MUSTANG NEWSLETTER

Hello Mustang Community!

First Month of school in the books! 🥳 Thank you to all students, parents, and staff for making this such a great month!

During August, I was able to have wonderful conversations during the student of the week lunches (which led to a new PBIS reward being purchased based on a student idea coming soon!!!) to student growth already being observed as I visit classrooms and see students mastering objectives!

This year brought a lot of new changes, but our students and staff met them head-on with smiles on their faces and positivity. I appreciate everyone's willingness to navigate all things new. Speaking of new, we have been discussing how we support student culture and diversity here at Meadow Lane. Mr. Graham has been working diligently with the Culture and Belonging Department on how to include and value all students and staff to meet their unique needs by providing equitable opportunities in order to understand and respect differences, thus preparing all students to live in an inclusive, global community. On September 17th, we have been given the opportunity to have the Student Affinity Group come to ML to speak with our 4th and 5th grade students at 9 am in the library about Cultural Diversity. This is an amazing opportunity, and I am greatly looking forward to it!

We have ML students supporting and celebrating each other for their individual achievements, and safety patrol rocking it out everyday! We have had a few bumps, but the overall positivity that exudes from the ML community is beautiful. This is what our students need to be successful, and you all make that happen. Thank you for your support and for trusting us with the most precious people in your lives.

I am looking forward to another great month, especially since we have Jog-A-Thon on the 27th!!!! Woo Hoo!!

Jog, jog, jog-a-thon, jog, jog, jog-a-thon

Oh, the jog-a-thon's just two days away

jog, jog, jog-a-thon

Lot's of fun that's what I say

jog, jog, jog-a-thon

You've got to move, move, move your feet

jog, jog, jog-a-thon

Oh, the jog-a-thon just can't be beat

jog, jog, jog-a-thon

We have a busy month ahead of us, but it will be a fantastic as we lead into Fall. I appreciate you all, and I am only a phone call or email away if you need anything. Remember, it is always a great day to be a Mustang! 🐴

In Partnership,

Casey - Principal

If your student will be absent, is going to be late, needs to be picked up early, or is taking a different form of transportation home, please click on the linked title above to report it. Once the link is open, call the school line listed or you can email us. Just click on the "email us" link and send a quick note to Mrs. Little and Mrs. Stry (if you use this link it automatically goes to both of them).

*if you are navigating from the Meadow Lane Webpage, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Parent Tab at the top.
2. Under Parent Resources on the left, click on Report an Absence.

We appreciate your cooperation! 🙂

Please click on the button to access the PTO Mustang Quarterly

Every parent is a member of our PTO! Are you interested in learning more about the PTO, or want to get involved? Join us for our first meeting on September 17th at 7:00 PM in the ML library! Have any questions? Reach out to Emily at emilylovesadoption@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE, Friday, September 27th!

If you are new to Meadow Lane, the Jog-A-Thon is our biggest fundraiser of the year, which helps fund Field Trips, among many other amazing Meadow Lane traditions! Please click on the linked button below to read about our JOT and get all your questions answered on how to get involved and donate!!!

The foam party from Friday August 16th was a huge success! Thank you for any that attended. The students had a fantastic time.

Our Meadow Lane teachers/staff work incredibly hard to teach and inspire our kids, so let's show our appreciation by stocking their breakroom with treats and drinks. Please send in items on September 10th and 11th. We will be at the morning drop-off to collect, or you can send in your donations to the office later in the day.

Thanks for helping us spoil our educators. Please signup by clicking on the button below:

Having your student present and on time for learning is a key factor in their success. Students must be in their class by 9:00 AM. If you are dropping them off after 9:00 AM, a parent or guardian must walk them inside to sign them in for the day in the front office. Please see the updated district guidelines below for student attendance.

Tardies:

4 tardies in a semester = 1 unexcused absence, parent phone call

7 tardies in a semester = Intervention meeting and plan established with parents and school team

20 tardies in a semester = 5 unexcused absences, truancy authorities notified

Absenteeism

5 absences in a semester = Intervention meeting and plan established with parents and school team

9 absences in a semester = Second/updated intervention meeting and plan established with parents, school team, and any additional parties.

10 absences in a school year = Truancy authorities notified

Truancy

3 unexcused absences in a row = Intervention meeting and plan established with parents and school team

5 unexcused absences in a semester = Truancy authorities notified

7 unexcused absences in a school year = Updated team intervention meeting

These policies align with BOE Policies JBA, JBAA, JBAD, JBAB, JBC.

If a unique situation exists that may interfere with regular, timely school attendance, the parent should work with the school administrator (Mr. Welch) to develop a plan in advance.

At Meadow Lane, we are committed to starting the school year on a strong note, and regular attendance at school makes all the difference. Your child's regular attendance at school is invaluable, not just for their academic growth but for their social and emotional development too. Your child is a vital part of our school community, and every day they're absent, we miss the opportunity to partner with them on their educational journey and watch them learn and grow. Together we can work to ensure they can make the most of every school day, building a foundation for a bright and successful future.

If you're facing obstacles to regular attendance, please reach out. We're more than ready to collaborate on making school a priority for your child. We all know that different circumstances arise. The administrator does have the autonomy to discuss excused absences for extenuating circumstances that are beyond your control and in the best interest of the student (medical, etc.). If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Principal.

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) 780-7550

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

Casey Welch: Principal

WE TEACH OUR STUDENTS HOW TO BEHAVE BY WHAT WE ALLOW, WHAT WE STOP, WHAT WE IGNORE, AND WHAT WE REINFORCE.

Email: crwelch@olatheschools.org
Website: https://www.olatheschools.org/meadowlane/
Location: 21880 College Boulevard, Olathe, KS, USA
Phone: (913) 780-7550

August Mustang Newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/jak6h