The Scoop!

Our staff gathered on April 11 for teacher-professional collaboration time. I want to share some details about how our staff spent the day.

Our classroom staff worked closely with each other around math and diving into concepts that can enhance discussion engagement, as well as rigor. The other staff members focused on welcoming our incoming Cheetahs with Kindergarten Kickoff for the 25-26 school year. We had an amazing day of learning and forming initial relationships with incoming students!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. These days are a significant benefit for our elementary staff that will, in turn, support our students’ academic success, especially in math for this particular day.

As a reminder, there is a link below for feedback. I believe firmly in honest reflection and continual progress, but the only way that we can do that is with your help. Please take a few minutes to let us know what we are doing well and where we can take step forward. This input will be shared back out to the community once the window closes on 5/1/25.

Also, don't forget that you can also provide us input on class placements. That is below, as well. That deadline is 4/25 and we will not be able to utilize input after that date.

Have a great weekend!

-Cade

• Allergy season is in full swing! Gentle reminder to please ensure your kiddos are taking their allergy medicines in the morning. If you find they are not working as well as last year, there are quite a few options out there to try. I encourage you to talk with your medical provider about what would be the best option for your kiddo.
  
  
• Reminder that elementary students may not carry medicines or medicinal products on them at school. If you would like to have a particular over the counter medication- please complete OTC medication form (on our school website under Health and Well Being) and send with the medication in its original packaging to school. Medication will be kept in the nurse’s office for dosing. If your child has a prescription medication needed at school, please have your medical provider complete the Prescription Medication form (also found on our school website) and return to school with the medication in its original packaging with script attached. It will be kept in the nurse’s office for dosing as prescribed.
  
  **Controlled substances must be brought in by an adult only**

Elementary school registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open for current students. Registration is required annually and is the time to update your child’s information and pay fees. Completing registration confirms that your child will attend school in August and helps the district appropriately staff classrooms. Thank you for taking the time to complete this important step. For more registration information, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/registration.

The district’s #BVUnmuted series continues with Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan joined by Dr. Tyson Ostroski (Blue Valley North Principal), Scott Roberts (Executive Director of School Administration) and Jeff Breedlove (Blue Valley North Teacher) to discuss an update on the implementation of the district’s personal electronic device policy this school year.

🎙️ To listen to the podcast episode, visit www.tinyurl.com/BVDevices.

Each grade level has specific requirements for school supplies, which help the teachers and your student have the best classroom experience possible. It is not always easy to find those specific supplies, but your PTO has you covered. Simply purchasing a box will give you all the supplies you need, and they will be ready and waiting for your child on the night of Sneak Peek! Purchasing for school supplies closes June 5th.

Reminder: Headphones are provided by the home. If you need support with funding that need, please let us know.

All items can be found and purchased here!

Great Wind Festival, a free, family-friendly event celebrating STEM, creativity, and the wonders of wind, taking place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Ironwoods Park Amphitheatre in Leawood, starting at 2:00 PM.

The Great Wind Festival is an annual community scouting event open to all families within the Blue Valley School district. The festival will feature:

• Hands-on STEM activities, including kite-making and wind energy demonstrations
• Live music performances by local musicians and bands
• Interactive stations and games for all ages
• Depending on the weather, we are also planning on having a hot air balloon, a helicopter, City of Leawood Police and Fire Departments and the National Guard.

The link below goes to a Google folder. This will house all area summer camps that are shared with us. Even our own specialists, Summer at the Hills, is coming back. There is just a small with for them due to construction they will be at Aspen Grove this summer. Please note, these camps are not associated with CHE or BV and are operated by private individuals or groups.

As we approach next school year, we would love to gather your input on class placement for your student. At CHE, we put a great deal of time and effort is devoted to class placement, and we will continue to follow a team approach when making these decisions. Our ultimate goal is to provide the best possible learning environment for every student each year.

With this team approach, input from teachers (classroom, specials, support staff, etc.), administrators, and families is considered. Our process does not allow for specific teacher requests, but rather gives input on learning style and the qualities a teacher my possess to promote the success of your student. Community input will be collected until 4/25 and any input after that date may not be used in class placement.

We are looking forward to your input and finishing this school year strong!

Reminder:
Requests for specific teachers (by name or other identifiable factors) are not accepted. Staffing is fluid each year and grade level teachers often fluctuate or change up until a few days prior to school starting. Thus, class lists are not released until August.

• National Arab American Heritage Month -recognizes the achievements and contributions of Arab Americans to society, culture, and American history.
• Deaf History Month - celebrates the history, culture, and accomplishments of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
• Day of Silence - April 11 - a national, student-led demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies take a vow of silence to protest the silencing and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools.
• Passover - evening of April 12-20 - a Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Some families will observe the holiday with a special meal, called a Seder, eating foods of symbolic significance and reciting traditional prayers.
• Holy Week and Easter Sunday - April 13-20 - includes the Christian holidays of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Some families will attend church services to commemorate the week leading to the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.

We are thankful for the ongoing partnership and support we experience in our school community. Working together we ensure the best possible student experience allowing them to realize personal success. There are times, however, when issues arise which require our continued collaboration to resolve. Families may utilize the matrix linked on the district website to best address questions and concerns that may arise throughout the course of a school year. Finally, all staff and visitors should conduct their business free from intimidation, harassment, or bullying. The district’s Board of Education states expectations regarding civility within Policy 6341. Again, thank you for your partnership in helping to maintain a safe school community environment for all.

APRIL:

21-24 Spring BOGO Book Fair

24: Volunteer Appreciation Event 8:30am

MAY:

1-31: Charlie’s Car Wash Spirit Night (full month opportunity to support CHE!)

2: No School (Teacher Professional Collaboration)

5-9: Staff Appreciation Week

9: Field Day (rainout 13)

15: Fifth grade farewell (rainout 20)

Email: CedarHillsElementary@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/che
Location: 9100 West 165th Street, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 9132393300
Twitter: @cedarhillselementary