The Scoop!

I think that we can all agree that this hasn't been the start to the new year or second semester of school that any of us expected. I can assure you that we've gotten off to a great start and are making the most of the time we have together -- one day so far. 😁 It was great to see all of the smiling faces back in the building yesterday and we are excited for a great second 1/2 of the year!

Stay warm, be safe!

-Cade

The Friday before winter break, our classrooms that are experiencing construction right out of their windows (end of the pod classrooms in 2/3 and 4/5) were invited to learn more about the project and the process with Jake Slobodnik, Executive Director of Operations. He gave an outstanding, student friendly presentation about the process and the project. Then he took a lot of questions from a lot of inquiring minds. This collection of 2nd-5th graders represented CHE well and had some great questions! It was an amazing opportunity for adults and students!

Join friends for a great adult night out with live music, a silent auction, a wine and bourbon pull and more! Proceeds from this annual fundraiser support music and performing arts programs throughout the district, and YOU can be part of the fun! Check out our new location at Fiorella’s event space in OP for a great over-21 night out. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and YOU choose the “Best of Blue Valley” live band when the competition wraps up at 10 p.m. Bands are made up of BV parents, teachers and staff and funds provide significant funding for performing arts programs including band, orchestra, choir, theater, debate and competitive speaking. Get tickets today at Event Details.

Can’t make it to the event in person? No worries! Visit Silent Auction to start your bid on incredible auction packages and see what your school submitted. Check back frequently as more items are added to the offerings every week. The auction will close on Friday, February 21 at 8:45 p.m. and you do not have to be present to win!

You can also vote by donation for your favorite adult school-affiliated band, and the winner receives a $1,000 grant to their school of choice. The 2025 band names, order of performances and school representations are as follows:

• Young Medicine- Lakewood Elementary
• Modern Thieves- Mission Trail Elementary, Leawood Middle, Blue Valley North
• KC Prime- Leawood Elementary and Leawood Middle

Hope to see you Friday, February 21, 2025, as we Rock the Valley for BV Schools!

I huge congrats to Kate McGill and Reyansh Samudrala. Kate was our first place finisher and will move on to the Johnson County Spelling Bee. Reyansh was our second place finisher and will be our alternate for the JOCO Bee if Kate cannot compete.

Also, a big thank you to Dr. Northup, Ms. Schwabauer, Mrs. Auvigne, and our custodial staff for putting on another great Spelling Bee.

Sphero Indi Robots

In library this week, students celebrated Hour of Code week by coding with the Sphero Indi Robots. If you would like to learn more about these robots, visit this website or ask your child about the robots! Many were asking about how they could get their own at home. CHE received these Sphero Indi Robots through a Blue Valley Educational Foundation Grant this fall.

-Miss. Schwabauer

Reminder:

One major change for our back walkers or bike riders will be a change in path. We will not be able to access the back at all for arrival or dismissal. Below you will find a finalized map for this adjustment. I realize this will not be ideal and some will decide to change their arrival or dismissal to car riders.

We need to ask for your help in ensuring that all students arrive and depart safely. We know that the changes during construction have presented challenges, concerns, and possible adaptations to your plans at home. We are continuing to work with the city and Blue Valley employees to ensure all precautions are in place. We continue to put safety at the forefront of everything we do, so please read through the bullets carefully.

• The intersection of 165th and Hayes is one of great concern. Please drive slowly, stay aware, and follow all traffic laws to ensure our students are as safe as possible. The city of Overland Park is evaluating the need for a crosswalk and/or crossing guard there. You will see city employees and/or Overland Park police in that area for some time.
  
• Do not drop off students at intersections, crosswalks, etc. to then walk to school. If you park and walk your student, please ensure you are getting them to a sidewalk. Our students should not cross moving traffic on school grounds or crosswalks unless accompanied by an adult.
  
• At the same time, we need to remind our car line to not enter CHE until after 3:10. Even parking in the circle prior to that can cause safety concerns amongst PRMS and CHE. Coming prior to 3:10 also presents fire lane issues and confusion during the PRMS pick up. If you have an early pick up or school business need, please just identify that need with whoever is helping navigate traffic at our entrance and they will gladly let you through.

I realize there will be disruptions to our norm due to construction and plans may have to change if we learn that something is not working. Safety and minimizing disruption are at the heart of every decision that we are working on. We just ask for some grace and understanding during this time.

We are thrilled and honored to relay that Ms. Schwabauer is being recognized for her dedication and commitment to all of CHE. At the December Board of Education meeting, she received Blue Valley's Excellence in Education award. This award is reserved for those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the district’s mission and strategic plan while demonstrating a positive attitude, professionalism, dedication, and respect for all. We are proud of her!

We've been discussing additional support for those in need with our PTO for the past few years. We are thrilled to relay that we can do our best to help with those needs. If you don't have funds to purchase coats, hats/gloves, shoes, clothing, food, book fair books, gifts, etc., our amazing PTO has established methods to possibly help fulfill those needs. We understand asking for help can be hard, so you can reach out to any of the contacts listed below and request assistance. Your identity, the need, or any other particulars will be confidential.

Cade Chace, Principal - ccchace@bluevalleyk12.org

Kelly Northup, Asst. Principal - knorthup@bluevalleyk12.org

Sara Maddox, Counselor - sfmaddox@bluevalleyk12.org

Denise Stutey, Social Work - dastutey@bluevalleyk12.org

Thank you to our outstanding community and PTO for the additional support!

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.

January 11th: Glow Night

January 16th: PTO Board Meeting 9-11am

January 20th: NO SCHOOL (MLKJ Day)

January 23rd: 3rd Grade Musical - 6:30pm

January 31st: NO SCHOOL (Teacher professional collaboration)

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