T-Bird Times

Website: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/IVE
Location: 11600 Knox Street, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 913.239.6400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IVEThunderbirds/
Twitter: @IVEThunderbirds

Is your child ready to spark their creativity, explore new hobbies or discover the joy of science this summer? Sign your child up for Blue Valley’s Summer Explorations program. With hands-on experiences, these one-week sessions are designed to keep kids engaged and excited about learning. Enrollment opens 8 a.m. March 25 and closes 4 p.m. April 7. For more information about the Summer Explorations program, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/summerprograms.

For our 2025 IVE School-wide book read, families will be reading Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. Abdul’s Story is about a little boy who loves storytelling but writing them down is hard. His letters refuse to stay straight and face the right way. And despite all his attempts, his papers often wind up with more eraser smudges than actual words. Abdul decides his stories just aren’t meant to be written down…until a special visitor comes to class and shows Abdul that even the best writers—and superheroes—make mistakes. Please be looking for this book and discussion questions to come home in the next few months. Happy Reading IVE families!

This could be a full-time position or a job share situation. If you are interested in this position, please apply for the Instructional Support Para position at Indian Valley Elementary.

Do you know a Blue Valley educator who goes above and beyond to cultivate a learning environment where relationships are the cornerstone, where kindness and compassion are guiding principles, and making a profound difference in the lives of young people is not just a goal but a lived reality? Help the Blue Valley Educational Foundation (BVEF) recognize their extraordinary impact by nominating them today for the BVEF annual Champion for Students Award! This $2,500 BVEF award recognizes three exemplary teachers (one elementary, one middle, and one high) whose impact extends far beyond the learning environment, shaping the trajectory of their students’ journeys and leaving an enduring legacy of excellence.

Any member of the Blue Valley Schools’ Community (e.g., school administrator, student, family member, staff, etc.) is welcome to submit one nomination on behalf of an educator (any staff member in Blue Valley Schools - teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, kitchen manager, etc.). The application window will open on February 10th and close on March 7th.

To nominate an educator, complete the 2025 BVEF Champion for Students Award form by Friday, March 7th.

Some March Celebrations & Observances:

• The Nineteen Day Fast - March 1-19 - a time of prayer, meditation, and fasting, some adult members of the Baháʼí faith refrain from food and water from sunrise to sunset each day. This practice might include prayers of spiritual preparation for the new year.

• Ramadan - evening of March 1-30 - the holy month of fasting for the Islamic faith. For some Muslim families, it is a time for introspection, communal prayer, reading the Qur’an, and fasting between sunrise and sunset.

• Ash Wednesday - March 5 - a Christian holiday signifying the first day of the Lenten season, the 40 days (excluding Sundays) leading to Easter. Some families will attend religious services and receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their forehead.

• Holi - March 14 - known as the Hindu festival of colors, Holi honors the triumph of good over evil and marks the beginning of Spring. Some families will light bonfires, throw colorful powder called gulal, eat sweets, and dance to traditional music.

• Eid al Fitr - March 31 - marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. Some families will celebrate the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” by joining in communal prayer and meals, visiting family, gift-giving, and charity.

📚✏️ Yearbook Signing Party & FINAL Chance to Buy! ✏️📚

A Yearbook Signing Party will be held at the end of the year, so don’t miss out!

If you haven’t ordered one yet, we cannot guarantee extra copies will be available after this date.

To purchase, bring $10 (cash or check made out to IVE PTA) to the front office with your child’s name.

Cultural Arts Day – Payment Reminder

Cultural Arts Day is one of the biggest events at IVE and is quickly approaching! Students love this event, and to ensure we provide the best experience with a diverse range of workshops, we encourage parents to pay the Cultural Arts fee in advance.

If you haven’t already paid, please submit your payment as soon as possible.

Not sure if you’ve paid? Log into ParentVue, select your child, scroll down to "Fee," and look for “PTA - Children of the Cultural Arts 24-25 IVE.”

Payment options:

• Check: Make payable to IVE PTA for $7 per student. Include "CAD fee & your child(ren)’s name" in the memo. Any payments dropped off at the office must be clearly labeled.
• Online: Pay through ParentVue under “PTA – Children of the Cultural Arts.”

If you need assistance with ParentVue, please contact the Front Office or the District. Thank you for your support!

For more information about these events or anything else, feel free to email us at bluevalleyive.pta@gmail.com.