to historic firsts, our schools continue to demonstrate incredible talent and determination. Here's a look at some of the standout moments from our fall sports teams:
Cross Country
6A Girls: Olathe West takes the State Title for the fifth consecutive year — that's five straight state championships!
Braxton Theel (OW): 6A Boys State Champion.
Girls Tennis:
Olathe Northwest High School wins the 6A State Championship, marking the first-ever state title for an Olathe team in tennis!
Singles Champion: Mithila Dixit (ONW).
Doubles Champions: Riley Terhune and Hannah Carney (ONW).
Gymnastics:
Olathe North claims its fourth straight State Championship in gymnastics!
Sophia Beaumont (ONW): State Champion in Vault, Bars, Beam, and All-Around, plus tied for 1st in Floor!
Emmy Keller (ONW): Tied for 1st in Floor.
Work continues across multiple district-wide projects aimed at improving our facilities. The Olathe Public Schools Innovation Campus is progressing with utility and wall construction, and structural steel installation is expected to wrap up soon. At Santa Fe Trail Middle School, punch-list items are being addressed as staff works through final touches in the new facility, while demolition of the existing building is completed. Meanwhile, planning for the aging facilities and HVAC upgrade projects are underway, with construction set for summer 2025.
In athletics, track and tennis court upgrades are nearing completion, with work at Olathe Northwest wrapping up soon. Additional upgrades at Olathe South, Olathe East, and other district locations are complete, with a few finishing touches on track striping to be done by the end of November. For the roofing projects in 2025, bids are in and awaiting approval for summer construction.
Exciting enhancements are also underway for student spaces. The high school media center projects are in the bidding phase, with construction expected to begin in the second semester at Olathe North and Olathe South. The middle school auditorium projects are also progressing, with initial construction starting next semester at four middle schools.
We are so thankful for YOU – our community – who voted YES on these bond projects in 2022. To find more information, please visit our website.
In Olathe Public Schools, we believe that every day at school is an opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and build the foundation for future success. When students miss school regularly, this can lead to gaps in learning that become harder to fill over time.
We recognize that the transition into colder months can sometimes lead to increased absences, whether due to illness or the temptation to enjoy extended breaks. While we understand these challenges and encourage you to keep your student home if they are sick, it’s important to remember that even a few missed days each month can add up.
We encourage you to prioritize consistent attendance whenever possible, especially as we move into the winter season. By bringing your child to school each day, you’re helping them build positive habits, stay focused on their education, and ensure they don’t miss out on valuable learning experiences.
Questions, comments or suggestions? Email them to communications@olatheschools.org.
Website: www.olatheschools.org
Location: 14160 South Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS, USA
Phone: 913-780-7000
Facebook: facebook.com/olatheschools
Instagram: instagram.com/olatheschoolsks
X / Twitter: @olatheschools
YouTube: youtube.com/@OlathePublicSchools233