Husky Tracks

Hello PRT Families,

The first day of school is only four more sleeps away (three for 6th graders) and we couldn't be more excited to welcome our Huskies to the 2024-25 school year! This is going to be a great school year! We are excited to see our parents on Monday night at 6pm for Back to School night. Thank you to all of our families who are helping our students get ready for the school year!

We are also so excited to see our whole community for our 20 year celebration on Saturday, August 24. Scrimmages start at 10am and the pep rally is at 11. Food trucks, yard games and a self guided building tour beings at 11:30. All parking and drop off is at CBAC. Please consider bringing bag chairs as our bleachers are not big enough for everyone. We hope you and your family can attend!

Please remember, if your student plans to participate in a fall sports, we must have a current physical on file prior to practice on August 19. Please see the physical information below in the newsletter.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dr. Jenna Jones

Proud PRT Principal

#PRT20YrsGreat

Back to School night is Monday, August 12 from 6-7:45pm. This evening is for parents of students in all grade levels to come and meet all of their student's teachers. Parents run through their student's schedule and visit every class. This evening is not a come and go event but rather a come at the beginning and stay for the whole event, if possible. Students should not attend Back to School night.

All five Olathe High Schools and six of our middle schools have a Father's Club and PRT is looking to start one. The director of Father's Club will be attending Back to School night to provide information to our fathers who may be interested in getting involved. Be sure to stop by the informational table which will be located in the 700 hall near the office!

All 6th grade students will attend school on Tuesday, August 13th. School will start at 8:20am and dismiss at 12:55pm. This is a day filled with fun activities, making connections and building relationships. Students will eat lunch at school. Student may bring their lunch or purchase a school lunch. Students may bring a bottle of water. Students do not need any supplies and should not bring anything that day.

All new 7th and 8th grade students are encouraged to attend this orientation day. 7th and 8th grade students can be dropped off at 9:00am in the west circle drive. Students will eat lunch at school. They may purchase lunch or bring their lunch. 7th and 8th grade students should be picked up at 12:00pm in the same circle drive.

All students will attend school on Wednesday, August 14th! This is a full day of school, 8:20am-3:20pm.

Information that 6th grade students will need on their half day on Tuesday, August 13:

• They have a group number for the day. Most students were able to see their number at WOOF night or open building times. If you student does not know their group number, there will be a list in the MPR (lunchroom) when they arrive on Tuesday and PACK leaders will help.

• We will print their class schedule. They will not be able to access it on their phones. Students will pick up their schedule in the MPR when they arrive.

• Students purchasing a lunch will receive a temporary ID that has a barcode and their student ID. It will be important that they keep this card safe and bring it every day to lunch.

• 6th grade students will need to know their preferred t-shirt size. 6th graders will receive a PRT t-shirt and we will do our best to make sure that everyone receives their preferred size.

• All bus riders will need to know their bus number. It is best if parents write it down and put it in their pocket. Every year by the end of the school day, so many kids have forgotten their bus number.

Information that all students will need for the first full day:

• Class schedules will be printed for all students to pick up in the MPR before school. Students will not be able to use their phones to access their schedule.

• 7th and 8th Graders purchasing a lunch will receive a temporary ID that has a barcode and their student ID. It will be important that they keep this card safe and bring it every day to lunch.

• All bus riders will need to know their bus number. It is best if parents write it down and put it in their backpack. Many times bus numbers are forgotten after school.

• 6th graders and new students will need to come with their computer passwords written down in their backpacks - please see the details below.

Students may purchase breakfast before school and must eat in the MPR. All students are encouraged to eat a good breakfast with protein either at home or school. This will set them up for a great day at school!

1st Lunch - 11:29-11:54: 6th Grade students, 4th Hour classes - Science, Math, Orchestra

2nd Lunch - 11:55-12:20: 6th Grade students, 4th Hour classes - Social Studies, ELA, Literacy

3rd Lunch - 12:21-12:46: 7th Grade students, 5th Hour - Science, Math, Social Studies, Literacy

4th Lunch - 12:47-1:12: 7th & 8th Grade students, 5th Hour classes - SS 8, ELA 7, ELA 8, Leadership

5th Lunch - 1:13-1:38: 8th Grade students, 5th Hour classes - Science, Math, Literacy, PE, Computer

Students will sit by assigned seats for the first two weeks of school. They will be assigned with their class (4th hour for 6th grade, 5th hour for 7th and 8th grade). This allows us to teach processes and procedures in the lunchroom and make sure all students are included.

Every quarter, students get to choose their lunch seats. They will pick their seat and that is where they will sit for the rest of the quarter. We will choose first quarter lunch seats on Wednesday, August 28. If your student is absent that day, a friend can save them a seat at the table.

Please make sure your student has lunch money on their account. You can add lunch money at My Payments Plus https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome

We do have microwaves available for students to use. Please make sure they know how long to microwave the item they are bringing and that they have a microwave safe dish.

6th grade and new students will receive their device on Wednesday, August 14. All student passwords from elementary school have been reset. Students will not be able to access StudentVue or other district platforms until August 14.

6th Grade Parents, please note: We need your help! All 6th grade students will establish their new password when they receive their device. Please work with your student prior to August 14 to develop a password that meets the requirements listed below. Please send students to school on August 14 with their password written on a notecard or sticky note in their backpack.

Password requirements:

Minimum 10 characters

Upper case

Lower case

Special character

No previous passwords

No first or last name

No date of birth

First breakage: 25% of the cost

Second breakage: 50% of the cost

Third breakage: 100% of the cost

Any device not returned or intentionally damaged will result in 100% of cost

Please see the attachment for more details.

Any student need tech support should visit our building tech, Mr. Allen in the library.

Each semester, we review our building-wide expectations with students. Below are some of the expectations we will review. Parents, we encourage you to also review these expectations with your student(s).

Students may bring a water bottle with a lid to school. Only water is permitted in hallways and classrooms. Any outside drinks (Starbucks, Dutch Bros, etc.) must be consumed in the MPR prior to the school day and must be disposed of prior to school starting at 8:20am. Students should never use their water bottle as a squirt gun as the water on the hallway floor causes a safety concern. This has been a problem in the past and will result in consequences per our student code of conduct.

Outside food deliveries, such as Door Dash or Grub Hub are not permitted. Parents may drop off outside food for their child only on special occasions. Parents may not bring outside food for students other than their own.

Students may not wear hats or hoodies on their heads. We must be able to identify all students at all times.

Clothing worn to school must be school appropriate. Students have been used to summer attire for the last few months, which is often different than school appropriate clothing. No midriffs should be visible, shorts must be long enough to cover, tops should not be too low cut and undergarments may not be visible. Items deemed as spirit wear may not be worn on days other than spirit days. Items deemed a distraction may not be worn. All advertising, graphics and words on clothing must be age appropriate and may not include alcohol, drugs and profanity. Our middle school students grow so quickly! Thank you for your help in making sure that what is worn to school is school appropriate.

Students may not touch other students' devices.

Students receive 20 restroom passes to use during class per quarter. Additionally, students may use the restroom before school, in the locker room when changing for PE, at lunch and during passing periods.

Prairie Trail office hours are 7:30am to 4pm Monday through Friday.

As a reminder, there are new school start and end times this school year - please visit this webpage for more information.

• High school and Prairie Learning Center, 7:40 a.m.-2:40 p.m.
• Middle school and Heartland Early Childhood Center, 8:20 a.m.-3:20 p.m.
• Elementary school and Harmony Early Childhood Center, 8:55 a.m.-3:55 p.m.

1st hour begins at 8:20am. Students may arrive starting at 7:30am. The building does not open prior to 7:30. It is recommended that all students arrive to school no later than 8:15 to guarantee that all students are in class on time.

School dismisses at 3:20pm and all students should ride the bus, their bike, walk or be picked up promptly after school.

The PRT car loop only enters the west parking lot by turning left. This means all cars must come north on Valley Road, turn right on 107th Street and then turn left into the parking lot. We understand this may not be ideal for some, especially those of you who live just east of the school, however, the traffic pattern was set by the city in an effort to protect the neighborhoods to the east and to prevent interference with the bus route. We kindly ask that everyone follows the set traffic pattern and that all car riders are dropped off at the west entrance. It only works if everyone follows the same route. Students may be dropped off starting at 7:30am. Thank you for your understanding. Please see the attached map.

Please note: Students cannot be dropped off on 107th Street. Students cannot be dropped off in the turn lane.

Your student's school attendance is so important. If your student must miss school for illness, an appointment or any other reason, please notify the office. You may email prtattendance@olatheschools.org or call the main line at 913-780-7280 after hours to leave a voicemail or call the morning of to speak with office staff.

PRT administration closely monitors student daily attendance and tardies and will work with families if there is a need.

When your student must miss a day of school, it is their responsibility to use Google Classroom, StudentVue and/or email their teachers to request their make up work. Make up work needs to be completed and submitted in a timely manner and within two school days.

Many families wait to purchase school supplies until students attend the first few days of class which is when teachers will share what supplies will be needed. If you choose to wait, just bring basic supplies on the first day. The school-wide supply list is on the PRT website, however, there may be a few additional items depending on your student's specific classes. Students should only keep a small amount of supplies in their backpacks and refill each quarter or as needed.

The school-wide supplies can be dropped off in the office any time. The 12 pack of soda is used as a PBIS reward. Soda is a popular item that students buy from the school store. The water is used for the pizza party that students can buy from the school store, in addition to when students forget a water bottle from home. Movie style rectangular box candy is not on the list but those are very popular in the school store if you want to throw a few in your shopping cart! All of these donations have been very much appreciated in the past and allow us to stock our school store.

Please note: students use backpacks at PRT for all of their personal items during the school day. It is suggested that students only keep the necessary supplies and refill when needed from extras that are stored at home. Students should clean their backpacks out every grading period. Many students use a backpack and a "trapper keeper" for their folders and papers.

Special edition PRT 20 year celebration t-shirts will be sold for $18 at the community-wide celebration on Saturday, August 24. Online payments or cash will be accepted. There will be a limited number per size that morning. If we run out of the size you need, you will be able to order it.

There will be a traditional online school store in September. The link will be sent out in Husky Tracks. The store will include many items beyond t-shirts.

Our PRT community - past, present and future - are invited to attend our community-wide 20 year celebration on Saturday, August 24. Fall sports scrimmages will start at 10am and a pep rally begins at 11am, followed by a carnival and self-guided building tours at 11:30am. Please consider bringing a bag chair for the scrimmages and pep rally. And come hungry, because there will be food trucks offering many different options! We are excited to celebrate all that PRT has achieved in the last 20 years and we hope you can join us!

Please note that all parking will be at CBAC and all drop off will be in the front. Cars may not drop off on the north side by the practice fields.

We are looking for business sponsorships (not families) to help fund our 20 year celebration event. If you work for a company that would like to be a sponsor, please call the front office at 913-780-7280 and speak to Amy McVey by Wednesday, August 14. We can provide a receipt for tax purposes.

Sponsors who donate more than $1000 will receive advertising through our school for the entire school year. Sponsors who donate any amount up to $999 will receive advertising through our school for the first semester. Advertising will include the logo in our weekly parent newsletter, logo at our sports gates for home events and a yard sign with your logo by our school entrance. We can also hang a banner on our football field fence, if you provide the banner.

Thank you for helping us make this event a huge success!

We are looking for high school students to help facilitate the yard games at our community-wide celebration event on Saturday, August 24. Students can earn 2 hours of community service. Volunteers will need to park at CBAC and meet in the west parking lot at PRT at 11:10am that morning.

Here is the link to sign up to help:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E48ABA72FA0F94-50493917-prt20year#/

NEW THIS YEAR
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. The school day at the middle school level is 8:20-3:20. 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.

Smart watches are discouraged and students will not be allowed to wear them if used for purposes other than telling time or physical health reasons per board policy.

If a parent or guardian needs to contact their student during the school day, please call the main office. Our phone number is 913-780-7280. When a parent drops an item off for their student in the office, we will notify your student that they may come get it or an office aide will deliver it to them. Please do not text your student.

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

At the middle school level, should an electronic device be visible and causing a distraction between 8:20-3:20, the following steps will be taken:

• First Offense: Device is turned into the office, student may pick up at the end of the day.
• Second Offense: Device is turned into the office, student may pick up at the end of the day.
• Third offense: Device is turned into the office, admin calls home.
• Fourth offense and beyond: – Device is turned into the office, admin calls home. Office referral and disciplinary actions may also apply according to code of conduct.

School picture day is Aug. 20th. More information to come.

Auditions for the fall musical, Finding Nemo Jr., are coming up August 28th & 29th from 3:30 – 6:30 pm in the auditorium! Students can grab an information packet outside room 601 to learn all the details. Reach out to Mrs. Davis with any questions. ddavisprt@olatheschools.org

The district has changed yearbook companies which has impacted the ordering process. In the past, yearbook were sold through the school with enrollment fees on In Touch. Starting this year, there will not be an option to purchase a yearbook online or in the PRT office. All yearbook sales will run through our new yearbook company, Jostens and you will get a link at a later date.

Olathe Public Schools relies on their substitute teachers to help our schools achieve a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our substitute teachers provide effective teaching strategies so that student learning continues in the absence of the classroom teacher. You play a vital role in student achievement, so please consider becoming a substitute teacher!

If you or someone you know is interested in working at PRT as a paraprofessional, please reach out to Mrs. Stoskopf at jstoskopprt@olatheschools.org. We are in need of multiple paraprofessionals for the 2024-25 school year and hope you will consider! Our students need you!

We are looking for individuals who want to be a part of our school community and who love working with kids. No worries, if you have no experience. Our team is incredible and will help you to be ready to start with students in August!

This position only works when school is in session so it would be great for anyone looking to have the same schedule as their own children.

All student ($5) and adult ($10) activity passes will be digital through GoFan and are currently being sold on the enrollment/fee payment page, here is the link Middle School Activities Pass. These digital passes will now be tied to a mobile device. The pass can be displayed at the ticket table for each event where admission via ticket is required. This simply replaces the student ID and card that parents were using for access.

Cross Country, Volleyball and Football will begin on Monday, August 19.

Cross Country

Start Date: Monday, August 19th – All grades can participate.

Location: Auditorium - athletes do not need to dress out this day. It will be an information only practice for the athletes.

Time: 3:25 - 4:15pm

*During the season, practices will be held Monday -Thursday and will run from 3:25 - 4:15pm.

**Register for Cross County using the following link: XC Registration 2024

Volleyball

Tryouts: Monday, August 19 through Wednesday, August 21

-7th Grade: 3:30-5:00pm

-8th Grade: 5:00-6:30pm

Players must have a physical and concussion form turned in in order to try-out.

Parent Meeting: Thursday, August 22 at 5:30pm in the Auditorium.

Football

Equipment Check-Out: Wednesday, August 14 in the AUX gym

*Athletes must have physical submitted before getting equipment

*7th grade 4:00pm

*8th grade 4:30pm

First Practice: Monday, August 19th 3:30-5:30pm

Parent Meeting: Monday, August 19th - 5:30pm PRT Auditorium

All students participating in athletics will need an updated physical on file. Physicals must be dated after May 1, 2024. Please get your student's physical this summer so they are ready for the start of the fall season! Students without a current physical on file may not practice or compete. Physical forms are available in the office or at https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/9564.

All physicals and supporting documents will have to be uploaded to InTouch after May 1. The five pages of the Pre-Participation Physical forms must be uploaded together as one document. Please follow these steps to complete the process:

1. Login to your TouchBase account at https://ks-olathe.intouchreceipting.com/ (this is the same account you login to to pay school fees.

2. Once logged in, select the 'Registrations' tab. If you plan to participate in a sport for the 2023-24 school year you will choose 'Athletics.'

3. Next, you will see steps to access all the forms that need to be submitted for participation. The Pre-Participation Physical packet will need to be printed and brought to your doctor appointment.

4. After completing the physical packet and all pages needing signatures are signed, you can now scan and upload (5 total pages) to InTouch registrations. Please make sure all 5 pages are scanned and saved as one document before you upload.

5. The last step is to submit forms for approval. Once approved you will receive a confirmation email letting you know that your forms were submitted successfully.

If you will be participating in multiple sports throughout the school year, you will not need to go back and register again. Once you receive an approval email your submitted paperwork is valid for the entire school year. If you have any questions please contact Kim Wilson at kgwilson@olatheschools.org

All 7th graders must get the nurse your student's Tdap, Meningitis and Hepatitis A vaccines. These are requirements for 7th grade. Please check with your doctor to make sure you student has received these vaccinations. Starting in mid-October, students who have not received them will be excluded from school.

Welcome back to the 2024-2025 school year! We are super excited to be the PRT school counselors.

Please see below for important information from the counseling department:

Schedule Changes: Due to expanding enrollment numbers, schedule changes, team changes, and/or teacher changes are unable to be accommodated.

Our priority will be given to new students. If your student is missing a 1-7th hour and should have a full schedule, or if your student is missing

a full year class (such as band, choir, orchestra, Spanish/French 1) you can fill out the form below.

***Please note: ALL students have an “academic extension” hour for 8th period. This is your WAG time (or like a homeroom.)

We will work through these as quickly as possible and notify you if a change cannot be made.

Schedule Change Request: https://forms.gle/5WXzx1QwgrqAZCAF6

Helpful Information & Upcoming Dates:

Need help getting back into a routine for school?!
Check out these articles to help get you started:

https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/back-to-school-routine/

https://ectutoring.com/school-routine#:~:text=During%20the%20lead%2Dup%20to,in%20a%20Launching%20Pad!).

Need to speak with a counselor?

Students can drop into the counseling office to see if a counselor is available, or request to see counselor by using this form:

https://forms.gle/D4WvsPxcRoLF91So7

Other OSD counseling/mental health resources and information:

https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/11378 and https://www.olatheschools.org/cms/lib/KS01907024/Centricity/Domain/3127/Mental-Health-Supports-081622.pdf

Please follow us on Twitter! We tweet about all the fun things that happen at PRT. It's a great way to keep our community connected!

School: @PRT_Huskies

Dr. Jones: @MrsJonesPRT

Mrs. Stoskopf: @jenstoskopfPRT

Mr. Mellen: @BMellenPRT

The INCREDIBLE PRT Staff