Weekly Wildcat

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 7am-4pm; Fri-7am-3:30pm

16700 W. 159th Street, Olathe, KS, 66062

913-780-7240

Technical Support: Help Desk--913-780-8058

Administration

Principal: Rick Sola

rfsola@olatheschools.org

Asst. Principal: Krista Dueringer (Silver Teams-6,7,8)

kdueringercst@olatheschools.org

Asst. Principal: Erin Richerson (Green Teams-6,7,8)

eericherson@olatheschools.org

Counselors

Rachel Iuli: Green Teams-6,7,8

rjiuli@olatheschools.org

Makaela King: Silver Teams- 6,7,8

mcking@olatheschools.org

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

Melynda Marquardt: mrmarquardt@olatheschools.org

Website: https://www.olatheschools.org/chisholmtrail
Location: 16700 W 159th St, Olathe, KS 66062, USA
Phone: 913-780-7240
Twitter: @CSTWildcatsMS

Dear CST Family!

Welcome to the first Weekly Wildcat of the 2024-25 school year and to CST’s 25th year in the community! I have enjoyed seeing so many students up walking the halls and checking their lockers this past week. It’s been great also to see our staff starting to trickle in and get work done in their classrooms. This is such an exciting time of year and the energy will continue to build up until the first day with students. Parents, I suspect you have your own range of emotions about school starting up. For our first time 6th grade parents, I imagine you have some of your own nerves for your child as they embark on a new chapter of life but also excited for what’s to come and the opportunities that will be available for them. For many, the emotions may be a growing giddiness to bring your kids back to school 😊. We love summer, but routine is oh so good for our kids…and us adults! I suspect there’s a variety of emotions and feelings from parents right now. Be assured we are here to help make this year the best year yet for your child. This does not mean it’ll be without hiccups, challenges, or failures, but it can mean significant growth through those hiccups, challenges, and failures. Middle school is the perfect time to learn from mistakes and I promise, especially to our first time middle school parents, the growth you’ll see in these 3 years is incredible. Again, please know we are here to support your child and to work together with you to promote the most valuable experience possible here at CST. Do not ever hesitate to reach out to anyone on staff—teachers, counselors, administrators…we are all here for you and we are all here because we LOVE middle school…this is where it’s at!

This newsletter is what is relied upon most heavily and most importantly to share important information with parents. A new link will be sent out weekly with the week’s newsletter. For our returning parents, you’ll notice a new feature off to the left of the newsletter, a table of contents that will direct you straight to that section…yes! This should speed up the skimming of the letter and help you get and review what you need. These first two Weekly Wildcats are packed full of information…yes, it’s a lot…but there are lots of questions this time of year. If you don’t find an answer to your question here or on our website, please call the front office. Our office staff will be happy to help you.

I look forward to welcoming our 6th grade families on August 7th for our annual ice cream social and our entire parent population to Back-to-School-Night on August 14th. Of course, the main event is our arrival of students on August 13th/14th…they are why we’re here and we are so excited.

Have a wonderful week ahead and let’s have a wonderful beginning of this 25th anniversary year of Chisholm Trail…Let’s Go Wildcats!!

Rick

This week...

Monday, 8/5

• Hallway hours 8am-3pm

Tuesday, 8/6

• Hallway hours 8am-3pm

Wednesday, 8/7

• Office is closed for staff professional development
  
• 6th grade student/family social -- 5-6:30pm (6pm pep assembly)

Thursday, 8/8

• Hallway hours 8am-3pm

Friday, 8/9

• Hallway hours 8am-noon

...and beyond!

• 8/13--First day for 6th grade (8:20am-12:55pm)
• 8/14--First full day of school—all students report
• 8/14--Back-to-School Night—6pm
• 8/19
• Volleyball Tryouts Begin
• Cross Country & Football Practices Begin
• Chipotle Night (Promo Code YXAYBAB on the Chipotle app or website)
• 8/21 - "The World is Connected" Online Safety presentations w/ Officer Mason
• 8/29--All school picture day
• 8/30--1/2 day- All grades (11:35am dismissal)
  

Join us August 7th from 5-6:15pm for an informal social at CST for incoming 6th grade students. Students and parents are free to come up any time during this window of time, check out their locker, walk through their schedule, and connect with friends. Families are invited to stop in the gym for a brief pep assembly beginning at 6pm. This is also a good time to drop off tissue boxes and/or Clorox wipes at the tables provided in the main hall.

There's also ice cream for your child as they exit!

The first day of school for all 6th grade students is Tuesday, August 13th from 8:20am to 12:55pm. It’s recommended for students to arrive by 8:15am and they will be dismissed at 12:55pm. Students will begin the day with an assembly put on by 8th grade WEB Leaders. In addition, they’ll walk their class schedule, eat lunch, and meet each of their teachers. Students only need their class schedule (no bags unless they bring a lunch) and should wear comfortable clothes and shoes on this day.

7th and 8th grade students NEW to CST are invited to attend a new-student-orientation at 11:30am on Tuesday, August 13th. They will take part in an orientation facilitated by counselors, eat lunch, and meet other new CST students. Students will also get a chance to meet some of their teachers. This event is optional, but beneficial and highly recommended, for our new 7th and 8th grade students. Students will be dismissed at 12:55pm. This event is for students only.

Please RSVP by August 9th by calling the CST office at 913-780-7240 with your child’s name and grade (leaving a message after hours is great too).

The first day of school for all 7th and 8th graders is on Wednesday, August 14th. This is a regular school day from 8:20am-3:20pm.

Join us for the 24-25 Back to School Night at CST on Wednesday, August 14th beginning at 6pm. This is a time to meet your child's teachers and hear about what's planned for the school year in each class! You'll also have an opportunity to meet admin, counselors, and hear about parent opportunities. We hope you will join us as we kick off the year!

Both the front and activity entrances will be opened at 5:45 (classroom doors by 5:55pm).

August 17 @ 7:30-9am--CST's community partner, Journey Bible Church, is holding a "men's breakfast" at CST the morning of August 17. They have extended an invite to CST's Father's Club. More information about this event, including registration, can be found on the JBC website.

August 21 @ 6pm--"The World is Connected: Internet and Phone Safety" presented by CST School Resource Office Mason. Intended for parents of middle school and 5th grade students. The presentation will focus on ways parents can help protect their child from the dangers of the internet.

PE clothes can be ordered on Touchbase under 'Optional Items' and they will be passed out in PE class.

Fees are paid at https://ks-olathe.intouchreceipting.com. Questions about online registration can be answered by using the district’s registration hotline at 913-780-7781.

Fall sports begin on Monday, August 19th with football and cross country practice along with volleyball tryouts. Students MUST have a physical on file to practice/tryout. Students without a physical dated May 1, 2024 or later will not be able to participate until they complete and turn in a physical.

Directions on how to upload (turn in) your child's physical found HERE.

Sports Physicals and Paperwork can accessed HERE.

Read more about all CST sports HERE.

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.

Jostens is managing all yearbook purchases across the district this year. This will be a separate process with communication forthcoming. Yearbooks are $30.00 each.

Check out the school store for 4 new CST designs and many trendy apparel options along with several embroidered options! Store is open now through August 18th...this is the biggest store of the year so don't miss the opportunity to stock up on wildcat gear! Click the button below to shop around!

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

We are so appreciative of the K-cup donations we've received last year! If you are looking for a simple way to support CST staff, we gladly accept and greatly appreciate K-cup donations for our lounge. Our staff LOVE this and use it daily...thank you! These donations can be dropped in the office or on the tables stage in the main hall of the building with tissue boxes.

In Olathe Public Schools, we are committed to having an environment in all schools that is conducive to learning – an environment free from unnecessary distractions and that promotes the responsible use of technology by all individuals. Personal electronic devices (i.e. cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, etc.) can hinder or disrupt student learning.

At the August 1, 2024 regular Board of Education meeting, the Board approved Policy JTC – Personal Electronic Devices, providing standard districtwide guidance around the use of personal electronic devices during the instructional day.

Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, early childhood through eighth grade students cannot use their personal electronic devices, including smartwatches, during the scheduled school day. To read the full policy, click here.

We recognize that in today’s digital world, personal electronic devices are a part of our everyday life, and as such, we want to be clear that while they are prohibited during the instructional day, students can have personal electronic devices in their backpacks or lockers and may use personal electronic devices during the scheduled school day in emergency situations, lockdowns, or if necessary for the student’s physical health.

If a parent or guardian needs to contact their student during the school day, please call the main office. Our phone number is 913-780-7240.

We understand this change may bring questions or concerns. Click here for a list of frequently asked questions.

SPANISH VERSION

NUEVO ESTE AÑO - Política de Aparatos Electrónicos Personales

En las Escuelas Públicas de Olathe, estamos comprometidos a tener un ambiente en todas las escuelas que sea apropiado para el aprendizaje - un ambiente libre de distracciones innecesarias y que promueva el uso responsable de la tecnología por parte de todas las personas. Los aparatos electrónicos personales (es decir, teléfonos celulares, relojes inteligentes, audífonos, auriculares, etc.) pueden obstaculizar o interrumpir el aprendizaje de los estudiantes.

En la reunión regular del Consejo de Educación del 1 de agosto de 2024, el Consejo aprobó la Política JTC - Aparatos Electrónicos Personales, proporcionando orientación estándar en todo el distrito sobre el uso de aparatos electrónicos personales durante el día de clases.

A partir del ciclo escolar 2024-25, los estudiantes de preescolar a octavo grado no podrán utilizar sus aparatos electrónicos personales, incluidos los relojes inteligentes, durante el horario escolar. Para leer la política completa, haga clic aquí.

Reconocemos que en el mundo digital de hoy en día, los aparatos electrónicos personales son una importante herramienta en la vida diaria, y como tal, queremos dejar claro que, si bien están prohibidos durante el horario escolar, los estudiantes pueden tener aparatos electrónicos personales en sus mochilas o casilleros y pueden utilizar aparatos electrónicos personales durante el día escolar en situaciones de emergencia, cierre de la escuela o si es necesario para la salud del estudiante.

Si un padre o tutor necesita ponerse en contacto con su estudiante durante el día escolar, por favor llame a la oficina principal. Nuestro número de teléfono es (Insert phone number here).

Entendemos que este cambio puede generar preguntas o inquietudes. Haga clic aquí para ver una lista de las preguntas más frecuentes.

All students are to dress properly for attendance at school and at school functions. Coats and hats are to be left in students’ lockers. Students must wear shoes at all times. Costume-type dress is not permitted unless a special day has been designated. Students must have some part of their shirt/top which goes over the shoulders. Students who are not properly dressed or their dress is deemed disruptive to the educational process will be requested to correct their clothing. If they do not have a change of clothes, items will be provided through the nurse’s office.

These items are not considered appropriate for school:

• obscene or suggestive phrases or pictures on clothing;
• revealing or provocative clothing, including short shorts or tops which show bare midriffs or have plunging necklines. Shirt bottom should touch waist line of the pants.
• clothing which does not cover undergarments
• phrases or pictures on clothing which refer to alcohol, smoking, drugs, or provocative brands
• hats, stocking caps, sunglasses, hoods
• clothing deemed inappropriate by school administration, school staff, district staff, or clothing which is a threat to the order or safety of the school or students; clothing in violation of school board policy.
• At Chisholm Trail, the dress code is intended to ensure that students dress appropriately for the school setting. We ask students to remember that clothing for school and clothing for recreational activities may NOT be the same. School clothes need to reflect that the child is at school to attend to the business of learning. Specific guideline questions may be directed to the building administration.

All students will get a review of the district Student Code of Conduct which can be found HERE.

Doors to CST open at 7:30 to the front foyer. At 7:40, students may wait in two locations: the main gym (seated by grade level) or the MPR. Breakfast will be available in the MPR. The library will open at 7:45am and students will have the option to wait in there as well for a quieter alternative. A "10 minute bell" will ring at 8:10 dismissing students to the hallways and on to class.

Locker rooms are not available until the 8:10 bell rings. Students may then take items to the locker room and head to their 1st hour class.

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 cedouglas@olatheschools.org.

All 6th grade students will receive their device within the first few days of school. A date for CST will be assigned and communicated in the next weekly. This also applies to new 7th and 8th grade students.

7th and 8th graders should have their old device from last year and plan to bring it to school, fully charged.

Each grade level will go through a digital citizenship course provided by district technology along with building direction according to our acceptable use policy (accessible below).

Find tech items/AUP at the link below:

https://www.olatheschools.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=10411

Many have asked questions about Academic Intervention, which is listed as 8th hour on your student’s schedule. This time (called Cat Time at CST) will actually occur right after 1st hour. During this time, students will be engaged in a variety of activities centering around literacy, numeracy, executive functioning skills, and social/emotional learning. All students will be working on the skills listed above during this time.

Similar to the past couple years, students will also be pulled for brief assessments to determine whether placement in one of the math or literacy intervention cycles would be appropriate.

As students will be working on the areas listed above, this is not a time for homework.

There will be time for students to get additional help, in the morning prior to the start of school and there are options a teacher may use during school day called "BASC" (Behavior and Academic Support Center) to have students make up a quiz or test. After school is also an option for students to touch base with their teacher.

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.

Add Money to your students account-- https://www.olatheschools.org/domain/2915

(3 charges allowed per student)

District Lunch Menus:

https://www.olatheschools.org/domain/2911

Two years ago, CST launched Father's Club. Father's Club is currently established in all 5 Olathe high schools and kicked off in several Olathe middle schools last school year. Its origins stem from Blue Valley and has expanded to several surrounding districts and schools. Father's Club at CST has been tailored to CST's needs and will continue to evolve as time moves forward.

All dads are encouraged to sign-up using the links below. This will ensure you receive information for upcoming events. Opportunities will include car line and door greetings, food giveaways, half-time activities, and more. Read about it below, but please consider signing up! Watch this space for more info!

_____________________

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!

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!

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)!

Register for Bus Transportation:
Now is the time to register for general education transportation for the 2024-2025 school year. All registrations may be submitted without payment due at submission. Those required to pay for bus transportation will receive an email with payment instructions once status has been verified. Payment plans are available.

The deadline to register for general education transportation for the 2024-2025 school year is July 1st, 2024. Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-serve, space-available basis if a bus route is available. Registrations received after July 1, 2024 may result in a delayed start date, increased walking distance to the bus stop or placement on a wait list.

As a reminder, the district reinstated payride services for students at the secondary level who live between 1.5-2.49 miles from their home school and reinstated most transportation variances. We are proud to once again offer these services again for students. Need help registering? Email transportation@olatheschools.org.

Please visit www.olatheschools.org/transportation to register or for more information.

Registracion para el Autobus:
Ahora es el momento de registrarse para el transporte de educación general para el ciclo escolar 2024-2025. Todas las registraciones pueden ser enviadas sin pago. Aquellos que deban pagar por el transporte recibirán un correo electrónico con instrucciones de pago una vez que el estatus haya sido verificado. Hay planes de pago disponibles.

La fecha límite para registrarse para el transporte de educación general para el ciclo escolar 2024-2025 es el 1 de julio de 2024. Las registraciones se procesan por orden de llegada y disponibilidad de espacio si hay una ruta de autobús disponible. Las registraciones recibidas después del 1 de julio de 2024 podrían resultar en un posible inicio tardío, una mayor distancia a pie hasta la parada del autobús o la colocación en una lista de espera.

Como recordatorio, el distrito restableció los servicios de transporte de pago para los estudiantes en el nivel secundario que viven entre 1.5-2.49 millas de su escuela de origen y restableció la mayoría de las variaciones de transporte. Estamos orgullosos de volver a ofrecer estos servicios a los estudiantes. ¿Necesita ayuda para registrarse? Correo electrónico transportation@olatheschools.org.

Por favor, visite www.olatheschools.org/transportation para registrarse o para más información.

On August 7th, beginning at 5pm, an informal social will be held at CST for 6th grade students. Students and parents are free to come up any time between 5-6:15pm, check out their locker, walk through their schedule, take photos, and connect with friends. Families are invited to stop in the gym for a brief pep assembly beginning at 6pm. This is also a good time to drop off tissue boxes, Clorox wipes, or ROCS store donations (front office). A cold treat will be made available to students after the pep assembly!

The first day of school for all 6th grade students is Tuesday, August 13th from 8:20am to 12:55pm. It’s recommended for students to arrive by 8:15am and they will be dismissed at 12:55pm. Students will begin the day with an assembly put on by 8th grade WEB Leaders. In addition, they’ll walk their class schedule, eat lunch, and meet each of their teachers. Students only need their class schedule (no bags unless they bring a lunch) and should wear comfortable clothes and shoes on this day.

7th and 8th grade students NEW to CST are invited to attend a new-student-orientation at 11:30am on Tuesday, August 13th. They will take part in an orientation facilitated by counselors, eat lunch, and meet other new CST students. Students will also get a chance to meet some of their teachers. This event is optional, but beneficial and highly recommended, for our new 7th and 8th grade students. Students will be dismissed at 12:55pm. This event is for students only.

Please RSVP by August 9th by calling the CST office at 913-780-7240 with your child’s name and grade (leaving a message after hours is great too).