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

Due to the number of inclement weather days this month following winter break, January 31 will now be a school attendance day for all elementary students.

We deeply value the collaboration and planning time these days provide for our teachers, as they are essential in creating exceptional learning experiences for students. However, with the instructional time already lost in January, this adjustment ensures we can prioritize and maximize opportunities for student learning.

Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership in supporting your child’s education.

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.

We consider it important for children to have an opportunity to play outdoors during the day. If a child is to remain inside for health reasons, we must have a note. Because of the role humidity plays in this area, it is difficult to give an exact degree setting at which we keep students in the building rather than outside for recess or Physical Education. Please dress children appropriately for the weather conditions. The following guidelines help us monitor student participation in outdoor activities:

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.

📸 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.