Indian Valley Elementary
Website: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/IVE
Location: 11600 Knox Street, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 913.239.6400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IVEThunderbirds/
Twitter: @IVEThunderbirds
Due to the number of inclement weather days this month, February 28 will now be a school attendance day for all elementary students.
We deeply value the collaboration and planning time these days provide for our teachers, as they are essential in creating exceptional learning experiences for students. However, with the instructional time already lost in February, this adjustment ensures we can prioritize and maximize opportunities for student learning.
Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership in supporting your child’s education.
For our 2025 IVE School-wide book read, families will be reading Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. Abdul’s Story is about a little boy who loves storytelling but writing them down is hard. His letters refuse to stay straight and face the right way. And despite all his attempts, his papers often wind up with more eraser smudges than actual words. Abdul decides his stories just aren’t meant to be written down…until a special visitor comes to class and shows Abdul that even the best writers—and superheroes—make mistakes. Please be looking for this book and discussion questions to come home in the next few months. Happy Reading IVE families!
Some February Celebrations & Observances:
Black History Month - created to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural heritages of African Americans. Black History Month highlights the triumphs and adversities that have helped shape the United States.
World Hijab Day - February 1 - recognizes the millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab. Inviting women of all identities to wear the hijab for one day, it promotes understanding of other cultures and personal freedoms of religious expression.
Magha Puja Day - February 12 - an important Buddhist festival celebrating the gathering between Buddha and his first disciples. Some families will attend temple, meditate, listen to teachings, perform giving alms, and hold candlelight processions.
The Lantern Festival - February 12 - the last night of Lunar New Year celebrations. Occurring on the first full moon of the lunar year, it serves as a symbol of unity and completeness. Some families will light colorful lanterns - some with riddles written on them, dance, and eat sweet rice balls or dumplings in soup.
Maha Shivaratri - February 26 - a solemn Hindu festival that marks the “overcoming of darkness and ignorance” in life and the world. Some families will celebrate by chanting prayers to the god Shiva, fasting, and meditating on virtues of honesty, charity, and forgiveness.
