T-Bird Times

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

We understand that sometimes medical appointments during the school day are unavoidable. When possible, try to schedule these appointments outside of school hours to minimize disruption to your child’s learning. Missing even a small portion of the school day can make it challenging for students to stay caught up, especially as lessons build on each other.

If your child must miss school for an appointment, be sure to notify the teacher in advance. We are prepared to support students returning from short absences with extra materials or makeup work, but we know that nothing replaces the in-class experience.

We look forward to seeing you at Donuts with Grown-ups on Wednesday, November 13th at 8:00 in the cafeteria!

Please use the bus line doors under the blue awning to enter. Grown-ups will need to leave through the same doors when students leave for class.

On Nov. 14, students across the country will participate in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, an annual, commemorative event that honors the courage of Ruby Bridges who made history by becoming the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans in 1960. Students across the country now walk to school on this day to commemorate her bravery and continue the important conversation about equality and inclusion. To learn more about Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, visit https://rubybridges.foundation/.

Since we already participated in a Walk to School Day, we will be honoring this special day with other activities throughout the school day. Students will learn about Ruby Bridges through the announcements as well as read alouds and choice boards in the classroom. Classes will also take a picture walk through the building to learn more about Ruby Bridges.

Some November Celebrations & Observances:

• Native American Heritage Month - celebrates the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples.

• National Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month - honors the military family by recognizing their sacrifices and commitments.

• All Saints Day - November 1 - celebrated by some of the Christian faith, this solemn, holy day honors the saints of the church.

• Day of the Dead - November 1 - celebrated by some with Mexican heritage, a joyful time to remember and honor deceased loved ones.

• Diwali - November 1 - the festival of lights celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the human ability to overcome observed by some Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others. Some will decorate their homes with lights and rangoli art, exchange gifts, dress in colorful clothing, feast with family, and/or go to temple.

If you need help with holiday gifts this year, please apply to the Johnson Country Christmas Bureau as soon as possible. In previous years, the deadline for applications has been near the end of November. This year, BVNW will not be able to provide gifts for families as they have in the past so please do not wait to apply for holiday support through the Johnson Country Christmas Bureau.

Please take some time to read through the Family Handbook for Indian Valley Elementary. There's a lot of important information.

Dear IVE Families,

The holidays can be both a joyful and stressful time. We wanted to provide you with community resources that help alleviate some of that stress by providing assistance with gifts and meals. If you are in need of support, please contact the agencies as soon as possible. Many have an application process and may have limited resources. Also, feel free to reach out to Bailee Greenhaw, our school social worker, at bgreenhaw@bluevalleyk12.org if you have any questions or would like assistance. Your information will remain confidential.

Johnson County Christmas Bureau

Johnson County Christmas Bureau offers a 9-day Holiday Shop during the month of December. At the Holiday Shop pre-qualified clients shop by appointment. All clients are below 150% of the poverty level and reside in Johnson County, Kansas.

Johnson County Multi-Service Center (There are several)

There are multiple resources available through the Multi-Service Center. Some of those include.

Accessibility Services

Catch-a-ride

Food Pantries

Utility Assistance

Rental Assistance

Kansas City Medicine Cabinet

Catholic Charities of Johnson County

Family Support Centers

Address: 9806 W. 87th Street

Overland Park, Kansas 66212

**Please note the dates to sign up for a free Thanksgiving meal are first come, first served. Applicants must apply in person at either Catholic Charities location and provide proof of residency such as a utility bill.

Salvation Army in Olathe

Location is 420 E. Santa Fe Olathe, Kansas 66061

Phone- 913-782-3640

Assistance is for families with children under the age of 15, including Angel Tree. Other support includes financial, free winter coats or boots, and the applications to Toys for Tots. This is first come first serve.

Free Toys for Tots - Johnson County KS

Children, infants and kids can get free Christmas gifts, that are unwrapped. Based on donations, there may be books, video or educational games, sporting goods, electronics, dolls, hot wheels care and more. There are also free Christmas clothes, winter coats and more from the program. Apply here at the link provided.

**The deadline for this resource is November 1st.

United Way of Greater Kansas City

From food and financial assistance to medical care and mental health resources, United Way 2-1-1 offers the help you need. This free service provides access to thousands of resources. Call 2-1-1 and you'll reach a trained, caring professional seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Get Help Here.

Mental Health Support

Johnson County Mental Health Center

After hours Emergency number: 913-268-0156

Olathe: 913-715-7700

Mission: 913-831-2550

Shawnee:913-826-4100

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call: 988

Crisis Text Line

Text: KS to 741741

If you are interested in finding ways to help support families this holiday season feel free to reach out to me as well. I will continue to update this list as new information and/or resources become available. Wishing everyone a warm and healthy holiday season.

Respectfully,

Bailee Greenhaw, LSCSW

bgreenhaw@bluevalleyk12.org

📸 Yearbook Photos Needed!

We’ve had so many amazing events this year—the Halloween Parade, Spooky School House, Class Parties, Walkathon, Walk to School Days, and more! We’d love to include your photos from these events in our yearbook. Please send any photos you’ve taken to indianvalleyyearbook@gmail.com to have them considered! Let’s make this year’s yearbook unforgettable!

📚 Book Fair
Dates: November 11th - 15th

Save the Date! Our Book Fair Family Night will be held alongside Math and Literacy Family Night on Tuesday, November 12th from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Volunteers are still needed for Tuesday night and throughout Book Fair week—please sign up here if you can help: Book Fair Volunteer Sign-Up.

Look for E-Wallet instructions coming home at the end of this week or Monday, making it easy for students to shop starting Wednesday, November 13th through Friday, November 15th!

🍩 Donuts with Grownups
Date: November 13th
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: IVE Cafeteria
Join us in the cafeteria for donuts and coffee starting at 8:00 AM! Start your morning off right with a delicious treat and some quality time together.

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out to us at bluevalleyive.pta@gmail.com.