T-Bird Times

Where Community, Character and Learning Come Together

Website: https://district.bluevalleyk12.org/schools/elementary/ive/Pages/home.aspx
Location: 11600 Knox Street, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 913 239 6400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IVEThunderbirds/
Twitter: @IVEThunderbirds

I have noticed that there are a lot of students outside the front doors unsupervised before school. This is unsafe. Please make sure students are not exiting cars or arriving to school before the doors open at 8:25!

As a reminder school starts at 8:40. We would like students in their classrooms ready to learn at that time.

While families may wish students to have cell phones available before and after school, IVE guidelines ask students to leave cell phones and electronic devices, including smartwatches in their backpack while on school property. Every attempt should be made to address personal affairs at home, such as arranging visits with other students or activities. If students need a phone, they may ask a staff member to use one of our many building phones. Please remember that the school is not responsible for lost or stolen personal electronic devices.

Some December Celebrations & Observances:

• Universal Human Rights Month - people all across the globe are encouraged to come together and stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans.

• International Day of People with Disabilities - December 3 - a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities, promote an understanding of disability issues, and mobilize support for the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of people with disabilities.

• Hanukkah - evening of December 7 - evening of December 15 - an eight-day Jewish festival of lights. Some Jewish families will celebrate by lighting a Menorah and eating foods cooked in oil.

• Christmas - December 25- a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Some Christian families will celebrate by attending church services and exchanging gifts.

• Kwanzaa - December 26 - January 1 - a seven-day African-American holiday celebrating culture, family, and community. For some, celebrations may include song, dance, storytelling, and a large traditional meal.

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.

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

Spirit Night:

Thank you to all our families who were able to come out to our November Spirit Night at Chipotle on Tuesday! It is always so fun to see our Thunderbird Community at these events.

Book Fair:

Save the Date! Our Book Fair Family Night will be Thursday, November 16th from 5-8pm.

eWallet: If you would like to set up an eWallet for your child to use, please do so Please note that if you have used the eWallet feature before, you will use the same login info this year. Set Up Your eWallet Here

Volunteer Signup: In order to make our book fair a success, we need your help! Please visit our signup genius below to see the opportunities available to help:

Book Fair Sign Ups

Yearbook:

Please help our yearbook committee by sharing your school event photos! Email us at indianvalleyyearbook@gmail.com. Please include the event name and Teacher/Class information in the subject line.

Upcoming Events:

Book Fair:

November 13-17 - IVE Book Fair!

November 16th - Book Fair Family Night - 5-8pm - Front doors will be open!

Please find us on social media to stay up to date

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianValleyPTA

Instagram: @IVE.BV.PTA