Trail Talk Back to School Edition
August 2024
Welcome Back to School Trailblazers!
The SFT PTA is so excited to shout, "welcome back to the 2024-2025 school year"! We would like to extend a special welcome to our newest trailblazers, we are so glad you are here. SFT is the place to be! We look forward to providing opportunities to serve and connect this year through PTA initiatives to give our students, teachers, and staff extra support to make it a fabulous year to remember!
KINDERGARTEN PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Immediately after drop-off on the first day, please stop by the table outside of the school doors to enjoy breakfast treats and to meet some SFT parents who are eager to support you!
Alright, say it loud and say it proud! The three guiding principles are the famous “ABCs of SFT”
- “A” is for Actively Engaged,
- “B” is for Be Safe, and
- “C” is for Caring!
Stay in-touch with your SFT Community through Facebook, Instagram and on the SFT PTA Website.
Meet the Teacher Night: Aug. 12 from 5-6pm
- Enter through the Main Front Door at 5pm.
- Locate student classroom, meet the teacher, drop off supplies (bring first day if unable to attend).
- Take a picture with your teacher, parents/guardians will not be allowed to enter the school on the first day.
- Visit the Cloud Family Gym for a cold treat provided by PTA and become a member or ask questions!
- Complete Online Verification Forms, Meal Applications, and Make Payments.
2024-2025 SFT PTA Officers, Membership & Meetings
Officers: Introducing your SFT PTA leadership for the 2024-2025 school year. Please Contact Us with any questions, ideas or concerns. We look forward to partnering with you to support our school!
- President: Jenni Miller
- Vice President #1 (Classroom Programs): Emily Beecher
- Vice President #2 (Student Programs & Family Events): Jennifer Harms
- Vice President #3 (Ways & Means): Kristin Horst
- Secretary: Morgen Govindan
- Treasurer: Tammy McMahon
Membership: Become a PTA member today for $5 online or stop by and visit our table in the Cloud Family Gym at Meet the Teacher Night!
Meetings: Mark your calendars! There are four general PTA meetings each year. All are welcome! Meetings are held in the SFT Sue-Wiley-Carter Library from 6-7pm. You must be a paid member to vote. Additionally, plan to meet up for a social hour at a local restaurant immediately following to hang with your SFT community.
- September 10, 2024
- November 19, 2024
- February 11, 2025
- April 15, 2025
2024-2025 PTA Initiatives: What Are You Excited For?
The PTA is 100% run by volunteers donating their time to organize and make it happen! Plan to get involved or volunteer this year! Watch your email, the website, social media or come to the first PTA meeting September 10 for your opportunity to help by volunteering for a committee or day of events!
Fundraisers
- Fall Fun Run - Information Coming Soon!
- Spring Adult Fundraiser Night
- Book Fairs
- Why Cook Wednesdays
- Skate Parties
Initiatives
- Kindergarten/Community Outreach
- Classroom Parties
- Chat N Chew
- Field Day
- Family Fun Nights - Save the Date for Sept. 6!
- Variety Show
- 6th Grade Graduation
- Classroom Teacher & Specials Grants
- Field Trips
- Cultural Arts Assemblies
- Teacher & Staff Appreciation
Principal Leiker's Back to School Reminders
Greetings SFT Families! Welcome back to SFT. I look forward to seeing everyone as we start the year! Please review the email from Secretary Brigette Jones sent on Aug. 1 and again Aug. 6 for a link to the full letter packed full of information.
Online Verifications
- Complete online verification for your student(s) in Skyward ASAP!
School Hours
- Office Opens 7:30 am
- Breakfast Service 7:50 am
- First Bell Halls Open 7:50 am
- Class Time (K-6) 8:10 am - 3:10 pm
- Class Time (Pre-K) 8:00 am - 10:55 am or 12:25 pm - 3:10 pm
Contact Information
- SFT Office 913-993-5000
- Nurse Clark 913-993-5002
- Attendance Line 913-993-5088
- Email Secretary Brigette Jones
SMSD & SFT Resources
- 2024-2025 SMSD Calendar
- ABCD Specials Calendar
- SMSD Elementary Handbook
- School Website
- Twitter (X) @SFT512
Visitors in Cafeteria after Labor Day
For breakfast, families may check in at the office to join students in the cafeteria any day of the week. We have limited seating during lunch but can accommodate a few visitors on Mondays and Fridays. Watch for a sign-up sheet to be sent out to eat with your student during lunch. If you would like to take your child out for lunch or eat at the front picnic tables, you are welcome to call the office when you arrive, and we will send them out to you any day of the week.
(My Volunteer Pal) MVP Volunteer Program
- Become an MVP to volunteer for field trips and chaperoning
- Two Step Screening Process
- Step One: Attend MVP Training August 14 4:30 - 5:30 pm in the CAA (district office) or September 12 6:00 - 7:00 pm at Brookridge Elementary (9920 Lowell, OP KS)
- Step Two: Complete online background screening (link provided at training)
- Your MVP status is good for five-years, contact the school if you are unsure if you need to renew
Shawnee Mission Area Council Clothing Exchange
The Shawnee Mission Area Council PTA Clothing Exchange offers gently used clothing and shoes from infant to adult sizes. The Exchange is a free service open to those who live within the SMSD boundaries and NOW OPEN! All are welcome. If school offices are closed, the Clothing Exchange is closed.
Click on the flyers below for Shopping Dates, Underwear & Socks Program Information and Donation and Volunteer links.
Santa Fe Trail Calendar
2024
Aug. 9 --> Teachers Announced in Skyward
Aug. 12 --> Meet the Teacher Night 5-6pm
Aug. 13 --> First Day of School (1st-6th only) Early Dismissal 12:30pm
Aug. 13 --> Pre-K and Kindergarten Conferences
Aug. 14 --> First Full Day 8:10am - 3:10pm (1st-6th only)
Aug. 14 --> Pre-K and Kindergarten Conferences
Aug. 15 --> Kindergarten First Day (Stop by the welcome table outside on your way out!)
Sept. 4 --> District Papa John's Night
Sept. 6 --> Save the Date for the first Family Fun Night at SFT
Sept. 10 --> PTA General Meeting 6-7pm
Sept. 30 --> Picture Day! (Nov. 11 retakes)
Nov. 19 --> PTA General Meeting 6-7pm
Feb. 11 --> PTA General Meeting 6-7pm
Apr. 15 --> PTA General Meeting 6-7pm
Shop and Giveback to SFT!
Help SFT PTA earn cashback donations by shopping brands and restaurants you love. It's simple! With Givebacks, when you shop and dine at participating stores and restaurants, those merchants automatically donate a percentage to the cause of your choice. To make sure you're all set up to give, register for a Givebacks account and securely link your credit card. Then, select Santa Fe Trail as the cause of your choice. https://www.givebacks.com/join/sft
Connect with SFT PTA!
Email: sftptapresident@gmail.com
Location: 7100 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, KS, USA
Facebook: SFT Trailblazer Connection | Facebook
Website: www.sftpta.org