CTEC Weekly News

Cedar Trails Exploration Center

8201 Mize Blvd.

Lenexa, KS 66227

913-667-1820

deborah.ricker@usd232.org

Just like that, next week already brings us May. It truly is hard to believe that we are entering into our last month of school. There is a lot of instruction left as we prepare the students for the next school year. We will also start Fastbridge testing with our PM classes beginning May 5 so that's right around the corner. Let's do this!

Our Preschool Farewell Committee and Field Day Committee met this week to finalize the plans for our two events and we have included the details below. We have decided to have our Field Day on May 20 and our Preschool Farewell (for PM students only) on May 21, which is also our last day of school. All families are welcome to attend the Preschool Farewell but we ask that only parents attend Field Day (no siblings) if you wish. Many pictures will be posted by classroom teachers so it's okay if you are unable to attend Field Day. Also, please note that if weather forces us to have Field Day activities inside, we ask that parents do not attend due to space. Please see the schedule for both events below.

Our Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is right around the corner! Check out the flyer below showing how we hope to show our entire early childhood staff how much we appreciate them! Of course, we need your help with this. On Tuesday, May 6, we would like to provide a snack day. Please click on this link and sign up to bring in a snack or help out that day. Thank you in advance for all who are willing to show support to our staff. Also, please note that we are encouraging students to bring in a note or picture on Thursday, May 8 for their teachers and all team members with whom they wish to make smile that day. 😁

Make sure to check out the entire newsletter as we have information about ordering school supply kits, information about a FREE parenting skills class, information about enrollment for next year, and much more!

Would you like to make your life easier when it comes to school supply shopping?! We are making that happen by offering school supply kits for purchase. All you have to do it place your order and pay, and then your child's school supplies will be delivered to the school! (As a mom of 4, this was one of the best gifts the school could give me!) Orders are due June 1. These kits will include everything on the school supply list for the class you choose (AM or PM).

*The pricing of the school supply boxes does not include a backpack.

Online Registration & Skyward Q

USD 232 Families,

We are writing to share that Skyward Family Access is migrating to its new student management system known as Skyward Qmlativ or Skyward Q, at the end of this school year. It is still Skyward but will have a brand-new user interface.

Due to this upgrade, our annual online registration process for the 2025-26 school year will be pushed back from May 1 to July 1. This will allow us time to integrate our student information, currently in Skyward Family Access, to the new Skyward Q.

If you have a returning student, you will have access to the online registration process for next school year in Skyward Q starting Tuesday, July 1. Additional information and details regarding the new online registration date will be shared during the month of June.

Please note that registration is required to be completed annually for students. This allows parents and/or guardians to update important student information, such as phone, address, email, emergency contacts, and health data. Please know that class/course selections are not the same as registration.

What is different about Skyward Qmlativ?
Skyward Qmlativ is the newer, updated version of Skyward Family Access. It's basically an updated version of the same system, with a new name and some improved features. Essentially, Skyward Qmlativ can be used to access the same information and features used in Skyward Family Access. Families can also continue to use the Skyward Mobile app to access Skyward Qmlativ.

To check out the “look” of the new Skyward Qmlativ, families are encouraged to watch the following short video > Skyward Mobile App: Qmlativ Family Access

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to update and improve our student management system. We look forward to sharing more information in the coming weeks regarding online registration for the 2025-26 school year.

If you have questions, please contact your child’s school. They will be happy to assist you.

USD 232 Administration

Child Care Aware of Kansas wanted to share the Partner Spotlight of the month. April’s Partner Spotlight is the Kansas Department of Families. They offer funds for Child Care Assistance, also known as the Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps pay for child-care costs for those families who qualify.

For more information click here:

https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Child_Care/ChildCareSubsidy.aspx

Also, see below for information regarding a Parenting Skills Class offered by Johnson County Mental Health. Class Information:

In-Person Option

Sessions will be held In-Person on Mondays from 6 - 7:30 p.m. starting June 2

Virtual Option

Sessions will be held on Zoom on Wednesdays from 12 - 1:30 p.m. starting June 4

Monday, April 28

no events

Tuesday, April 29

no events

Wednesday, April 30

9:00-10:30 PAT playgroup

Thursday, May 1

no events

Friday, May 2

9:00-10:30 PAT playgroup

Upcoming events

May 5-9 - Teacher Appreciation Week!

May 9 - EC Screening

May 20 - Field Day

May 21 - Preschool Farewell

May 21- last day of school for all students!

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

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 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.

Please don't forget - parents of car riders - 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!

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.