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

On July 1, 2023, the Every Child Can Read Act went into effect in Kansas. The intent of this legislation was to address literacy initiatives with a target of ensuring students reach grade level benchmarks by third grade. In Blue Valley, we prioritize partnership with families in conjunction with high quality, evidence-based instruction rooted in the science of reading. This has been and remains a large area of focus for professional learning. Rather than limit conversations about reading progress to 3rd grade, it is our practice to do so at each grade level. KSDE has provided a summary of this Act which can be found here. Our teachers look forward to talking with you about your child during Parent-Teacher conferences.

Classroom Parties

This year, we are asking for 6 parent volunteers per class for class parties. These will be the only visitors allowed in for parties. No siblings are allowed at class parties.

We want the experience to be positive for all of our students, so limiting the number of parents in a room will help manage space and ensure that the focus stays on the students in the class.

There is a sign-up to volunteer for the Valentine class party. Please note, priority for the next party will be given to families who have not yet volunteered.

The Major Saver fundraiser is LIVE and off to a great start! Please help your student raise funds for our school and the Blue Valley Educational Foundation by sharing their digital fundraiser link with friends and family. Remember, Major Saver cards are DIGITAL this year! Cards sell for $20, and deals will be with you all the time on your phone!

Your student’s digital link makes it easy for friends and family—near or far—to support schools. Out-of-town relatives? No problem! They can contribute a flat donation directly through your student’s fundraising link.

Every card purchased or donation made helps fund programs that make a big difference for our students. Thank you to all the local businesses and families helping make this a successful fundraiser. If you haven’t joined our schools’ fundraising page, please do so!

Please Click Your School Link To Get Started: https://msvr.co/BVIndianValley

Have you ever wondered how to monitor your child’s usage on their Blue Valley device? We have parent tools that allow you to receive notifications to ensure your child is using their device safely. School staff members monitor these devices during the school day and intervene, when necessary. However, parents can receive alerts if concerns arise when students use devices after school hours–including weekends and school breaks. Check out the Securly Home Parent Portal App here.

It's that time of year... students will be creating their Valentine’s Day boxes in art class during the first week of February! The school will be providing the boxes for this activity. We would appreciate donations for decorating supplies. Examples might include stickers, wrapping paper, and various colors of pom poms. These supplies should be at school by Feb. 3rd. Thank you for your partnership in making this a creative and enjoyable experience for all of our students! ❤️

Do you know a Blue Valley educator who goes above and beyond to inspire, engage and innovate in the classroom? Help the Blue Valley Educational Foundation (BVEF) recognize their extraordinary impact by nominating them today for the BVEF annual Innovative Educator Award! This BVEF award recognizes two exemplary teachers (one elementary, one secondary) who creatively apply innovative teaching methods, foster critical thinking skills and ignite a passion for learning in their students. Honorees will receive a $1,250 grant for their classroom. To nominate a teacher, fill out the 2025 BVEF Innovative Educator Award form by Monday, February 3.

We are so excited to start the process to welcome our Kindergarten families for the Fall of 2025. Children who reside in Blue Valley Schools and turn 5 years of age by August 31 are eligible to attend kindergarten that school year. If you live in the Indian Valley Elementary boundaries and will have an incoming Kindergarten student next fall, please click on the link below to pre-register.

More information will be shared with you at the end of February including welcome videos, online registration instructions, and information about Kindergarten Kick-Off (formerly known as Kindergarten Round Up) in April.

Please pass this message/link on to neighbors that might not have a student in our system and might not yet receive our weekly emails!

• Some February Celebrations & Observances:

  
  

  • Black History Month - created to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural heritages of African Americans. Black History Month highlights the triumphs and adversities that have helped shape the United States.

  • World Hijab Day - February 1 - recognizes the millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab. Inviting women of all identities to wear the hijab for one day, it promotes understanding of other cultures and personal freedoms of religious expression.

  • Magha Puja Day - February 12 - an important Buddhist festival celebrating the gathering between Buddha and his first disciples. Some families will attend temple, meditate, listen to teachings, perform giving alms, and hold candlelight processions.

  • The Lantern Festival - February 12 - the last night of Lunar New Year celebrations. Occurring on the first full moon of the lunar year, it serves as a symbol of unity and completeness. Some families will light colorful lanterns - some with riddles written on them, dance, and eat sweet rice balls or dumplings in soup.

  • Maha Shivaratri - February 26 - a solemn Hindu festival that marks the “overcoming of darkness and ignorance” in life and the world. Some families will celebrate by chanting prayers to the god Shiva, fasting, and meditating on virtues of honesty, charity, and forgiveness.

📅 Upcoming PTA Events – Mark Your Calendars!

❤️ Teacher Conferences
📅 February 10-13
Please sign up to donate snacks for our amazing teachers during conference days! Parent-Teacher Conferences: IVE Parent-Teacher Conference Teacher Snacks labeled Conferences by Friday, Feb 7.

💌 Class Valentine’s Day Parties
📅 February 12 | 🕒 3:00 - 3:35 PM
Only 6 parent volunteers per class are permitted to attend. Sign Ups will be coming directly from room parents.

🎲 Family Game Night
📅 February 21
Get excited for another GAME NIGHT!! More details to come.

🚀 5th Grade Farewell Planning Meeting – New Date! 🚀

Attention 5th-grade parents! The new date for our 5th Grade Farewell Meeting is February 18th at 6:00 PM. If you’d like to stay in the know or help plan this special event, we’d love to have you join us! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4DAAA62FA3F49-54803325-5thgrade

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