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

All students at IVE participate in Roosting Groups throughout the school year. Roosting Groups consist of a few students from each grade level in a group. Every adult at IVE runs a Roosting Groups to keep the groups small. The purpose of Roosting Groups is to build connections between students of different grade levels and to build community as a school.

If possible, please avoid checking students out of school early on these days.

When children miss school, it's not just about catching up on homework or getting missed assignments. The classroom experience offers far more than what can be sent home. In-class learning involves hands-on activities, group projects, interactive lessons and discussions that help students engage in learning.

For young learners, these experiences are irreplaceable. Being part of the class helps your child develop social skills, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Teachers craft lessons that involve direct participation, and when a student is absent, they miss out on these critical elements.

Every day of school provides opportunities for your child to grow, connect and learn. Ensuring they are present

Some November Celebrations & Observances:

• Native American Heritage Month - celebrates the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples.

• National Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month - honors the military family by recognizing their sacrifices and commitments.

• All Saints Day - November 1 - celebrated by some of the Christian faith, this solemn, holy day honors the saints of the church.

• Day of the Dead - November 1 - celebrated by some with Mexican heritage, a joyful time to remember and honor deceased loved ones.

• Diwali - November 1 - the festival of lights celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the human ability to overcome observed by some Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others. Some will decorate their homes with lights and rangoli art, exchange gifts, dress in colorful clothing, feast with family, and/or go to temple.

If you need help with holiday gifts this year, please apply to the Johnson Country Christmas Bureau as soon as possible. In previous years, the deadline for applications has been near the end of November. This year, BVNW will not be able to provide gifts for families as they have in the past so please do not wait to apply for holiday support through the Johnson Country Christmas Bureau.

Please take some time to read through the Family Handbook for Indian Valley Elementary. There's a lot of important information.

Dear IVE Families,

The holidays can be both a joyful and stressful time. We wanted to provide you with community resources that help alleviate some of that stress by providing assistance with gifts and meals. If you are in need of support, please contact the agencies as soon as possible. Many have an application process and may have limited resources. Also, feel free to reach out to Bailee Greenhaw, our school social worker, at bgreenhaw@bluevalleyk12.org if you have any questions or would like assistance. Your information will remain confidential.

Johnson County Christmas Bureau

Johnson County Christmas Bureau offers a 9-day Holiday Shop during the month of December. At the Holiday Shop pre-qualified clients shop by appointment. All clients are below 150% of the poverty level and reside in Johnson County, Kansas.

Johnson County Multi-Service Center (There are several)

There are multiple resources available through the Multi-Service Center. Some of those include.

Accessibility Services

Catch-a-ride

Food Pantries

Utility Assistance

Rental Assistance

Kansas City Medicine Cabinet

Catholic Charities of Johnson County

Family Support Centers

Address: 9806 W. 87th Street

Overland Park, Kansas 66212

**Please note the dates to sign up for a free Thanksgiving meal are first come, first served. Applicants must apply in person at either Catholic Charities location and provide proof of residency such as a utility bill.

Salvation Army in Olathe

Location is 420 E. Santa Fe Olathe, Kansas 66061

Phone- 913-782-3640

Assistance is for families with children under the age of 15, including Angel Tree. Other support includes financial, free winter coats or boots, and the applications to Toys for Tots. This is first come first serve.

Free Toys for Tots - Johnson County KS

Children, infants and kids can get free Christmas gifts, that are unwrapped. Based on donations, there may be books, video or educational games, sporting goods, electronics, dolls, hot wheels care and more. There are also free Christmas clothes, winter coats and more from the program. Apply here at the link provided.

**The deadline for this resource is November 1st.

United Way of Greater Kansas City

From food and financial assistance to medical care and mental health resources, United Way 2-1-1 offers the help you need. This free service provides access to thousands of resources. Call 2-1-1 and you'll reach a trained, caring professional seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Get Help Here.

Mental Health Support

Johnson County Mental Health Center

After hours Emergency number: 913-268-0156

Olathe: 913-715-7700

Mission: 913-831-2550

Shawnee:913-826-4100

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call: 988

Crisis Text Line

Text: KS to 741741

If you are interested in finding ways to help support families this holiday season feel free to reach out to me as well. I will continue to update this list as new information and/or resources become available. Wishing everyone a warm and healthy holiday season.

Respectfully,

Bailee Greenhaw, LSCSW

bgreenhaw@bluevalleyk12.org

🍗 PTA Spirit Night at Raising Cane’s!

Date: November 19th
Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Raising Cane’s on 135th Street

Mark your calendars for our next PTA Spirit Night! Join us at Raising Cane’s on 135th Street, and a portion of the proceeds will go back to support IVE. It’s an easy and delicious way to show your school spirit—see you there!

🍩📚 Thank You for Joining Us!

A huge thank you to everyone who came out for Donuts with Grownups and our Book Fair Family Night! It was wonderful to see so many families come together to support our school. If you need more information about upcoming events, feel free to email us at bluevalleyive.pta@gmail.com. We appreciate your support and look forward to even more great events ahead!

📸 Yearbook Photo Submissions Needed!

Help us capture this year’s best memories! If you have photos from any recent events—like Donuts with Grownups, the Book Fair, Spooky School House, or Walk-a-Thon—please send them to indianvalleyyearbook@gmail.com. Your pictures make our yearbook unforgettable!