MUSTANG NEWSLETTER

Hello Mustang Community!

Another month has just flown ✈ by! Here it is November 30th, and December is tomorrow! WOW I can't believe how quick time ⌚ has gone this year! We had a lot to celebrate from November:

• Successful field trips for 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades!
• A fantastic 3rd grade wax museum. Our students did sooo good!
• Another successul Student Government food drive, collecting over 2,285 items benefiting Johnson County Christmas Bureau! Way to go, SG and ML!
• A very memorable Veteran's Day Assembly put on by Mrs. Shriver and our students honoring our nations Veterans.
• The 5th Grade Music Program, JOUST! put on by 5th grade and Mrs. Shriver.

• SITE Council Feeder Pattern mtg: Presentation-Anxiety In Students on Zoom 6-7 pm (Scott Fluke)

• Human Growth and Development lessons for 4th and 5th grade boys and girls.

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Fall Break, and the snow that we got today! I myself went up to the building this morning to work on this newsletter without interruption, then quickly realized that I needed to head back home as the snow began to fall. It was a great reminder from Mother Nature on how to seize every moment with my own children, as they played outside in the snow, watching our dog run through the snow for the first time, my boys chasing and playng with him. I even got the opportunity to practice patience with my two year old, as I watched his new questionable choice to drink out of the dog bowl. 😶🤢 I hope that you also got to take advantage of this break, reconnecting with each other and loved ones and spending time with your children. As we quickly approach December 2nd and falling back into our normal routines, may we continue to remember to "slow down and enjoy the snow". See you all Monday!

We have a great month ahead of things in December, so please make sure you bookmark and/or download the December Calendar to stay in the know. Thank you to all students for continuing to show the PBIS Meadow Lane Expectations that we are:

• Respectful
• Safe
• Engaged

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 Welch, 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! 🙂

Students have been getting dropped off earlier and earlier at the building. Please adhere to the guidelines below, as we have had some issues in the morning with students being outside for a long period of time with no supervision. We love that students are able to take part in these great opportunites, but we always want to practice safety first. 😊

Special Chorus:

• Special Chorus for 4th and 5th grade is from 8:15 am - 8:45 am on Tuesday's or Thursday's. Please make sure that students are not dropped of earlier than 8:10 am.

Safety Patrol:

• Please make sure that students are not dropped off earlier than 8:20 am.

Chess Club:

• Please make sure that students are not dropped off earlier than 7:55 am.

Spirit Squad:

• Please make sure tha students are not dropped off earlier than 7:45 am (front office staff do not arrive until 7:45, so there will not be an adult present and students will be on property unsupervised).

Student Government Meetings:

• Please make sure that students are not dropped off earlier than 7:55 am.

https://www.kctv5.com/2024/10/29/cases-walking-pneumonia-are-surging-among-kids-kansas-city/

Tis the season for sickness, and area schools are seeing a surge among students including here at Meadow Lane. Please see the link above for what to look for in walking pneumonia cases. If your student is sick, please keep them home to not spread it to others. Additionally, if your student is sick, they can not attend a function after school at ML or a field trip. Please see Nurse Paula and Mr. Welch for any questions or concerns. Stay healthy!

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 next meeting on February 4th at 7:00 PM in the ML library! Have any questions? Reach out to Emily at emilylovesadoption@gmail.com

The Meadow Lane Holiday Shop is soon approaching! It will be held Friday, December 6, 2024 from 5-8pm. The Holiday Shop is a family fun event with lots of activities! Kids (and parents 😉) have the opportunity to purchase affordable gifts for the holiday season. Students also get to perform some holiday songs they have been working hard on during music class with Mrs. Shriver. A holiday photobooth will be available, along with yummy food to purchase from Taco Via and Minsky's food trucks...and don't forget the ever popular ML Bake Sale!! Please see attached fliers below for all the details! To make this event a success it takes A LOT of help from our families. If you're able, please consider volunteering to help! Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up!

Remaining dates:

• December 9, 2024
• January 27, 2025
• February 3, 2025
• March 10, 2025
• April 7, 2025
• May 5, 2025

Winter FastBridge Window for Grades 1st-5th: The winter window will be here before we know it! The window is December 2 – December 20. Both the screener and the diagnostic need to be complete by the December 20th deadline.

Winter FastBridge Window for Kindergarten: The winter window for PreK-K is January 13 – January 31st. Both the screener and the diagnostic need to be completed by the January 31st deadline.

Math

QBA – required for assessed grades in all buildings; windows as follows (also on assessment calendar)

• December 9 – December 12
• March 7 – March 13
• May 9 – May 15

Interims – optional this year; windows as follows

• January 20 – January 31

Reading

QBA – optional this year; windows will be pushed out as assessments are available so stay tuned!

Interims – required for assessed grades in buildings who are part of our District Success Team process; optional (but strongly encouraged) for all other buildings; windows as follows

• January 20 – January 31

Grade 2 interim – required for buildings who are part of our District Success Team process; optional (but strongly encouraged) for all other buildings; window as follows

• March 24 – April 25

As we approach the winter months, we want to make you aware of a new option to address inclement weather when it arises. This year, we are pleased to introduce a new Two-Hour Delayed Start option.

The Two-Hour Delayed Start option addresses feedback and requests we continue to hear from our community for more flexibility related to inclement weather, rather than an all or nothing approach to snow days. The delayed start option provides the opportunity to hold school once inclement weather conditions resolve or improve, maximizing instructional time and reducing the need to add instructional minutes or make-up days at the end of the school year.

For reference, the district has had to add minutes on to the school day for two out of the past three years at the high school level due to inclement weather to ensure we meet the 1,116 educational hours we are statutorily required to meet by the state. With the shift in instructional minutes at all levels this year, having an opportunity to delay school rather than fully cancelling helps to reduce the need at all levels for adding instructional minutes at the end of the year.

On days when the Two-Hour delay is implemented, staff will report to work two hours later than their typical start time (unless otherwise noted by their supervisor), and all school start times and morning bus pick-up times will be delayed by two hours. Schools will end their day at the regular time and after-school bus routes will also run on their regular schedule.

As always, the district will prioritize the safety and security of our staff, students and families when making decisions related to inclement weather. Based on weather conditions, there may not be a need to utilize the Two-Hour Delayed Start option this year. However, if the district decides to use the delayed start, the decision will be made with the safety and security of all in mind.

Below please find an outline of school hours and staff report times during a delayed start. On days when a two-hour delayed start is employed, buildings will follow a shortened schedule similar to what is currently followed on days when we have a modified school day and/or half-day. In addition, all employees will be paid their normal daily wage during a two-hour delayed start.

Two-Hour Delayed Start – School Hours

High School, Olathe Transition Support Program (OTSP), Prairie Learning Center:

• 9:40 a.m.- 2:40 p.m. (Staff report at 9:15 a.m.)

Middle School:

• 10:20 a.m.-3:20 p.m. (Staff report at 9:40 a.m.)

Elementary School:

• 10:55 a.m.- 3:55 p.m. (Staff report at 10:15 a.m.)
• A.M. Early Childhood classes are canceled.
• P.M. Early Childhood classes attend as regularly scheduled.

Other Important Delayed Start Information

• Breakfast service will not be provided on delayed start days due to arrival times being so close to lunch. Lunch will be the only meal provided on delayed start days and lunch service will be provided as close to the normal time as possible. For many of our students, lunch may be the only meal they receive that day. A two-hour delayed start ensures that our students receive a meal, whereas a full school day cancelation would prevent students from receiving their regularly scheduled meal service.
• All student trips leaving prior to noon are canceled.
• All before-school athletics/activities practices are canceled. Decisions on after-school athletics and activities will be made later in the day.
• JCPRD daycare will be delayed two hours in the morning (9-11 a.m.) and will follow regular afternoon hours at buildings where JCPRD is offered. Children must be enrolled in JCPRD to participate.
• Parochial and work site shuttles scheduled prior to noon are canceled (i.e. CREWS, OTSP)
• Transportation for partner schools is delayed by two hours (Lake Mary, KSD, etc.)

Once again this year, 5th grade students will have the opportunity to audition for the Olathe District Elementary Honor Choir. Elise Peterson (OS Choral Director) and Alex Piazza (ON Choral Director) will be co-directing this choir that will rehearse and perform during 2nd semester.

Auditions for this choir will be held in November, and Elise and Alex have reached out to the General Music staff, asking them to share this information with 5th graders and their parents. Please click on the the link(s) below to access further details and information.

• 24-25 Honor Choir Parent Info - English.pdf
• 24-25 Honor Choir Parent Info - Spanish.pdf

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.

We would love to add your friends and family to the Olathe Public Schools substitute pool!

Below is information for you to share with your friends and family to see if they might be a good match for one of our substitute positions.

(Think about your college student coming home for break, your neighbor, your family, or a friend for the positions listed below.)

To apply:

www.olatheschools.org -> click Employment -> click external applicants -> choose position and complete the external application

or click this link:

https://fa-ewbu-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions?lastSelectedFacet=CATEGORIES&selectedCategoriesFacet=300000017840733

Looking for more information?

https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/11030

Substitute Para

• No college required
• Flexible hours
• Can get started quickly
• Pay is $15.00 an hour
• We will work with you on start and end times of jobs so you can get your children to and from school if needed.
• You get to work in the schools with amazing special education students.

**College students wanting to work while home on break should begin the process now to ensure they are able to begin when they are home.

Modified Emergency Substitute Teacher

• For this position, you do not have 60 college credit hours, do have a high school diploma, and are 21 years old. You would be required to get a Modified Emergency Substitute License from the state of Kansas. Directions are attached to this email to help with this process.
• Flexible hours
• You can attend orientation while waiting on license so when you receive it, you are able to get started quickly.
• Pay is $15.00 an hour with a 4 hour minimum guaranteed for daily jobs. ($120.00 for a full day)
• In this position, you will let us know what positions you would be comfortable with, but you would not take any jobs. Substitute Services will place you in a position in the morning on the day of a job.
• We will work with you on start and end times of jobs so you can get your children to and from school if needed.
• You get to make a difference in the day of a child. You choose what age group you want to work with, and what schools you want to work at.

**College students wanting to work while home on break should begin the process now to ensure they are able to begin when they are home.

Substitute Teacher

• Only 60 college credit hours required to get an Emergency Substitute License from the state of Kansas. Directions are attached to this email to help with this process.
• Flexible hours
• You can attend orientation while waiting on license so when you receive it, you are able to get started quickly.
• Pay is $17.50 an hour with a 4 hour minimum guaranteed for daily jobs. ($140.00 for a full day)
• Long term positions of 10 days or longer pay $20.63 an hour. ($165.00 for a full day)
• We will work with you on start and end times of jobs so you can get your children to and from school if needed.
• You get to make a difference in the day of a child. You choose what age group you want to work with, and what schools you want to work at.

**College students wanting to work while home on break should begin the process now to ensure they are able to begin when they are home.

Substitute Nurse

• RN in the state of Kansas required
• Flexible hours
• Can work other nursing jobs at the same time
• Pay is $17.50 an hour with a 4 hour minimum guaranteed for daily jobs. ($140.00 a day)
• Long term positions of 10 days or longer pay $20.63 an hour. ($165.00 a day)
• We will work with you on start and end times of jobs so you can get your children to and from school if needed.
• You will have three days of training with our computer systems and our nursing staff to ensure you feel prepared to work in our schools.

Clerical Substitute

• No college required
• Flexible hours
• Can get started quickly
• Pay is $15.00 an hour
• We will work with you on start and end times of jobs so you can get your children to and from school if needed.
• You get to work in the schools with amazing office staff.

If you have questions, please contact me at: mlbaldwin@olatheschools.org or 913-780-8268

Did you know that our school district offers mental health services for students, at no cost to the family? The HELP Clinic offers up to six individual and/or small group counseling sessions to Olathe students, between the hours of 4 and 6 pm, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All sessions during the school year are located in the Mill Creek Center, at 300 E. Loula. The H.E.L.P. Clinic is staffed by professional school counselors, school psychologists, social workers and other school-based mental health providers. All clinicians are Olathe Public Schools employees or retired employees who have an active license in school mental health.

Parents can sign up using the HELP Clinic website, or can contact their child’s school counselor to assist with the sign-up. The website is: https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/11565

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

September Mustang Newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/72prx

October Mustang Newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/y3gxh

November Mustang Newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/pge8x