The Scoop!
Cedar Hills Elementary - September 20, 2024
December 6, 2024 - Principal's Note
We had a busy four day school week! We loved having our CHE family back together and continue to appreciate the time we have as a whole. I know that the next few weeks will go fast, so hang on tight and enjoy the memories.
Today our staff was able to gather for teacher-professional collaboration time. This time continues to allow our educators adequate plan and collaboration time that benefits our students in the long term. These plan and collaboration days have proven beneficial for our staff to ensure they can prepare for their students and lead them to greater academic success.
Our staff focused on our safety plans during construction and observations from current plans, collaborating with support staff and grade levels, and strategies to support all students and staff at CHE through out their day.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Have a great weekend!
-Cade
🎉 Congrats, Ms. Schwabauer!! 🎉
We are thrilled and honored to relay that Ms. Schwabauer is being recognized for her dedication and commitment to all of CHE. At the December Board of Education meeting, she will receive Blue Valley's Excellence in Education award. This award is reserved for those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the district’s mission and strategic plan while demonstrating a positive attitude, professionalism, dedication, and respect for all. We are proud of her!
❆ Chilly Weather ❆
As a reminder, students should bring coats, hats, gloves, etc. to school during the winter months. We still value time to get outdoors and move our bodies, unless the temperature is below our guidance, and having appropriate clothing is important for student safety.
If you need help acquiring those items, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or use the Hug fund information found below.
📸 Yearbook: Help Needed! 📸
Thank you to all who have uploaded photos to the yearbook albums so far this year, but we are in desperate need of some more photos of special events! We are specifically needing photos from the beginning of the year grade level socials, family picnic, grade level field trips, and Halloween parties!
And did you know uploading photos is easier then ever!
Simply log in to the yearbook page here, and you can easily upload straight from your phone's camera roll! Easy as that!
Thank you all for making our yearbook special this year!
🚧 Construction Update 🚧
Reminder:
One major change for our back walkers or bike riders will be a change in path. We will not be able to access the back at all for arrival or dismissal. Below you will find a finalized map for this adjustment. I realize this will not be ideal and some will decide to change their arrival or dismissal to car riders.
I realize there will be disruptions to our norm due to construction and plans may have to change if we learn that something is not working. Safety and minimizing disruption are at the heart of every decision that we are working on. We just ask for some grace and understanding during this time.
Attendance Matters: Addressing School Avoidance
For some elementary students, the thought of staying home from school can be tempting, especially when faced with challenges like tests, social situations or new routines. While staying home may seem like an easy solution, avoiding school can create more stress as students miss out on key lessons, activities and social interactions.
If your child is hesitant about going to school or is frequently asking to stay home, it’s important to address the issue early. Open communication between families and the school can help identify the reasons behind school avoidance and develop strategies to support your child. Whether it’s a fear of a certain subject or anxiety, working together can help your child feel more comfortable and confident about attending school.
Reminder - PTO Hug Fund
We've been discussing additional support for those in need with our PTO for the past few years. We are thrilled to relay that we can do our best to help with those needs. If you don't have funds to purchase coats, hats/gloves, shoes, clothing, food, book fair books, gifts, etc., our amazing PTO has established methods to possibly help fulfill those needs. We understand asking for help can be hard, so you can reach out to any of the contacts listed below and request assistance. Your identity, the need, or any other particulars will be confidential.
Cade Chace, Principal - ccchace@bluevalleyk12.org
Kelly Northup, Asst. Principal - knorthup@bluevalleyk12.org
Sara Maddox, Counselor - sfmaddox@bluevalleyk12.org
Denise Stutey, Social Work - dastutey@bluevalleyk12.org
Thank you to our outstanding community and PTO for the additional support!
🍴Lunchroom Visitors - Change is Here! 🍴
With a sight delay, we will now ask that ALL lunchroom visitors sign up in advance to attend lunch with their student. We will have a link that allows you to sign up and provide notice in advance. This small change will help us tighten safety and security while ensuring we have enough seating for all involved. While this will be a change for all of us, it will greatly reduce concerns and logistical issues for all of CHE. Thank you for your support!
Some December Celebrations & Observances:
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.
Bodhi Day - December 8 - commemorates the day that the historical Buddha experienced enlightenment. Some Buddhist families will practice meditation, study the Dharma, chant Buddist texts (sutras), and share a traditional meal of tea and cake.
Christmas - December 25 - a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Some Christian families will celebrate by attending church services and exchanging gifts.
Hanukkah - evening of December 25 - evening of January 2 - an eight-day Jewish festival of lights. Some Jewish families will celebrate by lighting a Menorah and eating foods cooked in oil.
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.
Civility For All - Students, Staff, and Community
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.
Safe Schools Reporting
Upcoming Events!
December 12th: 5th Grade Musical Assembly and Evening Show @ 6:30pm
December 13th: CHE Spelling Bee @ 9:00am
December 17th: Pizza Hut Spirit Night
December 18th: Staff Holiday Cookie Carryout
December 20th: Winter Parties @ 10:30am, 11:45 full dismissal -- beginning at normal our 11:30 time
Stay in touch!
Email: CedarHillsElementary@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/che
Location: 9100 West 165th Street, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 9132393300
Twitter: @cedarhillselementary