The Scoop!

I know that this week means a lot of things for different people -- Halloween, religious events, etc. and we truly hope that your family was able to find some time to make memories over the last week.

As some of you may have noticed, I have been gone from school for the last few weeks. I've been battling a case of pneumonia and am happy to report finally on the mend. Without any setbacks, I'm cleared for return to work on Monday. I'm looking forward to seeing all of the smiling faces again!

- Cade

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!

Lunch Sign Up

At the elementary level, regular attendance is key to building habits that last a lifetime. Children thrive on routine, and attending school every day helps them feel part of their class, stay engaged in learning and build confidence. When students are absent, they miss valuable lessons, classroom discussions and social interactions.

Regular attendance ensures that your child stays on track with their learning. Each day builds upon the previous one, and when your child is present, they are able to grow academically and socially. You play an important role in helping your child establish good attendance habits, which will serve them throughout their school years and beyond.

On Nov. 14, students across the country will participate in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, an annual, commemorative event that honors the courage of Ruby Bridges who made history by becoming the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans in 1960. Students across the country now walk to school on this day to commemorate her bravery and continue the important conversation about equality and inclusion. To learn more about Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, visit https://rubybridges.foundation/. We invite our CHE families to walk to school on November 14th to participate in this nationwide event.

Save the date for Saturday, January 11th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Pleasant Ridge Middle School for another fun CHE glow night. But this year, we are doing it glow dance style! Grab your glow gear and bring the whole family for a night of glow fun with dancing, glow paint, a photo booth, food, and tons more glow fun!

All the fun and festivities leading up to the BIG event will start in November, so stay tuned!

A few weeks ago, Niche released their rankings nationally of private and public schools. While there's a lot to celebrate, it's important to acknowledge that there are many that come together to make Blue Valley and Cedar Hills a very special place to live, to work, and to continue to grow. Our focus remains on the last piece -- continued growth. We are committed to taking steps forward along our path -- academically, socially, behaviorally, or just as people trying to make the world a better place. Thank you for being part of our journey!

In the latest Blue Valley Schools’ BV Unmuted podcast episode, Dr. Katie Collier, Deputy Superintendent for Learning, is joined by Overland Park Interim Police Chief Simon Happer and Director of Safety and Security Dan Carney to discuss school safety and the importance of understanding threats and their consequences.

To learn more about how families can partner with the district to ensure a safe and secure environment for our students and staff, listen to the podcast: BV Unmuted: Understanding Threats and Their Consequences.

We have demonstrated a need to address electric scooters and bicycles used by students coming to and from school. There have been many instances this year already where students around the vehicles are not safe, as well as the students riding them.

For the safety of all, we will implement the following:

• This mode of transportation is a family decision. The school is not responsible for the equipment when left at school or in the bike racks.
• Helmets and locks are highly encouraged.
• While on district property, the scooter or bike must be walked. This goes for the walking path behind the school, service road behind the school, and all CHE and PRMS property in front of the school.

School staff will do their best to support this during arrival and dismissal. We will be reminding students for two weeks and then start to contact families if there are concerns with individuals. If applicable, we appreciate you reviewing this with your student and supporting the safety of all at CHE.

As we begin the school year, we would like to remind you to review the updated Blue Valley Student Code of Conduct. It can be found on our www.bluevalleyk12.org under the “Student Quick Links” section at the bottom main home page. It can also be found on our school website home page.

Student Code of Conduct

Some November Celebrations & Observances:

• Native American Heritage Month - celebrates the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples.

• National Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month - honors the military family by recognizing their sacrifices and commitments.

• All Saints Day - November 1 - celebrated by some of the Christian faith, this solemn, holy day honors the saints of the church.

• Day of the Dead - November 1 - celebrated by some with Mexican heritage, a joyful time to remember and honor deceased loved ones.

• Diwali - November 1 - the festival of lights celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the human ability to overcome observed by some Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others. Some will decorate their homes with lights and rangoli art, exchange gifts, dress in colorful clothing, feast with family, and/or go to temple.

Head on over to our spirit wear store here, order your gear and when PTO receives the items they will be delivered to your student's classroom.

• We have seen an increase in food arriving from paid delivery services during the school day (ex: Door Dash, Grub Hub, Uber Eats, etc.) or drop offs of outside food/drinks without adults staying to have lunch with their student.
• Food delivery services create a disruption to the learning environment and pose a potential security concern. A variety of doors have been utilized and most delivery service providers have been unfamiliar faces which are difficult to verify.
• We will not accept meals delivered by paid delivery services during the school day for students. These deliveries will be refused.
• If you want to bring outside food or drinks in for your student during lunch, you must stay to have lunch with them. Please only bring lunch for your student. Outside drinks are not allowed in the classroom as they may not meet our nut-safe priorities.

Please refrain from bringing your pets to the entrance of the school at arrival/dismissal. Please keep pets away from the front circle and no closer than the service road in the back. Some students are very allergic, and others are afraid of animals. Even the friendliest pets can get anxious around a large number of students. We appreciate your help and support with this request.

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.

Blue Valley Schools is committed to promoting and fostering a safe environment in and around all our schools. We are continuously working to prevent, mitigate, respond to and recover from a wide range of situations. Please check out available ways to report safety concerns.

October 31: Class Halloween celebrations at 2:00, parade at 2:45

November 1st: No school

November 5-8: Fall Book Fair

November 8th: Book Fair Event (7:30-8:30 am)

November 7th: Panda Express Spirit Night

November 12-14: Chat N Chew for 3rd-5th graders

November 13th: Picture Retake Day

Email: CedarHillsElementary@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/che
Location: 9100 West 165th Street, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 9132393300
Twitter: @cedarhillselementary