CTEC Weekly News

Cedar Trails Exploration Center

8201 Mize Blvd.

Lenexa, KS 66227

913-667-1820

deborah.ricker@usd232.org

Parents, we had an outstanding response to our coat exchange and we want to thank so many of you who took advantage of this by donating or coming to get new gear! It truly was a big success and we are very grateful for the community for making it happen.

As we prepare for a new semester, I want to encourage all car riders to please make sure your carloop folder is visible at drop off and pick up. We also want to ask that all parents picking up children as walkers have their carloop folders visible. Occasionally we may need to have a staff member who is unfamiliar with the parents calling and for safety reasons, we appreciate your cooperation with this. Thank you!

Now, as we embark on our winter break, I want to wish each and every one of you the most joyous of holidays! We look forward to seeing the students back at CTEC on Tuesday, January 7th!

The USD 232 Education Foundation recognized Sarah Schulze, a special education teacher for the Early Childhood Program at Cedar Trails Exploration Center, as the USD 232 Making a Difference Award winner for November 2024. This monthly honor, supported by the USD 232 Education Foundation in collaboration with Great American Bank, aims to honor outstanding staff within the district who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to positively influencing the lives of students.

As noted in her parent nomination:

“Mrs. Schulze goes above and beyond to offer thoughtful suggestions, always considering our student’s unique needs and strengths. Her support has made a world of difference in our family’s life, and we are deeply grateful for her dedication and care. Her selflessness, compassion, and commitment shine through in everything she does and it has made an incredible impact on our family.”

Sarah joined the staff at CTEC as a part-time paraeducator in the early childhood program for the 2019-20 school year. After a brief absence, she rejoined the district as an Early Childhood Education Teacher at the start of the 2022 school year.

As part of the Making a Difference Award, Sarah was presented with a $250 check from the USD 232 Education Foundation and Great American Bank. She also received a Making a Difference Award trophy, thoughtfully designed by CAPS students at Cedar Trails Exploration Center.

The USD232EF is currently accepting nominations for the next Making a Difference Award. Nominations will be received through the end of December 2024 with the next award being presented in January. Monthly entries are encouraged as new nominations are reviewed monthly.

Making a Difference Nomination Form

Monday, January 6

NO SCHOOL, Teacher Workday

Tuesday, January 7

SCHOOL RESUMES, 3rd quarter begins

Wednesday, January 8

PAT playgroup

Thursday, January 9

no events

Friday, January 10

EC Screening

PAT playgroup

Report cards will be posted in Skyward

Upcoming events

Jan 15 - Dine to Donate at Papa Murphy's (see flyer below)

Jan 20 - NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Day

Feb 7 - EC Screening

Feb 11 - Valentine's Day parties

Feb 12 - NO SCHOOL, Parent/Teacher Conferences

Feb 13 - NO SCHOOL, Parent/Teacher Conferences

Feb 14 - NO SCHOOL, Happy Valentine's Day

Feb 17 - NO SCHOOL, Presidents' Day

Mar 7 - EC Screening

Mar 17-21 - SPRING BREAK

Mar 24 - NO SCHOOL, PD day/teacher workday

I have had some parents reach out asking about a list of staff members and staff favorites so here you go! 24-25 Early Childhood Staff Favorites

Updated November 2024:

Winter Weather Reminder – Be Prepared USD 232 Families –

Now is a good time to review plans and be prepared this winter for when our school district cancels or delays the start of school due to inclement weather or other emergencies. Consider childcare options for your family as we head deeper into the winter months. Information about school and inclement weather is communicated in the following ways as soon as a decision is made.

1. Sent via text message through our schoolNEWS Alert System. Sign up for text message alerts.

2. Posted on the front page of the district’s website.

3. Local television stations (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC)

4. Social media - Follow @usd_232 on X (Twitter) or on Facebook @USD232official

The district will not announce when schools are open. If no announcement is made, schools are open. While the process we use is comprehensive, we understand that you may not agree with the district's decision to close school or keep school open. Please know if weather conditions are severe, you have the option of keeping your child at home. In this case, please contact your school's office and your child's absence will be recorded as an excused absence.

Two-hour Delayed Start

In the event of a two-hour delayed start, all school start times will be delayed by two hours.

• High schools would start at 9:50 a.m.

• Middle Schools at 9:55 a.m. o Exception: Mill Creek Middle School begins at 9:50 a.m.

• Elementary schools at 10:45 a.m.

All morning bus pick-up times will be delayed by two hours. Schools will end their day at the regular time and after-school bus routes will operate on their normal schedule. Breakfast will not be served should a delayed start be used. Read more about a two-hour delayed start. Again, this is just a reminder to be prepared this winter. Read more about inclement weather procedures.

USD 232 Administration

**PLEASE NOTE that in the event of a 2-hour delay, there will be NO AM classes and PM classes will operate as normal.

See below for our extreme weather guidelines.

We are blessed to have such an amazing team here at CTEC! Would you love an opportunity to formally show appreciation...without spending a dime? Through the generosity of the Great American Bank and the USD 232 Education Foundation, we have the opportunity to recognize staff members who go above and beyond in their daily interactions with students. All you need to do is click on the link below and fill out some general information about the deserving nominee. Thank you for helping our team know that their dedication is appreciated!

Making a Difference Nomination Link

Attention all CTEC parents - Please call the CTEC office at 913-667-1820 or send an email to report attendance changes if your child will be late, will need to leave early, or will be absent. When emailing, please include our office staff (trwilson@usd232.org and susanne.tribble@usd232.org) and your child's teachers. In addition, please make every effort to make any going home changes prior to 10:30/3:00 and please contact the office with those changes. Teachers have limited access to email when students are present so they may not see the going home change.

To parents of car riders - please keep your child with you until a staff member is there to walk with him/her to the school. Also, only walk your child up to the school if you have parked (and are not in the carloop), and finally, please only let them out on the straight part of the sidewalk and not beyond the curve. Thank you!

A note from Nurse Mary Kate: Families, the State of Kansas provided free over-the-counter covid tests, which are located in a basket in the front office. Free to take, no names or sign up required; no need to share the result with the school nurse unless you choose to do so.