Trailblazer Family Newsletter

BA Families,

We are currently conducting our mid-year benchmark assessments. The assessment data is utilized to form instructional groups to best meet individual student needs.

It is critical that our assessment data is valid. For the data to be valid we need every student's best effort when taking the assessments. Teachers clearly define what effort looks like using an effort checklist. Students demonstrating effort will participate in an effort celebration on December 19 or 20. Please know that students not demonstrating effort will not participate in some or all of the effort celebrations established based on the effort displayed.

Thank you for encouraging your child to do their best everyday at school.

Have a great weekend!

Mr. Horne

DECEMBER

6- 3rd Gr Field Trip to The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center

12- Winterfest Family Engagement Night, 5:30-7:00 pm

13- Spelling Bee, 1:30 pm

19- Trailblazer of the Quarter Assembly, 8:30 am

19- 6th Gr Field Trip to Nelson Atkins Art Museum

19- Class Winter Parties, 2:30 pm

20- Early Release, 12:30 Dismissal K-6 (no school for PreK)

Dec 23-Jan 3- No School, Winter Break

JANUARY

6- Classes Resume

Running Club, 7:50-8:05 am in the Gym

• Mon/Wed- Grades K-3
• Thurs/Fri- Grades 4-6
• No Club on Tuesdays

Choir

• Tuesdays, 7:00-7:50 am in Room 227

• Grades 4-6

• Parent Permission Slip Required

Good News Club

• Mondays, 3:10-4:00 pm in Rm 219
• Grades K-6
• Pre-Registration Required
• Meets every Monday that school is in session

Math Club

• Some Wednesdays, 3:10-4:00 pm in Rm 224
• Grades 4-6
• Parent Permission Slip Required
• Meets twice a month

Student Council

• Some Thursdays, 7:30-8:10 am
• Grades 4-6

Chess Club

• Thursdays, 3:10-4:00 pm
• Grades 4-5
• Parent Permission Slip Required
• Limited spots available

Please use our 24-hour attendance line at 913-993-2388 to report an absence or late arrival. This keeps our main line open for those needing to speak with our office staff. Thanks!

Per district policy, parents are required to notify the school to report a student's absence in a timely manner. Please report your student's absence or late arrival to the school office in one of these ways:

• 24-hour attendance line - 913-993-2388

• Online via Skyward (new this year!)
  • click here for directions on how to submit an absence online from a desktop
  • click here for directions on how to submit an absence from the Skyward app

Please do not call the office main line to report an absence.

Our annual 12 Days of Spirit is underway! See below for daily spirit days that will take us to winter break. Please know that participation is completely voluntary, and there is no expectation for students to spend money on special clothing or accessories for these days. This tradition is simply meant to promote holiday spirit and community, and we encourage participation in a way that feels comfortable for each student and family.

We have two teachers considering starting an after school Art Club at BA. This will take planning for logistics and an essential aspect of knowing how many would be interested and able to participate. Transportation would need to be provided (pick up) by parents.

Please complete the survey linked below so we can most effectively assess the feasibility of hosting an Art Club at Broken Arrow.

Art Club Survey

Thank you!

• Clothing for SMSD students & families: https://www.smac-pta.org/clothing-exchange
• Homelessness Resources
• Health Partnership Clinic
• Resource Request Form

The My Volunteer Pal (MVP) program is the volunteer program for all Shawnee Mission Schools. The program connects adult volunteers with students ages Pre-Kindergarten to age 18. All activities take place on school grounds during school hours with the exception of field trips.

If you would like to volunteer on a field trip with your child's class you must be MVP trained prior to the Field Trip.

• On-site training will take place at Broken Arrow following the PTA Meeting on Monday, September 16 at 6pm in the Cafeteria.
• Click here for other MVP Training dates/times.

Volunteer Pals are utilized for a variety of in-school activities including:

• Classroom or school volunteering
• Sharing career interests or special talents with students
• Tutoring
• Chaperones for Shawnee Mission School District approved field trips

Please visit this link for more info on how to become a MVP.

Click HERE for monthly updates and health information from Nurse Kay.

MENUS:

The school meals menus are on https://www.schoolcafe.com/SHAWNEEMISSION. To log on, select View menus (as a guest). School Café also show allergen and nutritional information.

MEAL BENEFITS:

Did you know filling out the Free or Reduced Lunch Application helps with more than meals? Applying and qualifying can benefit families and students with reduced fees, transportation, broadband, and other discounts.

Families are encouraged to complete an application for meal benefits- free or reduced priced meals as part of the Online Verification. The link to the Child Nutrition Program Meal Benefit Application is available on Skyward or the online application is on School Cafe. Contact the Food Service Office by calling 913-993-9710 for questions on the meal benefit application.

LUNCH MONEY:

Need to add breakfast or lunch money to your student's account? Bring cash or check to the office - be sure to write your students name & class code on the envelope. Payment by card can be made online or by calling the Food Service Office at 913-993-9710.