Weekly Wildcat

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 7:15am-4pm; Fri-7:15am-4:00pm

16700 W. 159th Street, Olathe, KS, 66062

913-780-7240

Technical Support: Help Desk--913-780-8058

Administration

Principal: Rick Sola

rfsola@olatheschools.org

Asst. Principal: Krista Dueringer (Silver Teams-6,7,8)

kdueringercst@olatheschools.org

Asst. Principal: Erin Richerson (Green Teams-6,7,8)

eericherson@olatheschools.org

Counselors

Rachel Iuli: Green Teams-6,7,8

rjiuli@olatheschools.org

Makaela King: Silver Teams- 6,7,8

mcking@olatheschools.org

Nurse

Jenn Ross: jiross@olatheschools.org

School Resource Officer

Daniel Mason: dmasonsro@olatheschools.org

Attendance Secretary

Carrie Douglas: cescottdouglas@olatheschools.org (913.780.7241)

Student Information Specialist

Melynda Marquardt: mrmarquardt@olatheschools.org

Website: https://www.olatheschools.org/chisholmtrail
Location: 16700 W 159th St, Olathe, KS 66062, USA
Phone: 913-780-7240

X: @CSTWildcatsMS

Facebook: Click HERE

(click HERE for past Weekly Wildcat newsletters)

Commit, Connect, Continue

Dear CST Family!

Nice job to our girls' basketball teams for a strong start to their season this past week. Both teams came away with victories against Santa Fe Trail in their Wednesday season tip-off. Our cheer team competed Saturday as well. Nice job to the cheerleaders and coaches on a job well done and for all the hard work that led up to this event.

This week the long anticipated Anastasia has its curtain call. I saw the hustle and bustle of the first dress rehearsal the other day as students were running into position around the halls to be at the correct door to the stage. The set is elaborate with really great work from students as well as Mr. Haines who constructed some stairs for the show. There is a matinee opportunity (students only) on Wednesday, then it opens to the public Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm. Check it out!

On Tuesday this week, we'll hold a mock election for the presidential race. Preceding this, on Monday, students will be shared basic information about how a president is elected (see election section below for more details). Our focus is on the election process with specific attention paid to the Electoral College. This is a prime opportunity to tap into real-time social studies with our students and to provide some foundational information ahead of election day. Thank you to our social studies department for their role in Monday and Tuesday's election planning.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Rick

This week...

Monday, 11/4

• Cat Time Election Lesson
  

Tuesday, 11/5

• Mock Election

• 7/8 Girls Basketball @ PT

Wednesday, 11/6

• Daytime matinee (students only)--Hours 2, 3
  

Thursday, 11/7

• 7/8 Girls Basketball @ OT (3:45pm)
  

• Anastasia the Musical @7pm- CST Auditorium

Friday, 11/8

• Anastasia the Musical @7pm- CST Auditorium

Saturday, 11/9

• Anastasia the Musical @7pm- CST Auditorium

...and beyond!

• November 11th--Veterans Day (honor your veteran--see below!)
  
• November 12th--Culver's Night (support 6th grade)
  

Please help remind your child to charge their device each night in preparation for the following day of school. Devices are often on little to no charge at the start of the day which limits access to the full lesson in many classes.

Hearing and Vision screening day is Wednesday, November 13th! We will screen all 7th graders. If your 7th grader wears glasses, make sure they bring them on November 13th! We want to screen them with their glasses on! Parents will receive a phone call from the nurse if their 7th grade student did not pass the hearing or vision screen.

CST will hold a mock election for the presidential race on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th. A brief lesson during Cat time will review the names of the candidates (there are 4 on the Kansas ballot) and a brief history of the election process here in the US. The lesson given in Cat Time focuses on the following as it relates to voting in the state of Kansas:

• voter qualifications
• did-you-knows (i.e. frequency of elections, working at polling places, being an informed voter)
• How the Electoral College works (2 min video HERE)
• How to follow on election night (electoral map); what a "swing state" means
• sample Kansas ballot with presidential candidates (4)
• Reinforcement of ROCS expectations and voting etiquette and expectations
• Voters will receive "I voted" stickers!
  

While this lesson is political, it is in no way partisan and our staff remain neutral and objective as we share about this important event in our country. In addition, the historical swearing in/peaceful transfer of power our country administers will be also be a focal point at CST on January 20, 2025.

CST Families,

In recognition of Veterans Day and to honor all our CST Family veterans, CST is creating a Wall of Honor to display on Veterans Day. Linked below is a form for you to fill out with information about a special veteran in your child’s life. If you’d like to participate in recognizing a veteran, simply fill out the form below by noon on Friday, November 8th, and we’ll print a certificate of honor for your veteran. In addition, students will be provided a patriotic name tag to write the name of a veteran and honor them for the day. Please reach out to the CST front office with questions.

Grab some custard and/or a meal on Tuesday, November 12th to support CST’s 6th grade class! Funds raised will go in support of a “Newton on Roller Skates” field trip in the spring. Mark your calendars!

If you would like to learn more about 21st Century Academies, please explore the Olathe Public School Website: https://www.olatheschools.org/21stcenturyacademies . There is information on each specific academy, the application process, partnerships, open houses, and FAQ’s.

Each Academy hosts an Open House for students and parents/guardians. During this time, students can see the space, talk with facilitators and students, and learn more about each Academy. Dates and times for these are below – all are drop-in except for Distinguished Scholars, they would like you to attend for the entire 90 minutes.

Olathe East

Civic Leadership, Design, Future Educators - Wednesday, November 6 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Olathe South
BioMedical Engineering, Business Finance, Computer Science - Thursday, November 7 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Olathe Northwest

e-Communication – Tuesday, November 12, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Engineering -Wednesday, November 13, 5:30-7:30pm

Dates to Know:

Friday, November 15– 21st Century Academy Application Open at 7am

Thursday, November 21 – 7:30am CST Application Workshop - for students that would like help with their application

Tuesday, December 3 – CST Mock Interviews

Thursday, December 5 - 7:30am CST Application Workshop - for students that would like help with their application

Monday, December 9– 21st Century Academy Application closes at 10pm

Ongoing throughout mid-December to mid-January – Interviews scheduled for Academies

Wednesday, January 10 – 21st Century Academy notifications available via link at 4pm

Contact Mrs. Iuli with questions.

rjiuli@olatheschools.org

Attention Spanish speaking 8th grade students who are interested in learning more about Olathe’s 21st Century Academies and Olathe Advanced Technical Center programs. There is an informational meeting on Thursday October 10th at Santa Fe Middle School. The event starts at 5:45. The entire presentation will be presented in Spanish.

Atención estudiantes de octavo grado de habla hispana que estén interesados ​​en aprender más sobre los programas de las Academias del Siglo XXI y del Centro Técnico Avanzado de Olathe. Habrá una reunión informativa el jueves 10 de octubre en la escuela secundaria Santa Fe. El evento comienza a las 5:45. Toda la presentación se realizará en español.

•Outdoor Classroom Clean-up (11/16—AM)--we need many hands to make light work of the classroom out back that is WAY overgrown (picture below). Bring some weed-eaters, loppers, and even a chainsaw may come in handy. Lawn bags will be provided. Your child is welcome to assist!

•GBB pep assembly (12/6 @ 2:45pm)--Dads will have involvement :)

•“Brain breaks” at lunch--opportunity for dads to join in with students on games at lunch (chess, connect 4, etc.)--Attend the on-boarding session on EITHER 12/4 or 12/6 beginning at 11:30am. This is to go over the process for checking in, where to go, and how this opportunity will operate.

•Fist Bump Fridays...11/8, 12/19 (ugly sweater!)

CST Father's Club has two co-chairs, 7th grade parent, Brad Reynolds, and 7/8 grade parent, Steven Brigman. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at ChisholmTrail@FathersClub.org.

Register or read more about Father's Club by clicking the buttons below. We look forward to having our dads active in the CST community!

Follow CST's Facebook or X page!

Hello Chisholm Trail Families!

We are thrilled to share a way to connect with your student’s learning at home! In 2016, the Kansas State Board of Education challenged schools to develop a process that engages students in the creation of an Individual Plan of Study, or IPS. While we are proud to involve even our youngest learners in career and future thinking, the IPS process officially starts for students in middle school and continues throughout high school.

Individual Plans of Study help students examine how their interests and strengths can transform into education, training and careers after high school. We know that the journey to discover how our individual skills and interests can transform into a career is filled with both short and long-term goals that evolve throughout our life. To help students explore all possibilities, Olathe has developed classroom instruction and hands-on experiences to support the IPS process.

One way we support this is through a future-readiness website called Xello. For the past two years, middle and high school students have explored lessons, inventories, and other programming within Xello but now we can share this student learning with you at home! Family Portal will allow you to not only view your student’s work but also research future career options, scholarships, training and school opportunities after high school.

Invitations for Xello Family Portal will be sent to parents and guardians listed in ParentVUE. Those email invitations will come from noreply@xello.world and will prompt you to create a password. All students in grades 6-12 who are already connected to you as a parent/guardian will be connected to your account. [If you've already activated your Xello parent account, continue to use the account you have already set up. If you have not created an account, please look for the email to set up your account.] Additional information for Family Portal can be found in both English and Spanish on the Parent/Guardian support section. Counselors will continue to share Xello highlights throughout the year. Please contact your student’s school counselor with any questions.

Sincerely,

Rachel Iuli

School Counselor

Hola Familia de Chisholm Trail,

¡Estamos felices de compartir con ustedes una forma de conectarse con el aprendizaje de su estudiante desde su casa! En 2016, El Consejo de Educación del Estado de Kansas pidió a las escuelas a desarrollar un proceso que involucre a los estudiantes en la creación de un Plan de Estudio Individual, o IPS. Nos sentimos muy orgullosos de involucrar a nuestros estudiantes más jóvenes en su trayectoria profesional y su pensamiento hacia el futuro, el proceso del plan de estudio individual comienza oficialmente para los estudiantes en la escuela intermedia y continuará durante toda la escuela secundaria.

Los planes de estudio individual ayudan a los estudiantes a examinar cómo sus intereses y objetivos pueden transformarse en educación, capacitación y carreras profesionales después de la escuela secundaria. Sabemos que el trayecto para descubrir cómo nuestras habilidades e intereses individuales pueden transformarse en una profesión, que estará lleno de objetivos a corto y largo plazo que van evolucionando a lo largo de nuestra vida. Para ayudar a los estudiantes a explorar todas las posibilidades, Olathe ha desarrollado instrucción en el aula y experiencias prácticas para apoyar el proceso de IPS.

Una forma en que nosotros apoyamos esto es a través de un sitio Web de preparación para el futuro llamado Xello. Durante los últimos dos años, los estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria han explorado lecciones, inventarios y otra programación dentro de Xello, ¡pero ahora podemos compartir este aprendizaje estudiantil con ustedes en casa! El portal Familiar le permitirá a usted no solo ver el trabajo de su estudiante, sino también investigar futuras opciones de carreras profesionales, becas, capacitación y oportunidades escolares para después de la escuela secundaria.

Las invitaciones para Xello Family Portal (Portal familiar) se enviarán a los padres y tutores que figuran en Parent VUE. Esas invitaciones por correo electrónico llegaran a nombre de noreply@xello.world. Ellos le pedirán que cree una contraseña. Todos los estudiantes en los grados 6-12 que ya están conectados con usted como padre / tutor se conectarán a su cuenta. [Si ya ha activado su cuenta principal de Xello, continúe usando esta cuenta que usted ya ha configurado. Si no ha creado una cuenta, busque el correo electrónico para configurarla.] Puede encontrar información adicional para Family Portal en inglés y español en la sección de apoyo para padres / tutores. Los consejeros continuarán compartiendo los aspectos más destacados de Xello durante todo el año. Por favor, póngase en contacto con el consejero escolar de su estudiante si tiene alguna pregunta.

Atentamente,

Rachel Iuli

School Counselor

ICYMI from registration: The CST Wildcat Fund are funds used to promote a positive climate and culture for all wildcats. Donations to this fund can go toward any of the following…

• CST students—CST ROCS Store (experiences, toys, candy, swag, etc.), recognitions, giveaway items (Vets Day pin, US Constitution, treats, etc.), other student-specific items as needs arise.
• CST teachers—Parent-teacher conference meal support, teacher appreciation efforts
• "CST" landscape design on the hill just south of the football field (future project)

• CST 25 Event support—All CST Community Event on 10/22/24 at 6:00pm

Any and all amounts are appreciated. ALL donations are tax-deductible and go toward the CST Wildcat Fund. Thank you for your generosity and continued support of CST students and staff!

*You will have the option to email or print a receipt for your donation. If you need any assistance regarding your donation, please email Courtney Seever at: cseever@olatheschools.org

Parents, you received an email from Jostens earlier this week about how to purchase a yearbook for your CST student. Please use the information and links in that email for your yearbook purchases. This year, Jostens is offering many different add-ons for you to choose from - all are optional! Yearbooks start at $27.15 plus tax.

We are so appreciative of the K-cup donations we've received last year! If you are looking for a simple way to support CST staff, we gladly accept and greatly appreciate K-cup donations for our lounge. Our staff LOVE this and use it daily...thank you! These donations can be dropped in the office or on the tables stage in the main hall of the building with tissue boxes.

Middle School Athletic Passes for adults and students are available through GoFan - https://gofan.co/app/school/KS79390

Once purchased, you can transfer the student pass to your student via text message. Passes can only be transferred 1 time. If your student doesn’t have a cell phone, they will receive an ID card with an “A” on it for Athletic Pass that will allow them into athletic events.

All students need to have a Transportation Consent form on file each year. This allows them to travel on buses for athletic and activity purposes. All students will need this as trips are scheduled throughout the year, including an all-school service day in the spring.

• Go to Touchbase
• Select your student
• Click on Registrations
• Click on Transportation Consent Form

• Students walking east: stay on sidewalk in front of football field and along Mur-Len--do not cross parking lot entry on 159th St.
• There is no park and pick-up at CST. Doing so creates additional bottle neck trying to exist the parking lot to get onto 159th. Only park if you need to come into the building.
• Dismissal: stay as close to the curb on either side as possible to open up the middle traffic lane
• Dismissal: students may cross to the second lane in front of the school, by the flag pole, only.
• Dismissal: Two lanes of traffic need to form to keep the line from spilling onto and sitting on 159th Street.
• Arrival: Has been going great...thank you!
  

Parents were shared information about personal student devices at school (board policy can be found HERE).

We will review this policy with students as they return this week. Please help us by reminding (informing) students of this change ahead of time. This policy will be a slight shift from last year's practice.

• Personal devices are to be put away from bell to bell--8:20am-3:20pm
• Cell phones and ear buds will be turned into the office if out during the day. This includes passing periods and lunch.
• Headphones/earphones should be wired only
  
• Devices will be labeled and kept in the office until after school where students can pick it up.
• These procedures will be reviewed with students this week.
• Smart watches may be worn for time/step tracking purposes, but active use (i.e. like cell phone) will result in the watch being turned into the office.
• Collected devices will be kept in the office so it can be labeled and kept safe until return.

Reminders:

• There is no park and pick up at CST. Parking is reserved for those needing to come into the building
• Once child is picked up, use the center lane for pass through
• May switch lanes in the PM
  
• Drop off along the ENTIRE curb
  

Please review and follow the traffic patterns for drop-off and pick-up. The established traffic pattern is designed for the safety of our students and families who are in vehicles as well as our bike and walker traffic. Plan ahead and expect delays, especially at the start of the year.

For brief video tutorial of CST's traffic pattern, click HERE.

If your child needs to be picked up during the school day, you can call the front office (913-780-7240) and let them know the time. A pass will be sent for your child to be in the office upon your arrival. Please come into the building to check out your child. A state ID (driver's license) is required to enter the building.

If your child is late because of an appointment, you can simply call the office to check them in and have them walk in and report to the attendance secretary (Mrs. Douglas).

If your child is going to be absent, please notify our attendance secretary directly at 913-780-7241 or by email at cescottdouglas@olatheschools.org.

Add Money to your students account-- https://www.olatheschools.org/domain/2915

(3 charges allowed per student)

District Lunch Menus:

https://www.olatheschools.org/domain/2911

Chisholm Trail launched its new PBIS program last school year. PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports and ROCS is Respect, Ownership, Compassion, and Safety. These four core values are emphasized and taught to our students daily. The program is intentional about teaching students expected behavior. Tokens may be given out for exhibiting expected behavior and those can be used in a "store" to purchase items. These items may be tangible (candy, pop, books, etc.) or intangible (time in the gym, lunch in a special location, sit in the teacher's chair for the day, etc.). The tokens are what helps make ROCS fun, but the conversations this generates between students and staff are also part of what makes this such an impactful program. You will certainly see and hear more but ask your child about ROCS, what it stands for, and why we do it...they should know and may share about their own experience receiving a token or cashing it in!

Use the link in the section below if you'd like to contribute to our store. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support of this important program at CST!

You can donate items for the ROCS (Respect, Ownership, Compassion, Safety) store through our Amazon Wish List and the items will be sent directly to CST.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/12SICJZV5MY4P?ref_=wl_share

Thank you to all who have helped us in the past. Our kids are LOVING it and we are so grateful for your support of our positive behavior program...CST does in fact ROC(K)!