Weekly Wildcat
PARENT NEWSLETTER: WEEK OF 11/11/2024
Chisholm Trail Middle School
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 7:15am-4pm; Fri-7:15am-4:00pm
16700 W. 159th Street, Olathe, KS, 66062
913-780-7240
Technical Support: Help Desk--913-780-8058
Administration
Principal: Rick Sola
Asst. Principal: Krista Dueringer (Silver Teams-6,7,8)
kdueringercst@olatheschools.org
Asst. Principal: Erin Richerson (Green Teams-6,7,8)
Counselors
Rachel Iuli: Green Teams-6,7,8
Makaela King: Silver Teams- 6,7,8
Nurse
Jenn Ross: jiross@olatheschools.org
School Resource Officer
Daniel Mason: dmasonsro@olatheschools.org
Attendance Secretary
Carrie Douglas: cescottdouglas@olatheschools.org (913.780.7241)
Student Information Specialist
Website: https://www.olatheschools.org/chisholmtrail
Location: 16700 W 159th St, Olathe, KS 66062, USA
Phone: 913-780-7240
Facebook: Click HERE
(click HERE for past Weekly Wildcat newsletters)
The 24-25 CST Family
Commit, Connect, Continue
Week of 11/11
Dear CST Family!
Compliments all around to our students and staff for the job well done with our mock election this past week. Monday's lesson prompted good questions from students and their participation in a vote on Tuesday was treated seriously and professionally. It was such a positive event promoting civic engagement and I hope the experience made an impact on them. For our 8th graders, they were also reminded that many of them will be able to vote in the 2028 presidential election.
Job well done to our Anastasia cast and crew! The show was quite an undertaking in all aspects and our kids stepped up and knocked it out of the park. Congrats to all our staff who were involved as well: Mrs. Lee (director), Mrs. Binek (music director), Mrs. Rowland and Mrs. Short (assistants), and Mr. Haines (set construction). Proud to be a wildcat!
I'm looking forward to being back after being out much of last week for a conference. Only two more weeks until Thanksgiving and mid-terms are Wednesday...the quarter is moving quick! Be sure to keep an eye on upcoming events for our students, there is much to enjoy this quarter.
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Rick
This week...
Monday, 11/11Veterans Day (see more below)
Tuesday, 11/12
- 7th grade orchestra festival rehearsal--9-10:30am (OSHS gym)
- 6th grade orchestra festival rehearsal--1-2:30pm (OSHS gym)
- 7/8 Girls Basketball vs MT (3:45)
- Culver's Night for CST 6th grade
- OS Area Orchestra Festival (7pm)
Wednesday, 11/13
Hearing and vision (7th)
Choir Field Trip--Kauffman Center (4:30pm)
Thursday, 11/14
7/8 Girls Basketball @ CT
AIM field trip to UMKC
Friday, 11/15
Saturday, 11/16
- Father's Club garden clean-up day (8:30am)
...and beyond!
- 11/23-12/2--Thanksgiving Break
Anastasia!
Student Devices Need Charging Nightly
Please help remind your child to charge their device each night in preparation for the following day of school. Devices are often on little to no charge at the start of the day which limits access to the full lesson in many classes.
OPS Expanding Naloxone Program at High Schools and Athletic Complexes
CST Families,
We wanted you to be aware that our school is expanding our supply of Naloxone (commonly known as NARCAN), a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and can be safely and easily administered to individuals of all ages. In addition to our nurse’s office, NARCAN will now be stocked next to the AED defibrillator at our school and at our district athletic complexes.
Most opioid overdoses are accidental and can happen anywhere. As you may know, the Drug Enforcement Agency has warned that colorful pills have entered the counterfeit drug market, with the intent of making the pills look like candy. Our school district wants to be prepared for any emergency situation. Emergencies do not always happen during the school day, so having NARCAN near the AED defibrillator would allow for access to this lifesaving medication at any time. Our top priority is and always will be the safety of our students and staff.
Various school staff members have been trained on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid intoxication and how to deliver NARCAN quickly and effectively. If emergency medication, such as NARCAN or Epinephrine is administered, we will call 911 and our district emergency management system will be activated. However, it can be lifesaving if an individual is experiencing an opioid overdose.
While we hope to never use NARCAN, we believe having it available and more accessible in our building is a good addition to the list of lifesaving medications we already carry in case of an emergency.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Rick Sola
Principal
Hearing and Vision Screening
Hearing and Vision screening day is Wednesday, November 13th! We will screen all 7th graders. If your 7th grader wears glasses, make sure they bring them on November 13th! We want to screen them with their glasses on! Parents will receive a phone call from the nurse if their 7th grade student did not pass the hearing or vision screen.
Veterans Day!
Veterans Day
CST Families,
Monday is Veterans Day and CST will be honoring our veterans through a wall of honor and a special Cat lesson about the history of Veterans Day. Students are invited to honor a veteran close to them by wearing a name tag with their name on it for the day (provided during Cat Time). Taps will be played at 11am to recognize the end of World War I which occurred on November 11th, 1918 at 11am.
We look forward to taking time out on Monday to recognize veterans. Thank you to all who have served.
Uniting for Veterans Mental Health
Culver's Night for CST's 6th Grade!
Grab some custard and/or a meal on Tuesday, November 12th to support CST’s 6th grade class! Funds raised will go in support of a “Newton on Roller Skates” field trip in the spring. Mark your calendars!
Thank you to CST business partner, Smoothie King!
Smoothie King donated smoothies for the 7th grade silver team for raising the most canned foot items for the KAYs food drive. We are so appreciative of their ongoing support!
11/8 Email: Lightspeed Parent Portal Info
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We're excited to announce the launch of Lightspeed Parent Portal, a new tool that empowers you to stay informed about your middle and high school student's online activity on their district-issued device.
With Lightspeed Parent Portal, you can:
- Receive weekly reports: Get a summary of your student's web browsing activity for the past week.
- View browsing history: See up to seven days of websites visited on their district-issued device.
- Manage internet access: Pause web browsing during designated out-of-school hours.
- Control YouTube: Temporarily disable YouTube access outside of school hours.
Getting Started:
On Sunday, November 10th, you will receive an email from do_not_reply@lightspeedsystems.com with instructions on creating your free Lightspeed Parent Portal account. This email will provide a secure link to register and access all the features mentioned above. Please register using the email address that your student’s school has on file.
For More Information:
Attached you will find a helpful guide on Lightspeed Parent Portal. This document provides more details on how to use the portal and navigate its features.
We believe this tool will be valuable in ensuring your student experiences a safe and responsible online environment.
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Estimados padres y tutores,
Nos complace anunciar el lanzamiento de Lightspeed portal para padres, una nueva herramienta que le permite mantenerse informado sobre la actividad en línea de su estudiante de secundaria y preparatoria en su dispositivo proporcionado por el distrito.
Con el Portal para padres Lightspeed, usted puede:
- Reciba informes semanales: Obtenga un resumen de la actividad de navegación web de su alumno durante la semana pasada
- Ver el historial de navegación: Vea hasta siete días de sitios web visitados en el dispositivo proporcionado por el distrito.
- Administre el acceso a Internet: Ponga en pausa a la navegación web durante las horas designadas fuera del horario escolar.
- Controlar YouTube: Desactivar temporalmente el acceso a YouTube fuera del horario escolar.
Para empezar:
El domingo 10 de noviembre usted recibirá un correo electrónico de do_not_reply@lightspeedsystems.com. con instrucciones para crear su cuenta gratuita en el portal para padres Lightspeed. Este correo electrónico proporcionará un enlace seguro para registrarse y acceder a todas las funciones mencionadas anteriormente. Por favor, regístrese utilizando la dirección de correo electrónico que la escuela de su estudiante tiene en los archivos.
Para más información:
Adjunto encontrará una guía útil sobre los recursos del portal para padres Lightspeed. Este documento proporciona más detalles sobre cómo utilizar el portal y navegar por sus funciones.
Creemos que esta herramienta será valiosa para garantizar que su alumno experimente un entorno en línea seguro y responsable.
Thunder Jr. Dance Clinic
21st Century Academies
If you would like to learn more about 21st Century Academies, please explore the Olathe Public School Website: https://www.olatheschools.org/21stcenturyacademies . There is information on each specific academy, the application process, partnerships, open houses, and FAQ’s.
Each Academy hosts an Open House for students and parents/guardians. During this time, students can see the space, talk with facilitators and students, and learn more about each Academy. Dates and times for these are below – all are drop-in except for Distinguished Scholars, they would like you to attend for the entire 90 minutes.
Olathe East
Civic Leadership, Design, Future Educators - Wednesday, November 6 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Olathe South
BioMedical Engineering, Business Finance, Computer Science - Thursday, November 7 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Olathe Northwest
e-Communication – Tuesday, November 12, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Engineering -Wednesday, November 13, 5:30-7:30pm
Dates to Know:
Friday, November 15– 21st Century Academy Application Open at 7am
Thursday, November 21 – 7:30am CST Application Workshop - for students that would like help with their application
Tuesday, December 3 – CST Mock Interviews
Thursday, December 5 - 7:30am CST Application Workshop - for students that would like help with their application
Monday, December 9– 21st Century Academy Application closes at 10pm
Ongoing throughout mid-December to mid-January – Interviews scheduled for Academies
Wednesday, January 10 – 21st Century Academy notifications available via link at 4pm
Contact Mrs. Iuli with questions.
Upcoming Father's Club Events!
Mark your calendars...
Outdoor Classroom Clean-up (11/16—8:30am)--we need many hands to make light work of the classroom out back that is WAY overgrown (picture below). Bring some weed-eaters, loppers, and even a chainsaw may come in handy. Lawn bags will be provided. Your child is welcome to assist!
GBB pep assembly (12/6 @ 2:45pm)--Dads will have involvement :)
“Brain breaks” at lunch--opportunity for dads to join in with students on games at lunch (chess, connect 4, basketball, etc.)--Attend the on-boarding session on EITHER 12/4 or 12/6 beginning at 11:30am. This is to go over the process for checking in, where to go, and how this opportunity will operate.
Fist Bump Fridays...11/8, 12/19 (ugly sweater!)
CST Father's Club has two co-chairs, 7th grade parent, Brad Reynolds, and 7/8 grade parent, Steven Brigman. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at ChisholmTrail@FathersClub.org.
Register or read more about Father's Club by clicking the buttons below. We look forward to having our dads active in the CST community!
Repeated, but still relevant, information
Xello and Individual Plan of Study Info
Hello Chisholm Trail Families!
We are thrilled to share a way to connect with your student’s learning at home! In 2016, the Kansas State Board of Education challenged schools to develop a process that engages students in the creation of an Individual Plan of Study, or IPS. While we are proud to involve even our youngest learners in career and future thinking, the IPS process officially starts for students in middle school and continues throughout high school.
Individual Plans of Study help students examine how their interests and strengths can transform into education, training and careers after high school. We know that the journey to discover how our individual skills and interests can transform into a career is filled with both short and long-term goals that evolve throughout our life. To help students explore all possibilities, Olathe has developed classroom instruction and hands-on experiences to support the IPS process.
One way we support this is through a future-readiness website called Xello. For the past two years, middle and high school students have explored lessons, inventories, and other programming within Xello but now we can share this student learning with you at home! Family Portal will allow you to not only view your student’s work but also research future career options, scholarships, training and school opportunities after high school.
Invitations for Xello Family Portal will be sent to parents and guardians listed in ParentVUE. Those email invitations will come from noreply@xello.world and will prompt you to create a password. All students in grades 6-12 who are already connected to you as a parent/guardian will be connected to your account. [If you've already activated your Xello parent account, continue to use the account you have already set up. If you have not created an account, please look for the email to set up your account.] Additional information for Family Portal can be found in both English and Spanish on the Parent/Guardian support section. Counselors will continue to share Xello highlights throughout the year. Please contact your student’s school counselor with any questions.
Sincerely,
Rachel Iuli
School Counselor
Wildcat Donations/Parent Volunteer Opportunities
Hola Familia de Chisholm Trail,
¡Estamos felices de compartir con ustedes una forma de conectarse con el aprendizaje de su estudiante desde su casa! En 2016, El Consejo de Educación del Estado de Kansas pidió a las escuelas a desarrollar un proceso que involucre a los estudiantes en la creación de un Plan de Estudio Individual, o IPS. Nos sentimos muy orgullosos de involucrar a nuestros estudiantes más jóvenes en su trayectoria profesional y su pensamiento hacia el futuro, el proceso del plan de estudio individual comienza oficialmente para los estudiantes en la escuela intermedia y continuará durante toda la escuela secundaria.
Los planes de estudio individual ayudan a los estudiantes a examinar cómo sus intereses y objetivos pueden transformarse en educación, capacitación y carreras profesionales después de la escuela secundaria. Sabemos que el trayecto para descubrir cómo nuestras habilidades e intereses individuales pueden transformarse en una profesión, que estará lleno de objetivos a corto y largo plazo que van evolucionando a lo largo de nuestra vida. Para ayudar a los estudiantes a explorar todas las posibilidades, Olathe ha desarrollado instrucción en el aula y experiencias prácticas para apoyar el proceso de IPS.
Una forma en que nosotros apoyamos esto es a través de un sitio Web de preparación para el futuro llamado Xello. Durante los últimos dos años, los estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria han explorado lecciones, inventarios y otra programación dentro de Xello, ¡pero ahora podemos compartir este aprendizaje estudiantil con ustedes en casa! El portal Familiar le permitirá a usted no solo ver el trabajo de su estudiante, sino también investigar futuras opciones de carreras profesionales, becas, capacitación y oportunidades escolares para después de la escuela secundaria.
Las invitaciones para Xello Family Portal (Portal familiar) se enviarán a los padres y tutores que figuran en Parent VUE. Esas invitaciones por correo electrónico llegaran a nombre de noreply@xello.world. Ellos le pedirán que cree una contraseña. Todos los estudiantes en los grados 6-12 que ya están conectados con usted como padre / tutor se conectarán a su cuenta. [Si ya ha activado su cuenta principal de Xello, continúe usando esta cuenta que usted ya ha configurado. Si no ha creado una cuenta, busque el correo electrónico para configurarla.] Puede encontrar información adicional para Family Portal en inglés y español en la sección de apoyo para padres / tutores. Los consejeros continuarán compartiendo los aspectos más destacados de Xello durante todo el año. Por favor, póngase en contacto con el consejero escolar de su estudiante si tiene alguna pregunta.
Atentamente,
Rachel Iuli
School Counselor
DONATE to the CST Wildcat Fund
ICYMI from registration: The CST Wildcat Fund are funds used to promote a positive climate and culture for all wildcats. Donations to this fund can go toward any of the following…
- CST students—CST ROCS Store (experiences, toys, candy, swag, etc.), recognitions, giveaway items (Vets Day pin, US Constitution, treats, etc.), other student-specific items as needs arise.
- CST teachers—Parent-teacher conference meal support, teacher appreciation efforts
- "CST" landscape design on the hill just south of the football field (future project)
- CST 25 Event support—All CST Community Event on 10/22/24 at 6:00pm
Any and all amounts are appreciated. ALL donations are tax-deductible and go toward the CST Wildcat Fund. Thank you for your generosity and continued support of CST students and staff!
*You will have the option to email or print a receipt for your donation. If you need any assistance regarding your donation, please email Courtney Seever at: cseever@olatheschools.org
Order your 2024-2025 CST Yearbook!
Parents, you received an email from Jostens earlier this week about how to purchase a yearbook for your CST student. Please use the information and links in that email for your yearbook purchases. This year, Jostens is offering many different add-ons for you to choose from - all are optional! Yearbooks start at $27.15 plus tax.
Donations
K-Cup Donations!
Purchase an Athletic Pass
Middle School Athletic Passes!
Middle School Athletic Passes for adults and students are available through GoFan - https://gofan.co/app/school/KS79390
Once purchased, you can transfer the student pass to your student via text message. Passes can only be transferred 1 time. If your student doesn’t have a cell phone, they will receive an ID card with an “A” on it for Athletic Pass that will allow them into athletic events.
Transportation Consent form
All students need to have a Transportation Consent form on file each year. This allows them to travel on buses for athletic and activity purposes. All students will need this as trips are scheduled throughout the year, including an all-school service day in the spring.
- Go to Touchbase
- Select your student
- Click on Registrations
- Click on Transportation Consent Form
After school pick up reminders
For the safety of our students and drivers...
- Students walking east: stay on sidewalk in front of football field and along Mur-Len--do not cross parking lot entry on 159th St.
- There is no park and pick-up at CST. Doing so creates additional bottle neck trying to exist the parking lot to get onto 159th. Only park if you need to come into the building.
- Dismissal: stay as close to the curb on either side as possible to open up the middle traffic lane
- Dismissal: students may cross to the second lane in front of the school, by the flag pole, only.
- Dismissal: Two lanes of traffic need to form to keep the line from spilling onto and sitting on 159th Street.
- Arrival: Has been going great...thank you!
Personal Device Policy
Personal Device Policy
Parents were shared information about personal student devices at school (board policy can be found HERE).
We will review this policy with students as they return this week. Please help us by reminding (informing) students of this change ahead of time. This policy will be a slight shift from last year's practice.
- Personal devices are to be put away from bell to bell--8:20am-3:20pm
- Cell phones and ear buds will be turned into the office if out during the day. This includes passing periods and lunch.
- Headphones/earphones should be wired only
- Devices will be labeled and kept in the office until after school where students can pick it up.
- These procedures will be reviewed with students this week.
- Smart watches may be worn for time/step tracking purposes, but active use (i.e. like cell phone) will result in the watch being turned into the office.
- Collected devices will be kept in the office so it can be labeled and kept safe until return.
CST Traffic Pattern
Reminders:
- There is no park and pick up at CST. Parking is reserved for those needing to come into the building
- Once child is picked up, use the center lane for pass through
- May switch lanes in the PM
- Drop off along the ENTIRE curb
Please review and follow the traffic patterns for drop-off and pick-up. The established traffic pattern is designed for the safety of our students and families who are in vehicles as well as our bike and walker traffic. Plan ahead and expect delays, especially at the start of the year.
For brief video tutorial of CST's traffic pattern, click HERE.
AM Drop-Off
- Entry to lot is only on 159th Street--follow pattern to the exit which is also along 159th Street
- Single-lane drop off in the morning
- Left lane is used for passing
- Students may be dropped at the activity entrance or front of the building
- If dropping at the activity, pull as far to the right as possible to allow cars to pass
- Inch forward and use ZIPPER merging at the activity entrance to move into passing lane
- Pull as far up as the car in front allows
- Drop off is only along the curb in the morning (not the far lane or front parking lot)
- Parents needing to come into the building may park in the front and use the front cross-walk
PM Pick-Up
- Entry to lot is only on 159th Street--follow pattern to the exit which is also along 159th Street
- Two lane pick up (cars should stay close to either curb to open up middle passing lane
- Only the crosswalk in front of the building is used. Students being picked up in 2nd lane may cross at the front walk and walk toward their car on the curb using the sidewalk
- Traffic is not permitted to sit on 159th Street
- Walkers should remain on sidewalks
- Dismissal is at 3:20. Parking lot is typically cleared by 3:35, but allow for time.
General Traffic Practices
- Your patience and kindness is appreciated in the line. Everyone aims to be in and out efficiently, but this process still takes time.
- Follow the directions posted and the signs on in the parking lot.
- Stay within the lanes and close to the curbs to open up the middle passing lane.
- If your dog joins you in the afternoon, it may just get a treat 😀
What if I need to pick up my child during the school day?
If your child needs to be picked up during the school day, you can call the front office (913-780-7240) and let them know the time. A pass will be sent for your child to be in the office upon your arrival. Please come into the building to check out your child. A state ID (driver's license) is required to enter the building.
If your child is late because of an appointment, you can simply call the office to check them in and have them walk in and report to the attendance secretary (Mrs. Douglas).
If your child is going to be absent, please notify our attendance secretary directly at 913-780-7241 or by email at cescottdouglas@olatheschools.org.
Lunch Money
Add Money to your students account-- https://www.olatheschools.org/domain/2915
(3 charges allowed per student)
District Lunch Menus:
What is CST ROCS???
Chisholm Trail launched its new PBIS program last school year. PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports and ROCS is Respect, Ownership, Compassion, and Safety. These four core values are emphasized and taught to our students daily. The program is intentional about teaching students expected behavior. Tokens may be given out for exhibiting expected behavior and those can be used in a "store" to purchase items. These items may be tangible (candy, pop, books, etc.) or intangible (time in the gym, lunch in a special location, sit in the teacher's chair for the day, etc.). The tokens are what helps make ROCS fun, but the conversations this generates between students and staff are also part of what makes this such an impactful program. You will certainly see and hear more but ask your child about ROCS, what it stands for, and why we do it...they should know and may share about their own experience receiving a token or cashing it in!
Use the link in the section below if you'd like to contribute to our store. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support of this important program at CST!
CST ROCS store donations!
You can donate items for the ROCS (Respect, Ownership, Compassion, Safety) store through our Amazon Wish List and the items will be sent directly to CST.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/12SICJZV5MY4P?ref_=wl_share
Thank you to all who have helped us in the past. Our kids are LOVING it and we are so grateful for your support of our positive behavior program...CST does in fact ROC(K)!