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

The front and back doors will open at 8:25 to allow students into the building. Students should not arrive earlier than 8:25 in the morning. No supervision is available before 8:25.

The tardy bell rings at 8:40.

Car Riders

Arrival:

• K-1st grade students (and older siblings) will be dropped off at the back (south) doors on the playground.

• 2nd-5th grade students will be dropped off at the front (north) doors of the building.

• Please pull as far forward as possible and watch for directions from the staff on duty.

• Students need to be ready to exit the car. Please do not get out of your car. All students must exit on the curb side.

Dismissal: Dismissal is at 3:45pm.

• K-1st grade students (and older siblings) will be dismissed through the back (south) doors on the playground.

• 2nd-5th grade students will be dismissed through the front (north) doors.

• Students will wait inside to be dismissed for pick-up at the end of the day. Students will be called to the loading area via hand-held radios by a staff member on duty.

• It is mandatory that all drivers place a sign in the window with the last names and grade levels of all students in the carpool to expedite the dismissal process. Templates will be available at Popsicle Pop-In and in the office.

• All drivers must remain in their cars during pick-up. Do not attempt to park in the parking lot and cross the car lane on foot to pick up your child.

As students return to school after the winter break, this is a great time to revisit our expectations for personal electronic devices, like cell phones, at school. Blue Valley elementary schools remain focused on creating distraction-free classrooms where students can engage fully in their learning.

If students bring devices to school, they must remain silenced and stowed away in backpacks throughout the school day. If your child needs to contact you, they can use a classroom or main office phone. Families who need to reach their child during the day should call the main office.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain an environment where all students can thrive.

At the end of each quarter, courses in Canvas will conclude and will no longer be visible on the Canvas app. However, a concluded course remains visible through the Canvas website by selecting ALL COURSES and then PAST ENROLLMENTS.

Important dates for families:

Please note: The dates are subject to change based upon calendar updates or technology needs.

How do I view my child’s report card?

• Log in on ParentVue.
• Select the student’s name
• In the left navigation bar, choose Report Card

Each new quarter, classroom teachers will publish the next quarter’s Canvas course. As courses are published, students and families will again be able to see current courses on the Canvas app and Canvas website. For Canvas parent resources, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/canvas.

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.

Some January Celebrations & Observances:

• National Poverty in America Awareness Month - raises awareness about the struggles millions of Americans face living in poverty. It encourages learning about the causes of poverty, supporting those in need, and working to create solutions that promote economic equality and opportunity.

• World Braille Day - January 4 - a day to raise awareness and attention to accessibility for those with visual impairments and celebrate Braille's invention. This tactile writing system was invented in the 1800s by Louis Braille.

• Lohri - January 13 - celebrated primarily by Sikhs and Hindus, the festival marks the end of the winter solstice and harvesting of winter crops. Some families will sing and dance around a bonfire, exchange gifts with friends and family, and tell tales of bravery.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 20 - a day that honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. Some families will participate in a day of service to their communities.

• Lunar New Year - January 29 - celebrated by families of Chinese and other Asian heritages, some people celebrate with religious ceremonies honoring ancestors, giving and receiving red envelopes containing small amounts of money, lighting colorful lanterns, and eating traditional foods such as dumplings and sticky rice balls that symbolize family unity.

📸 Last Chance for Yearbook Photos

LAST CHANCE!! We’re looking for photos from all prior events this year, such as the Halloween Parade, Spooky School House, Walkathon, Walk to School Days, Donuts with Grownups, Book Fair, and more! If you have any great pictures to share, please send them to indianvalleyyearbook@gmail.com to be included in this year’s yearbook!

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