Weekly Wildcat

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

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

X: @CSTWildcatsMS

Facebook: Click HERE

(click HERE for past Weekly Wildcat newsletters)

Commit, Connect, Continue

Dear CST Family!

CST has the best students around! It was such a great week at CST. We enjoyed special recognition for our Veterans on Veterans Day, 6th grade students stepped up to support their own cause through the Culver's night fundraiser (over $800 raised!), our AIM class had a nice field trip to UMKC for a real-life "college visit", but much of the week was what could be considered "routine"--basketball games, performances, lunch, passing periods, class, etc. All the same, our kids are the best. There is a fun energy in the air with the upcoming break(s). Classrooms are engaging and kids are interacting with each other and staff. It's just a nice "feel" and I can't say enough about these awesome middle schoolers.

As this week ahead is about giving thanks, I certainly want to express my own gratitude to you, our parents, for what it is you do for us, your child's educators. Thank you for the work you do at home to help your child succeed here at school. When challenges arise, thank you for working with us, keeping us in the loop, or being willing to listen as we aim to work through them together. We are so fortunate here at CST for both our students and families. Of course, as principal, I would be remiss not to mention our amazing staff. From our teachers and paras, counselors and office staff, nurse and custodians, kitchen staff and coaches, and my very own admin team, I feel so fortunate to work alongside these champions for kids every day.

As I reflect on this community, I'm reminded of this 25th year's theme: Commit, Connect, Continue. Let's keep on keeping on and finish the semester strong. The final four weeks will move fast!

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Thanksgiving break!

Rick

This week...

Monday, 11/18

• Honors Choir concert -- 7pm

Tuesday, 11/19

• 7/8 Girls Basketball vs FT -- 3:45pm

Wednesday, 11/20

• Theatre Field Trip -- 9:30am

• Talent show auditions (3:30pm)
  

Thursday, 11/21

• Alice In Wonderland Auditions -- 3:20pm

Friday, 11/22

• Alice In Wonderland Auditions -- 3:20pm

...and beyond!

• 11/23-12/2--Thanksgiving Break
• 12/10--6th grade activity! (3:20-4:30pm)
• 12/12--CST's Talent for Pennies! Talent Show (7pm)
• 12/20--Last day of Semester 1 (11:35am dismissal)
  

Thank you to CST's Father's Club for coming out to support the effort to clean up the outdoor classroom on the north side of the building. This big task was completed in under an hour due to the great turnout from dads and current and former students. THANK YOU!

There will be a 6th grade activity after school on December 10th until 4:30pm. All 6th grade students are invited to stay after school for games, music, concessions, and fun! Students will be released from their 7th hour teacher to the MPR/gym. Rides should plan to pick up their child via the regular after-school pick-up pattern.

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

This last week before Thanksgiving break, encourage your child to write a note/notes of gratitude to their teachers. There are few things that come close to a sincere not of appreciation given to our staff. Whether you as a parent, or your child does, consider a note of "thanks" for the year so far.

The office is happy to deliver thank you notes to mailboxes on a students behalf.

The CST Parent Group is collecting donations of $10 gift cards for the CST staff ahead of the holiday season. These will be used for giveaways at meetings, prizes for holiday competitions, and gifts in staff mailboxes to name a few! If you are able to donate, please use the link below to donate. Thank you so much for supporting the CST Staff!

Link to Sign Up

Thanks,
Lori Grantham

(contact info in the link)

There will be a student and staff talent show on Thursday, December 12th @ 7pm here at Chisholm Trail. The night is in support of the Mayor's Children's Fund: Pennies for Shoes. The show is officially our "Talent for Pennies" show.

Students have had an opportunity to sign up and attend an informational meeting already. Auditions are Wednesday after school. Interest in the show is larger than the time we'll have available so not all acts will be able to be a part of the show. We will be looking for variety along with the talent (music, comedy, singing, etc.). Show participants will be made aware before the Thanksgiving break.

Mark your calendars for this fun event for a good cause on December 12th!

Questions can be directed to Mrs. Vohland.

We’re excited to announce a unique opportunity to participate in Unified Activities, an elective class here at CST designed for students who are interested in mentoring our CBR students. This class is a chance to build meaningful friendships, learn about different disabilities, and engage in fun, interactive activities that promote life skills.

In Unified Activities, you’ll be helping lead daily activities, including baking, cleaning, community service, and physical activity. We’re looking for students who can provide a positive and supportive peer mentoring relationship.

If this sounds like something your student might be interested in, please encourage them to attend the informational meeting on November 20th at 8:00 am in Room 106.

For any questions, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Sutter or Mrs. Totte-Boyd. We hope to see them there!

Link to CAT presentation - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Adc_Pj6kW5I-0DlQLSXCHN15R01StHMYkGzFJf_gjOE/edit?usp=sharing

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

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.

Dates to Know:

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.

rjiuli@olatheschools.org

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...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!

Follow CST's Facebook or X page!

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.

---------------------------------------------------

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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!
  

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.

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.

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.

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

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)!