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

Did you know that your child’s absence affects more than just their own learning? When students miss school, it can cause disruptions for the entire class. Teachers often have to adjust their plans to help absent students catch up, which can slow down the pace of learning for everyone. Group projects, hands-on activities and class discussions are all harder to manage when students are missing. All students play a vital role in the classroom. By making attendance a priority, you’re supporting your child’s growth, ensuring the class can learn together.

Our staff gathered on November 1 for teacher-professional collaboration time. This time continues to allow our educators adequate plan and collaboration time that benefits our students in the long term. Our staff appreciates our families for allowing this plan and collaboration time to occur.

These days are a significant benefit for our elementary staff that will, in turn, support our students’ academic success. I want to share some details about how our staff spent the day.

• Teams of teachers from different grade levels aligned projects around informative writing to make sure we are helping students progress as writers.
• Teachers reflected upon their goals for this year and planned future actions.
• Grade levels planned and prepared materials for upcoming units in all subject areas.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Have a great weekend!

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 in the classroom. We will update you on other activities as well.

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.

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

📚 Book Fair
Dates: November 11th - 15th
More details to come soon, but mark your calendars for the chance to stock up on some great reads!

🍩 Donuts with Grownups
Date: November 13th
Start your morning off right with some donuts and fun! More details will be shared as we get closer to the event.

🎃 Spooky School House & Trunk or Treat Thank you to everyone who crept out to Trunk or Treat and Spooky School House! An extra eerie shoutout to the families who transformed their trunks into spine-tingling spectacles—it made for a frightfully fun night! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite trunk on the PTA Facebook page. The winning trunk earns a popsicle party for their child’s class as a reward for their hair-raising creativity. Thanks again for making this event a haunting success! 🎃👻

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